Are you about to adopt an adult rescue dog? Congratulations, this is a really exciting time! Adopting a pet can be a truly rewarding experience, and you can look forward to a long-lasting bond – and lots of fun – with your new pet. Before bringing your dog home, however, take some time to make sure you’ve got everything prepared with our handy guide.
Get in the Essentials
First things first, you’ll need to get in the essential items and supplies you’ll need to take care of the newest member of your family before they arrive. These include:
- A bed and blanket
- Food and a food bowl
- A water bowl
- A collar, lead, and tag
- A selection of toys
- Pet-friendly cleaning products
You may also want to purchase some dog treats or chews – the shelter will be able to tell you if your new dog has any particular favorites.
Prepare Your House
The next task is preparing your house for your new adopted dog. This involves moving out of reach anything you don’t want your furry friend getting hold of and considering – if necessary – a baby gate to prevent the dog from accessing certain spaces or areas of your home.
Think about the space, giving consideration to where the dog will sleep, eat, and rest. It’s a great idea to create a quiet area for your new pooch, away from busy spots where they can relax. This could be especially important during the early days, as they settle in.
Finally, check each room carefully, looking for potential hazards. These could be toxic plants, chemicals, or wires. When your newly adopted dog comes home, be sure to supervise them in each room, just in case there are any hazards you’ve missed – pets can be very clever at finding these!
Don’t Forget the Yard
As well as the house, take steps to ensure your garden will be a safe, secure environment for your dog to enjoy. Check carefully that fencing or
walls are high and sturdy enough to prevent the risk of mistakes and that there aren’t any plants growing that are toxic to dogs.
Some dog parents choose to separate off different areas of their yard – especially if it’s a particularly large space – to help keep their pooch safe.
Think About Routine
Unlike taking on a new puppy, an adult dog is likely to already have set routines – around eating and exercise, for example – and it’s important to think about this and how an existing routine will fit into your own family life and schedule. Changes can be made, but, as with everything, forewarned is forearmed!
Find out from the shelter, previous owner, etc, whether the dog has any dietary or medical requirements or specific likes and dislikes – this is an important way to help everyone get settled and ensure you’re prepared for life with your new pet.
Arrange Pet Insurance
Amid all the excitement of welcoming your new dog into your life, it can be easy to overlook practical matters like arranging pet insurance. It’s important to get this sorted out in good time, however, as it provides vital
cover to protect your pet in the event of an accident or injury or if they develop a medical condition. It gives you all-important peace of mind, too.
If you’re wondering how does pet insurance work, there are a few key points to know. In most cases, it covers diagnostics, cancer, injury from accident, flea and heartworm treatment, allergy medicine, and arthritis medicine. What’s not usually covered? Vaccinations, dental cleaning, flea and heartworm prevention, and physical therapy. Pre-existing conditions are never covered.
Plan the Journey Home
Finally, another element of getting prepared that can be overlooked is the journey home. Your dog may well be anxious or unsettled as you make your way in the car back from the shelter, but there are some easy things you can do to make things run more smoothly for everyone. Consider collecting your newly adopted dog at a time outside of rush hour so you don’t end up in the car for longer than you need to. Your dog may feel better if you settle them in the car with an item that’s familiar to them, such as a favorite blanket or much-loved you.
Final Thoughts
Adopting a dog is an exciting time, and no doubt you can’t wait to go collect the newest member of your family. Among all the excitement,though, be sure to use the guide above to properly prepare your home to help your dog settle in as quickly – and safely – as possible. Making just a few little changes and arranging pet insurance in good time is the best way to enjoy a happy homecoming and peace of mind in the months and years to come.
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