Contents

8 Signs of a Healthy Rescue Dog 

iamge of 2 dogs playing

You want the best for your rescue dog and that includes good health. One of the best ways to monitor your dogs health is by noticing  a few basic signs on a regular basis.

Regular pet health checks will not only save time and money but will help reduce the stress worrying that your dog may be sick.

To help you maintain your rescue dog good health we’ve put together 8 signs that show to notice that your dog is healthy or improving in health. So, read on till the end for more information.


What’s Different About a Rescue Dog and What Does It Mean

Rescue dogs are special especially to the humans that rescue them. The diffence between ‘regular’ pooch and dogs that are rescued is their circumstances. A rescue dog is a dog that has been placed in a new home after being abused, neglected, or abandoned by its previous owner.  Each have with suffered various levels of abuse and neglect.

For this reason a rescue dog may be in good health when you adopt while other may take a little time. But that is all in loving a rescue dog and taking care of their health.

Signs that your rescue dog is good health or getting there?

happy dog in nature

Is Your Rescue Dog Eating Well

 

If you have a newly adopted rescue dog it will take a little time understand what are normal or not eating habits.

Things like, the breed, age and often the history of your rescue will all play a role in how they eat.

While most dogs are happy to chomp away, others will be protective of their food and eat as much as they can. Others may be a little timid about approaching food especially if there is another dog in the house. Overall most will eat just fine.

The best way to see how your dog is eating is to put the required amount of food in the bowl and watch from a distance.

Eating Too Fast

That way if your rescue is eating their food too quickly you can feed your dog smaller portions more often. That way they’ll the have time to digest their food properly.

Afraid to Eat

If your dog is shy or afraid to eat then the you can leave food down in a bowl. You can take gently lead your dog to the bowl and talk to them gently. Yon can even leave a small trail of kibble to encourage them to eat.

And, if there is another pet in the house you can feed them separatley or stand near making sure the other dog doesn’t try taking the food. With patience and love your rescue will gain confidence and start eating.

What to Feed a Rescue Dog

Before taking your dog home the shelter or rescue agency will do their best to share any information they have about the your canine. This will include any health informationthey have along with tips of what to feed your rescue.

However, if there is little information then choose the best food for the breed, age and nutritional needs for your dog.

Note – If for any reason your dog does not eat or drinks for a day, there might be some health issues. And seeing a vet will be the right action to take (source).


bright and clear eyes dog with bright eyes

(Image by Victor Grabarczyk)

If you’re a dog owner, then you’ve probably seen your dog have those cute “puppy dog eyes” ;eyes that are soft, relaxed eyes that blink a lot.

Like humans a dog uses their use too comminicate too. But if your dog has discharge coming from his eyes, it’s time to see a professional vet within a short time. A healthy dog should have bright and clear eyes, but will likely get cloudy with age. (source).

A clean and shiny coat

 

If your dog has a serious underlying health issue, it may be reflected in his coat.

Most rescue dog coats shine beautifully. If a rescue has a history of neglect such as food lack or having to face the elements, then the right dog products, and some tlc will help get your dogs coat clean, shiny and in good health.

If the coat has bald spots, dandruff, and parasites, then there is an imminent health issue if it hasn’t happened yet. And as always, you will need to see a vet for professional assistance.


Running and playing

(Image by Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho)

If your dog is running around and playing a you should be a happy dog owner.

But if your rescue dog isn’t leaping and bounding that doesn’t mean he’s not in good health. Depending on the breed, age and character some rescue dogs are simply happy to cuddle and chill out with you.

If your dog is unusually sedentary, there might be something wrong with him. It could be because he was hurt and needs a vet’s attention!

This is one reasons to consider which is the right type of rescue that’s right for your lifestyle.

If your dog is unusually sedentary, there might be something wrong with him. It could be because he was hurt and needs a vet’s attention!



Firm and parasite-free stool

Doing a poop check is a good idea too. That doesn’t mean you have to follow him around the yard all day, but once a week is good. This can help to tell if your rescue dog tummy is in good health.  A healthy dog will have a stool that is firm and has no parasites. Also, the stool from a healthy dog will be chocolate brown in color (source). If your dog has diarrhea that doesn’t firm up or if you don’t see these characteristics of dog poop, take tak to a vet who will do the “dirty work” ahem.


A moist and clean nose

healthy wet dog nose

(Image by Gayatri Malhotra)

A wet nose is a healthy dog as it is said. But their nose is not always wet so that doesn;t mean to say that your rescue dog is in less than good health.

What’s impotrant to note os that their nose should be moist and cool (source).

But if your dog’s nose has cracks and is very dry, it shows he might be suffering and needs health inspections.


Clean, odor-free ears

 

Your dog should have ears free of pungent smell, wax build-up, and discharge!

If you notice a murky smell coming from his ears or the ears have some discharge, or dark specks (could be ear mites) then it’s time to head to a vet. Checking for symptoms might cause hearing loss if untreated.

Cleaning your dog ears regularily will help you to bond with your rescue, while ensuring their health is tip top.


Healthy weight

A dog that has consistent weight tends to be a healthy one. Just like their human obesity can cause problems causes such as diabetes, heart problems, and joint diseases, just to mention a few.

If your dog gains too much weight, he might develop serious health problems. If he also loses some weight, his health might be at risk and immediate medical checkup will be necessary. Maintaining a consistent weight for your rescue will make for dog in good health, and may extend his longevity too!


Concluding Rescue Dog Health Signs

These simple tips will help to monitor and care for your dog between their regular veterinary check up.

A rescue If your dog whose health is well maintained always stays healthy, his life will be long, and this means more time of companionship. Besides, your dog is more than just a companion! He’s part of your family and he deserves the best of treatment coming from you.

With the above signs, you will know if your dog has a health problem. In case you see something abnormal, always consult a vet for medical checkups. We hope that you’ve learned something valuable from this post. For further reading, you can visit the links below:

https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/dog-health-signs-healthy-dog#:~:text=Dog%20health%20symptoms,watering%2C%20and%20free%20of%20discharge.

https://www.petinsurance.com/en/healthzone/pet-articles/pet-health/6-Signs-Your-Dog-is-Healthy.aspx