puppy mill dog question?

Question

Ok here is my question, I am from TN and there was a Lady that just got busted for having a puppy mill and they rescued over 400 dogs they are all small breed dogs. My husband and I are thinking about adopting two of these dogs What are the health conditions of these kinds of dogs from puppy mills? and what are we getting into when we get a dog that we know that were from a puppy mill We really want to save one or two of these dogs so they dont get put to sleeps and so we can provide a very good home him/her please any info would be great... Thanks

Yes that is the story that the last person answered with the link to the story that i am talking about... I put my name on the waiting list to adopt 2 of these pups and my mom is going to look at adoting one of them too,,, thank you all for the great answers I have an idea now what im going to go through when we adopt 2 of these pups.. I really think it is sad that people do this to dogs and other animals

Answer 1

It's a great idea. Without knowing the conditions the dogs were kept in, we can't assume that they have any more mental or health problems than your run of the mill backyard breeder or a pet shop dog.

Talk with the rescue workers who are in charge of the dogs about your concerns. They would rather place the dogs with someone aware of the challenges than to dump them on someone and say "Too bad, it's your problem now."

Even though these dogs are probably AKC or CKC, ensure that they are fixed before you take posession of them. AKC and CKC say nothing about genetic conditions, health problems, and general information about the dog. All that AKC guarantees is that the dog's parents were both purebred. CKC is a junk registry that people register with when they can't prove bloodlines but still want to breed or sell a "papered" dog. Either way, if they aren't fixed when you get them, have them fixed as soon as they are healthy enough and old enough.

Also, make sure that you do your homework on the breed. If this is the puppy mill from the story below, then all it says is 'small dogs'. Some toy dogs can be very very demanding, like Italian Greyhounds, some poodles, and pugs. This on top of poor breeding can open the door to a host of medical problems.

This article also mentions parvo. Ensure that they have been FULLY cleared before you allow them into your home. And once you get them, separate them from any other animals you might have until you get your personal vet's 'all clear'. Be sure the vet knows everything about these dogs and runs all the tests that he feels are necessary - even if they've already been run by the Humane Society.

Good luck to you and I'm happy that you are considering rescuing. : )

Answer 2

Puppy mills are made for one particular reason.
And that reason is to make a cash profit.
The condition and the health doesn't matter.
So they're breeding poor dogs just to make money.... so I don't
think that the dogs would be of very good health, and you could
be making a mistake, because their life may be a lot shorter,
but I suppose if you have the money for many veterinarian
emergencies that may come up, sure.

Reputable breeders always check their broods and studs for
"Brucellosis" before breeding them, which is an illness that the
dogs can pass onto their offspring.

These puppies may also have Brucellosis. Read about it here:
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/debrucel.html

But if you just want to give it a good home during the time it is here,
I think that's a pretty good idea. =) All the best w/ you and them

Answer 3

I am in TN also. I read and heard the story about those poor dogs. I am happy that you are going to try to rescue some of them. Will the dogs be available for adoption so soon? Sometimes, they have to wait until the case is heard in court before the dogs can be adopted. They can be fostered before then, but not adopted. I wish I had room for some of the dogs but I don't.

Answer 4

I do rescue, and have been to 10 rescues from mills. When these dogs were rescued, they receive a health check, but do to limited resources they can't do a full run of blood tests to rule out everything. If you decide to take one or two home, take them to the vet as soon as you can for a full health check.

If the dogs have any known health problems, you will find out at the time of adoption.

Training will take a bit longer with rescue dogs because you have to go slow. Everything will be new to these dogs, carpet, linoleum, being feed regularly, being around humans in general. But if you are patient, in the end you will know it was all worth it.

Answer 5

Hi. I know that you want to help these poor animals, but if you don't have experience with dogs then I really suggest that you don't. If you do, then you must be prepared for your heart to be broken. I'm not saying that these dogs can't be helped, but they may have terrible psychological and physical problems that will be with them for life.

Most puppy mill dogs have not been socialized with humans or other dogs in the crucial first 16 weeks of their life. This lack of socialisation can never be fully remedied, so the dog may always be shy and/or vicious with strangers or other dogs. They will probably also have no experience of many other life situations such as cars, trains, etc. This can mean that they spend their lives in a state of fear which is heartbreaking to see.

Also, most of these dogs will have been bred without any thought to their future health, so they will tend to suffer from inherited conditions. These conditions vary from breed to breed, but include hip dysplasia, congenital blindness, hernias and many other conditions. Most of these conditions are not treatable, and will severely compromise the quality of life for these dogs.

Other health conditions that will affect these dogs are those that spring from bad living conditions. They may have terrible skin complaints and flea allergies. They will almost invariably have worms, and the damage that the worms will have done may have affected their heart and liver function. They will also tend to be extremely unfit and poorly nourished.

All in all, if you think that you can cope with one of these dogs then I can only commend you. I can only say that there will be a lot of hard work and many many tears in store. Some of these dogs may be lucky enough to live full lives without any major problems, but these will be in the minority. I have had my heart broken in the past, and although my little fellow was a wonderful boy, I would not recommend to anyone that they attempt this sort of a rescue.

Answer 6

It's awesome that you are considering taking in these poor dogs but you should keep in mind that while it will be rewarding watching them blossom, it will also be very challenging. These dogs are not treated well at all. They probably have a lot of health problems from inbreeding and over breeding. They also have not been socialized. They will probably be sick and weak and scared when you get them. Please just be very patient with them and understand it may be a long road before you have the kind of pet you might be looking for. On the other hand, saving these poor abused animals is a reward unto itself :)

Answer 7

Bless you for wanting to help. Definately take them to your vet immediately for check ups, vaccinations, and deworming. That being done, prepare to be patient. Most (ok, 99.9%)dogs from puppy mills have not been socialized so they are freaked out about the big wide world. Go slowly to get them used to new things. Housebreaking can be another issue. They have probably lived their lives in cages having to go to the bathroom where they live. This can be a hard habit to break. Again, be patient, and keep them and their area spotlessly clean and they will learn. Good luck.

Answer 8

Poor babies!!! E-mail me and tell me what part of Tn your in b/c I would really like to help too. I live in TN too so if its not to far I may adopt too. The pups will need lots of love and care. Just be really patient. I'm sure if they are still young enough any damage the "Puppy Mill" caused can be fixed. But please email me back I have a dog and she just had her litter of pups stolen and would love to get a puppy to love and play with. Thanks

Answer 9

Well, seeing how most (if not all) puppies at the Pet Stores come from puppy mills (arrgggg!) I'm sure the dog(s) you take will be great dogs and happy to be resuced. People who operate Puppy Mills should be executed! Make sure you get them to the vet though.

Answer 10

these dogs are usually check out before they are aloud to be taken!! I'm sad to say if there are serious health problems, they will put them down first! they also do this is they have problems with people!! it brakes my heart to say that will probably be almost all of them!! puppy mills keep their dogs in very bad conditions and they are never around people!! i really hope to be wrong, but this is how it almost always end this way!!