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Helping Your Shelter Dog Adjust

October 1, 2021

October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! We love seeing pups going to new homes. There are few things more heartwarming than seeing those adorable Gotcha Day posts and videos showing pooches that are just over the moon to get adopted. Of course, Fido will need some time to get settled. A Washington DC vet offers some advice on that in this article.


Walk

Before you bring Fido inside his new home for the first time, take him for a walk. This will allow him to reset and absorb the fact that he has left the shelter or foster home. It will also help him burn off any zoomies, so he’ll be calmer after. Plus, your canine pal will appreciate being able to get a feel for his new surroundings.


Offer Doggy Luxuries

You’ll need to pick up some things for your furry friend, such as bedding, food, toys, treats, and a leash or collar. Have your pet’s things set out and waiting for him. If you have other pets, you may want to put Fido in his own room at first. It’s okay to go a little overboard with toys and treats at first. It’s important for your new pooch to feel safe and loved. Just stick with things you know are safe.


Routines

Dogs tend to feel more secure when they’re on a set schedule for walks, meals, playtime, and, of course, treats. Get Fido started on his new agenda right away. It’s also important to be consistent with your house rules. Don’t let your canine companion onto the couch the first night if you don’t want him up there all the time. Also, avoid punishing your furry friend for mishaps. Focus on rewarding good behavior.


Love

Fido may need some time to adjust, especially if he was at the shelter for a while. He may sleep a lot at first, as he recuperates from the stress and trauma of being in a shelter. That’s fine! Treats, toys, playtime, and love will all help get that tail going. Don’t try to force attention on your new canine buddy. Offer great care, and give him the time he needs to relax. This varies somewhat from dog to dog, but could take several months. 


Please contact us, your local Washington DC pet hospital, for all your new pet’s veterinary care needs! We’re here to help!

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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