Questions to ask yourself before adopting


Are you
ready to
make a
long term
committment?

Your pet may be with you for a very long time. Did you know that dogs can live from 10 to 15 years? You may go through many changes in your life-moves, marriages, the birth of children, new jobs and new houses-but your animal will be a permanent part of your life. And since dogs can bond deeply with their families, it can be heartbreaking for the pet-and for the family-should that bond be broken if you cannot care for your animal. Are you up for it?

Can you
spend
quality
time with
this
animal?

Canines thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day, and dogs who are constantly left alone can develop behavioral problems.

Will you be responsible for your pet's health and safety?

The cost of owning a dog is a more than the initial adoption fee! When estimating the total amount, remember to include basic and emergency veterinary care, toys, supplies and food. You'll also need to spay or neuter your pet, and make sure that he or she has proper identification-that means a collar and tags and possibly a more permanent form of ID such as microchipping.


Basic care and Behavior information


Do you know what kind of pet is right for you?

 Dogs are not right for every household. Problems such as allergies, apartment restrictions, or moving issues should be explored before adopting a new pet. Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children, while small pets may be too delicate for children. It's smart to ask the shelter staff what animals they recommend for your household-they're experts at making perfect matches!

Feeding:

- Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need four meals a day.
- Feed puppies three to six months old three meals a day.
- Feed puppies six months to one year two meals a day.
- When your dog reaches his first birthday, one meal a day is usually
   enough.
- For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it's
   better to feed two smaller meals.

Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg, fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than ten percent of his daily food intake.

Puppies should be fed a high-quality, brand-name puppy food. Please limit "people food," however, because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems and may cause very picky eating habits and obesity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes frequently.

Grooming:

You can help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs don't need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue.

Handling:

Small dogs, sometimes referred to as "lap dogs," are the easiest to handle. To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog's chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the hind legs and rump. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail or back of the neck. If you do have to lift a large dog, lift from the underside, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other.

Housing:

Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate is ideal. You may wish to buy a dog bed, or make one out of a wooden box. Place a clean blanket or pillow inside the bed. Wash the dog's bedding often. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it's cold.

Exercise:

Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and keep healthy. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.
Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age and level of health—but a couple of walks around the block every day and ten minutes in the backyard probably won’t cut it. If your dog is a 6- to 18-month adolescent, or if she is an active breed or mixed-breed from the sporting, herding, hound or terrier groups, her requirements will be relatively high.

Health:

Your dog should see the veterinarian for a full check-up, shots and a heartworm blood test every year, and immediately if he is sick or injured.
Dental Health: While many of us may object to our pet's bad breath, we should pay attention to what it may be telling us. Bad breath is most commonly an indication that your dog is in need of a dental check up. Dental plaque caused by bacteria results in a foul smell that requires professional treatment. After a professional cleaning, the teeth and gums may be maintained in a healthy state by brushing the teeth regularly, feeding a specially formulated dental diet and treats, and avoiding table scraps. Your veterinarian can give you more tips on minimizing dental disease and bad breath.You can clean your canine’s teeth with a dog toothpaste or a baking-soda-and-water paste once or twice a week. Use a child's soft toothbrush, a gauze pad or a piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger. Some dogs are prone to periodontal disease, a pocket of infection between the tooth and the gum. This painful condition can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Veterinarians can clean the teeth as a regular part of your dog's health program.
Bad Breath: While bad breath caused by dental disease may not be too serious if caught early enough, some odors may be indicative of fairly serious, chronic problems. Liver or intestinal diseases may cause foul breath, whereas a sweet, fruity smell may be indicative of diabetes. If your dog’s breath smells like ammonia or urine, kidney disease is a possibility. Any time you notice your pet has bad breath accompanied by other signs of ill health, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, depression, excessive drinking or urinating, schedule a visit to the veterinarian.

Vaccinations:

- Puppies should be vaccinated with a combination vaccine (called
   a “5-in-1”) at two, three and four months of age, and then once
   annually. This vaccine protects the puppy from distemper,
   hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. A puppy's
   vaccination program cannot be finished before four months of
   age.
- Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers and American Staffordshire
   terriers/pit bulls should not be vaccinated until five months of
   age.
- If you have an unvaccinated dog older than four or five months,
   he will need a series of two vaccinations given two to three
   weeks apart, followed by a yearly vaccination.
- Do not walk your puppy or unvaccinated dog outside or let her
   walk or sit on the floor of an animal hospital until several days
   after her final vaccination.

There are a variety of vaccines that may or may not be appropriate for your pet. Your veterinarian can tell you about them.

Training:

A well-behaved dog is a joy. But left untrained, your dog can cause nothing but trouble. Teaching your dog the basics—"Sit," "Stay," "Come," "Down," "Heel," "Off" and "Leave it"—will improve your relationship with both your dog and your neighbors. If you have a puppy, start teaching him his manners as soon as possible! Use little bits of food as a lure and reward. Puppies can be enrolled in obedience courses when they have been adequately vaccinated. Check out Homer Dog Trainers for obedience classes for puppies and adult dogs.

You should always keep your puppy or dog on a leash in public. Just be sure your pet will come to you at all times whenever you say the word. A dog who is disobedient or aggressive is not ready to play with others.

Above complements of the ASPCA

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