Our puppy died- UPDATED WITH PIC of PEBBLES

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Posted by JoesFutureWife

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Posted by TheFutureMrsM

A warning from an ex pet store employee!

My name is ______ I saw your show on Animal Planet and read your web site. I could not sleep thinking about the things that I knew and would like to share some of that information with you.

I feel that the public should know this information. This information is factual. I worked at a pet store for a little over a year. I believe everyone should know what these poor little guys go through and how exactly the pet stores get them.

The purchase of the puppies:

The pet store gets a fax with a list of puppies from what is called a “broker” this is a company that gets the puppies from the breeders. The puppies are taken to what they sometime call holding kennels. This is the place where the puppies are held till someone wants them. (Again back into kennels). The brokers that we worked with told the pet stores that all the puppies are looked at by a vet and come from Registered Breeders and will some times come with pedigree papers. But as you will learn that isn’t always what we got. The list is all the breeds that they currently have and the prices that they want for them. Prices rang from $250.00 to $ 750.00 depending on breed and age. The pet store then picks the puppies that they want. Then sell them for up to 5x them price they paid for them. The puppies are then shipped on an 18 wheeler (usually) to the pet store. Meaning those babies just went from the Puppy Mill to, holding kennels to even smaller kennels on a truck for days, to the pet store where they are again in small kennels.

When we relieved the puppies off the truck a lot of the time they were smelly and dirty. The truck driver would bring out the puppies one at a time so that we could look at the puppy and see if we would “accept” it. Meaning it was it wasn’t sickly. Some of the puppies would have drainage from the eyes and noise, they would have hernia’s that weren’t repaired, kennel cough, and sometime open sores. That was just thing things that we could see or hear.

We would then take the puppies in the pet store and give them a bath and make them presentable and wait till the next day for the vet to come out and see them. A lot of the puppies had some kind of problem. (flea, knee problems (sm. breeds), Hernia that we couldn’t see, colds, eye infections, cherry eye, sores from being kept in small kennels too long and not let out to walk around, (lg breeds), Parvo, distemper, growth plate damage, under development. I could go on and on. We had dogs die from problems that were cause because of the condition that they live in before they came to the pet store. Several of the sm. breed puppies wouldn’t eat and would go Hypoglycemic (which is when the blood sugar gets too low from not eating (just like a diabetic), some would seize and or die. Puppies also will get ring worm from the stress and inhuman condition that they came from. Then they would stay in the “isolation” room along with any other puppies that could not be showed because they are too sick to sell. But yet these puppies were seen by a vet before they come to the pet store.

Many pet stores say that they “guarantee” that they do not sell from puppy mill, but unless they are going to the breeder and see both parents of the puppy and the home that they are coming from there is NO guarantee! Even if they say that buy from Local breeders. I do not know of any pet store owner that checks every location for quality care and breeding. They also, say that they only sell Register puppies, but what the public doesn’t know is that there are different Registries that have different standers then AKC or some other Registries for the breeders. There are Registries that are now registering mix breeds as pure breeds. I have looked at many of the pedigrees that came with some of the puppies and found a lot of them have been inbreed some where down the line. I have noticed that a lot of the time (not all the time) you can tell a Pet Store dog vs. a breeder dog. The store dog can be under developed, too big for the breed; the hair isn’t as full or healthy and well the health alone is worse.

Pet Store will also; tell you that they guarantee the health for up to2 yrs. The catch on that is that the “Guarantee” is for hereditary problems. Most of these hereditary problems aren’t the main problem that you will have. You will find out that your new puppy (family member) is sick or has to have surgery on some that the “guarantee” will not cover it. For instant Lg. breed dogs usually can’t be diagnoses with Hip dysphasia till 2ys of age or more unless it is sever case. They will also, tell you that in sm. Breeds (yes common) the knees slipping out of place is common and as long as this is Only a level 1 the puppy will be fine. This is not true. A sm. Breed that’s knees slip out needs to be very careful with heights, and being drop or ruff housed with, and as the puppy gets older and heavier the puppy may need surgery.

