Puppy Mill Dog Health Problems
Puppy mills are aptly named, being foul-smelling factories that produce puppies by the thousands with no care to their health, well-being or accuracy in marking registration papers. The dogs stay in wire cages, often stacked on top of each other, all of their lives. The cages and the animals are never cleaned. They never see a vet. They are bred indiscriminately, leading to very sickly animals.
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Canine Parvovirus
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This virus is the number one killer of dogs from puppy mills and pet stores. Parvo is characteristic in places where hundreds of dogs are crammed together. They look fine one day and then vomit, have high fever and diarrhea. They often die within days.
Hip Dysplasia
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This is a genetic condition where the dog has tremendous difficulty moving the hind legs. It is treatable, but the vet care is expensive.
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Neurological Problems
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Because of inbreeding or an injury that went undetected, dogs from puppy mills develop problems coordinating their bodies. They may also have seizures due to these conditions.
Eye Problems
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Due to inbreeding or breeding already blind animals, puppy mill dogs often develop cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy or glaucoma. Treatment is expensive and often the dog goes blind.
Blood Disorders
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Von Willebrand's Disease is a genetic disorder where the blood will not clot, so a minor injury can be lethal. Another common blood disorder in puppy mill dogs is anemia.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Puppy mill dogs always have problems. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
