DOG CARE
Once you have a found the dog that’s right for you and you’ve met all the requirements for becoming the guardian of a rescue dog, there are a number of things that you need to prepare. You are committing to a long-term relationship so ensure that you consider all of these factors.
THINGS YOU WILL NEED
- Name tag made for your dog that includes your phone number.
- Stainless steel or ceramic water and feeding bowls. Plastic should be avoided, as they can hold bacteria and may cause infections in your dog’s face.
- Six-foot leash - not a retractable leash. It is difficult to control a dog on a retractable leash. These leashes are unsafe and often cause accidents.
- Properly fitting collar that does not slip off. Consider a martingale collar (the collar will tighten the more the dog pulls, but without hurting or choking the dog). Check if your dog would be more suited to a harness, rather than a regular collar. These are often good for large dogs that pull when walking or dogs with breathing or spinal issues.
- Soft cuddler bed. It’s also good to provide blankets, as some dogs like to burrow.
- Entertainment toys, such as puzzle toys and Kongs. Dogs should not be left unattended with their toys, with the exception of Kongs. Be extra careful with squeaker toys. Some dogs can pull these apart in a matter of seconds and they can be hazardous if swallowed.
- Transport crates should be of an appropriate size, if necessary.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Senior dogs, puppies or dogs with pre-existing medical issues may require some extra veterinary care. We will try and prepare you for what this may be, but some expenses may be unforeseen. Will you be able to cover the vet’s bills? Have you looked at pet insurance options?
- Does the dog currently have a microchip? You will either need to see your vet to have one implanted or have the current one changed into your name.
- Where will the animal be kept? Consider using a baby gate to confine your dog to a certain area of your home when you are out, until your dog becomes more familiar with the environment.
- What will your routine will be? When and how often will you take your dog outside? You may need to do this frequently at first, as even previously house trained dogs will take time to adjust to a new home. Expect some accidents!
- Dogs should not be left unattended in a yard. Even so, your yard should be escape proof. Ensure your dog can’t dig out under fence. Gates should be locked to prevent theft. Sadly, dog theft is on the rise in Chicago.
- How will your dog be kept when you are out of the house? Your new dog should be kept separate to your existing animals while unsupervised, until they become familiar with each other.
- Where will your dog sleep? Your dog should sleep in your bedroom. This will help with the bonding process, which is especially important to a rescue dog that may be learning to trust humans again.
- Adopted dogs need to adjust to their new family and siblings. Be prepared to have some teething problems and make sure you address them rather than ignore them. We are here to offer advice and answer questions. We have a trainer that is happy to speak to you over the phone in times of need. We are always here to help with issues that may arise.
FOOD
- Good nutrition is vital to a dog»s health. We will make recommendations on what your dog should eat based on information we have learnt while your dog has been in our care.
- Some human food, veggies and fresh meat (especially liver) are considered high value and will help with the bonding process. However, all dogs are individuals and have different palates, so learning what your dog eats will be a process of trial and error. If you have more than one animal, feed them separately to prevent guarding and food aggression.
- Dog should never be left unattended when eating rawhide, as these can be a choke hazard.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE TOXIC TO DOGS
Alcohol . Almonds . Anti-freeze . Apple seeds . Apricot pits . Avocados . Azaleas . Baby food . Begonias . Bones . Cat food . Cherry pits . Chocolate . Chrysanthemum . Citronella candles . Clematis . Coffee . Crocus . Daffodils . Eggs, raw. Fabric softener sheets . Fatty foods . Garlic . Grapes . Hydrangeas . Macadamia nuts . Mistletoe berries . Moldy foods . Mothballs . Mushrooms . Nutmeg . Oleander . Onions . Peach pits . Persimmons . Poinsettias . Raw potatoes . Raisins . Rhubarb . Yeast dough . xylitol (artifical sweetner)
