Adopting A Dog: Helping Fido Get Settled

October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! We’re more than happy to help spread the word about this great cause. Many of our patients were adopted from shelters. In this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital, a local vet offers some advice on helping your four-legged friend adjust to his new home.

Start Slow

When you get Fido to your home, don’t just immediately take him in. Bring him around the block first. This will help him get an idea of his surroundings, which can calm him. It’s also important to just give him time to process what’s happening and, if needed, burn off some of those zoomies.

Preparation

Ideally, you’ll want to have everything you need ready and waiting before you bring your pooch home. Fido will need food, dishes, a harness and leash, bedding, toys, treats, and waste baggies. A crate is also good to have on hand. Some of these things should be chosen with your canine pal’s age, weight, and size in mind, so you may want to decide what pup you’re getting before you go shopping.

Setup

This one will vary a bit depending on your household setup and the number of other pets you have. If you already have a dog, we strongly suggest doing a meet and greet, to see if they’ll get along. If you have pets that Fido hasn’t met yet, keep your new arrival in a separate area for a few days. Let them get used to each other’s scents.

Safety

Petproofing is a huge must. In many ways, this is similar to childproofing, as you’ll need to address many of the same potential hazards. That includes small or sharp objects, wires and cords, plastic products, toxic plants, chemicals, and medication.

Settling In

It’s going to take your furry friend a while to understand that he’s in a safe place. Fido may sleep a lot at first, especially if he came from a shelter. In general, our canine buddies take three days to adjust to new surroundings, three weeks to settle in, and three months to really feel like they are home. Keep your new canine companion on a steady routine for things like walks, meals, and  playtime. With time, love, and patience, you’ll have that cute tail going before you know it!

Here at Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital, we’re committed to providing top notch veterinary care. Contact us anytime!