What Rescue Dogs Struggle With in Their First Few Weeks — and How to Help
Bringing a rescue dog home is one of the most rewarding things you can do — but it’s not always easy. Even with love, safety, and care, rescue dogs often carry baggage from their past. You might see nervous pacing, upset stomachs, or outbursts that feel out of character.
That’s normal. And you’re not alone.
Here are some of the most common struggles rescue dogs face in their first few weeks — and how you can support them through the transition.
Overstimulation from new sights, smells, and sounds
New homes are overwhelming. Your dog is processing hundreds of unfamiliar signals — voices, doorbells, traffic, furniture, floor textures, and more. It can all feel like too much.
What helps: Create a calm setup with limited visitors, low noise, and short, consistent routines for the first few weeks.
Digestive issues (gas, loose stool, or inconsistent eating)
Stress hits the gut hard — and many rescues come from poor or inconsistent nutrition. Loose stools, vomiting, or gurgly stomachs are common in the early days, especially during a food switch.
What helps: Stick to a simple feeding plan and give their system time to adjust. Daily digestive support helps balance things out.
Sleep issues or restlessness at night
Some dogs pace at night, wake often, or resist sleeping alone. Many haven’t had a peaceful, safe sleep environment in months — or ever.
What helps: Try a crate or enclosed bed setup, dim lighting, and no stimulation before bedtime. Make calm part of the routine.
Separation anxiety and fear of being left
Even a trip to the other room can trigger panic. Barking, crying, chewing, or bathroom accidents aren’t disobedience — they’re fear responses.
What helps: Start slow. Leave the room for a minute, then return. Build trust with short absences and consistent returns. Calming support can ease the process.
Emotional withdrawal or freeze-mode behavior
Not all dogs react outwardly. Some shut down. You might see them avoid eye contact, lay low, or disengage from everything.
What helps: Let them come to you. Don’t force interaction. Show up the same way, every day, and let trust build on their terms.
The Bottom Line
Rescue dogs don’t need perfection. They need consistency, safety, and time to heal. And while love goes a long way, sometimes their body needs support, too.
That’s why we made Second Tail — daily multivitamin chews that help with digestion, stress, joints, and overall wellness, so you can spend less time worrying, and more time bonding.
Explore Daily Support Chews — preorder now and help your new dog adjust, heal, and thrive.