The pet store will try to sell you the puppies buy tell you that the price that you are paying for this puppy will be the same amount that you will pay even if you go to a breeder. Because they will some times offer this: One free vet visit (with their vet only), the first set of shots & worming, and a free bag of dog food and some may offer you a discount on spay and neuter (again if you go to their vet)


But please please trust me you will pay a lot more in the long run and so may your puppy.



This is a story from an ex pet store employee
Its long but its worth the read

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That is so sad but so enlightening!

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This is all true. I know a girl who managed a largely known and hated Suffolk County puppy store and she told me similar stories. She also told me that older dogs would breed in the back of the store, some from the same litter. She even said when people came in looking for certain breeds they were out of they would grab any puppy that kinda looked like the breed the person wanted, fudge paper work and sell it.

Alot of puppy store workers get commision.. So they dont care if your puppy is healthy, or your a good home.. there looking for their next pay check.

And i dont mean to take away from the fact the OP just lost her pet. I just hope she now knows the horrors of places like this and would also like to work to educate others on staying far far away from those puppy stores. Like any business, if people stop shopping there, they will close.

And yes go to rescues or shelters if you arent looking for a particular breed, but if you know what you want go to an AKC breeder. You can check the breeders credentials by calling the AKC.

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Posted by kimNanthony

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Posted by Soon2beMrsC

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a pet especially so unexpectedly. How did your puppy get this parasite? What are the symptoms?

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Not sure how she got it im guessing the petstore but she has had diarrhea since we got her

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Giardia

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that lives in the intestine of affected animals. It is unclear whether there are several species of this parasite or whether there is one species that affect several different animals, including people. These small parasites are very easy to miss on a fecal exam and may not be present in the stool of animals infected with the organism. Repeated fecal exams are sometimes necessary to identify this parasite. Not all animals in which infection can be demonstrated have clinical signs. This leads some people to believe that the parasite may not cause disease . Most vets think that there may just be other factors, like the animal's immune response to the parasite that cause some animals to develop disease and not others. Clinical signs of giardia include weight loss, inability to gain weight appropriately during growth, diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite and greasy appearing stools. Them most commonly used medication for giardia infection is metronidazole (Flagyl). The organisms come from the environment and live in moist to wet areas. They are susceptible to quatenary ammonium disinfectants, Lysol and dilute chlorine bleach. Keeping the dog's environment dry helps a lot.

This disease may be contagious to people from infected dogs so good sanitary practices, like washing your hands after handling an infected puppy, are very important. If a family member develops similar clinical signs, a physician should be consulted.

Mike Richards, DVM


The dogs get it from drinking dirty water or contact from others dogs who have it.. ie from a puppy mill.

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Posted by kimNanthony

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Posted by KiTTeN0819

OMG i am soo sorry. Where was the puppy from? Have you contacted them about it yet? If it was a breeder you should demand your money back plus any paper work to show the dog was previously to a vet. If it was from a store there will most likely be nothing you can do about the vet bills but again you should be able to get your money back. There are puppy lemon laws. Im just not sure how long after purchase they are good for.

What did the puppy have? I havent heard of anything thats also contagious to people. I mean parasites are but its pretty rare.

I forgot to mention if you are going to fight for vet bills or the purchase money back you should think about having the vet perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) and get a statement from him on the cause of death.

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We got the puppy from Shake a Paw. I have to read the contract but I am going to see what I can do. I am just heartbroken right now, She had giardia from what the vet said. My brother who is also a vet said it is contagious to people and we have all of the symptoms.

Gina, I am definitely getting Oreo checked out ASAP! BTW, sorry I missed the barbeque I was so sick

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Giardia is unfortunately fairly common with puppies and is contagious. It usually is not fatal if treated. I am so sorry I know how hard this must be. Was your pup on meds already for the giardia.
When I get any of my pups I immediately check them out. It is fairly easy for them to pick it up too. I have to be careful with even letting my dogs run around in the backyard because stray cats & other animals go through & you never know what they carry either.

