Physical and behavior problems with pet store puppies

Pet store puppies often have health problems which may include allergies, lameness, hip dysplasia, neurological problems, eye and ear infections, malnutrition and dehydration.  Parasites or diseases such as epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, Kennel cough and mange are also common.Behavior problems may include difficulty with housetraining. Puppies have no choice but to eliminate in their own space making housetraining more difficult. They lack the natural instinct to keep their den area clean. The longer they are in the store the greater this problem can become.Puppies born in puppy mills are typically removed from their mother and littermates at 4 to 5 weeks of age. According to the ASPCA the first month of a puppy’s life is critical for developing proper socialization. Separated from their mother and deprived of human contact many puppies develop problems like aggression, shyness, fear and anxiety.View the list »
Lack of socialization

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Those cute puppies at the pet store are almost always supplied by puppy mills or brokers. These puppies may be cute, but they are likely to come with psychological and physical problems. There are many behavioral issues linked to early life experiences at a puppy mill. Poor health, little socialization and many behavioral issues are linked to early life experiences at puppy mills.

Puppy mill puppies are typically removed from the litter at 4 to 5 weeks of age so they arrive at the pet stores by 8 to 10 weeks of age. Puppies that survive the unsanitary conditions and grueling delivery to pet stores have rarely known the love of human contact necessary for proper socialization. Early weaning can cause adult psychological problems. Many pet store puppies develop aggressive or fear-related stress.

Raised in small cages without the chance to run and play, puppies may develop habits like running in circles or barking excessively. Housebreaking is difficult since puppies have not developed the natural instinct to eliminate away from their food and bed. Puppies may start to exhibit problems by 14 weeks. By 3 ½ years common problems may include growling, aggressiveness, fearful behavior, separation anxiety, spinning and other obsessive behaviors.

Puppies often have health problems from the poor conditions they are raised in or the stress from the long cramped interstate transport to the pet store. A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian is only a basic health check and does not test for hereditary conditions or diseases. The Humane Society provides a Pet Seller Complaint form which tracks sellers and helps in the fight against puppy mills.

Each time a puppy is bought from a pet store they are supporting an industry of cruelty, abuse and neglect. Make adoption your first option. Finding a responsible breeder, shelter or rescue group for your lifetime companion will help defeat puppy mills. Local shelters and breed rescue groups can be found at Petfinder.com..

View the list
  • Puppies born in puppy mills are typically removed from their mother and littermates at 4 to 5 weeks of age. According to the ASPCA the first month of a puppy’s life is critical for developing proper socialization. Separated from their mother and deprived of human contact many puppies develop problems like aggression, shyness, fear and anxiety.
  • Behavior problems may include difficulty with housetraining. Puppies have no choice but to eliminate in their own space making housetraining more difficult. They lack the natural instinct to keep their den area clean. The longer they are in the store the greater this problem can become.
  • Pet store puppies often have health problems which may include allergies, lameness, hip dysplasia, neurological problems, eye and ear infections, malnutrition and dehydration.  Parasites or diseases such as epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease, Kennel cough and mange are also common.
View the list

, Baltimore Puppy Mills Examiner

Dana Cassett is married, living in Chase, Md. with her husband and animals. She has a degree in Animal Science and worked as a Veterinary Technician for several years. Dana has always felt a bond with animals and has been passionate about the cause of helping them. Recently she became an advocate...

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