What Should I Do First After Adopting a Dog?
- Equipo NUPEC®
The first thing many people do right after adopting a dog is post photos of their new pet on social media, take it to the park or introduce it to the whole family in person. All of this is perfectly fine and comes from the excitement of having a new pet. But before any of it (parties, get-togethers or photos), you need to think first about the well-being of the dog you adopted and understand that, from now on, owning this pet means setting priorities that allow your canine companion to live in harmony and well-being in its new home.
So, in terms of priorities, things like photos, walks or family introductions are secondary and should wait until you've met the most important rule of responsible pet ownership. You're probably wondering: what is that rule? Or, better put: what should be the top priority after adopting a dog?
On the list of things to do when you adopt a dog, after choosing its name, the first thing you should do as its owner (something that's also very important for its health) is take your dog to its first vet visit with an animal health professional. That's the first step after completing the adoption process.
Although many dog shelters and adoption centers have their own veterinarian who regularly checks the dogs waiting to be adopted, every newly adopted pet should have a new check-up. This lets you start caring for your new pet the right way, since the veterinarian can perform a detailed, complete and personalized exam to understand its health and detect any condition, if present.
This visit isn't only about learning your new pet's health status; it's also about setting up a schedule for care, vaccinations and deworming. At this first check-up, you can also ask the vet all your questions about the care your dog needs, including its nutrition with super premium foods like the ones we offer at NUPEC®.
All of this makes taking your dog to its first vet check-up very important once the adoption is complete. After that, you can go ahead with all the activities you have planned to celebrate your new pet's arrival.
At NUPEC®, we are committed to enhancing the health, beauty and life of pets through responsible scientific nutrition, bringing fulfillment to their owners.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the first thing I should do after adopting a dog?
Take it to its first vet visit for a complete check-up and to set up its care, vaccination and deworming schedule.
Should I take my dog to the vet if the shelter already checked it?
Yes. Even if the shelter has a vet, a personalized check-up helps you understand its health and start its care on the right foot.
