8 Common Medical Issues Your Shelter Dog May Come Home With (But DON’T Panic!)

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 16
5 min read

When you adopt a shelter dog, you are undoubtedly saving a life. Unfortunately, as a rescue, we’ve seen adopted shelter dogs get returned within just a few hours or days of adoption due to medical issues that needlessly frightened adopters.

Many shelter dogs will likely have some sort of health issue that pops up within a week of adoption. The good news is that, more likely than not, most issues are not a huge deal and can be easily treated under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Here are some of the most common medical issues your shelter dog may have.

1. Giardia

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that can cause tummy troubles. It spreads easily through contaminated water, surfaces, or feces, which makes a crowded shelter the perfect environment for it.

In fact, the Companion Animal Parasite Council states that Giardia is commonly found in shelter dogs. So, if your new pup has especially smelly, soft, runny or greasy stools, Giardia could be the culprit.

The good news? It’s treatable with medication, some extra potty breaks, and a few extra loads of laundry to keep bedding clean.

Learn More: What You Need To Know About Giardia

2. Kennel Cough

Kennel cough is basically the dog version of a cold. It’s highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets, shared bowls, or toys. As a rescue, it’s the ailment we see the most frequently when we pull dogs from California shelters.

Symptoms include a dry, honking cough, sneezing, nasal discharge, and low energy.

Vaccines like Bordetella help prevent it, but even vaccinated dogs can catch mild cases in high-risk environments like shelters.

Fortunately, most cases resolve on their own with rest and supportive care. However, puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems may need antibiotics or additional supportive care.

Learn More: Everything You Need To Know About Kennel Cough

3. Worms

Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms are incredibly common in shelter and rescue dogs, especially if they haven’t been consistently dewormed. But don’t worry! With treatment, your dog will be just fine.

Hookworms and roundworms are more easily transmitted between dogs, while tapeworms are generally transmitted through infected fleas.

Signs include a bloated belly, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and scooting. You may also have the disgusting experience of seeing worms in your dog’s poop.

Most shelters treat dogs upon intake, but follow-up deworming may still be needed. Fecal testing and preventive medication are your best defenses.

Learn More: What You Need To Know About Worms in Dogs

4. Fleas and Ticks

Flea infestations and ticks often go unnoticed in shelters until the dog’s coat is examined more closely at home.

Common symptoms of fleas include scratching, hair loss, red bumps, and tiny black specks that look like pepper called “flea dirt.”

On the other hand, ticks can be identified by feeling for bumps on your dog’s skin. Check the bump to make sure it’s not a tick. If it is, you can remove it yourself (if you know how to do so safely) or schedule a vet visit to ensure the tick is fully removed.

Thankfully, modern flea and tick preventatives are safe, effective, and easy to use. Plus, a medication like Capstar can start killing all fleas on your dog in just 30 minutes.

Learn More: What Dog Owners Need To Know About Fleas

5. Skin Issues

Shelter dogs often arrive with itchy, irritated skin due to allergies, a poor diet, parasites, or stress. Look for dry patches, redness, dandruff, or excessive licking and scratching.

Skin conditions can include mange (which is contagious to other dogs), bacterial infections, or yeast overgrowth. It’s best to talk to your vet to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

It can be trickier to overcome skin issues in dogs, but these conditions aren’t life-threatening. They just may take a little time to treat.

Don’t forget that good nutrition and a soothing bath can go a long way in restoring your dog’s healthy glow.

Learn More: Dog Grooming

6. Ear or Eye Infections

Watery eyes, redness, eye discharge, pawing at the face, head shaking, or smelly ears could all signal an infection.

Ear infections are extremely common in dogs who have floppy ears. Moisture and debris can get trapped easily, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and yeast.

Fortunately, both these issues are treatable with proper medication.

Learn More: Ear Infections in Dogs

7. Underweight

Many shelter dogs arrive undernourished due to neglect, food competition, or stress.

With time and proper nutrition, most dogs bounce back quickly. Just be careful not to overfeed all at once. Gradual weight gain with high-quality food is best.

Ask your vet about calorie targets and the best food to support healthy weight gain.

Learn More: How To Choose the Right Food for Your Dog

8. Dental Issues

Dental care often takes a backseat in shelters. While you generally won’t see this issue in puppies, there’s a good chance you may see dental problems in adult and senior shelter dogs.

Tartar buildup, gum disease, broken teeth, or bad breath can be signs that your pup’s mouth needs some TLC.

A professional dental cleaning may be necessary, and brushing at home will help keep things in check.

Fortunately, with treatment, dental issues are not life-threatening. Plus, they aren’t contagious to other dogs.

Learn More: How To Take Care of Your Dog's Teeth at Home

Our Recommendations

If you decide to adopt a dog from the shelter, here are our biggest pieces of advice:

Make sure all the animals currently in your home are up-to-date on vaccines and flea/tick preventative.
Keep your new dog separated from your current pets for about a week to minimize your pet’s exposure to anything contagious.
Schedule a visit with your vet within one week of your new dog’s arrival to get any concerns addressed.

We also encourage you to have your new dog accurately diagnosed if any ailments arise and understand what they have, rather than just returning them to the shelter. We’ve seen puppies with kennel cough get returned because their adopters mistakenly thought the puppies had parvo.

Had these adopters taken their puppies to the vet and gotten them properly diagnosed, those puppies would likely have been able to stay in their homes, and those adopters would have ended up with awesome dogs.

Learn More: How To Choose a Veterinarian

Final Thoughts

Don’t let a few sniffles or itchy spots scare you away from adopting a shelter dog. These common issues are usually easy to treat and, in the long run, will just be bumps on the road to a healthier, happier life together.

With a vet visit, a little patience, and some TLC, your shelter pup will be thriving in no time.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended as professional medical advice. It is based on personal experience and online research. Please consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's health.