Rescuing a dog is one of the noblest and kindest things you can do in life. There is nothing purer than caring for the needy and helpless. Although looking after a new pet is a rewarding experience, it also comes with its own set of responsibilities and challenges.
Rescued dogs are not always friendly. After all, most of them have survived tough situations. Therefore, it is important to prepare a solid plan before you bring your new pet home. Lack of preparations and planning is the reason why many owners return their rescued dogs because they find it difficult to deal with the animal.
If you are serious about helping your rescued dog recover and become a valuable member of your family, this article will guide you in the process. To begin with, get your dog essentials in order, like a feeding bowl, dog harnesses, sleeping bed, and more.
When you are ready to move on, follow the tips mentioned below –
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Take your Veterinarian’s Advice
After you adopt a rescued dog, it is very important to take your new pet to a trusted veterinarian. The vet will perform a complete health check-up, so you know what to look forward to. Unlike your pedigreed dogs which are raised from birth, a rescued dog does not come with a detailed history of health and diseases. This is where the vet will help you out. Once you understand your dog’s health status, you will be able to take better care of it.
Also, keep the pet adoption agency in the loop. Initially, working in tandem is best to get all the necessary details about the dog. Do not hold back any questions. Clear all your doubts related to your pet from the vet and the adoption agency.
Begin Training your Dog
Dog training does not only imply teaching your dog a few tricks. Good training means correcting your pet’s behavior so that it can adjust well to your private and social life. It is also a great way to build trust and strengthen the bond between the pet and the owner.
To begin with, hire a dog trainer for personalized sessions. When you feel your pet is getting better, you should move on to group sessions where your dog will interact with other dogs. This is a very crucial step, as explained in the next section.
Socialize with other Animals
If you have other animals at home, do not rush the first contact. Your rescued dog could get overwhelmed and act aggressively in defense. The best way to deal with this is through one-on-one interaction. Introduce one animal at a time. Also, keep the initial interactions short and work your way up. Over a period of time, the newly rescued dog will get comfortable with your other pets.
Gradually Change the Pet’s Diet
Talk to the people at the adoption agency to learn what they fed your new pet. For the first few days, feed your rescued dog the same food. This will comfort the animal as it is something familiar. Also, the digestive system is not good with drastic diet changes. Slowly, start introducing the food you want to feed your new pet.
