Adopting a rescue pug can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From finding the right rescue organization to preparing your home for your new furry friend, there are several things to consider before bringing unwanted pugs home. 

In this guide, we will discuss all you need to know about the process of adopting a rescue pug, including tips for successful adoption, what to expect during the first few weeks, and how to provide the best care for your new companion. So, if you’re one of the dedicated volunteers and considering adopting a rescue pug, read on to learn more!

Factor 1: Understanding Pug Health Issues and Special Needs

Pugs are not like typical dogs when it comes to health and wellness. Especially if you adopt a neglected pug, it surely has a health issue. Often health issues result in medical expenses. So, frequent vet visits for treatment, checkups, and medical care should be given special consideration. 

Pugs are prone to many health issues like breathing, eyes, and skin folds specific to brachycephalic breeds. Furthermore, toy breeds are prone to health issues like luxating patella, dental problems, and trachea. Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is also pug specific. 

Additionally, your pug may be on anxiety medication to help them adjust to new life. Pugs have a high rate of allergies, like allergic reactions to food, especially grains. Some medical conditions of pugs are lifelong. 

However, you can manage tons of problems by focusing on the diet of pugs. You can support them if you keep an eye on their special diet that starts feeding them raw or premium kibble.

Furthermore, pugs are allergic to vaccines. So, after you adopt them, be watchful of the vaccination protocol. Also, don’t forget to think about the insurance policy seriously. Otherwise, a minor issue can become a major problem that will run you into serious cash.

Factor 2: Evaluating the Rescue Organization

Thorough research is mandatory to identify a reputable rescue organization before adopting a rescue pug. First and foremost, make a list of rescue organizations in your area or state. You can opt for many ways to search for rescues.

Talk to veterinarians; they may be able to point you in the right direction. They may have patients who have success with specific rescues. Moreover, you can talk to your neighbors or request help on social media. Pet search can also come in handy.

After making a list, go to their website, assess what kind of animals they handle, and learn about their experience. Also, enquire about their success rate with adoptions (dogs not returned to them).

Further, consider the ethical practices and transparency of rescues. Whether animals are treated in a dignified way and how they are presented to the public. The organization is responsible for providing accurate, current, and easily accessible information on the organization and the animals in the care. 

Factor 3: Assessing Your Lifestyle Compatibility

Adopting a rescue pug is not a piece of cake, as it requires patience and time. You have to show a huge commitment to making the new pug feel happy and loved. Do your best to help the pug adjust to its new life and manage its anxiety. 

Another important area where you need to focus is training rescue pugs. Usually, rescue pugs have little to no training. That’s why you need to spend months, even more than a year, to train your pug, especially adult ones. You might sometimes hire a paid staff to do so if you cannot train them yourselves.

The socialization of pugs is not like average available dogs. You need to make them feel safe and secure. Normal puppies enjoy meeting with other dogs and people. But in the case of rescue pugs, you have to introduce them slowly. Try smaller groups first.

As owners, we must always consider our daily routine before adopting a neglected pug. Ask yourself whether you’ve enough time and energy to dedicate to your pug because pugs are lovely affectionate dogs that love socialization. Ensure you have a support system if you travel or work all day.

Factor 4: Preparing Your Home for a Pug

It is exciting and delightful to welcome a pug at home. Being a new addition to the family, you surely want your pug to be safe and sound. There are certain things you must consider to keep your pug healthy before you bring it home.

Ensure house proofing to remove all hazardous materials and things that might pose a danger to the pug. Whether you’re living with family in a large house or a loner living in a small apartment, many things are harmful to pugs.  Rely solely on the things you consider well for your dog. 

Remove all fabrics, shoes, mats, caps, clothes, and other plastic materials from their reach. Also, remove household cleaning products as they may contain chemicals poisonous to pugs. Stock essential food items so that you can focus on the pug instead of running back and forth to the store. 

Factor 5: Grooming and Weight Management

Pugs are high-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming. They need extra care as they shed lots of hair. So, use a soft bristle brush to brush them on a weekly basis. Although pugs don’t need regular bathing, their fold-over ears quickly become dirty. 

Wrinkles and facial skin folds develop moisture and are prone to bacterial and yeast infections. So, keep them clean and dry. Use fragrance-free grooming wipes to wipe down each fold daily (ideally three times daily). Moreover, check for any signs of infections and parasites. 

Take care of proper nutrition for pugs based on age, weight, and daily activity. Check for proper nutrition guidelines, or contact your vet if unsure. Pugs are known for their love of food. So, balance their diet with plenty of exercise to keep them healthy.

Factor 6: Financial Responsibilities

Adopting a rescue pug comes with a financial commitment as well. So, be sure to calculate the upfront costs of that route. In an adoption application, you need money to pay adoption fees, registration fees, and in most cases, pet deposits if you’re living or planning to rent a house. 

Moreover, you need to be extra cautious as pugs have some genetic diseases. Regular visits to vets and preventive treatments also add up to bills. Furthermore, you need to maintain a stock of essential items at home. 

You have to supply your dogs with toys. If you have no one in the family or neighbors to trust, you might need to hire a kennel or dog sitter. Also, in order to both ends meets, you might have to go to organize fundraising events.

Factor 7: Patience and Adjustment Period

Children love pugs, don’t they? But Adjusting a rescue pug into your forever home is a daunting task. Whether you’re an old puppy owner, it will be very tough. Especially rescue pugs consume more time and energy than adopting ordinarily available dogs. 

There is so much more to adopting a rescue pug than you think. So, prepare yourself for upcoming challenges. Start with training, socializing, and vet visits. Remember that you need to exercise, socialize, and vet visits much more for rescue pugs than you’d expect. 

Remember that depending on the background of the rescue pug, it will take more time to adjust to your home. Normal puppies adjust in foster families quickly in a few days, but it is different for rescue pugs. 

They have yet to learn what it is like to have a safe and secure environment. So, spend extra time with them. Help them feel safe and comfortable, along with gaining their trust. 

You can learn more in this YouTube video.

Pug Rescue of San Diego County (PRSDC)

Pug Rescue of San Diego County (PRSDC) is a non-profit, dedicated volunteer charitable organization. The mission of PRSDC is to rehabilitate and rescue abandoned and relinquished pugs. It provides them shelter and new homes where they start new comfortable lives.

PRSDC is the most respected and popular organization in southern California. Like any other reputable organization, PRSDC is doing a great job rescuing helpless animals. 

You can support such organizations in helping them continue their mission because such rescues are beyond the city’s budget scope, so participate in PRSDC’s fundraising events. Caring for animals and making efforts to shelter them creates empathy, patience, and responsibility. Such rescue programs had great success with prisoners. 

This shows how the love of dogs can change a life, especially since pugs are very affectionate and lovely breeds. They help break emotional barriers and bring positive change in people’s lives.

Conclusion- Adopting A Rescue Pug

You’ve probably made up your mind about adopting a rescue pug. Well, that’s what happens when you’re in love with a pug and want to avail this joy immediately. But when adopting a rescue pug, you must consider several things. 

Is your life routine allowing you to commit yourself to engaging pets like pugs? Can you afford time and money to tend to high-maintenance pets like pugs? If you’re confident to pour effort, pugs are worth the expense. You can fill your life with happiness by adopting a rescue pug.