TIPS FOR BRINGING A NEW RESCUE HOME

Here are a few tips to make your Rescue’s transition as smooth as possible.

 

When your new dog comes to you, he will need some adjustment time.  He may be anxious. He may not sleep or eat well the first night or two.  But within a few days you will see changes. He will relax and then he will be ever  so eager to  please and  love.  Just give him some time,  lots  of  love  and  have  patience.  We suggest no big events (beach, dog parks, groups of people) for the first 10 days.   This gives them time to settle in and bond with you and become familiar with her new home and family.   Preparing for safety is key.  Your new dog may be scared and overwhelmed, making him more prone to run away.   Secure your home, always keep your GRSF collar and ID tag on and keep him on a leash when not in a secured area.  Be aware he may want to run and use extra precaution.    Dogs thrive off of consistency, so it helps reduce anxiety by knowing what’s expected.  Your daily schedule can include things like all mealtimes, bedtime, walks, grooming, training sessions, outdoor playtime, etc.  

 

If you have ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CONTACT US!  We care about our dogs, and we care about you. This should be a forever love match. THAT IS OUR GOAL!

 

When buying food and supplies for your dog, please keep in mind:

• Goldens do well with elevated feeding bowls. You can find them at any pet store. It is not great for them to eat head down.

• It is important that your dog  be fed 2 meals  a day. Large chested dogs like Goldens are susceptible to ‘BLOAT".  In this case their stomachs can actually twist.  It is deadly. So, for about 1/2 hour after your dog eats, have him stay quiet. Do not go right outside and run with him/her.  Goldens are infamous for being sloppy drinkers. They need lots of clean water available to them at all times.  Try a towel Underneath.

• Most hot spots and ear issues are actually caused by food allergies, many goldens are allergic to grain and chicken.   We suggest a high quality food free of "junk" and fillers such as Farmers Dog, Fromm, Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, Earthborn, Merrick, Natural Balance, Life Abundance.   Do some research. And then you can decide.

• Brushing your dog’s teeth is a great thing if you are "up for it". Feeding your dog just dry food will also help to keep his teeth healthy.  But a little canned (like a tablespoon) adds moisture needed. 

• Goldens frequently have ear “issues".  As mentioned previously, much of this is caused by food allergies. BUT there are other ways to stave off infections and costly vet visits.   If your dog is a swimmer, after he swims apply a few drops of 'SWIM  EAR" This  is  a human  product that  you  can  buy  at any drug store.  It helps dry the deep recesses of their ears and helpful in avoiding yeast infections. Once a week take any ear wash and clean out his ears with an ear cleaner soaked cotton ball. 

 

Heartworm Prevention, Flea and Tick Treatment   Please be sure to treat your dog with a flea and tick repellent once a month. DO NOT USE ANY INGESTIBLE FLEA  OR TICK  PREVENTION.  Brands that contain Isoxazoline, a toxic chemical linked to SEIZURES (Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard, Simparica).   For more information, please review the following fact sheet provided by the FDA: FDA Fact Sheet   Again, do some research. You are feeding your dog poison. The vets still push it. Do not please use any of them. Use a topical preventative. We use Frontline Plus or Gold. And it is  ESSENTIAL that  your  dog also be  given  a Heart worm preventative once a month. Heart worm is easy to avoid  but   the treatment for  Heartworm  very  difficult  for a dog  to  undergo. We are very comfortable with Heart Guard. It is lvermectin ... not poison.

 

Make a vet appointment!   Sometimes it is not possible for the dog to be seen by a vet before coming into our Rescue, and even when they were vetted, it is always best practice to introduce your dog/puppy to your vet as soon as possible to ensure their health and vaccinations are up to date.    Please note, it is recommended that you wait until your Golden is at least 12 months old before spaying/neutering.  Studies show waiting to spay/neuter decreases the risks of certain health issues to include bone and joint abnormalities.   It is suggested to wait to microchip puppies once they are done growing or at the time spay/neuter to avoid a chip placed or moving to joint or location that may cause problems as your puppy grows.  Once your dog is microchipped, contact GRSF we will complete the lifetime enrollment on your behalf with AKC.  

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Vet Referral:

 

Jodi L. Thannum D.V.M.

Extra Care Animal Hospital

950 S. Flamingo Road

Davie, FL 33325

www.extracareanimalhospital.net

954-370-0203

ECAHDavie@gmail.com