After you have rescued a cat or dog from the street, it is important not only to check its health but also to help the pet adapt to life in a new home. This is discussed by veterinarian Alexey Sibilev.
Step 1: Health Check of the New Pet
First of all, the new pet should be taken to the veterinarian. This should be done as soon as possible. “The veterinarian will conduct an initial examination and assess the animal's condition. If there are any suspicions of diseases, additional tests will be prescribed. A professional assessment will help maintain the pet's health and protect family members,” shares Alexey Sibilev.
Step 2: Isolating the Pet
If there are already other animals in the house, the street cat or dog should be isolated from them for the first few weeks. The veterinarian recommends placing the new friend in a separate room for 2–3 weeks.
“During the quarantine period, the animal should be closely monitored. Important indicators include behavior, appetite, the condition of the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth, as well as the consistency and color of the feces. If no negative signs appear during this time, you can confidently introduce the foundling to other pets,” noted the veterinarian.
Step 3: Treatment for Parasites and Vaccination
Even if the animal spent only one day outside, it likely picked up fleas and other parasites. First and foremost, they need to be eliminated. The new resident should be bathed in warm water. The veterinarian advises using a shampoo for cats and dogs with acaricidal components.
“After the animal dries, it is necessary to treat it for external parasites (fleas and ticks). There are drops, tablets, collars, and sprays for this purpose. To combat internal parasites, such as helminths (worms), tablets or suspensions are most commonly used,” commented the veterinarian.
Vaccination of the pet can be done 10 days after treatment. “Vaccination is a mandatory procedure even for domestic animals, as viruses can enter the home, for example, on the owners' shoes, and this is especially important for street animals,” added the veterinarian.
Step 4: Adjusting the Diet
Street life has not contributed to the proper digestion of the animal, notes Alexey Sibilev. In the first days after the pet arrives in the new home, the veterinarian recommends making its diet lighter and more dietary. The volume of food should also be reduced.
Step 5: Adapting to Family Life
There are no universal recommendations for adapting a street pet to apartment life. Some animals adapt quickly, while others take more time. “There are no definite tips for psychological adaptation, as each animal is unique. Homeless animals may have either never interacted with people at all or had negative experiences with such interactions, so the owner should be prepared with patience and effort. Genuine love and care will help establish contact with the pet,” summarizes the veterinarian.
