Did you adopt a dog and wonder about the next step now? Well, truthfully, most of us were clueless about what to do with the dog when we first adopted them.
Adopting a dog is just like adopting a baby. You must take care of it as if it were a human child. You must consider not only their nutritional needs but also their social, safety, and other requirements.
The first few days in its new home are essential for a puppy. You do not want to see your pup running around confused and frustrated, right?
You need to show your new puppy where they are and what is expected of them. Setting up a clear structure with your family for your dog will go a long way towards ensuring a smoother experience.
Here, we discuss the tips and guidelines for the first 30 days of dog adoption. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
1. Safety Comes First
After you’ve adopted a puppy and welcomed them into your house, it’s time to make their safety and well-being your top priority and begin taking the appropriate safeguards. First, have your dog registered with a veterinarian and purchase dog insurance, as it is critical for your dog’s well-being.
Pets get sick too, and having dog insurance will save you money if your dogs need medical attention. For instance, dog breeds like the French Bulldogs and Pugs are sensitive to several illnesses that can be costly.
Remember, general pet health insurance may not cover the particular health issues of a breed. Therefore, it is smart to opt for insurance specific to a breed; for example, dog insurance for French Bulldog policy covers continuing conditions.
In addition, dog vaccination is essential to their health; ensure that your dog is up to date on their vaccination according to their age. Finally, get your pets microchipped to find them easily if they get lost.
2. Change the Dog Food
Determine that your puppy gets the proper nutrition. To thrive, your puppy also requires an adequate and balanced diet.
The first year of a puppy’s life is crucial for the development of its bones, teeth, muscles, and fur. It’ll need more calories than an adult dog because it’s growing.
Remember to inquire about when your dog was fed when you picked it up. To avoid gastrointestinal distress, stick to a timetable and high fiber dog food for at least the first few days.
Moreover, make sure that you give your dog plenty of water, especially in winters. Dog treats are also essential; choose healthy dog treats instead of pre-processed edibles with harmful additives. For example, Yup Pup’s hemp-based dog treats are an excellent option. They are tasty and have multiple benefits too!
- Anti-Inflammatory – Yup Pup dog treats help maintain a strong immune system and keep the blood sugar level balanced to promote a healthy inflammatory response in the body. Unlike sugary treats that spike the blood sugar level, Yup Pup dog treats keep dogs away from joint discomfort and pain.
- Antiemetic – Hemp-based dogs treats are excellent for keeping nausea and vomiting at bay in dogs. If your dog is going through training or treatments that induce nausea, then a hemp-based dog treat is the best choice.
- Natural Analgesic – Hemp is a natural painkiller. If your dog needs help managing their pain from an illness or injury, this food can help.
If you want to shift to a different brand of dog food, start by mixing one part of the new food with three parts old for a few days; then transition to half new food, half old, and finally one-part old to three parts new over a week.
3. Be Patient with Your New Pet Dog
Remember to be patient after you’ve added a dog to your family. It may take some time for a dog to get to know you and your family and to feel at ease. People frequently claim that their dog’s genuine personality does not emerge until several weeks following adoption.
As it learns to know you, your dog may be a little nervous at first. So be patient and understanding while sticking to the feeding, walking, and other schedules you’ve established.
Each dog has its own personality, and some may become shy, worried, or hide, manifesting their discomfort as an upset stomach. While others may show great eagerness and high activity, allow your dear canine companions some time to adapt to their new environments, and they’ll be fine! This period can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
4. Socializing with Other Pets
Things can get competitive and not so nice if you have other dogs in the house, so it is best to expose your dog to other pets gradually. However, you should allow the pets to interact to see if they remain friendly.
When you introduce your new fur baby to your existing pets, there is certain to be some nervousness or overexcitement between the two. Remember, your first impression is your final impression! As a result, you must carefully prepare the initial meeting between your furry buddies.
Create separate eating locations and remove potential guarding or conflict-inducing things during the initial stage to help reduce dog-to-dog conflict and bad experiences. Remember, you should avoid keeping the animals alone together for the first few weeks.
5. Start Your Dog’s Training
If your dog is unfamiliar with basic training, the first thing you can do is train your adopted dog. The idea is to establish a contained and dog-proof area using a dog crate or dog gates. Then, choose a spacious crate for the dog to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably.
To teach your dog on your own, dog crates can be beneficial. Initially, it serves as a spot where your dog may go and feel secure in its surroundings. Many dogs, when properly crate-trained, see their boxes as their “safe area” and sleep in an open crate regularly. If you don’t have cages, you might also consider getting dog barriers.
6. Make Schedules and Routines
From the beginning, you must establish a schedule for your dog. This includes their sleeping, waking up, eating, and socializing schedules, which you must follow religiously.
Moreover, you should give different tasks to different family members for this goal. However, if it’s just you, you can hire a dog sitter to take care of the routine.
Have a lengthy discussion with your family about the designated area in your house where the puppy will spend its time, who will be in charge of certain tasks, and what verbal orders will be used to train the dog. Begin their feeding, toileting, and play exercise routine from there. Your dog will require family time and brief intervals of solitary confinement.
Takeaway – Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption
Adoption allows you to welcome loving puppies into your home. When you get a puppy, you get a lifelong partner who will stick by you through good and bad times.
You should remember that your new pet will mature into a happy, healthy dog who will offer you love and companionship for many years with proper puppy care. Slow down and be kind to yourself and your new furry companion. Attempt to keep note of any changes that occur, and if any problems arise, do not hesitate to seek professional assistance.