Animal Health
The majority of dogs bred in puppy mills and their offspring (the puppies sold in pet shops and over the internet) suffer from a myriad of health problems due to inbreeding, over-breeding, overcrowded cages, inadequate vet care, extreme sanitation problems, minimal shelter, and little or no human interaction (socialization).
Contagious and infectious diseases seen in dogs and puppies from puppy mills range from mild to severe, especially for puppies who are
weaned too early from their mothers, who are over-vaccinated in a short period of time (to get them ready for sale in pet shops) and completely stressed out from transport to pet shops at the tender ages of 5-8 weeks. (The puppy pictured at right is from a PA Amish-owned puppy mill and was suffering from a severe upper respiratory and eye infection. He was relinquished to an investigator but his condition was so severe he soon died while under medical treatment.)
Nearly 100% of all puppies in pet stores have parasites when they are purchased, and 48% of puppies being sold in pet stores were ill or incubating an illness at the time of purchase, according to a recent California study.
Puppies sold in pet shops are oftentimes incubating kennel cough which, left undiagnosed and untreated, can lead to upper respiratory infections and life-threatening pneumonia. Oftentimes pet store employees or shady rescuers will tell buyers and adopters that the puppies and dogs have a “little cold” and that it will go away on its own.
Canine Parvovirus is the number one killer of dogs from puppy mills and pet stores and shady rescues, where puppies are “pulled” from over-crowded animal shelters or pounds where unwanted or homeless dogs are destroyed due to lack of homes.
Dogs or puppies appear playful and normal one day and then begin vomiting, have high fevers and diarrhea the next. They often die within days, even after being treated in emergency veterinary clinics where the veterinary expenses can rise into the thousands of dollars.
Genetic defects and congenital disorders are a result of bad breeding and /or inbreeding. These disorders include but are not limited to hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, undescended testicles, demodectic mange, entropion, and more.
We’re not going to dispense veterinary medical advice – that would be practicing veterinarian medical without a license! We will, however, direct you to our favorite websites – ones we use and subscribe to ourselves. Please consult with your own veterinarian before diagnosing any health problems on your own.
Hands down, our top pick for the best veterinary resource site on the Internet is Mar Vista Animal Medical Center!
With its extensive Pet Web Library, readers will find complete and easy to understand information on contagious and infectious diseases like Coccidia, Giardia and kennel cough; parasites, an entire section on the deadly Parvo virus, as well as genetic and congenital defects and much more. Mar Vista even has a Flea Control Center loaded wih facts and tips about fleas and tapeworms!
Dr. Jean Dodd’s Vaccination Protocols
Dr. Dodds is internationally renowned for her conservative approach to vaccinations and says "The following vaccine protocol is offered for those dogs where minimal vaccinations are advisable or desirable. The schedule is one I recommend and should not interpreted to mean that other protocols recommended by a veterinarian would be less satisfactory. It's a matter of professional judgment and choice."
Age of Pups / Vaccine Type
9 - 10 weeks / Distemper + Parvovirus, (MLV e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)
14 weeks / Same as above
16 -18 weeks (optional) / Same as above (optional)
20 weeks or older, if allowable by law / Rabies
1 year / Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV
1 year / Rabies, killed 3-year product (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvo booster)
Note: Many shady or unscrupulous rescuers vaccinate dogs and puppies themselves without ever consulting with a licensed veterinarian. Several individuals whose practices are under scrutiny, brag to adopters that they give 3 distemper vaccines (boosters) within a 2-3 week period to "ensure the dogs and puppies are healthy." This is dangerous and can severely impact the health of the animals.
Recommended Reading
Protect Your Pet, The Dangers of Commercial Pet Foods and Excessive Vaccinations, by Ann N. Martin, 2001
Food Pets Die For, Shocking Facts About Pet Food, by Ann N. Martin, 2003
What Vets Don’t Tell you About Vaccines, by Catherine O’Driscoll, 1997
Shock to the System, The facts about animal vaccination, pet food and how to keep your pets healthy, by Catherine O’Driscoll, 2006
Stop the Shots, Are Vaccinations Killing Our Pets? by John Clifton, 2007
Why is Cancer Killing Our Pets? How You Can Protect and Treat Your Animal Companion, by Deborah Straw, 2000
Pet Allergies, Remedies for an Epidemic, by Alfred J. Plechner, DVM and Martin Zucker, 1986
Nearly 100% of all puppies in pet stores have parasites when they are purchased. 48% of puppies sold in pet stores were ill or incubating an illness at the time of purchase, according to a recent California study. (Source: Madonna of the Mills)