In recent months, the number of households looking for a dog has increased dramatically. The restrictions placed upon us by COVID-19 means we are spending more time at home and less time socializing due to social distancing rules. Most people have chosen private breeders, as the popularity for ‘designer dogs’ continues to rise.

Since the start of the pandemic, however, a large number of these dogs have already ended up at rescue centers or shelters after being surrendered or abandoned. Buying a puppy on a whim is never a good idea. A lot of research and preparation should be done before you bring a dog home and they require lots of care and training.

Unfortunately, the good work many charities have done has been ruined and there are millions of pets still in need of adoption.

Rescue dogs for adoption

We live in an online world and it is only natural to expect to be able to search the web for dog adoptions. A quick search will reveal international, national and local organizations with dogs in need of adoption.

• Pitbull Rescue
• Small Dog Rescue
• Pug Rescue
• Poodle Mix Rescue
• Schnauzer Rescue
• Petfinder
• Adopt A Pet
• ASPCA
• Rescue Me

If you are looking online for a dog, there are a few things you should watch out for.

1. The organization should request that you visit them at least once to meet the dog you would like to adopt.
2. You should be asked at least a few basic questions such as your name, address and occupation. This is to confirm that you have a suitable home environment and that you have an income to pay for the dog’s care.
3. The staff should never pressure you or rush you into a decision before you have visited or during your visit.
4. Never trust an adoption agency that is happy to deal with everything online. This is a red flag that something is wrong. Either the website is a scam or they are not providing proper care to the dogs.
5. Check several sites before making a decision. It is easy to compare available dogs, adoption fees, any aftercare of help the organization provides and how rigorous the adoption process is.
6. Beware of private sites such as Craigslist or Gumtree. These sites have become the most popular way for criminals to move on stolen dogs. Adverts are never up for long, gain lots of interest and most people pay cash, which cannot be monitored. Private sellers may not be truthful about the dog’s health or temperament.

Why do dogs end up in shelters and rescues?

As dog owners and dog lovers, we understand how much commitment it takes to care for a dog and how much joy they bring to our lives, so how come so many dogs end up homeless? The main reasons for dogs being in shelters are:

• Abandonment
• Abuse or neglect
• The expense of caring for the dog
• Lack of understanding from the owner
• Starting a family
• Moving to a new house
• Owner illness or death

Aside from abuse cases, all of the above reasons can be worked with by putting in just a little time and effort. If you purchased a puppy, but didn’t realize how much work it would be, don’t just give them up. Take the time to do a little research. Find a local puppy training class to help you or speak to other dog owners.

If you plan in advance to move to a new house, make the effort to choose a place where your dog can go with you. He is part of your family and doesn’t deserve to be left behind because it is inconvenient. The same reasoning applies to starting a family. There is no reason why you cannot have a dog and a baby. Research has shown that babies may develop slightly faster when there is a dog or cat in the home.

When it comes to cost, there really is no excuse. If you cannot afford a dog, do not get one. You have to plan for their food, pet insurance, vaccinations and training or socialization classes.

Is it better to adopt from a shelter or rescue?

When it comes to dog adoption, there are two main places you can go: a dog shelter or a rescue. Shelters are either private non-profits or funded by the local government. They take pets who are surrendered, abandoned or taken from abusive situations. Unfortunately, overcrowding means many shelters will euthanize animals they cannot find space for.

Shelter dogs do not usually get the experience of fostering. They only know their kennel at the shelter, so although they will have had a temperament test, you will have no guarantee of how they will react in a home environment. When it comes to the adoption process, you could potentially go home with your new dog the same day. Every shelter is different, but most do not have strict guidelines or requirements.

Rescue centers are usually run by charities and receive no government funding. Most have a no-kill policy and rely on a network of foster homes and volunteers to find places for animals in need of adoption. The adoption process for rescues is much more intense than for shelter dogs. If you want to adopt from a rescue organization, expect a home check, questions about your previous pets, your daily schedule and if you have a fenced yard.

The idea behind this process is that the rescue staff are confident you can provide a safe and caring home for the dog you wish to adopt. This prevents the dog from being returned to the center again.

Both shelters and rescues will treat a dog’s medical needs and spay or neuter them before they are put up for adoption. As the adopter, you will be asked to pay a small donation fee and possibly a small cost towards covering any surgery or medical treatment.

There is no definitive right answer to whether shelters or rescues are better. All kennels have dogs that deserve their forever home. Just be aware of what the shelter or rescue are expecting of you, what information they give you and how well they care for the dogs.

How much does it cost for a rescue dog?