It sound like from what you said with the blood sugar she may have gone into Hypoglycemic shock. Which is deadly with small dogs & the place you got them from should have educated on that & warned of that. I have several small dogs and I spent a lot of time researching it.

I see someone pulled up info on Giardia for you, I'll pullup some of my info on hypoglycemia in dogs.

Have Oreo checked out for giardia immediately as well.

HYPOGLYCEMIA In Tiny Breeds Can Be Deadly

Please read this information before deciding to purchase a tiny breed puppy.

Tiny breeds need to eat small meals often, they eat very small/nibble amounts at a time, and they nibble/eat often and need to have varieties of foods available at all times; 24 hours a day. Tiny breeds can go into Hypoglycemia Shock if their blood sugar drops from not eating OFTEN

All puppies are stressed when they change homes, some stop eating: Tiny breeds can not go without eating, watch your puppy closely the first few days to be sure the puppy is eating and drinking. If the puppy is not eating you may need to hand feed the puppy the first few days until it adjusts to it new surroundings. If the puppy seems lethargic - sleeping a lot that can be a sign of low blood sugar - give the puppy Karo syrup under the tongue and hand feed the puppy - wake the puppy often to feed the puppy.

HYPOGLYCEMIA: Hypoglycemia Shock can be deadly if left untreated. Tiny breed puppies can not sleep on the bed with owners until they are much older, they can not be put in a crate without food or water available, and they can't handle a lot of stress the first 16 weeks. I also strongly recommend that you have light Karo syrup on hand at all times.

KARO SYRUP: If you notice that your dog is acting wobbly or weak, lethargic, sleeping a lot give your dog some light Karo syrup under the tongue (a few drops), also rub some on the gums, you can also give the light Karo syrup with a needle less syringe (careful not to choke the puppy, with a needle syringe feed it slowly). After that treatment try feeding your dog a small amount of canned food, plain yogurt (Not fat free) or something soft on a spoon. Watch your dog closely and repeat all of the above until your dog seems out of danger. Also keep the dog warm until it is out of danger, hypoglycemia can lead to hypothermia.

Tiny breed dogs need to be kept warm and dry - human electric heating pads are dangerous and deadly to dogs (can chew cords or heating pad). If you want to use a heating pad purchase the heating pads made for dogs (you can purchase them at any Pet Store or online. Tiny breeds need beds and doggie clothing to keep them warm.

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I doubt this helps with Oreo because she is bigger now & probably out of that danger. Is she okay though. this can be stressful for the other pets in the house. Again I am soo sorry. the pet store should compensate you at the VERY least for your monetary losses (they can never for the other loss)

From the sounds of it the poor lil baby was sick at the pet shop & they are should have never given her to you sick & not warned you about the hypo & etc.

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Posted by kimNanthony

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Posted by KiTTeN0819

OMG i am soo sorry. Where was the puppy from? Have you contacted them about it yet? If it was a breeder you should demand your money back plus any paper work to show the dog was previously to a vet. If it was from a store there will most likely be nothing you can do about the vet bills but again you should be able to get your money back. There are puppy lemon laws. Im just not sure how long after purchase they are good for.

What did the puppy have? I havent heard of anything thats also contagious to people. I mean parasites are but its pretty rare.

I forgot to mention if you are going to fight for vet bills or the purchase money back you should think about having the vet perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) and get a statement from him on the cause of death.

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We got the puppy from Shake a Paw. I have to read the contract but I am going to see what I can do. I am just heartbroken right now, She had giardia from what the vet said. My brother who is also a vet said it is contagious to people and we have all of the symptoms.

