Seasons Greetings from South Town Animal Hospital!

Important Things to Do After Adopting Your Pet!

Giving the Care Your Newly-Adopted Pet Needs

Just adopted a pet? Congratulations! This is a very exciting time! The adoption process  is more than exciting, as it is a life-changing experience for both you and your new best friend! Many emotions that are experienced during the adoption process can be quite overwhelming. In addition to the emotions that you are feeling, your adopted pal will be feeling a variety of emotions, too. He may be scared at first. There will be a lot of new things that he will experience upon his/her adoption. From the adoption center to your home, here’s a list of important “to-do’s”!

The Ride Home

This might be your new pet’s first time riding in a car. Any new noises and unfamiliar movements may be intimidating. Try to keep the ride home as short as possible, avoiding any extra stops. Loud music may make him/her even more nervous. Keeping a quiet, calm, and reassuring environment will make him feel more at ease. In addition, insure a comfortable temperature and that there are no unfriendly odors in the vehicle.  

Also, it is critical to have a safe transport crate for your new feline or canine.  Dogs may do well in a wire crate in the back of your vehicle.  Pet stores also now have doggy seat belts that attach to your pets leash. As for your new cat, a enclosed carrier is critical for safe travels.  Felines typically are not accustom to car travel so your new pet is sensitive to sights, sounds, and smells.  Even placing a towel over your carrier to create a darker environment is recommended. If you are conscious about these factors your pet is sure to have a more enjoyable ride to their new home.   

The New Home

You’ve just arrived home. It is such an exciting feeling to be with the new addition to your family! Your new pet might be feeling similar emotions, yet this is also a good possibility that they feel nervous and scared. There are a few things your family should do help your new buddy acclimate to his/her surroundings.  With both dogs and cats make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready before you get home.  You will need treats, food, toys, and bowls ready to go.  It is recommended that a dog has a crate that has a designated area not only for training purposes, but it will also be a nice safe place for your new pup.  The crate should be the height of your pet sitting up straight and the length of your pet laying down comfortably.  

Cats need safe places too.  It is vital for felines to have higher places to get away if need be.  Cat trees are a great choice to ensure that they have a high place that they can find comfort in while checking out their new place.   In addition, when you initially bring your new kitty home it is also doctor recommended that you find a smaller room to keep him/her in with his or her litter box and food.  When you first introduce a cat into a new environment, especially a small kitten, they may get lost in a great big place.  Introducing them slowly will ensure that he/she knows where their potty is and will get him/her off to a great start!

Veterinary Care

Within a week of bringing your new pet home, it is recommended that you make an appointment for him/her with your veterinarian. At his/her first veterinary visit, they will be examined from head-to-tail.  The doctors will check for any issues and abnormalities. They are ready and willing to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.   If it helps, write down the topics that you need to discuss.  Having a new pet is a lot like having a new child, and there are so many topics to think about.  It may become overwhelming.  Writing down your questions will help us cover everything that is on your mind.  

Our staff will also confirm that he/she is up-to-date on all of his vaccinations.  If it is a young animal, like children, there are many vaccines that might need boosting.  Also there are immunizations that the animal shelter may not offer.   South Town Animal hospital tailors vaccine protocols to fit your pet’s needs and lifestyle. There may be additional protection that is needed and will be discussed at the time of this exam.   

At this appointment your pet will also begin monthly heartworm medication and flea and tick protection.  You will receive a complimentary first time dose, along with a puppy/kitten pack that is filled with essential information to get this commitment started on the right foot.  The pack contains vaccine information, trainer business cards, emergency information, and much much more.  South Town Animal Hospital staff wants your pet to have the best start in their new home!

Lastly, it is vital to bring in a stool sample to check for intestinal parasites.   Starting on heartworm preventatives assist in intestinal parasite control, but checking that stool sample ensures safety for not only your new pet, but your family, and yourself.  There are many intestinal parasites that can be transmitted from animal to human.  Lots of times new pets come home and need additional dewormers to get that clean bill of health.

A healthy lifestyle begins with the best, high quality veterinary health care!  Our educated staff is ready and waiting to answer any questions and give the best medical advice that you may need to welcoming your new family member into your home!   Please look below at the services our hospital has to offer.  You can always pop on by for a tour, give us a call, or shoot us an email with any questions you might have.  We are proud to serve our community in treating our furry loved ones!

South Town Animal Hospital- Offers the Following Services

Medical & Preventive Health

Complementary Medicine

Surgery

Laser Therapy

Housecalls

Call to schedule today!  We are always waiting to lend an ear and answer any questions you have!