Wherever you choose to adopt from, there will be fees to pay. Each organization is different. Some may only ask for a small adoption fee or donation, whereas other places may ask you to pay towards medical costs, vaccinations, flea and worm prevention, microchipping and behavioral assessments.

Adoption fees also vary for each country and the region in which you live. In America, you should expect to pay between $300 and $1000. In the UK, most charities have adoption fees of £170 – £300. Cost in the UK tends to be set prices, regardless of whether the dog has needed surgery or other more expensive care. Costs for puppies are generally higher in all organizations, shelters and charities.

Occasionally, shelters may advertise reduced adoption fees for a short period in an effort to increase their dog adoption rates. This is great for publicity and getting people involved in dop adoption, however, it usually means a less thorough adoption process and may result in the dog ending up back at a shelter.

Why do rescues make it so hard to adopt?

The main reason the adoption process is so intense is that the adoption staff want to ensure they are sending their dogs to a suitable home. You may find that shelters in busy areas may have fewer requirements than other places due to their lack of space, but they will still have guidelines to follow.

A reputable organization should ask for the following information:

• Your name, address and occupation
• How many people live with you
• If you have other pets, what they are and how many
• If you have adopted before
• If you have owned a dog before
• What breed, age or gender you are looking for

More intense adoption processes may check whether you have a fenced yard or live close to a dog park. Some organizations may insist on a home check before accepting your adoption request.

By making the adoption process so difficult, organizations are able to weed out people who are not truly committed to owning a dog. Moving through the adoption process allows them to gain a better insight into your personality and your lifestyle. This means they are able to match you to the perfect dog.

For example, if you note in your adoption process that you go hiking every weekend, they will not want to match you with an older dog or one that has ongoing health issues. Some dogs are not suitable to live with children or need to be the only dog in the home.

The adoption process is vital to ensuring that all dogs are rehomed to an environment that best suits them. The more intense the adoption process, the better able the organization is to match you with the right dog.

How do you take care of a rescue dog?

A guide on subjects ranging from breeding to feeding helps you to get the maximum enjoyment from a man’s best friend.

Dog breeds for people who live in the city

Small breeds, such as toys, are generally well suited for someone who lives in a city apartment or travels a great deal. However, they can be quite noisy, and they don’t adapt well to small children.

Some of the most popular small breeds are the toy poodle, the chihuahua, the pug, and the Yorkshire terrier. If you prefer a slightly larger dog that adapts well to city life, a miniature poodle, cocker spaniel, Lhasa apso, or cairn terrier may be what you need.

The cost of owning a dog

Beyond the initial cost of the dog, which could range from a nominal fee at a shelter to hundreds of dollars at a breeder’s, you’ll have to buy dog food and some equipment, such as a collar and a leash. You’ll also have to pay license fees as well as the charges for regular veterinary examinations and shots.

Is a purebred dog more temperamental than a mixed-breed?

This is a kind of folk, animal-psychology notion, and it just isn’t true. Some dogs are crazy, some moody or grumpy, and some particular about what they eat, but it doesn’t matter whether they’re purebred or mongrels.

The best place to buy a dog

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line show dog and you want to make sure that genetic problems have been eliminated as much as possible, your best bet is a private breeder. Another possibility that’s attractive to real bargain hunters is the local animal shelter.

Choosing between a long-haired dog and a short-haired one

There are four main things to consider: the climate of the area you live in, how great its flea and tick problem is, the time you can spend grooming the dog, and the problems that can be caused by shedding. Naturally, a dog that’s adapted to cold climates will suffer in tropical climates.

Short-haired dogs have an advantage where fleas and ticks are concerned because they offer these parasites less protection from pesticides and other control methods. You should also base your decision on the amount of time you’re willing to spend grooming your dog. Finally, you should consider the amount of aggravation shedding might cause to your family.

How should I hold a puppy when I pick her up?

Support the puppy’s hind end with one hand and put the other hand under her chest. If you always try to support a pup’s hind end, the animal will feel more secure and be less inclined to squirm around and try to break free. Always be gentle with a puppy, and never try to pick her up by the scruff of the neck.

The best age to bring home a puppy

Between 8 and 12 weeks a puppy begins to be more interested in the outside world and is more likely to react well with and form strong attachments to people. That’s the best time to introduce the animal into your household.

Should I get a puppy if nobody is home during the day?

This isn’t a good idea. Without plenty of personal contacts early in life, a dog often grows up to become a very neurotic, troublesome pet. When a puppy is 8 weeks old, he’s learning some key lessons in socializing with people.

