Adoption Tips

Essential tips to care for your new best friend

01. Medical care: prioritize their well-being

We recommend visiting their attending veterinarian at Mundo Animal Acoxpa, who already knows their medical history and background. There is no need to book an appointment; you can come at whatever time suits you best.

—  First vet visit: Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible for a general checkup and to set up a health plan.

—  Vaccination and deworming: Follow the recommended schedule to protect them against disease.

—  Spaying/neutering: It is essential for their health and to prevent the overpopulation of dogs living on the street.

—  Flea and tick control: Use appropriate antiparasitics as recommended by your vet.

—  Dental checkups: Caring for their teeth is key to preventing long-term health problems.

02. Nutrition: a key factor for their health and longevity

—  Natural food: Recent studies indicate that a natural diet can extend dogs’ lives by up to 15 more years. We recommend reading Forever Dog and following our Thursday tips on Instagram.

—  Consult your vet: It is important to define a feeding plan suited to their age and size.

—  Food transition: If you are going to change their diet, do it gradually over 2 weeks.

—  Recommended brands:

·  Puppies: Royal Canin Starter and Nupec Puppy

·  Adults: Nupec and Kirkland (Costco)

03. Space at home: a comfortable, safe home

—  Washable bed: It makes cleaning easier and gives them a space of their own. We recommend:

·  Bessie and Barnie Luxury Bed

·  Frisco Orthopedic Dog Bed

—  Food and water bowls: Wash them daily (food: after each use, water: twice a day).

—  Avoid toxic products: Use white vinegar instead of bleach and choose safe cleaners such as Fabuloso or Lysol.

04. Walk safety: use a harness, not a collar

—  Avoid the traditional collar: It can injure their neck and trachea.

—  Best harness options:

·  Small: Ruffwear Front Range

·  Medium and large: Julius-K9 IDC

—  Safe leash: Adjustable and made of sturdy material to prevent accidents.

05. Socialization and coexistence: the key to a balanced dog

—  Early socialization: It is key to preventing fears and aggressive reactions.

—  Training pads: While they learn to do their business in the right place, use brands with attractant spray.

—  Stable routine: Walks, food and play at the same time every day give your dog a sense of security.

06. Mental and physical stimulation: an active dog is a happy dog

—  Interactive toys: They help prevent boredom and anxiety.

—  Play time: Devote at least 30 minutes a day to physical activity.

—  Mental exercises: Scent games and puzzles increase their well-being.

07. Training: a key step toward perfect coexistence

—  We highly recommend training them: With just 4 sessions you will achieve perfect coexistence and a unique bond.

—  Types of training:

·  Basic obedience: Sit, stay, come when you call them.

·  Socialization with dogs and people: Prevents negative reactions.

·  Friendly walks: Learn to walk without pulling the leash.

·  Obstacles and agility: Strengthens their confidence and physical condition.

·  Rescue and guard work: Helps dogs with protective instincts channel their energy.

—  Benefits of training:

·  Reduces stress and anxiety.

·  Improves their behavior at home.

·  Strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Learn more about our training program here: www.escuelaadiestramientocanino.com

08. Car trips: safety and comfort on the move

—  Dog seat belts:

·  Kurgo Dog Seat Belt

·  Sleepypod Clickit Sport

—  Safe carriers:

·  Petmate Vari Kennel

—  Protective mats:

·  Active Pets Dog Car Seat Cover

Extra tip: Before a long trip, get your dog used to short rides.

09. Settling in at home: time and patience

—  It can take up to 2 months for them to feel at home.

—  Don’t force it: Let them explore at their own pace.

—  Keep a stable routine.

—  Respect their resting space.

Important fact: A dog can take 3 days to understand they are in a new home, 3 weeks to get used to it and up to 3 months to feel part of the family.

10. How to introduce a new member to the family

—  Introduction on neutral ground: If you have another dog, hold the first meeting in a park.

—  Constant supervision: Don’t leave them alone until there is trust.

—  Avoid favoritism: Don’t reward one over the other.

—  For dogs and cats:

·  Let them smell each other without direct physical contact.

·  Use a barrier at first.

·  Give the cat high places to take refuge.