Puppy Rescue
Problems
It is always tempting when you find a lost puppy to pick it up and take it home with you. Many times puppies are just discarded on the streets. It can be because they are mutts or the mother cannot take care of them, or they were just unwanted. When an animal is scared and underfed, it will form a lasting bond with the person who saves it and nurses it back to health. A rescue puppy can become the most loyal pet you have ever had but it can also cause problems if you do not know anything about the animal.
Quarantine
The most devastating problem with rescuing puppies is taking it home and immediately introducing it to your dog at home. If this puppy has not had its shots, it may have been disposed of because it is sickly. Puppy diseases of parvo and distemper are airborne diseases and can pass quickly to your dog, infect it and ultimately cause death of your pet. Just because your dog has its shots does not mean that it is unsusceptible to these infections. When bringing a dog home you should quarantine it for 14 days and watched closely for any signs of sickness. At the end of the quarantine period, you should start its vaccines immediately.
Worms
Rescue puppies need worming for roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms immediately upon taking them home. If they have been loose on the streets, they probably have eaten anything they can find. Spoiled food will give a puppy worms and most puppies worming schedule starts at two weeks old because they are born with worms. A worming schedule of every two weeks until twelve weeks old for roundworms and hookworms should be followed. Then follow your veterinarians' advice for a worming schedule. A puppy can transfer their worms to other animals and humans, so it is best to start this schedule while they are in quarantine.
Behavior
If you do not have information on the lineage of the puppy that you rescued, you should watch his behavior closely. Some dogs, as they grow older, can become very aggressive to children or other dogs no matter what breed they are. Some puppies will appear very quiet and shy, but when reached for, they will bite. If this behavior is displayed you may use extra training to correct it, or if it disturbs the entire household, you may want to re-home him. Many professional trainers will access a dog and accept it to train and re-home for you.
Food
If your rescue puppy is very young and has no teeth, it may need to be bottle-fed. Pasteurized milk from the store is too harsh for a puppy and will give him diarrhea, but puppy formula and bottles are available at your local pet supply store or feed store. If the puppy has teeth but looks thin you can feed it puppy food with chicken broth on it. The broth will add extra protein to the food and help in digestion of a new food.
Considerations:
If you get a puppy from a shelter that rescued it, be sure and ask about worming and shots that he
he has been given. The best procedure in all cases is to take your new puppy to your vet and have a thorough examination done so he can help you make a plan of action for your pet's health and well-being.
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