If the puppy doesn’t have a lot of interaction with humans during this time, he can become a real problem later on – constantly seeking attention, barking, destroying things, and so on. If you want a dog, why not consider an adult? There are usually plenty of well-adjusted, grown dogs at the animal shelter that would adapt well to your situation.

Should I take my child to pick out a new dog?

Yes, if the youngster is old enough – say, more than 5 years old. After all, you’ll want to see how the child and the dog interact to make sure you get a dog that isn’t afraid of children and will take to handling by a child.

Preparing for the puppy’s homecoming

Be sure you can spend plenty of time with the puppy while he’s getting used to his new home. The ideal time would be a long weekend or during your holiday.

Be sure to prepare a permanent place for the puppy to sleep and rest; most people prefer to use a small area in the kitchen or a large box. Keep in mind the fact that changes can be traumatic for a dog, and one of the ways a puppy responds to stress is to stop eating.

Don’t be surprised if the puppy doesn’t eat for the first day or so, but if this continues for more than 48 hours you should contact your vet. It’s also important to find out what the puppy has been fed and keep him on the same diet for at least the first couple of days. Later on, you can introduce new foods but if you change the diet too abruptly the puppy is apt to get diarrhea.

How often should I feed my puppy?

From the age of 6 to 12 weeks, feed the puppy three times a day. After 12 weeks, cut back to twice a day until the dog is six months old. Then once a day.

Should I give my puppy milk?

It’s usually not a good idea because ordinary milk can cause diarrhea.

Can I feed my puppy eggs?

Yes. Eggs are especially good for the puppy’s coat. Give a small puppy an average of 3 eggs a week; 6 is fine for larger puppies. The egg can be cooked or raw, whichever the puppy prefers.

How much handling should a young puppy have?

Actually, it has been found that handling is very good for the puppy. But make sure you do it gently. Don’t force the puppy; handle him carefully and let him down when he’s tired of playing.

Should the puppy be allowed to explore the house?

It’s generally a good idea to let the puppy explore the house – but only under your supervision. Be sure to do this gradually and always when you’re there to keep an eye on things. The puppy should never be given free rein of the house at night. When you go to bed she should be confined to her sleeping area.

Is it okay to hit the puppy to discipline him when he’s in the wrong?

Generally speaking, no. This usually makes him very hand shy, and he’ll also learn to cower when you approach. The best way to train and discipline the puppy if you catch him in the act – eliminating in the house, chewing on something, tipping over the garbage, barking excessively, etc. – is simply to grab him by the scruff of the neck, shake him gently, and praise him when he decides to stop the bad behavior.

How should I housebreak my new puppy?

One of the first rules of housebreaking is to feed your puppy at specific times. Don’t leave food out all the time. Your puppy will usually have a bowel movement about 15 minutes to half an hour after meals, and that’s when you should take her out for her walk.

Always try to use the same door when you take the dog outside – that way, the dog will go there when she needs to be walked and can signal to you.

How do I stop my puppy from being sick in the car?

Start with short trips. Don’t take the puppy with you when it’s hot or right after he has eaten, as this could upset his stomach.

Should I give my dog bones?

Yes, but you should take some precautions because bones can cause problems. Bones can splinter and cause internal damage by perforating the esophagus, the stomach or the small intestine, or by causing fecal impactions. Never give your dog poultry bones of any kind; they’re thin and hollow, and they break up into sharp, dangerous slivers.

Give a dog something really tough that he can gnaw on without making much headway. Watch his progress, and when he starts to break it open and splinter it, take it away and give him a new one.

How often should I brush my dog?

For the average dog, one that isn’t shedding too much or having skin problems, twice a week is usually enough. Remember that the need for brushing depends on the kind of coat the dog has.

How do I treat my dog’s cracked paws?

Footpads, like most calluses, get occasional cracks and fissures. This is nothing to worry about as long as the cracks don’t extend all the way through the pad and you can’t see the pink flesh underneath.

If there is a deep break in the pad, it will need treatment because the dog has lost a natural barrier against infection. Wash the pad with an antiseptic solution and keep it bandaged until it has had a chance to heal (about a week or even a little longer). Change the bandage every second day.

What’s the best way to clean a dog’s ears?

Use cotton dipped in mineral oil and your fingertip. If the ear is particularly clogged with wax, you can get a solution from the vet that will break up the deposit. After a couple of days of this treatment, the ears can then be cleaned with cotton and mineral oil. Cotton swabs are not recommended for cleaning a dog’s ears because they can actually impact material further into the ear.

Does a dog really need a kennel?

