Adding a new member to your home, whether that be a dog, cat, or even a fish, is always an exciting time. However, many people can be uneducated about this process.
There are several ways to get a dog: you can adopt from shelters, buy from ad listings, pet stores, or dog breeders. The most ethical choice is to adopt from a shelter, which is often the most economical option as well. Pet stores often source dogs from mass-breeding puppy mills, and some internet ads may lead to similar situations. These mills claim that the puppies are in good health, but this is not always true. Puppy mills typically keep their animals in overcrowded cages under horrible conditions with limited access to food and water and unsanitary living spaces. If the puppies are sick, they often do not receive proper medical care, and many are taken from their mothers far too early, which can lead to future behavioral problems. Some of these issues include high reactivity, separation anxiety, and inter-dog aggression.
Backyard breeders are another red flag to watch out for. Similar to puppy mills, the health of the puppies is usually poor. Backyard breeders often focus solely on profit and lack knowledge of proper breeding practices. Additionally, these breeders may prioritize appearance over the dogs’ well-being, leading to serious health issues such as hip and eye defects, parasites, and breathing problems. This is particularly common in flat-faced breeds like bulldogs, pugs, and boxers. These dogs often suffer from health issues like allergies, mobility difficulties, back and joint problems, and a dangerous condition known as Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. According to The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, “Upper respiratory disorders were the cause of death for 17% of dogs with extreme Brachycephalic conformation (like pugs, bulldogs, and French bulldogs) compared to 0% for all other breeds of dogs.” These dogs struggle to breathe due to narrow air passages, malformed nostrils, and excess tissue in their airways, making their breathing comparable to living life while breathing through a straw.
Shelters are already overcrowded, and there are many options that could be the perfect fit for your household. By buying from breeders and mills, you are taking homes away from the thousands of dogs in rescue shelters who deserve loving families. Adopt, don’t shop!
