Are you thinking of, or have you recently adopted a dog from a shelter? If so, this can become an extremely exciting but also daunting experience, regardless of whether you have owned a dog previously. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to plan to ensure that the transition from the shelter to your home goes as smoothly as possible to ease any possible complications. It can take several weeks before you and your new pet adjust to one another. In this blog, we’re going to look at some of the key tips on what to do after adopting a dog.
• Remain calm
It is extremely easy to get excited upon bringing a new pooch into the home; however, it would not be a good idea to do so. Allow the dog to settle into the room and greet all the family members with very little attention or affection, as you don’t want to overwhelm them when being brought into a new environment with strange people. Give them the chance to explore and become settled in their new home first and foremost.
• Assign a safe space for them
Just as you would for your other pets, you need to create a safe space for your new dog. There has always been a debate as to whether dog crates are cruel; however, research suggests that they can be beneficial for nervous dogs as they view this structure as a ‘comfort space’ or ‘den’ in which they can enjoy their own company. You can always approach the crate as part of the bonding process. Make sure to keep the kids and other pets away for the time being to prevent them from becoming too overwhelmed.
• Patience is key
Your new dog’s new life with you is a whole new experience; therefore, you need to have some degree of patience during the settling in process to allow them to feel comfortable and relaxed. It may take them a few weeks or even months to adjust to your new companion, but once they have grown used to the transition, they will start to relax in your company and perhaps become livelier. Be patient and limit your frustrations, and you’ll soon reap the rewards.
• Find a good vets
Before your adopted dog is allowed home to live with you, they will have undergone crucial health checks to ensure that any pre-existing health conditions are diagnosed and treated. However, you must sign up your new pooch to a recommended vets in Frisco TX to ensure they can be seen to immediately in the event of a health scare or emergency.
• Switch the food slowly
You may be given a brand of food from the shelter when bringing your dog home; however, you should never switch over the food immediately, as this can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Pets typically stick to the same diet for years on, and unlike humans, a sudden switch in diet can cause severe health complications.