Unlocking Happiness: Essential Care Tips for Rescue Dogs (Part 1)

Each year, around 130,000 dogs find themselves in rescue shelters across the UK (Clark et al., 2012). That’s about 1.3% of the UK dog population—a significant number of dogs in need of care, stability, and a second chance at a happy life. Research has shown that rescue dogs experience higher stress levels compared to dogs in stable home environments (Van der Laan et al., 2022). This makes it all the more crucial to ensure their welfare needs are met with patience, understanding, and the right approach.

In this two-part series, we will explore how to provide the best possible care for rescue dogs, helping them adjust to their new lives. In Part 1, we will focus on meeting their fundamental needs: diet, enrichment, and environment.

1. Nutrition and Enrichment: The Power of Food

A crucial aspect of a dog’s well-being is a balanced and suitable diet. One way to improve their overall health is by including at least 10% fresh foods in their diet (Habib & Becker, 2021). However, feeding a dog isn’t just about providing nourishment—it’s also an opportunity to encourage natural foraging behaviours that can help lower stress levels.

Dogs have evolved as scavengers, making foraging for food a deeply ingrained instinct.

Providing meals through interactive feeding games can be both mentally stimulating and emotionally comforting, especially for rescue dogs. Some great methods include:

• Scatter feeding: Sprinkling food in grassy areas to encourage sniffing and searching.

• Snuffle mats: A fun way to make dogs ‘work’ for their food indoors.

• Hiding food around their kennel: Encourages their natural hunting instincts.

• Activity toys (e.g., treat-dispensing balls): Keeps them engaged and mentally stimulated.

Studies suggest that just 10-20 minutes of scent work can be as enriching for a dog as an hour of physical exercise (Tug-e-Nuff, 2023). Providing these enrichment activities can greatly improve a rescue dog’s overall well-being, making them feel more secure and content in their new environment.

2. Creating a Suitable Environment

A stable and comfortable environment is essential for any dog, but especially for those who have been through the upheaval of rescue shelters. Some dogs adapt well to kennel life, while others struggle with extreme stress. Signs of distress may include:

• Excessive barking

• Self-soothing behaviours like licking or chewing

• Loss of appetite or refusal to engage with people

• Destructive behaviours

• Withdrawal and shutting down

For dogs who do not settle in kennels, foster placements can be a great alternative. Foster homes provide a quieter, more stable setting where dogs receive one-on-one care, reducing their stress levels and increasing their chances of a successful transition to a permanent home. Some rescue dogs may prefer the company of other dogs, while others thrive in a single-pet household—each dog is unique and should be assessed individually.

3. Protecting Rescue Dogs from Pain and Suffering

Rescue dogs often come with unknown medical histories, making veterinary assessments a key priority. Each dog should be checked for injuries, illnesses, and signs of neglect or abuse. Vaccinations, parasite control, and necessary medical treatments should be administered to ensure their physical health.

Beyond physical health, a dog’s emotional well-being must also be considered. Dogs who have suffered neglect or trauma may experience anxiety, trust issues, and fear-based behaviours (Van der Laan et al., 2021). Simply being given up by a previous owner can deeply impact a dog’s self-esteem and ability to form new relationships. Building trust takes time, patience, and gentle handling.

Rehabilitation efforts should focus on positive reinforcement, gradual exposure to new experiences, and ensuring the dog feels safe and secure in their new surroundings.

________________________________________

Final Thoughts

Meeting the fundamental welfare needs of a rescue dog is the first step toward helping them thrive. By ensuring they receive proper nutrition, mental stimulation, a suitable environment, and necessary medical care, we set them up for success in their future homes.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll explore behavioural rehabilitation strategies and how to help rescue dogs build confidence and trust.

References;

Clark, C.C., Gruffydd‐Jones, T. and Murray, J.K., 2012. Number of cats and dogs in UK welfare organisations. Veterinary Record, 170(19), pp.493-493.

Habib, R and Becker, K. (2021) The Forever Dog: A New Science Blueprint for Raising Healthy and Happy Canine Companions. 1st end. Thorsons. Lancashire, England.

Tug-e-Nuff, 2023. Available at: https://www.tug-e-nuff.co.uk/blogs/news/why-sniffing-is-essential-for-your-dog-s-wellbeing Accessed: 01/11/2023

Van der Laan, J.E., Vinke, C.M., van der Borg, J.A.M. and Arndt, S.S., 2021. Restless nights? Nocturnal activity as a useful indicator of adaptability of shelter housed dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 241, p.105377.

Van der Laan, J.E., Vinke, C.M. and Arndt, S.S., 2022. Evaluation of hair cortisol as an indicator of long-term stress responses in dogs in an animal shelter and after subsequent adoption. Scientific Reports, 12(1), p.5117.