Daily several dogs are abandoned. Stray dogs can bring several environmental and social problems. Abandoned dogs are usually mixed breed dogs and end up adapting to the street environment. Is it possible to keep these stray dogs at home? This post will talk about adapting abandoned dogs to new homes.
Keeping a stray dog
Keeping a stray dog at home can be a big challenge for many owners. Many dogs that live on the streets start to develop their defense skills, being able to be a little aggressive with humans and even other animals.
Abandoned dogs tend to develop hunting and defense skills. The street environment is dangerous for dogs and many people are mean to animals. Therefore, many dogs become aggressive towards other humans.
In the streets, the dogs can join in a pack and establish a group formed to defend themselves together. If the dogs are not neutered, the animals can begin to reproduce and increase the number of stray dogs on the street.
Abandoned dogs can live less, because in general they are not vaccinated, are not dewormed, and are not fed a balanced diet for dogs. This makes them more susceptible to various diseases. In addition, dogs are more at risk of accidents such as being run over, which can further reduce the life expectancy of these dogs.
In general, stray dogs are very needy of affection and attention, and can be very playful with whom they trust. Thus, the adoption of these animals is indicated to provide them a quality of life and reduce public health problems.
What to do after adopting an abandoned dog
Abandoned dogs can be adopted from shelters or directly from the street. Once adopted, dogs must undergo a consultation with the veterinarian for a clinical evaluation of the animal’s health status.
At this first appointment, dogs may need some tests for a general checkup. Healthy animals will receive vaccines and worm medication. The vet will advise on the diet, castration and initial dogs care.
Adaptation of the dog to the tutor’s home
At home, dogs should be kept under observation. Introduce the animal to a safe, cool place, with food and drink available. If the owner has other animals, avoid introducing them to the new habitants in the first few days. Caresses can be given to dogs if they allow it. Sudden movements against the dogs should be avoided, thus avoiding the dog’s aggression.
When the dog is more adapted to the owner and accepts that he approaches, the dog can start contacting the other residents of the house, and even start encouraging the use of collars and harnesses in the dog.
Introducing the new dog to the other animals in the house should be done slowly and progressively. At first the animals should stay in separate rooms just to smell each other. In a second moment they can be introduced in person in a wide and open environment, preferably not in the owner’s house, as some dogs can be very territorial and end up getting angry with the new dog.
Over time some dogs can become friends and companions. However, some animals may not accept the new dog very well, requiring training with a professional specialized in canine behavior. The same must be done in case of aggression between the dogs and the new owners.
Over time, stray dogs may feel more secure with their owners, thus becoming more affectionate, playful, and grateful for the new home and food provided to them.
Benefits of adopting an abandoned dog
By removing a dog from the street, several public health problems can be reduced in addition to the quality of life provided to the dogs. Some of the main benefits of keeping an abandoned dog are:
- Affection and unconditional love;
- Playful dogs;
- Mixed breed dogs;
- Public health.
Affection and unconditional love
Dogs after being taken off the street may show a little aggression due to fear of the new environment and guardians. But over time, when observing the animal care, these dogs tend to return the affection with love and many licks.
Playful dogs
Abandoned dogs expend a lot of energy daily, hunting, running away from danger and defending their environment. So, when adopted they tend to keep this energy that must be converted into play and walks. These dogs can be excellent companions on various adventures and may enjoy nature walks in addition to long walks.
Mixed breed dogs
Abandoned dogs are dogs that do not have a breed pattern and can be very different from one animal to another. Adopting a stray dog can be a big surprise for the owner. In addition, due to the great genetic variability these dogs tend to be more resistant to some diseases.
Public health
By removing a dog from the street, it reduces the number of stray dogs in addition to reducing the possibility of unwanted reproduction. Fewer dogs on the street also means less chance of dogs getting sick and carrying diseases from one place to another. It also reduces the possibility of unwanted aggression on the streets and even the death of dogs in accidents.
Conclusion
Abandoned dogs can be excellent companions as long as they are treated well. When removing an animal from the street, several benefits for public health and for the dog’s quality of life can be observed. The best place for a dog is indoors, where he can live with other human and animal companions, receive good food in addition to preventing diseases with the use of vaccines and worm medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Keeping a stray dog
Is a stray dog aggressive?
They can be aggressive, especially if they have been abused and when abandoned on the street. But overall they tend to be calm and loyal to their tutors. Much of their behavior is linked to tutor training.
How big is a Mixed breed?
The sizes can be varied, depending on the parents that can be small, medium or large.
Are stray dogs good family pets?
Yes, in addition to being considered faithful and companions when you adopt a stray dog, you reduce the amount of animals that suffer on the streets.
References
Bortoloti, R., & D’Agostino, R. G. (2012). Ações pelo controle reprodutivo e posse responsável de animais domésticos interpretadas à luz do conceito de metacontingência. Revista brasileira de análise do comportamento, 3(1).
Picture from pixabay.com
