Adopting A New Furry Companion? How To Help Your Shelter Pet Adjust To Its New Life
Posted on: 11 August 2017
If you're looking for a new pet to add to your family, think animal shelter. There are many beautiful pets that are looking for a family to love. One of the great things about choosing a shelter pet is that they'll already have their vaccinations, and they'll already be spayed or neutered. Once you have your new pet at home, you'll need to give it some tender-loving-care for the first few days, especially as it gets acquainted with its new family. Here are a few tips that will help ensure a happy family life for your new furry friend:
Limit Your New Pet to One Area
When you bring your new pet home from the shelter, it's going to be entering a whole new world. Nothing will be familiar to it. These new surroundings might be hard for your pet to adjust to, especially if it's just set free to roam around. To help your pet adjust to its new surroundings, it's best to begin slowly. Try limiting your new pet to one area of the house for the first few days. A smaller area will help your dog adjust to life inside its new home. It's also important for you to remain nearby for those first days home. Your new pet will do much better if it's given some one-on-one attention.
Plan for Accidents
Even if your new pet is housebroken, it may still have a few accidents once you bring it home. One reason for the accidents is that your pet won't be familiar with the odors inside their new home. Another reason is that your pet will be experiencing some anxiety during the transition. Finally, whether your pet was voluntarily dropped off at the shelter, or was lost and never claimed, it could be dealing with the loss of a family. It's important that you plan on a few accidents, and react with love and patience until your pet is used to its new surroundings.
Schedule a Vet Visit
Your pet received its vaccinations and its reproductive surgery prior to leaving the shelter. However, you should still schedule a vet visit as soon as you can. Your new pet may be dealing with a health issue that you're not aware of. With early care, your vet will be able to identify any issues that will require treatment. Not only that, but they'll be able to provide you with additional tips on how to care for your new shelter pet.
Contact your local animal medical care facility for more information and assistance.
Share