It is no secret that a dog can bring happiness to a person’s life. Dogs are known for their unconditional love and loyal companionship, making them a true definition of a man’s best friend.
No matter what breed of dog you have, they will always love their people. If you ever think of getting a pet dog, consider adopting a dog from an animal shelter in Etobicoke. Giving them love, attention, and delicious food will mean so much to a shelter dog.
Why You Should Adopt and Not Shop
Adopting a shelter dog can give you a rewarding feeling because you know you are giving them a second chance at a happy and loving life. Some dogs and puppies that are put for adoption were either stray or surrendered by their owners. Instead of buying a pooch from a breeder, foster a dog from a shelter—they are the ones that need your love and affection. Furthermore, paying for the adoption fee will help provide other shelter animals with all their basic needs.
Here are other reasons why you should adopt and not shop:
Save a Life
Adopting an abandoned dog from a shelter means giving them a second chance in life. Taking them home means providing them with a safe space and a loving family.
Break the Cycle of Pet Overpopulation
Unfortunately, animal shelters cannot accommodate all dogs. Dog rehoming helps reduce the pet overpopulation cycle. Every year, millions of dogs are euthanized due to overpopulation in shelters.
Help Stop Cruel Breeding
Most puppies sold in pet shops come from cruel breeding facilities. Dogs used for breeding are usually confined in small, dirty spaces and receive little to no veterinary care. Choosing an abandoned dog from your local shelter means giving back to your community instead of patronizing cruel breeders.
Healthier than Store-Bought Dogs
Since most animal shelters have onsite veterinary clinics, it ensures all potential fur parents that they will be adopting a healthy pooch that has received proper care.
On the other hand, pet stores and breeders cannot assure the same level of care provided by animal shelters. Dogs sold by breeders come in unsanitary puppy mills, which subjects them to diseases, such as parasites and pneumonia.
Friend for Life
Numerous studies claim that your tail-wagging best friends can help improve your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. They also help prevent depression and relieve feelings of loneliness. Welcoming a dog into your home can change both their life and yours.
Things to Consider Before Adopting a Shelter Dog
Adopting a dog can give you a lovable new family member, but it comes with a huge responsibility. If you plan to get a dog, make sure to discuss it with your family to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands the commitment that comes with owning a dog.
Here are some important factors to consider before providing a dog with a forever home:
Each Shelter Dog is Unique
Before adopting a shelter dog, you must understand that every dog is unique. Rehoming can bring a number of challenges that is why you need to talk to the shelter manager about what to expect from your dog. This will help you paint a picture of your dog’s characteristics.
Every Shelter Dog is Carefully Vetted
Before a dog is put for adoption, the shelter will provide behavioural and health assessments on its personality, energy level, and health. Prospective foster fur parents simply need to ask for these reports from the shelter to help them understand the behaviour of the dog.
Test How Well-Trained the Dog Is
Performing a few quick tests can help you evaluate the dog’s intelligence and level of training. For instance, call out their name and see if they come to you. You can also check if they walk well on a leash or follow basic commands like stay or sit. This will help you carefully assess how much dog training you will need to provide them.
Adopting a dog from a shelter goes beyond just saving a life. You give them a second chance to be themselves and not spend the rest of their life confined within the walls of a shelter or rescue. Make sure you give them the love, care, and attention they deserve.
How to Be a Good and Responsible Fur Parent
For some people, dogs are simply animals, but dog lovers cherish them like tiny, furry family members. However, caring for your dogs comes with a few unique challenges. Knowing the right strategies for dog care can ensure a happy, loved, and contented pup.
Here are several tips that will help you become a better parent to your pet:
Research Before Adopting a Pet
Make sure to take some time to research information about the responsibilities that come with adopting a shelter dog. If you are looking for a specific dog breed, gather information about their personality, temperament, and care needs. This will help you choose the right dog that suits you and your family. For instance, if you love to go outdoors, choose a dog with high energy levels.
Pet-Proof Your Home
As a pet parent, you should ensure your home is pet-proofed to ensure the safety of your new pooch at all times. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, especially in a new environment. Make sure to put electrical cords, toxic substances, and sharp objects away from your dog’s reach.
Measure Out Their Meals
Obesity is a common health problem in dogs. Make sure to provide your pet with the proper serving size at mealtimes and use an online calorie calculator to determine the right amount of calories needed by your dog each day. You can also refer to the nutritional information found on the back of the dog food package to measure the perfect amount of food to feed them.
Keep Them Well-Groomed
Giving your dog regular baths is important, but it can be quite stressful for you and your dog. One of the simplest tricks to get your pet to the tub is feeding them breakfast or dinner during bath. This will help them consider dog grooming as a positive experience.
Take Your Dog to the Vet
One of the most important responsibilities of a pet parent is to ensure that your dog receives all the essential vaccines they need to be healthy. Make sure to take your pet to the nearest veterinary clinic for a checkup if you think something is wrong.
Keep Your Dog Active
Taking your pooch around the neighbourhood for a walk or in the dog park to interact with your dogs can effectively provide physical and mental stimulation. Inactivity can cause their energy to be pent up, resulting in behavioural problems. If you are too busy to take your dog for a walk, hire a professional dog walker to ensure that your furry pet gets the exercise they need for the day.
Hot Diggity Dogs Toronto offers professional dog walking services in Etobicoke to ensure that your best friend is healthy and fit. Call or text us at 647-931-9103, so we can arrange a meet and greet between our pack leader and your dog.