When You Adopt A Former Puppy Mill Breeding Dog: Tips For You
Posted on: 16 March 2016
When you take the big step to adopt a dog that once lived a very difficult life as a puppy mill breeder, you likely know that the experience will be far different from adopting a dog from any other (more positive) circumstances. A dog, whether male or female, that was used to breed in a puppy mill was a means to an end for the puppy mill owners. This means that veterinary care and the love and affection that animals need to feel happy and safe were more than likely entirely absent from their puppy mill lives. Get to know some of the issues you may be able to expect when you adopt a former puppy mill breeder so you can take the best possible care of them.
Be Prepared For Dental Health Problems
Because of poor diet and a lack of care from a veterinarian, many dogs that were puppy mill breeders have extensive dental problems when they are finally rescued and adopted. Even after a thorough dog dental cleaning from a veterinarian after your dog is rescued, there can still be issues with their teeth and gums.
It is not uncommon for a former puppy mill breeder to lose teeth seemingly at random once they are adopted. This can be the result of severe dental rot and gum disease. They will also likely be prone to such issues in the future and will need more frequent professional dog dental cleaning appointments, with someone like Brian E Hall, than other dogs. These former puppy mill breeders are also less likely to allow you to brush their teeth as having their mouth handled in that way may make them feel vulnerable and frightened.
Odd Behaviors Are Likely
After you get your newly adopted dog home and settled, you will likely find that they exhibit some behaviors that you would consider odd. Some puppy mill dogs have never been allowed outside of their cages and therefore will react with trepidation and fear to grass, dirt, and the like. Dogs that exhibit these behaviors may also refuse to urinate or defecate on surfaces other than concrete or metal (like their kennel).
Your puppy mill rescue dog may also have odd reactions to otherwise innocuous things. Irrational fears of people with certain features of their abusers in the puppy mill may make them bark, growl, or even attempt to bite someone They may also hide or hoard food, treats, and toys because of the conditions they were accustomed to as well.
Now that you know a few of the possible issues that you may have after you adopt a former puppy mill breeding dog, you can better take care of their health and better deal with their quirks.
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