Gina, I am definitately getting Oreo checked out ASAP! BTW, sorry I missed the barbeque I was so sick

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oh my god! I was wondering in my head if you had gotten it from shake a paw...they have a bad reputation for this happening. it was on the news several years ago and I had heard of it even before it hit the news. I can't understand how they are still in business

Omg! Im soooo sorry. . I hope that you can get reinbursed from where you purchased the dog. That still doesnt take away the heart ache ...

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Friends of FH had the same thing happen from Shake a Paw a few years ago. THey were able to get their money back. (not that the money is going to make the hurt go away) But you should definietly go back to them.

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Posted by Soon2BMrsD

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Posted by kimNanthony

Oreo seems to be doing fine but DH and I have been violently sick for a week and now I find out that what she had was contagious to people. Not to mention we spent $1,500 for the puppy and have over $1,000 in vet bills for a puppy that isnt here anymore

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normally the vet doesnt make you pay for that when the puppy passes... that happen to us years ago and the vet didnt make us pay

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We actually had to pay the vet bill when both of my dogs passed away. One was in critical care for a week after being run over by an oil truck and the other was a sudden problem. That was years ago though, so I am not sure if things have changed.

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Posted by kimNanthony

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Posted by anneandchris

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Posted by kimNanthony

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Posted by KiTTeN0819

OMG i am soo sorry. Where was the puppy from? Have you contacted them about it yet? If it was a breeder you should demand your money back plus any paper work to show the dog was previously to a vet. If it was from a store there will most likely be nothing you can do about the vet bills but again you should be able to get your money back. There are puppy lemon laws. Im just not sure how long after purchase they are good for.

What did the puppy have? I havent heard of anything thats also contagious to people. I mean parasites are but its pretty rare.

I forgot to mention if you are going to fight for vet bills or the purchase money back you should think about having the vet perform a necropsy (animal autopsy) and get a statement from him on the cause of death.

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We got the puppy from Shake a Paw. I have to read the contract but I am going to see what I can do. I am just heartbroken right now, She had giardia from what the vet said. My brother who is also a vet said it is contagious to people and we have all of the symptoms.

Gina, I am definitately getting Oreo checked out ASAP! BTW, sorry I missed the barbeque I was so sick

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Kim I am so sorry. Was it Shake a Paw in lynbrook by any chance?

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Yes

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wow I'm really sorry to hear about this but I just wanted to say that I bought my labrador from there last year and he had some kind of a parasite also and he was on soo many different medications for like two months but he ended up fine. I guess I will never return there again!

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Posted by kimNanthony

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Posted by Soon2beMrsC

I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a pet especially so unexpectedly. How did your puppy get this parasite? What are the symptoms?

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Not sure how she got it im guessing the petstore but she has had diarrhea since we got her

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that's exactly what happened when I bought my lab from there too, again I'm sooo sorry for you

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Posted by wundmoretime

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Posted by Soon2BMrsD

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Posted by kimNanthony

Oreo seems to be doing fine but DH and I have been violently sick for a week and now I find out that what she had was contagious to people. Not to mention we spent $1,500 for the puppy and have over $1,000 in vet bills for a puppy that isnt here anymore

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normally the vet doesnt make you pay for that when the puppy passes... that happen to us years ago and the vet didnt make us pay

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We actually had to pay the vet bill when both of my dogs passed away. One was in critical care for a week after being run over by an oil truck and the other was a sudden problem. That was years ago though, so I am not sure if things have changed.

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Unfortunately, as much as a vet is an animal lover and hates to charge when the outcomes are not happy, they can not give away free services or they would no longer be in buisiness and able to provide health care to other animals. It is a very unfortunate event when a patient dies however I'm sure the veterinarian did everything in their power to prevent the puppies death
I am so sorry for your loss, that is heart breaking!

I am so incredibly sorry for your loss....i

I am so so sorry!!!

To lose a pet is the worst. It hurts sooooooooo much but time will heal all wounds!

omg thats sooo sad...im so sorry