 Adjustment
Period
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Within a week or two, your new pet will have settled into his new
home and his new routine. Some will take a little longer
and very few are unable to adjust at all.
In most cases
the animal will be a well-adjusted
member of the family within a month, and the effort
will be well worth it. In fact, you will probably have
trouble remembering when he wasn't
one of your family.
The Adult Dog or Cat
There are many advantages to adopting an adult animal. You
already know the size and the disposition of your pet,
something not known of a puppy or kitten.
However, you might not know
your pet's past or whether he is housebroken or trained.
Your pet won't understand why he has come to your home nor
what is expected of him. It is imperative you be
patient with your
new pet and let him know and understand your patterns.
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The
First Week
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Things to Buy Before or Immediately After the Adoption
Food, bowls for water and food, a
leash, collar, and bedding. For bedding, baby blankets
work well, or thin blankets which can fit in the washing
machine.
An ID tag. Some pet stores, such as PETsMART and PETCO, have machines with which you can create an ID tag immediately. At NCHS, we have order forms that make it easy for you to order a custom tag for your new pet.
Cats
Please bring a carrier with you to the shelter or veterinary
clinic when you are picking up your cat.
Dogs
Bring a leash and collar with
you when picking up your dog. A
temporary
leash and collar are provided at the time of adoption
if you do not own these already.
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Dog Food Changes
To avoid your new best friend from getting diarrhea from a change
in diet, add boiled potatoes to his new food.
Rice also works but is more fattening.
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Introducing Routines and Housebreaking
Keep your new dog on a leash, and your new cat indoors
at night. Show him where his water and food dish are
kept. Show your dog where he is to sleep.
When he is
indoors be sure and keep him confined with you, taking
him outdoors
at frequent intervals to relieve himself. Take him
to the same spot each time and praise him heartily when
he goes. Until he learns this new routine he will have
to be watched closely.
If there is an accident in the
house please do not assume he is not housebroken.
He must get accustomed to his new home and his new routines.
If you witness your dog going potty in your home,
loudly say "NO!" and
take him outside immediately. You must catch the
dog in
the
act if
the correction is to be effective. NEVER hit your
dog if
an accident occurs. Praise, not punishment, is the
key to a well-behaved pet.
> more housebreaking tips
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Prevent Doggie Temptations
Please be patient with your dog and anticipate problems
before they occur. Don't leave tempting items such as
shoes, clothing, or children's toys within reach of your
new dog.
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Separation Anxiety
If your pet is left alone while you work,
please understand the first few days will be rough on
him. Try to leave the home with as little fanfare as
possible. Tearful goodbyes add to your
new pets anxiety.
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Things to Watch For
When he's first settling in, your new pet may experience
shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or
whimpering. He may exhibit excessive water drinking,
frequent urination, or diarrhea. He may have little or
no appetite. If any of these symptoms last more than
a few days, call your veterinarian.
Keep an eye out for signs of upper respiratory infections
in cats and kennel cough in dogs. Symptoms include runny
eyes and nose, coughing and/or sneezing. If your pet
dispays any of these symptoms, take him to the vet immediately
for evaluation and treatment.
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