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Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog
If you are considering wonder getting a dog then you want to read about all the benefits of adopting a shelter dog. In this article we talk about the pluses of shelter dogs both for you and for your canine to be.
Who Rescued Who
Dogs are true saviors. And, I am thankful to all the shelter dogs that were there to rescue me. I digress, so with further ado lets talk about my favorite subject… Dogs
There are endless benefits of adopting a shelter dog — Getting a dog is one of the best decisions you can make. In addition to the love and companionship, there are many other benefits with having a canine in your life.
But where do you find one? There are private sellers; classified ads, or social media sites. But have you considered adopting a shelter dog or a pup from a rescue agency?
In this article we talk about the many benefits of adopting a shelter dog aka rescue dogs.
Benefits of Adopting a Dog From a Shelter
Many people assume if they get a dog from a breeder or pet store that their new dog will come with a guarantee. Sadly this is not the case. While there are some reputable breeders who offer some type of guarantee, most will not.
Though pet stores are phasing out there are still lots of less than scrupulous and unregulated breeders who breed dogs for money. Often these poor dogs are kept in horrific situations, continually pregnant, caged and in awful and cruel conditions. As a result many of the puppies are sick, and their ill health is hidden until they are sold. And the cycle of abuse continues.
This often results with sick dogs ending up in a shelter because their owner cannot afford to care for the dog. This is sad and cruel for the dogs and their owners. So this begs the question – what about the health of a shelter dog?
Are Shelter Dogs Healthy?
Some people assume that adopting a dog from a shelter may leave caring for a dog with health issues. In addition they worry if there will be expensive vet bills, or paying a trainer if the dog has any behavior issues. But one of the benefits of adopting a shelter dog is that shelters make every attempt to advocate and care for dogs. Which means their goal is to place dogs in forever homes and set them and their prospective guardian up for success .
So when a dog enters a shelter the dog will undergo multiple tests before they are available for adoption. There are numerous steps that occur. Here are some of what may occur:
Health Checks – A Benefit of Adopting a Shelter Dog
Dogs come into care from all kinds of situations. Many are neglected – lack of grooming, medical care and poor nutrition. Some dogs will require health care for skin conditions. Or if a canine has been living on the streets they may require grooming to remove mats, trim nails and make the happy and clean.
Veterinary Care
Rescue shelters have staff that are trained to care for animals, including veterinarians. They will check dogs for common conditions, such as heartworms, intestinal parasites, malnourishment and other issues. To the best of their ability the staff will watch a dogs behavior in an effort to correct and to place the dog into home that is suitable.
- Teeth
If a dog has any problems with his teeth, the shelter will make sure that the dog gets those problems addressed and healed.
- Vaccines
When a dog is at a shelter, he or she will get up to date vaccinations.
- Microchip
In some cases the shelters will also go ahead and microchip a pet.
- Spaying and Neutering
The dog will also get spayed or neutered while it’s at the shelter.
- Wound Care
Any major issues that can be corrected are treated such sutures, wound care or fixing broken bones.
Beside love, health benefits adopting a shelter dog can save thousands of dollars for new dog owners
The cost of these fees are not all transferred to the person adopting the pet. If you had to pay for everything the shelter does yourself, it could easily cost over a thousand dollars.
In addition the dog will get groomed and have their nails trimmed in the care of the shelter. When you get a dog from a source such as a breeder or pet store, it’s not always possible to get all the information, as they may be there for only a short time.
History of a Shelter Dog
The goal of a shelter is to place a dog with the best home so they will set them up for success. With this in mind a shelter will provide everything they know about a dog health history before adopting. Even if there is not a lot of information you will know about any treatments a dog has received.
Plus you get to meet the dog and see how he or she interacts with you.
Why Are Shelter Dogs Available for Adoption
For example, a dog may be a surrender due their owner passing away. Some are found abandon and others rescued from the hands of a cruel owner. In other cases dogs are ‘rescues’ – they are rescued by selfless loving people who run rescue agencies. These dogs may come from countries where animals are abandoned or bred for cruel reasons.
