Adopting a dog can be a wonderful and exciting experience, but it's also challenging. If your dog has injuries or other physical problems that you can't explain, or has unusual or extreme behaviors, you may assume that he has been mistreated in the past. While there is no way to be sure, if you notice physical or behavioral indicators of possible abuse you should take him to the vet or dog educator for therapy.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Check for Signs of Physical Abuse
Step 1. Check the general appearance of the dog
A dog's physique varies widely depending on its breed. However, it doesn't have to be too skinny. For example, if the bones are clearly visible under the skin, he may be undernourished. Neglected or abused dogs are often not fed adequately or even starved on purpose, so malnutrition can be a sign of previous abuse.
Step 2. Examine the quality of the fur
Some dogs have short and shaggy hair, others long and soft, still others somewhere in between. Whichever breed he belongs to, his coat should be clean and free of any weird knots or tangles. If your dog's is too frizzy or shaggy, it could mean that it has been neglected in the past, has never been brushed or, perhaps, lived in poor conditions.
Step 3. Pay attention to the presence of areas with alopecia
If your dog's coat has bald patches, or if it appears to be coming off in clumps, it could be a sign of past abuse. Possible causes could be inadequate cleaning or an untreated disease.
Step 4. Check if the dog's nails are too long
While it may seem like a minor problem, it may actually indicate previous abuse. It may mean that the old owner did not give the animal adequate care or that he kept it in conditions where the nails could not wear out naturally.
Step 5. Look for signs of untreated skin conditions
To do this you need to examine the dog's skin closely. If you notice strange injuries (i.e. you don't know how they got them), they could indicate physical abuse or illness not properly treated by a veterinarian. Among the possible indications are:
- Scabs.
- Wounds.
- Skin irregularities.
- Scaly skin.
- Burns.
Step 6. Pay attention to any infestations
Dogs that have been abused or neglected often can be infected with fleas, ticks, or other parasites. There are other causes why an animal, even if well cared for, can harbor one or more parasites, but a massive presence of them can indicate mistreatment, especially if there are also other signs that indicate it.
Part 2 of 3: Observe the Dog's Behavior
Step 1. Know what kind of behavior to expect
Be careful not to assume that any unusual attitude is synonymous with abuse. For example, a dog adapting to his new home may have certain ways (being anxious, chewing excessively, whining, etc.) because he is too excited or nervous. Similarly, a dog that is agitated, frightened or aggressive in a kennel does not necessarily mean that it has been mistreated. In reality, he may simply not be used to being surrounded by other dogs or being locked up.
- All dogs need a period of time to socialize and adapt to their new environment.
- If you are considering adopting a dog, try to observe him in a quiet place first. This will give you an idea of his normal behavior and help you understand if he has been abused.
Step 2. Observe how it moves
Sometimes a mistreatment may leave no marks on the skin or coat. However, if you notice that he is limping or having difficulty moving, it could mean that he has been injured in the past. Symptoms of such a problem include:
- Unusual gait.
- Slow movements (lethargy).
- He does not like being touched in certain areas of the body.
- Difficulty getting up, lying down or sitting down.
- One or more legs move differently from the others (slower, stiffer, etc.).
Step 3. Check for aggressive behavior
Some dogs that have been mistreated may react by becoming violent. However, this type of attitude can have many other causes, which is why it is important to discuss it with a veterinarian, educator, or behaviorist. Ways indicative of aggression include:
- Grumble.
- Bark.
- Growl.
- Show your teeth.
- To bite.
Step 4. Check for any signs of unease
Abused dogs can also react by becoming introverted, shy or scared. As with aggression, there are many possible causes that make a dog anxious, which is why you need to speak to your vet or other expert to narrow down and understand them. Behaviors indicative of distress include:
- Excessive whining.
- Excessive panting.
- Deburr.
- To chew.
- To dig.
- Walk back and forth continuously.
- Not wanting to be alone or in an empty room.
- Urination or defecation when the owners are not around.
Part 3 of 3: Doing a Search
Step 1. Consider the breeds that are most frequently abused
Any type of dog can be mistreated. However, breeds used for clandestine wrestling or guarding, such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers, are generally more prone to violence or neglect. Those who abuse these animals isolate them, let them starve, drug them, train them to be extremely aggressive, let them get injured or even die during the fighting.
Step 2. Contact the previous owner or caregiver
If you have doubts about your dog's past (such as injuries or unexplained defects), you should feel free to make contact with anyone who had it before you. Reputable breeders, kennels, shelters and pet shops will be happy to share any information they have. If, on the other hand, the previous owner doesn't want to answer, or gives explanations that don't make sense, it could be a problem.
The Italian National Canine Organization helps to find reliable breeders
Step 3. Ask the vet to check the dog
Whenever you adopt one, you should take him to a medical examination as soon as possible to assess his state of health. If you suspect that he has been mistreated in the past, you should contact your vet immediately. He will have him undergo a thorough examination to check for problems, including behavioral ones, and, if necessary, develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Step 4. If appropriate, take action
In most developed countries, animal abuse is a serious crime and punishable by law. If you know for sure, or if you only suspect, that a dog has been or is still being mistreated, contact an animal welfare organization, local animal guards or municipal police.
- If possible, try to document the abuse by photographing or filming it.
- However, don't put yourself in danger. Do not enter private areas and stay away from any individuals or animals that seem dangerous.
