International Dog Day: Expert tips to comfort newly adopted dog
What's the story
Adopting a dog is a life-changing experience, but the shift from shelter to a loving home can be especially tough for adult dogs.
To ease this transition and ensure your new canine companion settles in comfortably, NewsBytes spoke to Annanya Anwar, the founder of Pawasana, who offered some insights and practical advice for a smoother adjustment period.
Understand
Be patient with your new friend
Anwar advises acknowledging that your newly adopted dog is encountering everything in your home for the first time.
"Everything is very new for your dog and they take time to understand their space," she says.
She advises being patient with them, saying, "Understand that the adjustment period might take time and you may have to allow your dog to familiarize at their own pace."
Training
Be calm and positive while training them
She advises, "For a few initial days, you would have to give them time to learn and be potty trained. With your efforts and the right ways, they could learn easily and early too."
She further highlights that they pick up on your emotions easily, so maintaining a calm and positive attitude around them is essential to make them feel at ease.
Space
Respect your dog's personal space
Anwar advises respecting a dog's need for personal space and not pushing them too much.
Adopted dogs might take time to adjust since they're new to affection and care.
"If possible, bring familiar smells from the previous environment from them to make them feel at home," recommends the founder of Pawasana, an organization that aims to promote dog adoption and awareness about rescued dogs.
Food
Be careful while feeding them
Anwar points out that certain human foods can be toxic to dogs.
Particularly in the early days, it's crucial to watch over them like you would watch a young child, preventing accidental consumption of harmful substances.
While offering them top-quality food is essential, it's equally important not to overfeed out of love.
"Obesity later causes more health issues and should be avoided," she says.
Exercise
Keep them active
She underscores the importance of regular exercise for dogs.
"Dogs need to go on at least one long walk every single day."
For puppies, she suggests incorporating engaging activities like fetch or "hide and seek" with their toys.
These interactive activities not only help them release some of that wild doggie energy but also ensure they remain active.
Softness
Handle them with care and love
According to the dog care specialist, handling small adopted puppies requires attention because their bones are still in the process of forming.
"In excitement, they may tend to jump," she warns, adding, "So one needs to hold them with care and love."
Treating them with care and affection during these interactions is important for their well-being and comfort.