The People Who Care
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The People Who Care |
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Pet Care: DogsAdjusting To A New Home(Based upon "Adjusting to a New Home Life" by Lehigh Co. Hum. Society)Just brought home a new dog friend? Your new companion will be relying on you to be an educated pet owner. Animals, just like people, take time to adjust to a new home. What are some things you may expect? What are some things you should be looking out for?
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Feeding Your Dog
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Feeding and walking your dog on a regular schedule will
make housebreaking easier. Give him a chance to eliminate shortly
after each meal and after naps. "Rubbing a dog's nose in it"
doesn't mean anything to the dog, especially if time elapses before you
discover the accident. When your dog eliminates in front of
you indoors, say "NO" firmly and quickly take him/her outdoors.
Also,
remember to praise your dog when it eliminates outside. Dogs
thrive on praise, so try to keep training positive.
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Training Your DogBack to top |
Start your dog out right by helping it learn good manners.
Be prepared to begin training it the very first day.
Your dog should have its own sleeping place. You may also wish
to "dog proof" one section of your house for your new dog until he/she
has learned a few things. But, never shut your dog away from
your companionship. Socialization to people is as important as any
other part of training, and for puppies, must be done between 8 to 12 weeks
of age.
Also, you can't overdo praise. Your dog craves your approval more than anything else. Using praise when he/she begins to do the right thing will be quite encouraging. The TONE of your voice, not volume, is what counts. Use a pleasing tone to praise and a firm tone when giving commands or correcting behavior. Remember, that cringing on the part of your dog when you yell doesn't mean that it understands it did something wrong. It only understands that you are yelling.
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Illness and ProblemsBack to top |
ChewingWhen your dog starts to chew something it shouldn't, say "NO" and give him one of his own toys to chew. Praise him when he does play with his chew toy.CryingIf your dog cries the first night or two, be patient. Should this occur when you are with him, and if you are certain he is not hungry or thirsty, call your vet. Playing soft music or low voices on the radio may soothe him.DiarrheaParasites, change of diet or water, and excitement may all be contributing causes of diarrhea. If this condition continues for more than 24 hours, take the dog to a veterinairian. Bring a sample of feces along with you for evaluation. If the dog is depressed, call your vet immediately.VomitingUnaccustomed travel by care or other mode of transportation or eating/drinking when highly excited may cause vomiting. Allow the dog to look over his new home without too much handling. Diet change may also cause vomiting. Call your vet if this persists longer than 24 hours or sooner if the dog is depressed.Kennel CoughThis illness does not affect humans. A combination of viruses and bacteria are believe to be the cause of this illness, which is spread rapidly though any animal which is kenneled. People cannot resist toughing animals in succession, which is one way this illness is spread. Although your pet appears to be alert and in general good health, you may notice the sudden onset of a harsh deep, colicy cough. Often, this cough will be followed by gagging and the appearance of mucus. With treatment, recovery is usually complete although medications may be necessary for several weeks. Contact your vet.ImmunizationsBe sure to take your dog to the vet regularly for checkups and for booster immunizations. This helps to ensure your pet a healthy, happy life.
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Keeping Your Dog HealthyBack to top |
Be sure to take your dog to the vet regularly for checkups and for booster immunizations. This helps to ensure your pet a healthy, happy life. |
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