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Adopt A Shelter Pet Day

April 15, 2019

April 30th is Adopt A Shelter Pet Day! This is one cause that we are happy to get behind! Read on as a Washington DC vet discusses adopting shelter pets.

Why Go to a Shelter?

Adopting from an animal shelter is a wonderful way to give a sweet pet a second chance at happiness. It also promotes good animal welfare. You’ll be freeing up valuable space at the shelter, so they can take in another homeless pet. You’ll also be helping the shelter care for its furry wards, as your new pet’s adoption fees will help the shelter financially.

Finding Your Furry Friend

It isn’t uncommon for people to take one look at a furry face and immediately know they’ve found their pet. However, that isn’t always the case. It can be tough to pick just one pet from a lineup of adorable pets! Spend some time with your four-legged friend before deciding. It also won’t hurt to ask about the pet’s history. You may be able to learn quite a bit!

Coming Home

Our animal pals often need time to adjust to major changes. You may want to set your pet up in a quiet room at first, so they can have a comfy place to relax. Don’t be surprised if your pet spends a lot of time sleeping at first. This is normal, as pets need to recuperate from the stress of being in shelters.

Veterinary Care

A trip to the vet’s is definitely in order. Although most shelter pets have been fixed, you’ll still want to get your new pal a thorough exam, and make sure they are current on vaccines and parasite control. While you’re there, get some specific advice on your pet’s diet and care needs.

Purrs and Tail Wags

Many people report that pets they have adopted from shelters are super sweet and affectionate. This makes sense. Animals are intelligent enough to know when someone has helped them, and are extremely grateful when people show them kindness and compassion. However, it’s important to remember that all pets are different. Some may immediately bond with their owners, while others will need time to settle in. Focus on offering great care, and just getting to know your new buddy.

Please contact us if we can ever be of assistance. As your Washington DC vet clinic, we are here to help!

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Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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