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We’re all aware of the saying ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’. Sadly, not every US dog owner abides by the sentiment. In fact, it’s estimated that over 3.1 million dogs enter animal shelters across the country every year. And even more shocking, many of them have come from an abusive household. If you have recently adopted a rescue dog, there may be signs the pooch has not had the best start in life. To give more clarification, here are some red flags to look out for.
Physical Scars
When it comes to signs your dog may have come from an abusive background, physical scars are very telling. If your pooch had healing wounds or was too skinny when you adopted them, it’s fairly obvious they were neglected in their previous home.
There are other signs to look out for which are a bit more subtle. These include long nails, fur that doesn’t look healthy, as well as areas on their body where they do not like to be touched. Understandably, it can be heartbreaking seeing the physical effects of what your dog has endured previously. However, with them now in your tender loving care, this can provide reassurance that they are and always will be in safe hands.
Food Issues
If there is one thing a dog loves most in life (aside from you!) it’s food. Regardless of breed, age, or gender, canines all over love to wolf down some tasty grub. What you may notice is your rescue dog has a strange attitude to food. For example, if your pooch is scarfing their food down too quickly, you may wonder if they are actually tasting it. Some dogs may refuse to leave their bowl during the middle of eating too. If your dog snaps or growls at you if you come too close while they eat, these are signs of food aggression.
Sadly, your dog may have come from a home where they weren’t well fed. Without a reliable source of food, your pooch may be very protective over any they’re given. If you have any worries about their eating habits, make sure to speak to your vet.
Being Clingy
Although many dogs love to be close to their owners, if yours is always clinging by your side, this is a red flag that something may have occurred in their previous home. For example, if your pooch won’t leave your side even when they need to go to the restroom, this could signal they’ve had an unstable puppyhood.
Canines that are extra clingy may have developed severe separation anxiety, to the extreme that they howl, whine, or become destructive the moment you step away from them. Of course, this can be highly difficult to experience, so it may be time to look into hiring a dog trainer to help.
Submission
You will find some pooches are more submissive than others naturally. However, an overly submissive canine may be showing signs of previous abuse. Signs to look out for include cowering, rolling over with their tail tucked when you approach or cowering while they urinate. While submitting can be a sign of respect, if they are being overly submissive, this may indicate that they’re worried you may cause them harm, which causes them to be on their best behavior at all times.
If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to a specialist dog trainer or your vet. A professional can provide ways to make your pooch feel more relaxed at home and more comfortable in your presence.
Anxiety
Just like with humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety too. In fact, there are similar traits to look out for. These include excessive panting, barking, pacing, and drooling. Other signs of dog anxiety include defecating or urinating in the house, aggression, destructive behavior and restlessness. Native Pet have a guide on dog anxiety which can explain these symptoms further, as well as what action to take.
Seeing your dog anxious and distressed should never go ignored. While you can’t fully understand and imagine what has happened to them in the past, you can look at ways to relieve their suffering and help them feel more comfortable and at ease in your home.
Fear or Aggression
In certain situations, some dogs may become fearful and show signs of aggression. Canines that have been abused are usually afraid of just about everything and may become aggressive unpredictably. When you bring a rescue dog into the home, you’ll want them to feel safe from the start. However, if your pooch is terrified of loud noises or quick movements, they may quiver and act out of character.
Depending on the severity of your dog’s fear or aggression, they may require medication in addition to working with a dog trainer. Your end goal will be for your dog to feel safe and content within the household and not feel fearful or agitated around others.
Obsessive/Self-Soothing Behavior
Dogs have their own way of working out their emotions and feelings. These include obsessively licking themselves. However, this coping mechanism isn’t great for them. There are a ton of reasons behind this kind of obsession that you need to look into. If your rescue dog continues to obsessively lick themselves, this is another red flag that indicates past abuse.
While this sign could be down to allergies, boredom, or pain, you can’t rule out the prospect of abuse. Your vet will be able to examine your dog’s behavior and activities to establish the root cause of their self-soothing.
If your rescue dog is displaying any of the signs above, it can be highly distressing to witness. Thankfully, as your four-legged friend settles in, they should feel more at home and comfortable around you. If you have any worries or concerns about your dog’s behavior, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your vet.
Sneezing And Other Unusual Behaviors
It’s not uncommon for rescue dogs to exhibit unusual behaviors that may seem out of character. Sneezing, for example, might be more than just a common reaction to dust or allergens. In some cases, it could be a sign of underlying stress or a learned behavior from past abuse. Understanding why your dog is sneezing can be a complex task, but resources like this guide can provide insights into the possible causes and solutions. If your rescue dog keeps sneezing or shows other unusual behaviors, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer. These experts can help you identify the root cause and provide the necessary care and support to help your furry friend heal and adapt to their new loving home.
Photo by Jeremy Stewardson on Unsplash