Adopt-a-Dog Month®, founded in 1981 by American Humane, is celebrated every year in October. If you’re ready to welcome a furry friend into your home and you want to support this initiative, there are steps you should take before the adoption, from stocking up on flea and tick medication to finding a reputable pet hospital. If a shelter pup happened to steal your heart unexpectedly, you could still take all of these steps afterward. Below are some of the most important tasks to perform before or shortly after bringing a new dog home. 

3 Steps to Take After Adopting a Dog 

1. Purchase the Essentials 

Your new dog is going to need food, flea and tick medication, toys, bedding, a collar, and a leash. He or she may also need a crate. Since most shelters don’t have the resources to feed their animals a wide variety of high-quality food, you’ll probably want to change your pup’s diet. However, you should buy a small bag of their old food so you can make the switch gradually. This can prevent upset stomachs and eliminate an additional visit to the pet hospital. As for the flea and tick medication, the vet can recommend a few brands based on your budget and lifestyle. If the dog has any health issues, the shelter should’ve informed you of additional prescriptions to purchase, as well. 

2. Prepare Your Living Space 

Regardless of the dog’s age, he or she is going to want to explore the new environment. Make sure that you establish their eating area, as well as where their crate will be. It’s important to “puppy-proof” your home. That means putting away tempting objects like shoes, purses, wires, and hats. You should also cover the garbage or store it out of reach. If certain parts of the house will be off-limits for the dog, you should start establishing those boundaries right away with baby gates. 

3. Schedule a Wellness Visit

Taking your new dog to the pet hospital should be a priority following the adoption, even if the shelter told you he or she was in perfect health. As soon as you can fit it in, schedule a wellness visit. During this appointment, your pup will receive any necessary vaccinations and undergo a comprehensive exam. This appointment will also help you establish a relationship with a local vet and get your dog on a preventive health schedule. 

For quality medical care for all of your furry friends, turn to Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital in Newport, KY. This pet hospital is a full-service practice, and they’re equipped to perform all kinds of procedures at their state-of-the-art facility, from simple animal vaccinations to complicated soft tissue surgeries. They also carry a broad range of products designed to promote wellness, including flea and tick medication and prescription food. To make an appointment for your pet, call (859) 781-1800 or reach out online.