Rescue pet vet care – What Preventative Measures Should You Take?

When you adopt a rescue pet, both of you go through an adjustment period. Pets often become rescue center residents after they’ve been emotionally or physically traumatized. They are sometimes fearful, so fitting in takes time. When you open your heart to a rescue pet, it’s also your job to help them become a member of your family.

To accomplish this important transition, they must get the rescue pet vet care they need. Your vet can treat your pet as necessary. She can also help you plan a strategy for dealing with any physical or emotional problems.

You may never know what traumatized your pet

A rescue pet doesn’t speak “human,” so you will never know exactly what happened. When a puppy mill, poorly run shelter or illegal dogfighting operation makes the news, you can easily identify the trauma. If an owner releases their pet into the street or they simply run away, they won’t have a verifiable backstory.

While you may never know your rescue pet’s complete history, you can assume he’s made it through one or more tough situations.

  • Families sometimes release pets that don’t “work out.” They often end up on the street without food or shelter.
  • Owners sometimes traumatize pets with abusive treatment or inadequate nourishment.
  • Some owners use questionable training techniques to make their pets unnecessarily vicious.
  • Mills that accumulate animals for profit often don’t always focus on proper care, feeding, and hydration.
  • Some animals become sick, injured, or afraid when left on the street to survive.
  • Injured rescue pets sometimes sustain harm in staged fighting competitions or encounters with other animals on the street.

Rescue pet vet care

Rescue shelters protect and care for the animals they save. Still, they can’t provide all of the necessary medical care. As the new owner, it’s up to you.

When you adopt a rescue animal, you should make an appointment for rescue pet vet care as soon as possible. Your vet will conduct a comprehensive examination, treat existing conditions and provide preventative care.

  • Look for signs of infectious and non-infectious diseases
  • Check feces, blood, and skin for signs of worms or parasites
  • Examine your pet for signs of dehydration and malnourishment
  • Conduct dental, ear, and eye exam
  • Check internal organs and musculoskeletal structures
  • Administer feline or canine core and non-core vaccinations or boosters
  • Evaluate behavior and recommend training as necessary

Rescue pets need love and care

Fortunately, you don’t have to know everything about your new pet. Your primary responsibilities include welcoming him into your family and providing the love and care he needs. Your veterinarian will provide guidance on these and other issues.

  • Patience: Be patient as your new pet adjusts to his kinder, gentler environment.
  • Comfort: Give your pet a cozy environment: Whether he’s been on the street or in a bad shelter, your pet needs his own comfortable space.
  • Socialization: Take steps to help your pet feel comfortable interacting with family members and other pets.
  • Safe interactions with children: Be mindful of young children when they’re around any new dog. Traumatized animals often react defensively when a child wants only to play.
  • Before your rescue pet vet care appointment, make a list of any physical and behavioral concerns to discuss with your veterinarian.

For Proper Rescue Pet Vet Care Contact Hebron Veterinary Hospital

When you adopt a rescue animal, be sure to give them the rescue pet vet care they need. To schedule an appointment, visit our contact page or give us a call at (860) 228-4324.