Other times circumstances force owners to hand over their beloved canines – such as situations of disaster like storms, floods, fires. Through not fault of their own these dogs become shelter dogs that need adopting.
Are Shelter Dogs Hard to Train?
Another perk of adopting a shelter dog is that many of them are housebroken. This way you may not need to go through all of the stages of teaching your dog to go to the bathroom outside. And, even if the dog is not yet fully house-trained, they may be partially which will make potty training much easier.
What Types of Dog Breeds Do You Find in a Shelter
You might think that getting a purebred dog is the best way to go. But did you know that it’s possible to find all types of dogs in a local shelter.
So, if you haven’t gone to the shelter because you’ve got your heart set on a specific breed, there are a few things you might want to consider.
First, you won’t know what kind of dog are available until you make a trip to the shelter.
Check Out The Shelters Website
Check out the shelters website – but on a side note shelters are busy. Their priority is to take care of their rescue dogs, so it may take time to update the site.
Prior to publishing the posting a shelter will almost always get a dog ready for adoption.
If you don’t see a match at first, be sure to contact your local shelter and see how to add your name to a list.
A Mix Breed Dog May Have Less Health Issues
Finally, pure bred dogs often come with a variety of health issues. Many of these health issues are common among that dog’s lineage and characteristics. For example, Cocker Spaniels are known to have recurring ear infections.
Issues are something that is often common in purebred dogs. For example a Dachshund can suffer with spinal problems. Boxers are often associated with arthritis and seizures.
While mix breed dogs often avoid the health problems that are common with pure bred dogs.
They come with traits that are a mixture of good from both of the breeds they’re mixed with. They can be just as lovable and just as teachable as a pure bred dog is.
When you adopt one of these dogs from a shelter, the adoption fee is often less than the cost of a dog’s lineage certificate.
Shelter Dogs Are Loyal and Loving
Most all dogs are loyal and loving. But there is something special about adopting a shelter dog.
These dogs tend to have a great amount of loyalty for their humans. It’s as if they know what you’ve have done for them. And even if they have not suffered abuse a dog will feel the sting of their live changing.
So when a rescue or shelter dog gets adopted they go through the period of bonding with their human. And, they offer an unshakable loyalty that can’t be shaken.
Part of that is because when you adopt a shelter dog, your love, concern and providing of a good home helps them t release fear of the past. When he discovers that you are his forever human, he’s going to love you fiercely.
Your shelter dog will be the first one checking out the windows or doors of your home to make sure you’re safe. He’ll sound the alarm at anything that doesn’t look right in an effort to look out for you.
Adopting a Senior Dog From a Shelter
If a puppy or adult dog is not for you, then give a home to a beautiful senior dog. Adult and senior dogs make wonderful companions and have a lot of love to give.
Often adult dogs can settle more easily. And they won’t subject your house to the puppy treatment. So if you want a dog that won’t chew up your shoes or gnaw on the furniture. Then a dog over 2yrs may be a perfect addition to your family.
Senior shelter dogs can be great around children and tend to bond easily. They’ve usually been in a home in the past and have had interaction with families. Many of them have already been taught to use the bathroom outside. They’re more mature than a puppy and are quicker to listen to a command.
Are Rescue Dogs Friendly
Some shelter dogs may appear timid when you first meet them. It’s likely that they are feeling a little uncertain or possibly anxious. Other shelter dogs may be dancing around their enclosures at the sight of you when you come for a visit. All of these dogs are looking for someone to love and to have love in return. Dogs have big hearts and will quickly fulfil the role of your best friend if given a chance.
Shelter dogs have amazing personalities and make the best companions because of their natural friendly nature.
“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”
—Dean Koontz
They are always upbeat and happy to explore the world. They wake up in the mornings bounding with energy, looking forward to their day and to spending time with you. They show gratitude for everything you do for them – from feeding them to walking and playing with them.
