Things to Know When Rescuing a Puppy

There are two things most people can agree on: Income taxes are bad – a puppy is good. Puppies are more than just good, they’re awesome and make life a lot more enjoyable.

If you and your family have been thinking about rescuing a puppy, you have two options: Buying a puppy from a breeder or rescuing one form a local shelter or rescue organization. Many people don’t know that there are rescue puppies available for adoption. And for people looking for a specific breed of puppy, yes, you can find just about every breed of puppy that has been rescued and is in need of a good home!

If you’ve never rescued a puppy before, or it’s been awhile, the following are some things to keep in mind:

Puppies Need a Lot of Time and Attention

A puppy that has been rescued will often feel anxious. Often these young dogs will have already gone through some tough situations in their new lives and be timid and shy. They will need a lot of comfort and companionship from their new human.

In addition to needing comfort and company, a puppy is going to need a lot of potty breaks. Expect to let them outside or take them on short walks every two to three hours at the beginning.

If you think you can rescue a puppy and leave it alone all day by itself, think again. If no one will be home for most of the day, you can hire a dog walker, but those can get pretty expensive.

The bottom line is, a puppy needs their humans to be around to help them acclimate and to properly potty train them. If you can’t commit to this, perhaps consider rescuing an older dog. Although older dogs still don’t like to be home all alone and need to go out every 6-8 hours to relieve themselves.

Goodbye Spontaneity – Hello Careful Planning

If you like and are used to a lifestyle where you can go on last-minute weekend getaways, a puppy is going to throw a massive wrench into your life. Planning becomes crucial when going on vacations. Will you take your pup with you, board them or hire a pet sitter?

Are you someone that has an active nightlife? You can’t expect your puppy to be alone all day and all night. Know exactly what you are getting into and make sure you can meet your puppy’s needs before making any commitment you can’t keep.

Dogs Can Live a Long Time

Depending on the breed, dogs can live between 10 and 20 years!  You’ve got to think long-term before you rescue a puppy. Are you getting married? Will you want children soon? Can you give your dog the attention they need while raising a young family? Are you in college? Will you be moving anytime soon? What does your life realistically look like in the coming 5-10 or more years?

Puppies Need Patience

Puppies are adorable. They also have behaviors that you may not love at first. For instance, even if you are sticking to a tight potty training schedule, expect them to still have some accidents in the house.

Puppies will also be teething and need to chew on things. If you don’t want them to chew on your furniture, or your cat, then be sure you have plenty of chew toys for them.

And finally, rescue puppies will most likely have anxiety and possibly be nervous around you. Every puppy is an individual and will react in their own way once you bring them home. Just don’t expect them to be climbing all over you and licking your face at first. Give them some time and be patient and after a few weeks, they will begin to relax and trust you more and more.

You Will Need to Puppy-Proof Your Home

You MUST puppy-proof your house or apartment. Common items like electric cords, medicines, cleaning supplies, household plants, human foods like chocolate, these can all be deadly to your new puppy. If you have to, get on your hands and knees and crawl around to see what your puppy will see.

Dogs are Expensive

Are you sure you can afford a dog? And I’m not just talking the adoption fee. Dogs will need a quality food, vet care, training and more. You may need to pay for pet sitters or boarding fees when you go away.

Your dog may also need monthly grooming, depending on what breed you adopt. And of course there is monthly heartworm and flea and tick prevention.

And don’t’ forget those unexpected costs like potential emergency vet fees. According to industry reports, the average emergency clinic visit costs owners $800 – $1500 dollars. And this amount doesn’t include those times when a surgery is needed. Then your bill can skyrocket to $5000 or more.

Do you realistically have the ability to pay for everything your new fur baby will need over the course of his or her life?

Rescuing a Puppy Makes Life Better

There is no question that dogs bring joy, fun, and, okay, a little craziness into our lives. But for those of us who have shared our home and life with a dog, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

As long as you know what your puppy requires to live a happy and healthy life, and as long as you are fully committed to giving them what thy need, you and your new best friend should be able to spend many amazing years together!

Protect Your New Puppy – and Your Wallet – from High Vet Bills

I just mentioned that sometimes the unexpected happens, and your new puppy may become sick or injured. At these times, you want to know that you can give your puppy the medical care they need and deserve. But, ER clinic visits, multiple vet visits, X-rays and medications, these can all cost a lot, and before you know it, you have a bill that is overwhelming.

Protect your puppy – and your piggybank – with a pet insurance plan that guarantees the best veterinary care. Some plans can even reimburse you for up to 90% of your dog’s veterinary costs.

At Pet Insurance Review, we work hard to find only the best policies from the top pet health insurance providers in the country. Simply get a free quote now, and let us do the rest!

References:

1. Burke, A. How Long Do Dogs Live? Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-long-do-dogs-live/
2. Gibeault, S. MSc, CPDT. Why Does My Puppy Pee in the House? Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/why-does-my-puppy-keep-peeing-in-the-house/
3. Popular Houseplants That Are Toxic To Dogs (2020). Retrieved from: https://www.cesarsway.com/popular-houseplants-that-are-toxic-to-dogs/

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.