Skip to content
Previous article
Now Reading:
How to choose the right puppy and avoid puppy mill disasters

How to choose the right puppy and avoid puppy mill disasters

Choosing the right puppy

More often than not, my blog ideas are usually brought up by a real life situation. This one is not an exception. 

Molly was a sweet puppy adopted by my lovely clients, Nadia and Will. They are one of those clients who I want to live with if I come back as a dog. She and her husband Will were thrilled about getting a puppy and hoped to make Molly happy and healthy for years to come. Part of the plan was Molly’s visit at my office.

Nadia was told that the breeder was the sellers mom, who couldn’t come to meet Nadia. However, she swore that the puppy had been de-wormed, vaccinated, socialized and had been given free run to play with others.

As soon as I heard the story “the breeder was my mother who could not attend” I became suspicious that Molly was a puppy mill puppy. It was obvious that some of her baby teeth had not even erupted. Her tummy looked like a little inflatable balloon and her hind legs were weak and twisted in an awkward shape. She could barely walk.

"What do I do now?", I thought. Nadia was in love with Molly and ultimately, it was not Molly’s fault that she was a product of a puppy mill and human greed. I could see that Nadia was very upset and all I could do was to say that “we all make mistakes and that all we can do is to learn from them and accept our imperfections.”

The reality was that Molly was about 5 weeks old, full of parasites and had most likely spent the first part of her life locked up in a cage with her mother and siblings. Molly is one of hundred’s of thousands of puppy mill pets.

Blog writing is my way of overcoming the familiar: “ This problem is too big to be solved…” Perhaps it can be, one dog, one puppy mill at a time.

I trust that most of you have no intention of supporting the shady and torturous business of puppy mills and puppy brokerage for the sake of having the latest and the trendiest of breeds.

My plan is to ask you to help me put these businesses that perpetrate despair, torture and suffering out of business.

HOW TO AVOID PUPPY MILLS
  1. What are puppy mills?
    They are mass breeding stations with the sole purpose of breeding and selling puppies.
  2. What is the life of dog used for breeding like?
    Dogs used for breeding are often confined to small cages, get no attention or exercise and often sleep in their own waste. They are fed cheap and nutrient poor pet food, bred as often as 2 time a year and get no or minimal veterinary care. The bitches are considered breeding machines. They are the slaves of the modern times.
  3. How does all this affect the puppies?
    It goes without saying that stressed malnourished mothers have puppies that are more likely to be ill. Lack of human contact and “family structure” makes them more prone to behavioral problems. No or very little exercise leads to disfigurement and poor development of joints – especially knees, elbows,  shoulders and the hips.This all is just the tip of the iceberg. Poor and uncontrolled breeding happens commonly between dogs that are closely related. This can lead to genetic weakness and serious health problems.
  4. How do puppy mills affect the lives of other dogs?sad dogs
    For every dog bred in puppy mills, there is a one less home for a homeless dog at your local rescue organization. These dogs are often euthanized.
  5. What can you do to avoid puppy mills?
    The most popular dog breeds are more likely to come from puppy mills. Smaller dogs are more likely to be breed in such facilities because they eat less and can be sold for a hefty profit. Never buy a dog from a pet store no matter how sorry you feel for the puppies in the shop window.  Your purchase will keep the vicious circle spinning. Ask yourself a question. Do you really need the latest and trendiest schmoodles, labradoodles, “bullshits”, cockapoos or whatever new flavour of the year comes up? I often find the best and healthiest dogs are the mixed breeds…. If you are one of the people  who just simply fell in love with the more popular breeds, it is ok, own it and go for it. No one is perfect. Just make sure that you find a reputable breeder and that you meet the mother of the puppies in their home. If the seller makes excuses, doesn’t want you to come to her or his home or enter their home, run as fast  as you can and tell others. Yes, I know, we feel sorry for these puppies and want to rescue them from the house of horror. However, the only way to stop the vicious circle of puppy mill breeding is to stop buying them. If you are reading this blog too late and you are pretty sure that you have a dog from a puppy mill, you may want to read the following section.
Do not trust what you have been told by the seller and do the following:
  1. Get two fecal sample checks for parasites, as puppy brokers often lie about puppies being dewormed.
  2. Follow the holistic approach to vaccination.  Puppy mill puppies are often vaccinated too early for the immune system to respond.  Early vaccination wipes out the maternal antibodies and leaves puppies unprotected.
  3. Gradually increase exercise. 
  4. Ensure that your puppy socializes with other healthy dogs and puppies to gain social skills and become well adjusted.
  5. Forgive yourself. I believe that making mistakes is part of learning. No one is perfect.  You can easily make up for your mistake by passing this message to others who would otherwise fall in the same trap.

 

© Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM

About the author

Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM is an Integrative veterinarian, nutritionist and creator of natural supplements for dogs and people. Helping you and your dog prevent disease, treat nutritional deficiencies, and enjoy happier, healthier, and longer lives together.

