It might also turn out that the dog is chipped but the owner has deliberately dumped them. Identifying the owner via the chip could allow the authorities to prosecute the owner for neglect.
The vet will look for any signs of ill health which could explain the animal’s poor state, as well as assess cuts or injuries, and advise you as to what treatment is necessary to fix these problems. If you got the dog from a shelter, you can also direct many of your questions towards them. They may have records on the original owners of the dog.
Do not attempt to catch a dog that seems aggressive or that is acting in a strange way. Call animal control to catch the dog. [4] X Research source If you are determined to care for the animal, talk to your veterinarian about testing their blood for the presence of rabies antibodies. [5] X Expert Source Elisabeth WeissProfessional Dog Trainer Expert Interview. 4 November 2021. This test will not distinguish between actual rabies and a rabies vaccine, but if it is negative you will know that the dog has not been infected or vaccinated.
Get a rabies vaccination. Cases of canine rabies in the US each are uncommon, just in case the animal becomes rabid and bites you. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you already have a dog, make sure your dog isn’t in contact with the one you adopted until the stray has had their vaccinations and their behavior is stable.
For example, a rejected dog may be either attention-hungry or excessively independent.
Talk to your veterinarian if the dog has matted fur and needs to be sedated to remove the mats.
To remove ticks, spritz the dog with a fibronil-based flea product. Then, use tweezers to pluck the tick off, making sure not to squeeze the tick’s belly as you do so. Be sure to dig the entire head of the tick out as well, because the tick may still survive. The dog may whine or wiggle if you hurt them, so soothe the animal by speaking softly and petting them. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Pet stores sell doggie toothbrushes and toothpastes that taste good to dogs. In order to brush your dog’s teeth, restrain them (most likely between your legs). Hold their head with your left arm and open their mouth with your left hand. Then brush in a circular motion with you right hand. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Give them a treat afterwards. Eventually, they’ll learn to love their at-home dental appointments.
An emaciated or thin dog needs building up, but do this slow over the weeks and months to come. Aim to give 2 to 4 meals a day of good quality food. Avoid foods that are high in cereal content (cereal is listed first on the food label) as this is harder to digest as it ferments in the gut, which is likely to cause stomach upsets. [16] X Research source Small Animal Nutrition. Agar. Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann Chose a good quality food that is age appropriate (puppy food for juniors, adult food for adults). Look on the food label and chose one that list actual meat as the top ingredients (as opposed to meat meal, which is processed organ and offal). [17] X Research source Small Animal Nutrition. Agar. Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
It is best to restrict the dog to one room so that they aren’t overwhelmed. Provide them with a bed, and praise them when they use it to help them realize this is their space. At this stage you may not know if the dog is house trained or not, so put puppy pads by the door just in case. When the dog wakes, give them a chance to go into the yard for a toilet break. Likewise take them out immediately after eating and about half an hour later as food in the stomach stimulates the bowel to move.
7:00am: wake up and let dog outside 8:00am: feed dog breakfast 8:30am: let dog outside 1:00pm: let dog outside 5:00pm: let dog outside 7:00pm: feed dog dinner 7:30pm: take dog for a walk 9:00pm: let dog outside 10:00pm: bedtime
Pet your dog regularly. Do so carefully. Many neglected dogs will be hand shy. They may even respond violently, if they have been the victim of physical abuse. Until you understand your dog’s temperament be gentle and very careful, but make sure to pet them every day. By making physical contact with your dog, they’ll learn to trust you and will be comforted by this contact. [19] X Research source
Try “click-and-treat-training”. In this type of training, the pet is empowered by having the opportunity to find a way to make you click and thus receive a reward. Once pets figure out how the game is played, they may prefer the “game” over the reward. Tell your dog to “come” and click. Do this repeatedly. Then try just clicking and see if the dog comes. [21] X Research source
No shelter Collar too tight Lack of grooming Mange (missing hair, body covered in sores) Starvation[22] X Research source
Try to understand their situation before you jump to any conclusions. Poor dog care resulting from poverty is different than malice. Figure out how you can best help the dog. You may offer to lend a helping hand. You could offer to walk or play with the dog when the owner isn’t around. Or you may need to contact the authorities.