This is generally a good idea if the dog spends a lot of time outside. Make sure you have one that’s roomy. It should also be raised off the ground so that the floor doesn’t get too cold in the winter; insulation also helps keep the temperature in the house safe and comfortable.

A dog house with an air conditioner can help prevent heatstroke when the sun is hot. Remember to clean and disinfect the kennel regularly; about once a week is fine. Don’t put a rug or any kind of cloth in the kennel – this will only make cleaning harder and it will serve as a hideout for fleas.

How much exercise should my dog get?

You can begin a daily routine when the dog is 3 months old. A mature dog, 4 months to 10 years old, should be walked at least three times a day and allowed free exercise for 30 minutes or more a minimum of twice a week, no matter what the breed or size.

Little dogs can get this exercise inside a flat or house. It’s also a good idea to do as much running and playing on grass as you can. Pavement can be very damaging to a dog’s feet, especially with the kind of sprinting and stopping that goes along with most play.

See: The Best Dog Treadmills UK

How having a pet affects a child?

Having a dog is an excellent way to teach a child responsibility. Obviously, the child can also learn a great deal about respect for other living things by seeing, through close contact with a dog, that an animal has feelings too.

Is it a bad habit to let your dog sleep with you?

There’s no special risk, as long as the dog is clean and well cared for.

Is it safe to have a dog with a baby?

To some extent, it depends on the temperament of the dog – but most grown dogs will tolerate children, and most people know their dog well enough to be able to predict whether the animal can adjust to having a child in the house. The combination of a very young child and a grown dog is usually safe because the dog is mature enough to behave calmly around the child.

What is the best way to find a lost dog?

If the dog just wandered away, he probably hasn’t gone very far. Put up a few posters in the neighborhood, offering a reasonable reward. Include a good picture of the dog, if you have one. Also, check with the local animal shelter. Read the newspaper’s lost and found column, and place an ad there. Another possibility is the city dog pound; stop by periodically to see what animals they’ve picked up.

How often can I expect my female dog to go on heat?

The cycle occurs about twice a year. After the first heat, the cycles normally occur every six months, but some dogs may skip a heat. Irregular cycles generally involve missing a heat rather than having an extra one. It’s very unusual for a dog to have more than two heats in one year.

How can you tell when your dog is pregnant?

A vet can usually tell within the third or fourth week by palpating the dog’s abdomen. During the fifth or sixth week, the abdomen swells noticeably and the dog’s nipples enlarge.

How long are dogs pregnant?

The gestation period for dogs is between 58 and 68 days, with the average being about 63 days. This is generally true regardless of the breed or the size of the dog.

What’s the best diet program for a pregnant dog?

Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy, and it’s excellent preventive medicine for insuring healthy puppies. The most important change in the dog’s diet, while she’s pregnant, is the need for extra protein.

Her requirement of protein will double, and her diet will have to be supplemented. You can add eggs to her usual meal, along with some powdered milk or cottage cheese, as well as additional dog food. Another crucial part of the diet is calcium, particularly during the last four weeks of gestation.

Can you give a pregnant dog worm medicine?

Absolutely not. In fact, it’s best not to give a pregnant dog any medication that hasn’t been cleared with your vet. Some wormers can be highly toxic to fetuses.

Should I let my dog have a heat before I spay her?

No. This idea has become just as widespread as the notion that spaying stunts a dog’s development. Neither one is true. A dog’s maturity rate is unaffected by spaying, as long as it’s done after the dog is six months old.

What are the symptoms of a sick pet?

Your pet’s health depends on your being able to know when he is sick. Inform your vet if any of the symptoms listed below persist for more than several hours, and never let them go untreated for more than 2 days.

Vomiting

Can be symptomatic of constipation, poisoning, hairball (in a cat), or a serious ailment such as distemper.

Lack of appetite

The refusal of food for more than 2 days usually means a very sick animal. Waste no time in notifying your vet.

Runny eyes and nose, high fever

Often primary symptoms of a serious ailment.

Lethargy or depression

May indicate that the animal has a fever.

Sneezing or coughing

Cold-like symptoms usually mean one of the upper-respiratory-tract infections, such as distemper, pneumonitis, or rhinotracheitis.

Diarrhea

Loose stools can be caused by too much milk or by some foods such as raw liver or a chemical toxin. Diarrhea also can be caused by worms, or coccidiosis, a contagious ailment that is spread through contamination of stools from an infected animal.

Abscesses

Swellings can result from the bites of another animal.

Urinary straining

This usually indicates cystitis or blockage of the urinary tract by urinary stones. Males suffer this malady more often than females.

