Making An Animal Smile With Tips For Adopting A Healthy Pet

It can happen to anyone. I m talking to those of you out there who believe in love at first site. You see a cute, kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention or a Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're in love.

Falling in love with a pet is easy. Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life's greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional love, loyalty and acceptance. They provide constant companionship, and it s been proven that they even help relieve stress.

However, adopting and bringing in a pet to join your family is a major decision. It carries both a financial, emotional, and moral responsibility. It will also no doubt be an extremely rewarding experience for you, your family, and your pet. Here are some helpful tips to help you find just the right one for you.

• Step One The first thing you ll need to take care of is consulting a veterinarian about any medical conditions which are common to certain breeds. You can also research breeds on the Internet or at the library. Compile all of the information and questions you think will be important.



• Step Two - Contact your local animal shelter and schedule an appointment with an adoption counselor. They will know what dogs and cats are available and which will match your lifestyle. You can also request a shelter tour, visiting the wards and exercise areas. Clean, comfortable and odor-free conditions are good indicators of quality care for the animals.



• Step Three - Ask if all of the animals have been examined by a veterinarian or animal technician, started a vaccination program and given medication to remove intestinal parasites. Observe all the animals for signs of any respiratory diseases. Coughing generally indicates kennel cough, a highly contagious but easily treatable infection.



• Step Four - Select the animal of your choice and take it to the exercise area to play and interact with your family. Any signs or acts of aggression are grounds for immediate rejection.



• Step Five - Caress and pet the cat or dog over their entire body, looking for tumors, fleas or flea debris, hair loss or scaly, inflamed skin, which may indicate allergic dermatitis. Avoid adopting any animal with a pre-existing skin condition, which can be difficult and costly to treat, creating misery for both the pet and guardian.



• Step Six If you re looking at adopting a dog, allow it to run on and off leash. Watch closely for signs of pain or reluctance to jump or turn quickly, which may indicate a developing arthritis.



• Step Seven - Pay the adoptions fee and try to make an extra donation. Most animal shelters are not-for-profit organizations, operating solely on donated funds.



• Step Eight - Make a separate appointment with your veterinarian soon after the adoption. Follow the veterinarian's advice and complete the vaccination, worming and preventive heath care protocol.

• Bright eyes, a shiny coat and clean, fresh-smelling ears are a sign of good health.



• Bad breath, at least in terms of dog breath, may indicate dental disease. Look inside the mouth for broken or abscessed teeth, tartar buildup and gum disease.



• Large dogs, especially purebreds, commonly get debilitating osteoarthritis of the hip joints that greatly reduces quality of life. Any sign of pain during exercise activities should make you wary.



• Make an appointment to have your animal spayed or neutered.

By: J Simkhai

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