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Caring for a Newly Adopted Dog
You adopted a dog! So where to begin, how much do they eat, what’s the best time to walk them, what should you buy, and what is most important? You’re asking all the right questions, and to help you begin here is a quick guide to caring for your adopted dog.
How to Care for Your Adopted Dog – the Basics
In this post, we’ll cover all aspects of caring for a dog – from their grooming needs, daily routine, costs associated with caring for your dog, and much more.
We hope this guide will give you the insight you need when caring for your new best friend.
The Basics Of Dog Care – Feeding, Exercising, & Grooming
There are many aspects of dog care that you should consider before bringing a dog into your life. The aspects we will cover here in this section are feeding, exercise, and grooming.
Feeding Care for Your Adopted Dog
Nearly all dog food will come with a guide to feed your dog. This manufacturers guide whether its wet or dry food will provide instructions on how much to feed your dog. The amount will depend on the weight and breed of your dog. If you are unsure of your dogs weight, stop in at a local vet and ask them to weight him. Or gently place your dog on a set of home scales.
Not only will the guide on the food bag tell you how much but it will likely tell you how often (typically feed your dog 2-3 times a day).
If you have any concerns it’s a good idea to consult with your vet about recommendations about food, especially if your dog has any special health concerns or requirements.
It’s a good idea to consult with your vet about the type of food he or she recommends for your dog if you have any concerns about their weight, health, etc.
Changes in Canines Food
If you do decide to switch your dog’s food, it is wise to start by mixing the old food with new (approx half and half). This is unless a veterinary makes another suggestion.
While making any such changes in your dog’s diet, it’s a good idea to monitor and changes. Write down how much he is eating, noticeable weight changes. And changes such as diarrhea or constipation that last for more than a few days.
For example, if you notice that your dog is starting to get a little too big for his or her breed (usually around 50-60 lbs.) then you can switch them over slowly from large breed kibble onto small breed kibble and vice versa.
Balance your dogs diet to their breed, body type and consider any special requirements.
If your dog is a mixed breed and doesn’t have their breed listed on a food product, you can check their ancestry and see what is their breed mix and ancestry!
Exercise – A Quick Guide to Caring for a Newly Adopted Dog
How much exercise your dog gets depends on the breed of your dog. For example, dogs of working breed dog such as a Border Collie will require more exercise than a pug mix.
Just like their humans all dogs need exercise. And while some canines require a lot of exercise to burn off excess energy, others require a few short walk each day.
In addition to walk time, dogs need plenty of potty breaks to relieve themselves, (these don’t count as exercise).
Dogs that require a lot of exercises – let’s say Shepherd breeds – should be taken out in the morning before you head off to work. Have access to potty breaks and have some good exercise once you get home from work.
You can help keep your dog busy with safe and breed appropriate toys. But toys are not a replacement for exercise, so make sure they’re supervised and that they’re playing in an area that is safe and fenced in.
Plenty of Access to Water
Grooming Your Dog
Your dog will require grooming regularly – keeping their nails trim and their coat brushed is part of a healthy dog.
If you have a long-haired breed you’ll need to brush the hair out, or use clippers for dense fur. Or if your dog has short hair regular brushing will remove loose hair so their fur doesn’t get matted down or greasy.
Adopt A Rescue Dog for Your Lifestyle
There are a few factors to consider when you adopt a rescue dog. This will help you to care for your newly adopted dog. One huge decision includes choosing the right breed of dog for you and your lifestyle.
To save hiccups along the way it’s best to choose a dog that is well suited for your lifestyle. For example there are certain breeds that adapt better to apartment living that others.
- Consider your activity level (are you a couch potato or do you love to hike)
- How much time you have to train and play
- Budget to care for a dog (large breeds eat more, veterinary care, etc)
- Size of your dwelling
- Family needs ( allergies, children, activities)
Remember you dog is part of the family so consider your needs as well as your prospective dog. And it goes without saying never follow trends or the wishes of someone who may not be a full time participant in your dogs life.
Training Your Dog (Housebreaking, Training, And Dealing With Behavioral Issues)
One of the best thing you can do for your adopted rescue dog is to teach him what he should be doing. Since dogs don’t come with a manual it is up to you to start training him or her right away.
Using positive reinforcement and sticking to a routine will help a dog pup through the training process. Teaching a dog helps them to stay safe, such as using a recall method should they run or get lost. Or having them sit and stay till you say otherwise can help keep them out of harm’s way.
Always use positive training methods. Be clear, firm and concise while you keep in mind you are the pack leader and your job is to keep them safe. This will help to build confidence in your rescue dog and help them to avoid stress.
Each breed has its unique personality when it comes to obedience training. But there are some general techniques you can use with any breed to get them accustomed to learning new commands.
Taking Care Of Your Rescue Dog’s Health – From Vaccinations To Dental Care
Your dog should see the vet frequently – it’s important to consult with them about any health issues your dog might have.
Your vet will be able to tell you whether or not your dog has any medical problems and let you know what types of things to look out for.
This section is designed to highlight the most common aspects of caring for a dog, so we won’t go into great detail about any subject here.
Tips For Traveling With Your Dog
Most dogs love to travel, especially if you get them used to the car, crate, early.
If you’re going on a long trip by plane, bus, or train, then it get your dog used to travelling this way as early as possible. If you are not able to do so early then there are steps you can take to get them ready to travel in advance. And, of course make sure your dog has a seat belt to keep them safe while travelling.
Dogs do love to snuggle with you during the ride so make sure that you’re not uncomfortable at all!
You can also bring their crate with you if they’re old enough and they don’t have any accidents when they get where they’re going.
How To Handle Emergencies And Accidents
Caring for your adopted dog means taking care of them if they become injured or sick. At the very least, you’ll want to make sure that a first aid kit is in place and ready to go in case of emergencies.
There are different types of first aid kits – one with pet supplies and supplies for small animals, and there are also training and rescue kits that would contain more expensive items that could come in handy if your dog becomes seriously injured or ill.
You should always have a first aid kit with you at all times when your dog goes out as well – especially if they get into something they shouldn’t while on the loose.
Concluding a Quick Guide to Caring for Your Adopted Dog
Dog love unconditionally, they provide support, give our lives meaning, and are amazing companions.
There are tons of things you can get for a dog. But more than anything they need love, care and be part of your life. And while you need to be realistic with a budget. There are things you can adjust when it comes to caring for a newly adopted dog when it comes their checklist needs.
For example, you need to have a small reserve in the event of emergencies or vet care. But dogs do not need food in fancy packages, nor do they require tons of toys. A dog is just as happy with a blanket if a new bed in not in the budget. All animals are a gift, so if you can meet their basic needs and shower then with care and love… that is what matters.
Thank you for being the person that considers rescuing a canine companion.
Recommends: Best Dog Training Program
Our favorite: The Dunbar Academy Training Program. If you want a happy and obedient dog, this is one of the best online dog training programs available today! You can get the first month free using dunbar.info/RescueDogHappiness <We also created a QR Code for you to use as well, you can download the image below to share it.