10 Tips for Dog Adoption: Advice from a Vet
Are you thinking of adopting a dog or cat? These 10 tips for dog adoption are vet-certified
1. You should be prepared for the adoption process taking some time
An impulse purchase should not be made when purchasing a new dog. You will share your life with this animal for the next ten year. It is important to establish a good relationship from the beginning. You may be lucky enough to find the perfect dog in a rescue, but it is more common for the search process to take longer. You can help you find the right dog by identifying your’must haves’ and / or ‘nice-to haves’. While a certain breed may be desirable, their size or ability to interact with children and other dogs might make them a must-have. If you are open to changing your preconceptions about breeds and colours, you will be able to find the right match faster.
2. Are you having trouble finding a dog to adopt? You might consider a rescue group or a smaller rescue.
It’s easy to find a rescue dog by going to big rescues that have websites. This allows you to search through all the available rescue dogs and help you to find your ideal pooch. Smaller rescues, however, that cannot afford large websites, need support! There are likely to be a rescue that specializes in a particular breed. Many of these rescues have a Facebook page, if not a website. Also, smaller rescues are more likely to spend the time matching you with your dog and taking into consideration any other circumstances when doing background checks.
3. Before you rescue someone from abroad, think carefully
Imported rescue dogs are a concern for many reasons. Many are illegally imported, often without proper documentation or vaccinations. Others may have been bred in conditions that are not permitted here, and others could be illegally imported. Because it is fashionable to rescue animals from other countries, they are being imported specifically for this purpose. The impact foreign diseases can have on pets, as Distemper or Leishmania are now being discovered in places they were not before. This is something vets worry about. It is also possible that some of these dogs were more at ease in an environment they understand than their homes. Even though that picture of a street dog from Romania and Cyprus may be appealing to your heartstrings, you should think carefully before adopting them.
4. Before you bring your dog home, make sure to visit them at least twice.
A rescued dog doesn’t need any more stress, so make sure you are ready to commit to them before you bring them home. It is important to visit your dog at least twice before you can bond with them. While you may only visit one or two family members, the second visit should include all family members and other dogs. This will allow you to make sure your dog is comfortable with everyone. Adoption day can be stressful enough for your dog. Make sure they are familiar with the people in the house so that the transition is smooth.
5. Ask about your dog’s medical history
It doesn’t matter how long your dog has spent in a rescue center, they need to have some kind of medical history. Every rescue vets dogs upon entry. Many dogs will require vaccinations or other preventative medicine giving. Others may require treatment upon arrival. To get a better idea of the health of your pet, you should request a copy of his medical history. Insurance companies will not usually provide pet insurance for pets with pre-existing conditions. This is why you need to carefully review the medical history for any signs or treatments your pet may have received. Talk to your vet, the rescue centre vet, or your own vet to find out if these conditions will recur and what cost it will be to treat them. Even if your history isn’t very interesting, you should still keep a copy for your vet’s records.
6. Discuss your dog’s behavior and training needs with the other person.
Poor training is often responsible for poor behavior. Many dogs end up being abandoned by their owners due to poor training or excessive boisterousness. You need to understand your responsibilities, but don’t let it stop you from using positive reinforcement techniques. You can teach your dog new tricks! Talk openly with the rescue center about your dog’s behavior and training needs. Some dogs might have been kenneled all their lives and may now require potty training. Some dogs may be reactive to other dogs, or fear noises. Rescues can often help you with training and are skilled at recognizing and managing these issues. You may be referred to a dog behaviorist, who will help ensure that your dog gets the support and care they require.
7. As soon as possible, take your dog to the veterinarian
After you have picked up your fluffy new puppy, it is time to take them to the vet to be checked over. You may need to leave your dog alone for a few days depending on how nervous they are and how often they have seen a vet at the rescue center. You should see the vet within the first week of your dog’s arrival to rule out any potential underlying issues and to ensure that they are healthy and happy. You can also discuss ongoing vaccinations, worming, and the best flea treatment plans with them. They will also answer any questions you might have about your pet’s behavior, diet, and weight. A lot of vets offer a complimentary’meet-and-greet’ appointment.
8. Even for senior dogs, you should consider pet insurance
Unexpected medical expenses are covered by the best pet insurance. There are many types of pet insurance. However, you should aim to get a policy that covers all diseases and has a maximum of PS7000+ per annum for small dogs and PS12,000+ annually for large dogs. With advanced imaging like MRIs becoming more accessible and orthopaedic surgeries regularly costing in excess of thousands, medical treatment can quickly become expensive. Many policies offer insurance for rescue and older dogs. You can find more information in our article: Pet insurance advice: Five things you should consider when searching for the best policy.
9. Protect your home from dogs
Although you might not be buying a small puppy, it is important to dog-proof your home. You don’t know everything about your dog. It’s impossible to predict if your dog will steal food from the refrigerator, eat dropped socks, or forget how to use the toilet in a new setting. While you can manage all of these issues and your home doesn’t have to be dog-proofed forever, it’s best to be cautious until you learn more about your dog. You don’t want your dog to escape before they find their way back home.
10. Do not expect too much from your life too soon
While we all want our new friend to be settled in and become part of the family, it is important to remember that every dog is unique. Many rescue dogs come from unknown backgrounds or were rescued from unstable homes. Even dogs that are loved will be disturbed by these changes. Do not rush to introduce your dog to everyone when you bring him home. You should actually plan a quiet evening in with your family. You should give your dog enough space to explore their surroundings and not try to make them play.
Related Articles:
https://www.animalfinds.co.uk/adopting-a-dog
https://www.animalgo.co.uk/pet-adoption-tips/
https://www.animalguides.co.uk/adopting-a-shelter-dog
https://www.animalchoice.us/adopt-a-shelter-dog
https://www.animalgrow.us/adopting-a-pet-animal
https://www.animalpro.us/dog-adoption-advice
https://www.animalintro.com/remember-before-you-get-a-dog
https://www.animalworth.com/pet-adoption-tips
https://www.animalrealtime.com/dog-adoption-tips
https://www.animalguide.us/pet-adoption-tips
https://www.animalforlife.co.uk/adopting-a-dog
https://www.happylifeanimal.com/adopting-a-dog
https://www.animalwelove.co.uk/welcoming-a-new-pet
https://www.friendlyanimal.us/first-time-adopting-a-dog