OCTOBER IS ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH!

Helpful tips from noted veterinarian to successfully bring a shelter dog into the home, plus a discount on all-natural pet products.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 8-12 million dogs enter shelters nationwide each year. More than half are euthanized due to a lack of space or resources. To raise awareness of the unfortunate situation of shelter animals across the country, the American Humane Association has deemed October ‘Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog’ month.

PetAlive, the world’s number-one online provider of all-natural homeopathic health & wellness remedies for pets, is celebrating Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month by offering 15% off any pet care purchase during the entire month of October.

Along with noted veterinarian, Dr. Gary Edelson, DVM, PetAlive has compiled a list of helpful tips for anyone who is considering adopting a dog to help ensure that the new addition to the household is happy, well adjusted and healthy.

1. Do plenty of research prior to adopting a particular breed. This can give a reasonable estimated cost of maintenance, feeding, and help identify any characteristic health problems which may require special care.

2. Adopt for the right reasons. From the lovable Dalmatians in the children’s movie to the cute Chihuahua in the Taco Bell commercials, animals portrayed in the media are often pursued shortly after their time in the spotlight. While some of pets find life-long happy homes, many end up in shelters once the next fad comes along.

3. Wait it out. Make sure the decision to bring a new pet into the home is appropriate for your lifestyle and carefully considered, factoring in work hours, community housing regulations, and other pets in the household.

4. Look past the puppies. Many people want to nurture a cute puppy, but this often leaves the older dogs behind, who may really need your love and support! Don’t forget, young puppies are often prone to chewing and accidents, so an older dog might really suit your lifestyle better, anyway.

5. Spend time at a shelter. You may be surprised that the breed you were initially most drawn to can change after you get to see the dogs in action. Once you do find a dog you may want to take home, play with him or her (especially if you have children) to see how the interaction goes.

6. Schedule a checkup with a veterinarian. Due to their prior living conditions, many shelter dogs need extra care in addition to regular vaccinations. Natural herbal and homeopathic remedies can help restore balance in the body to provide both safe, effective fast-acting symptom relief and improve body function for long-term health.

7. Prepare your home. Don’t wait until you bring the dog home to stock up on supplies, including leash, collar, bowls, etc.

8. Purchase pet insurance. Research and planning can’t protect your dog (and your wallet) from accidentally swallowing a toy or having an allergic reaction to a new food, but most emergency vet costs can be significantly cut by insurance.

9. Timing is everything. If and when you do decide to get a new dog, give your pet some time to acclimate to his or her new surroundings. Many shelters suggest adopting on a weekend or when you can be sure to have time at home with your new dog.

10. Be patient! Problematic behaviors are often caused by underlying issues, which can usually be resolved by training combined with some extra love and TLC.

Disclosure: I did not receive any form of compensation for this post.