When you made the choice to adopt a rescue dog rather than purchase a puppy from a breeder or pet store, you may think that you are getting yourself a dog just like any other. However rescue dogs, especially if they come from a puppy mill or other bad situation can have unique quirks, health conditions, and care needs. Because rescue dogs are such a vastly different experience for pet owners, get to know some of the best dog care tips that you can use to help you with your rescue dog so that you can more easily integrate them into your family and keep them as healthy and happy as possible for the rest of their life with you.

Get Them A Dental Checkup And Pay Special Attention To Dental Care

Dogs that have been rescued from puppy mills or elsewhere often have not received proper oral and dental health care. As such, they may have problems with their teeth, gums, tongue, and even their jaw.

To help ensure that you take the best care of your dog possible, the first step will be to have them go to the vet for a dental checkup. The veterinarian will inspect their teeth and gums and look for any plaque buildup, signs of infection, and signs of tooth rot and cavities. If your new dog's teeth are dirty, they may recommend a dental cleaning as well.

A dental cleaning for dogs usually is done under general anesthesia. This is to ensure that the veterinarian will be able to get a good look at your dog's teeth and scrape off residue and plaque without upsetting or traumatizing the dog in the process. After these appointments, you will want to continue to monitor your dog's oral health and get a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to use on their teeth at least once daily.

Be Prepared To Deal With Anxiety and Nervousness

Many rescue dogs have been through traumatic experiences of some kind. Whether they were left alone and abandoned or they have been abused by a previous owner, your new rescue dog may have triggers that cause them anxiety and nervousness that seem odd or strange to you. You need to be prepared for such issues.

Pay special attention to your dog in the first few days and weeks that you have them in your home. If certain movements, noises, or people cause them to cower, hide, or pace around back and forth, this means that they have anxiety.

Sometimes, a rescue dog will get over these issues with time in a safe and secure home. However, you may also need to work with them to change those behaviors through training or anti-anxiety medications. Training can help correct their behaviors and desensitize them to their triggers, and the medications can help them to calm down so they can become more comfortable in their safe living environment with you.

With these tips in mind, you can better go about caring for your adopted rescue dog and helping them stay healthy as they adjust to their new life in their forever home with you. Contact a company like Murrells Inlet Veterinary Hospital for more information.