After Care
At Phoenix Dog Rescue, we will offer complete back up and assistance to ensure the happiness and well-being of your dog. Please contact us if you require any advice. We will be more than happy to help wherever possible. We would also love to receive regular updates on how your new family member is doing!
Your New Dog
Taking your dog home with you is a very exciting time! Some dogs settle very quickly into a new environment, but others can take a little longer. This is “The Honeymoon Period”. This is the time when the dog and family get to know each other and it is a vitally important period which determines how the rest of your time together works out.
The following are pointers on what to do and what not to do:
- On the journey home, make sure the dog is secure and cannot move around the vehicle.
- When home, make sure the dog is the last to enter the house (you are in charge).
- Allow the dog to explore the new surroundings.
- Set boundaries where the dog is allowed and not allowed and stick to them.
- Dogs need their own space to relax. Make sure this is a happy, secure area and that it is a pleasurable experience for the dog to go there and not as a punishment.
- Dogs and owners benefit from routine - exercise times, food times and special playtimes.
- Toys should be special, do not have lots just lying around. Special toys can help greatly with training.
- At meal times, only leave the dog’s food down for 15 minutes and if not finished, remove and bring back 15 minutes later. Do not leave food down for hours. You would not leave it out for the kids and it does not happen in the wild.
- Basic training should be undertaken. Be careful what signals you give your dog and what you say (actions speak louder than words)
- If your dog has been frightened by something, e.g. a loud bang, do not cuddle or say “that’s ok”. All you would be doing is showing them that it is ok to be frightened. It is far better to ignore the behaviour. If you, as Pack Leader, are not worried then the dog need not be.
Remember – The Dog is a pack animal and you are the Pack Leader
Very Important
DO NOT FEED YOUR DOG APPROX 1½ - 2 HOURS PRIOR TO AND AFTER VIGOROUS EXERCISE. THIS CAN LEAD TO TWISTED INTESTINES WHICH CAN BE FATAL.
It is important to register your dog with a vet. Always seek veterinary advice should you have any concerns about your dog’s health.
Vaccinations are very important for dogs as they protect them against diseases such as canine parvovirus and canine distemper. These could make them very ill and are potentially fatal. A single vaccine will not protect your dog forever; regular booster vaccines once a year are required for ongoing protection. A general health check for your dog can be carried out at the same time by your vet.
If you need to put your dog into boarding kennels, you will find that reputable kennels will not accept the dog without proof of vaccination. Kennel cough is also highly contagious especially in a kennel environment and a vaccine against this is also available and will be required if your dog goes into kennels.
Roundworms may cause illness in humans and dogs. Soil can be contaminated by faeces which becomes a source of infection. Tapeworms are less of a threat but regular treatment is still required. A single worming tablet to offer routine control against worms can be purchased from your vet, who will also be able to advise you on an appropriate worming regime for your dog. Usually treatment should be given every three months for an adult dog. N.B. Worming tablets bought from pet shops are NOT effective.
Many dogs get fleas at some point and regular treatment is recommended. The best flea treatments are available from your vet. Pet shop and supermarket products are less effective.
Regular grooming is essential for all dogs, even those with short coats as this can help to reduce the shedding of hair in the house. Long haired dogs require more frequent grooming and you should pay particular attention to areas where the hair may become matted and soiled such as the backs of the legs, stomach area and long hair around the ears.
Phoenix Dog Rescue recommends that you take out pet insurance to ensure you are able to give your dog the treatment it needs. Not all pet insurance is the same and we advise that you research different policies to find the one which suits you and your dog best. Insurance will not cover routine medical expenses such as vaccinations, but will cover unexpected vet bills and give you peace of mind.
Things to consider when choosing pet insurance are:
- Is the insurance company reputable?
- Compare the excesses and benefit levels
- Will the company insure your pet for life?
- Is the cover offered per condition per year? i.e. If your dog suffered with diabetes and the insurance covers £7000 and the cover is 'per condition', when the £7000 limit has been reached cover stops. However if the cover is 'per condition per year' that means that you will have £7000 of cover every year.
- Check for any exclusions.
Although we all hope our pets do not need anything other than routine veterinary treatment, it is vital that you are registered with a veterinary practice in your local area as this ensures that when you need it you can access the service quickly.