Shaking head

A common cause for head shaking is an ear infection.

Drinking a lot of water

The early sign of diabetes or kidney disease.

What are the signs of tick paralysis?

Tick paralysis occurs chiefly in the spring and summer, particularly when the weather is humid. But in warmer latitudes, it can occur all year-round. During cold or very dry weather the tick remains inactive.

It is always adult female ticks that cause the paralysis. Male ticks do not bite their hosts, but a single female can cause paralysis and even subsequent death in the largest dog.

However, dogs and cats are often found infected with one or more ticks but suffering no ill-effects. Yet they are not necessarily immune; another time they may succumb.

Ticks usually attach themselves to the animal’s head, about the ears, eyes, and lips. But they can also choose other spots where they are difficult to find. This is when the danger period for the animal begins.

Quite a long life-cycle precedes this final attachment. It starts with the tick eggs, which in warm weather hatch into larvae. A week later the larvae attach themselves to the first suitable animal that comes by.

The animal may be a dog, cat, goat, horse, pig, cow, or sheep, or a native creature.

After feeding for four to six days the larvae drop off, molt, and turn into a form known as nymphs. Anything up to 41 days later these attach themselves to another host, engorge, and drop off.

In another three to ten weeks, the nymphs develop into adult ticks, which crawl up the vegetation and fasten on to passing animals.

During this period of attachment, the last stage of the three-host cycle, the female ticks gorge themselves, then drop to the ground and lay from 2000 to 3000 eggs.

Scientists do not know the kind of poison female ticks inject into animals. But they have discovered that it is exceptional for an animal to get symptoms of paralysis in fewer than four days after a tick has become attached.

The first symptoms of paralysis are vague. The dog may be restless, or even unusually lively. He refuses food. His bark alters, and he may have difficulty in swallowing.

The actual paralysis starts in the hindquarters, first as lack of coordination. Later the forelegs fail so that the animal cannot stand up or even raise itself.

Finally, the head and neck muscles are paralyzed and the animal dies, either from heart failure or because it cannot breathe.

Dogs with tick paralysis should be taken to a veterinarian immediately for injections of anti-serum. This treatment will save all but a very small percentage in which the paralysis is too far advanced.

Attempts to treat any dog with medicines are futile and harmful. Because the throat muscles are usually partially paralyzed, the medicine goes to the lungs and causes pneumonia.

Prevention is by far the best course of action. All dogs in tick-infested areas should be examined daily. Care should be taken to look and feel between the toes, in the ears, and just inside the cheeks, as well as over the rest of the body.

If any ticks are found, they should be removed by putting a drop of turpentine on them, and then extracting them with a pair of forceps, taking care that all the mouthpiece is removed.

Is it right to euthanize my dog?

If we are fortunate and attentive to the needs of the animal we may have a dog’s company for 12 or 15 years or even longer. It is said that with humans every age has its compensations, and this is probably true in regard to dogs. When we think of our dog pal growing old so much more rapidly than ourselves we are apt to feel sad.

The terrier, whose sole happiness at present seems to be galloping around in a frolicsome mood, will gradually become sedate as time marches on but will be just as happy and companionable as he was in his frisky puppyhood. In fact, loyalty is stauncher in the aged dog, and he values our companionship more and more as time goes on.

Many owners of aged and infirm dogs have asked me to help them in arriving at a decision whether their pet should be allowed to live on and die a natural death, or be assisted over the border to the dog’s “happy hunting-ground.” This is a problem which must be solved by the owner. The conscience of the owner and the condition of the dog must determine what action should be taken.

We are sometimes inclined to act selfishly in matters of this kind. Life is sweet even to a blind dog or one badly crippled with rheumatism. Dogs which owners thought incurable have been taken to the Lost Dogs’ Home for putting them to sleep, but after treatment there they have returned home for years of a healthy life.

When to euthanize a dog

In certain circumstances, such as when a dog has received injuries from which recovery seems impossible, is suffering from a malignant disease, or is so senile that life is a burden to it, euthanasia is the logical and most humanitarian point of view.

• Tracheal Collapse
• Bladder Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Liver Failure
• Brain Tumor
• Heart Failure
• Hip Dysplasia
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Renal Failure
• Cushing’s Disease

It is a sad task, but a great privilege, that we humans are allowed to pass a sentence of painless death on any animal that has devoted its life to our pleasure. It would not be fair or reasonable to allow the animal to continue to live in pain. Any veterinary surgeon is now able to send a dog quickly and painlessly into oblivion without any fear on the part of the dog.