Introduction: Understanding Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are commercial breeding operations that prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals they breed. As a result, dogs born in puppy mills often suffer from health and behavioral issues due to poor living conditions and inhumane breeding practices. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine if your dog was bred in a puppy mill, as these operations often hide behind false advertising and shady practices. In this article, we’ll cover some of the signs that your dog may have come from a puppy mill.
Sign 1: Lack of Health History
When you adopt a dog from a reputable breeder or shelter, you should receive a detailed health history for the animal. This should include information on vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and any past medical issues. If you adopt a dog from a puppy mill, however, you may find that there is no health history available for the animal. This is because puppy mills often neglect the medical needs of their animals, leading to serious health problems down the line.
Sign 2: No Questions Asked
A reputable breeder or shelter will typically ask you a lot of questions before allowing you to adopt a dog. This is because they want to ensure that their animals are going to good homes with responsible owners. If you adopt a dog from a puppy mill, however, you may find that there are no questions asked. The breeder may not even ask for your contact information or the name of your veterinarian. This is a red flag that the breeder is more concerned with making a sale than ensuring the well-being of their animals.