The Evolution of Dog Adoption

Things To Know Before Adopting A Dog

Dog Adoption

INTRODUCTION

If you are a pet lover, then you know that adopting a dog is a huge deal. It’s like introducing a new member in your family. Here we will cover all the basics of adopting a dog.

Things To Consider Before A Dog Adoption

Take your time making a decision

Give yourself an ample amount of time before adopting a dog. Make sure that you have enough space for your dog to live. You need to have enough finances to support a healthy lifestyle for your dog. You must ensure that everyone in your family is comfortable with the dog and that no oneis allergic to it.

Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment

Just like a child dogs also need love and care. The average lifespan of a dog is 10–15 years, depending on the breed. It is necessary that you have to be there for them if you are going for a dog adoption.

During the pandemic, dog adoption gained popularity, but now that everything has returned to normal, people are giving their dogs back for adoption. This can make them depressed, as dogs find it difficult to adjust to a new environment.

Dog brings responsibility

Adopting a dog is a huge responsibility, as it makes you a parent. Just like a parent, you have to take care of your dog’s nutrition, well-being, entertainment, training, and grooming. Even before planning a trip, you need to find a dog sitter or someone who can takecareof your dog.

The age factors

You have to be very careful about the age of the dog before adopting it. Decide if you want a puppy or a fullgrown adult, as their needs are very different. Puppies are full of energy, need obedience training, and require more time to adjust. While adult dogs require less training, they may take time to adjust to the environment. It totally depends on their past.

The thing about microchips and dog tags

In case of any mishappenings such as your dog being lost then, in this case, dog tags are highly beneficial. The dog tag should have the name of the dog, the address, and the phone numbers of the two family members. The microchip is another great option to ensure your dog’s safety. It is a simple procedure performed by a veterinarian. Don’t forget to update your tags or microchips in case you are relocated.

Dog-proofing your house

Just like babies, dog proofing your home is necessary. To avoid electric shock, keep electric sockets and appliances out of your dog's reach. Remove any medicines or any other items that can cause harm to your dog. Your dog should be secure enough to prevent your dog from fleeing. Keep any sharp objects far away from the reach of your dog.

Walk, exercise, and dog training

Just like humans, dogs also need exercise, so make sure to take them on a long walk. Dogs' energy levels determine how much exercise they need.If your dog doesn’t get ample exercise, he can become depressed and degenerative. It is necessary to train your dog so that he can respond to your command. You can hire a trainer or do it yourself if you are tight on a budget.

Food and treat

The kind of food your dog needs depends on its age, health, energy level, breed, etc. There are variety of dog foods available on the market; therefore, you need to choose the correct one for your dog. Also, be mindful of the amount of food you are giving to your puppy, and don’t fall prey to those cuteeyes.

Vet appointment

Consult a veterinarian if your dog is acting strangely or feeling uneasy. Also, it is best to visit your vet often to keep track of your dog’s health and wellbeing. Just like humans, your dog also needs vaccinations, so make sure to get your dog vaccinated.

The teething phase

If you are adopting a puppy, then you must be aware of the teething phase. It lasts for one to two months, and during this period, your dog can get irritated and chew on everything they find. As a result, it's a good idea to have some dog chew toys and other distractions on hand. Also, keep them entertained so they don’t get back to chewingthings.

Love and affection

Apart from everything that the dog craves most, it also craves love and affection. So you need to shower all your love on your dog and make him feel welcome. Dogs are highly social animals, so prepare your family beforehand so that you can fully fulfil his needfor love and care.

CONCLUSION

A dog comes with so many responsibilities, so if you are ready for a dog adoption, make sure that you have enough finances to take care of him. So make this decision after considering all the aspects of adopting a dog.