Rescue Dog Day

May 20th is definitely near and dear to our hearts: it’s Rescue Dog Day! Quite a few of our canine patients are rescues who are now living their dream doggy lives as beloved pets. If you’re considering adopting a new pup, please think about getting a rescue. A Louisville, KY vet offers some advice on this below. 

Is A Rescue Right For you? 

The term rescue dog is really an umbrella term, in that it may cover many situations. Some rescue dogs may be family pets that got lost, and were only on their own a few days before being brought to a shelter. Others may be puppies that were born on the streets. Sadly, many rescues have also been saved from trauma, neglect, or abuse, while others may have been surviving on their own for weeks, months, or even years. These situations can definitely take a huge toll on Fido. You’ll need to expect the unexpected, especially with pups that came from bad situations. Make sure you’re ready to commit before moving forward. Adoption is forever! 

Things To Consider

Shelters are usually pretty good about sussing out a pup’s temperament, and evaluating the type of household and situation he’ll be best suited for. Fosters can also be a great help here, as they’ve been able to spend some quality time with Fido. That said, it’s important to find a dog that’s the right fit for your home and household. A pooch that hasn’t been tested for cats isn’t the best bet if you have a kitty, while a reactive dog may not be a good match for a home with small children. 

Settling In 

That Gotcha Day is one of the most important days of Fido’s life. It’s also a pretty big deal for you! Take things slowly, and give your pet the time he needs to feel settled and safe. A trip to the vet is definitely in order: aside from that, just let your new canine pal relax and unwind. It may take time for him to feel safe. Think of the 3/3/3 law: generally, dogs need three days to get the feel of their new surroundings, three weeks to settle in, and three months to really feel at home. 

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Louisville, KY animal clinic, today. We’re here to help!