Rescuing a dog could be one of the best things you ever do. A lot of these dogs have had to deal with abandonment and abuse, and are in great need of love, care, and attention. However, even if you have good intentions, adopting a rescue dog is not for everybody. And, rescuing a dog when you’re not prepared could do them an even bigger disservice. The last thing you want is to have to take it back to the shelter you got it from.
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Pros and Cons of Rescuing a Dog
So, you have to make sure that you know what adopting a dog entails and the challenges that come with it. Here are some of the pros and cons of adopting a rescue dog.
Pro – They’re More Affordable
One of the biggest benefits of getting a rescue dog is that it’s much less expensive. Also, some people may not necessarily need or want a purebred dog. If that’s the case, you don’t have to overpay when you can have a very fine mixed breed dog. One of the benefits of a mixed breed is that they’re much less likely to have genetic issues.
Con – Unclear History
On the other hand, you also don’t know what their medical history is, so you could end up with a dog that has a variety of health issues. This could be especially true if you decide to adopt an older one.
One of the most common issues with older rescue dogs is joint issues. This is why you will need to ensure you’re considering joint care for your dog and supplementing their diet where it’s needed. One option is YuMOVE. Their joint care for dogs tablets contain ingredients that could help older dogs and those dealing with bone issues be more active and healthy. They’re one of the top brands in the country and could be a great solution for your dog’s needs.
When adopting a dog, it’s unlikely you’ll be provided with much information regarding their medical history or behavioural characteristics. So, this is something you’ll need to be prepared to deal with.
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You should know that most rescue dogs will get inoculated, be checked for parasites, and be spayed or neutered, so there are great chances that the dog will be healthy. However, this also depends on the rehoming facility. Some are less reputable than others and approach care differently. We would suggest that you speak with a vet first and ask them to direct you to a reputable rescue centre.
Pro – Many Options
While you may not be able to get a popular dog breed, there are tons of options when rescuing a pet. You can pick a pup if you want them to grow with the family, or an older dog if you’d prefer one that will be less hyperactive. Some people will also choose on the spot based on the dog’s reaction to them at the rescue centre. This is a great option if you want to save a mature or aging dog.
Con – Unpredictable Behaviour
One of the common issues with rescue dogs is that you never truly know what you’ll be getting in terms of temperament. Some dogs may behave in a certain way in the centre, and be completely different when introduced to the family. This means that you may have to either train them yourself or take them to a boarding school.
There are also times when the dog will reject the family at first. This can be very difficult to deal with, but it usually subsides after a while. So, you shouldn’t take it badly and instead should be patient with them. Give them time to get familiar with you, other family members, and their environment. Once they get comfortable, you’ll get the chance to see how they truly behave.
Pro – You Are Saving a Dog’s Life
Perhaps most importantly, by rescuing a dog, you could literally be saving their life. Thousands of dogs get put down every year. As a matter of fact, it’s estimated that over 20,000 dogs are put down every year in the UK.
So, if you want to do your part, rescue a dog. This could also be a great way to show your kids the value of charity and helping others. This is also a great way to teach your children discipline and responsibility.
Rescue dogs will usually also reward their host family with undying loyalty. Rescuing a dog is a win for everyone, and one of the most beautiful acts of kindness someone can do, so consider the option if you want to give a dog a second lease on life.
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Rescuing a dog is a very important decision and one you shouldn’t take on a whim. You will need to learn as much as you can about how the process works before taking the leap.