Most Popular

  • Flying with dogs
    In my article, I share the personal story of how I'm able to fly with my dog, Pax, thanks to overcoming challenges with sleepwalking and night terrors. This unique experience not only allowed me to travel with my service dog but also serves as a reminder that even difficult situations can have positive outcomes.
  • dog and pony
    Successful communication is essential for building healthier and more fulfilling relationships and happier lives. In this article, I'll share with you 8 communication hacks to help you avoid unnecessary drama, prioritize active listening and address conflicts effectively.
  • Dalmatian eating fruit
    Can dogs eat bananas, apples, strawberries and other fruit? What about grapes? Find out what fruits are safe, toxic, and healthy for dogs. Learn about the potential health benefits and risks of feeding fruit to your canine companion, and get tips on the ideal time to feed it.
  • Illustration of the anatomy of a heart
    As dog lovers, we all want our beloved pups to live long and healthy lives. Protecting your dog's heart from potential health issues is important, and in this blog Dr. Dobias shares some key points that you might not yet be aware of, read on to find out what you can do to keep your dog's heart safe. 

Dog Health

  • Husky lying on blanket with heart toy
    Dogs have our hearts and that is why we need to protect their heart. Dog’s as they age often face muscle problems and spinal misalignment and you might be surprised to know how that can hurt their heart. Learn how to protect your dog’s spine and by extension their heart.
  • The secret ingredient for a perfect No. 2
    Dogs and humans have evolved side-by-side but they are still quite different when it comes to their digestive tracts and dietary habits. We have studied their original environments such as the soils of the African savanna and consulted with top experts in the field of probiotics and microbiology to come up with a combination that reflects healthy bacterial flora of canines.
  • Man being pointed at
    Criticism can hurt a brand, but constructive feedback can help it grow. In this blog Dr. Dobias talks about the differences between these approaches, and how to handle the power of influence and opinion with care. 
  • Broccoli with vitamins and minerals
    Are you worried that your and your dog's diet is missing something? Maybe you're worried about toxin levels in food, the environment, or flea and tick products. Let's face it; we can't remove ourselves entirely from our toxin-filled world, but we can do things to reduce our exposure to harmful substances. 

Human health

  • Dr. Dobias with Pax
    How do you navigate the seas of life? How do you deal with disappointment? Whatever life throws at us, we can always rely on our dogs to bring joy into our days. In this blog I share my thoughts on the support our dogs provide during the difficult moments in life. 
  • Why 1 in 4 Americans suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
    Learn more about the alarming prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affecting 1 in 4 Americans. Discover its main risk factors, diagnosis methods, and treatment options to better manage or prevent this silent yet severe condition. 
  • A new perspective on brain health, memory loss, Alzheimer's Disease, and dementia in people and dogs
    The Science of DHA and the Brain: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily DHA, are the unsung heroes of brain health. They play crucial roles in brain physiology and biological activities, with exciting links between Omega-3 levels and cognitive function. Higher DHA levels have been shown to preserve the integrity of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), your brain's security system
  • Dr. Dobias and Pax
    It appears that most of the world is ready for change, but whenever I think about the solutions to any of the problems that plague our world, I can’t prevent myself from thinking that we humans are acting like little toddlers who have broken a toy and do not know how to fix it. Despite my generally optimistic attitude, I have had a hard time staying positive at times because I know how complex this all is. Read here for some tools that make me feel good about the world, which I would like to share with you.

News, stories and good life

  • Dr. Peter Dobias with his dog Pax on his lap
    Do you have trouble staying positive during difficult times? These days we are surrounded by a lot of negative messaging, and it's easy to let that get you down. Here are some of my tips for remaining positive, and don't forget to share your tips with me!
  • Man raising fist on a mountain
    Most of us have been exposed to panic-inducing information about the virus spread, however, I have noticed the general absence of one piece of information, how to make your immune system stronger and body more resilient. (It will definitely not happen by stockpiling toilet paper!) I have always loved immunology and the current situation has prompted me to put together two simple lists on how to increase your dog’s and your own immunity.
  • Man with dog wearing a collar
    Does your dog have ear problems, nasal or oral tumors, reverse sneezing or an  itchy head or hair loss on their head? Learn how you can address some of these problems and save thousands in vet care costs.
  • Terrier eating raw food
    Now there is no need to guess if there is something missing in your dogs diet.  The HairQ Test is a highly accurate test for mineral deficiencies, toxins and heavy metals in dogs to finely tune your dog’s diet and supplement schedule.

By clicking "Continue" or continuing to use our site, you acknowledge that you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We also use cookies to provide you with the best possible experience on our website. You can find out more about the cookies we use and learn how to manage them here. Feel free to check out our policies anytime for more information.

Continue

Cart

Close

Your cart is currently empty.

Start Shopping
Close