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Adopting a rescue dog is like expanding your family! By watching out for some of these 6 problems, you will be able to minimize your risk of a possible disaster!
The GOOD NEWS is that one incredibly important daily practice helps alleviate a rescue dog’s immediate problems and gives them a chance at a long and healthy life.
Pets with a Checkered Past
You may choose to go the rescue route to avoid the cost of purebred dogs, or because it’s the right thing to do. And the good news is- Most rescue dogs transform into devoted companions.
The bad news is that rescued pets often come into shelters with no history except for the dirt on their paws and matted fur. A rescue dog’s health or behavioral problems may not be obvious on their adoption day and may include nipping, barking, itchiness and compulsively licking their coat to coughing and stomach upset. If any of these things happen, don’t throw in the towel too quickly.
Six Common Problems You Must Avoid! (or Correct)
Unless you have health records stemming back to puppy-hood, there is no way for you to know what your new dog has gone through.
1. Heart-worm disease: Heart-worms are parasites dogs catch from mosquito bites. According to WebMD, about seven months after the mosquito bite, adult heart-worms attach themselves to your dog’s heart and lungs. The worms reproduce regularly. An untreated dog could harbor 250 heart-worms and some may be a foot long and live more than five years.
Dogs with heart-worms may cough, be lethargic and have trouble breathing. “Heart-worm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone,” states the American Heartworm Society.
Since it is a progressive disease, “the earlier it is detected, the better the chances the pet will recover.” However, the drugs used to treat heart-worm disease take a heavy toll on dogs’ bodies as well.
2. Intestinal parasites: If reading about heart-worms doesn’t have you squirming, how about some intestinal parasites? Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whip-worms can cause diarrhea, vomiting and coughing. Dogs lose their appetite, have little energy and lose weight. However, since some infected animals show no symptoms, it’s a good idea to take your new dog’s stool sample to your vet as soon as possible because many parasites are quite contagious. If intestinal parasites are found, get treatment.
3. Skin problems: Many rescue dogs come into shelter with a host of skin issues. Some are caused by dirt and parasites and others arise from stress or allergies.
The cause of excessive scratching and licking, bald patches or skin discoloration may be hard to identify. From mange causing fleas or mites to fungal infections, or even be psychological issues, your dog’s immune system is its best defense against illness, including skin problems.
4. Kennel cough: The sound of your new dog retching, coughing and choking because of kennel cough is scary. A number of different microorganisms cause kennel cough. There are vaccinations against it, but many find they are not very effective. More severe cases often require prescription medications.
However, for an otherwise healthy dog with minor symptoms, your vet may only order “general supportive care” including rest, good hydration and nutrition, according to PetMD.
5. Allergies and sensitivities: Is your dog a sensitive soul? Many common dog allergens are found in dog foods, from the dyes, preservatives and fillers used in many dog foods and treats. Identifying your dog’s allergies and removing them from his or her diet will make both of you much happier. You spend less time cleaning up vomit and diarrhea. Your dog feels better.
6. Behavioral issues: Think about how grouchy you feel when you are sick. It’s the same for dogs. “Feeding to behavioral health” is something the Royal Canadian Humane Society promotes. It means giving “active thought” to what you feed your dog because “…we are producing future generations of health and behavior problems for dogs by feeding overly processed, chemical and dye-laden commercial dog foods…”
Of course, bad behavior stems from others sources as well, including abuse and lack of socialization. The good news is that there are treatments for these issues.
If your rescue dog misbehaves or seems overly nervous, watch him for signs of physical illness and take him to the vet. Follow any treatment recommendations and help the healing process by feeding him or her with a top-notch organic, preservative free, chemical free diet. Then watch the Free Videos at Doggy Dan’s training site for easy ways to help your dog adjust to his new surroundings and become the true companion you deserve!
