Surviving the first weeks home with an adopted pet may present some challenges for you as well as your new pet. Depending on whether you adopted a puppy, kitten or even an older dog all your efforts will pay off as this new pet becomes a part of your family.
Instructions
Adopted Puppies and Kittens
1. Prepare your home for the newly adopted pet. Puppies and even kittens will get into everything, so remove anything and everything that may be tempting for a puppy to chew on.
2. Establish a location for your adopted pet to be fed and their water bowl to be kept. Maintain a regular feeding schedule. This will also help with the house training efforts. Feed your puppy or kitten what they have been eating at the animal shelter. After your first visit with your vet, you may want to make appropriate changes to their diet.
3. Give your new puppy or kitten lots of attention. They have been through a state of confusion going to the animal shelter and then from that shelter to their new home with you. Work with your young children to help them understand handle the newly adopted pet.
4. Place your adopted puppy or kitten in a pet crate with a blanket or towel to lay on at night and at times when you will not be at home to monitor their activities. The puppy may whine at night; just try to reassure them with soothing tones they are okay, but do not take them out of the crate. Consider placing a clothing item of the main caregiver in the crate or even a ticking clock wrapped in a soft towel. Be consistent with the pet crate the first week home with your adopted pet.
5. Take the puppy outdoors often for potty breaks. Take them directly from their crate and place them in the yard. It takes effort, but they will catch on that this is the routine to follow. Make your kitten familiar with their new litter box. Place the kitten on the litter box every few hours and when you get up in the morning.
6. Watch the newly adopted puppy or kitten very closely for any changes in their health, eating problems, breathing problems or behavior problems. Should you notice any unusual behavior or problems, contact your vet. It is also a good idea to keep the newly adopted pet separated from other pets for the first few days to allow the pets to adjust to each other and in the event there are any health issues with the new adoptee.
Adopted Older Pets
7. Follow the same guidelines for bringing home an older adopted pet as you would with a newly adopted puppy or kitten such as preparing your home, establishing a food and water area, maintaining a regular feeding schedule and keeping the adopted pet on the same food as the animal shelter provided.
8. Take care with younger children with an older adopted pet. This pet may be a bit nervous as it has been moved to a new environment. Allow the pet, especially dogs, to adjust to the household routine and the family. Keep the newly adopted pet away from other pets for a few days to allow all the pets to adjust to each other and you have the opportunity to monitor the new adoptee for any changes in their health or behavior. Call your veterinarian with any problems.
9. Place your older adopted pet in a crate at night and when you leave the house. They will soon learn that this is their safe place and will not have a problem with the crate. Be sure that the pet crate is size and breed appropriate and that it is not placed in any areas with excess heat or in areas that are cold and drafty.
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