Dogs are happy, and that happiness tends to rub off on you. When you adopt a shelter dog, you’ll find that your happiness level increases, and you smile more often.
When you sit down, he may approach for a cuddle or even leap right into your lap – even if he’s not a lap dog. No matter how big they get or how old they are. Dogs want to be close to you.
Communication
Greeting – The minute you get home after a stressful day, your dog is full of delight to see you. There is never a dull moment with the wagging of a tail. It’s common for your dog to let out a pitch yelp that come from the depths of his heart.
This is how your dog communicates with you.
It’s his way of sharing his joy that his human is home and he’s happy to see you. Your dog’s friendliness makes your social circle expand. Most dogs aren’t afraid to meet people when you’re out and about.
If you’re on a walk around your neighborhood, your dog won’t mind approaching the neighbor for a greeting. At the park, when you’re walking your dog, his friendliness will open up interactions between you and other dog lovers.
Shelter Dogs Give Back in Immeasurable Ways
They lower your emotional load. You might think that by adopting a shelter dog, you’re doing something wonderful. And you are. You’re giving a deserving animal a home and love. And, in return they give back is so many ways.
One way is that they can help lower your stress levels. Studies have shown that adopted dogs love interacting with their new human companions.
As a result of this, spending time with a dog lowers your stress hormone. You feel less stress effects on your body and you feel better emotionally and mentally. Studies have shown that shelter dogs help people to destress after a stressful day or event.
Dogs give unconditional love and companionship. Spending time with your dog will soothe your emotions. Resulting in less anxiety and depression as well.
Canines are intuitive creatures. And they know just when their human needs a head in the lap to pet or snuggle on the couch. Dogs are great listeners too. You can talk to them about your day or about your problems and in return they wag their tail or comfort you.
A Dog Helps You Get Active
Playing with your dog will help release feel good chemicals in your brain, which helps to reduce your stress levels. Adopting a shelter dog will also get you out and active in your community.
Dog help to boost overall health. They give you a reason to get up and get active while exercising them.
Your dog will need to go outside, and have someone to play with him. Dogs require exercise. Many dogs love to play ball, fun brain games or a gentle game of tug of war. This is a great way to get social and meet other dog loving people.
Dogs truly give meaning and purpose in life.
5 Health Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog
Heart Health – Dogs are Good for Your Heart
When adopting a dog, you may notice that you feel healthy and happier. You may notice that your blood pressure numbers are lower, and readings are lower and that your bad cholesterol levels have improved. Some studies attribute this to a more active lifestyle after getting a dog.
Boost Immune System
A dog’s happiness is contagious. It’s likely that your entire system will get a health boost. Studies show that dogs give their human a boost with their immune system. As a result dog parents are less likely to get sick, as well as they have lower stress levels.
Dog Help to Ease Anxiety
Another benefit of adopting shelter dogs is that the presence of a dog can help calm anxiety. Children and adults can learn to care and bond with a dog even when they cannot do so with a human.
Kids and adults are less as likely to suffer with anxiety when they have a dog to comfort them. This includes children with special needs or those who are affected by autism. Having a dog around can produce a calming effect for kids and adults alike.
Plus, they can help raise a child’s self esteem and self confidence.
Emotional Support
Dogs improve the life of people of all ages. Canines can help people dealing with loss, pain and trauma. These sensitive animals offer emotional support to all that share their lives with them.
Improve Mental Health
Having a dog may help those who struggle with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. One of the reasons is that a dog gives their human purpose in life. Because canine’s require love, care, and someone to exercise them daily.
Concluding the Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog
Until you have a dog in your life, it may be difficult to imagine all of the benefits adopting a shelter dog can add to your life. Be a pet guardian is a big commitment, so before you dive in consider the pro’s and con’s to make sure adopting a dog is the right decision for you. If it’s a yes, then take the next step and contact your local shelter or rescue agency who can help find a good match for you.