Adopting a dog

[tmarquez]

We are planning on adopting a dog we saw on craigslist. We've always gotten our pets from breeders as puppies before so this is something new to me.

The dog is 1 1/2 and the people that have her have only had her a very short time. The people they got her from told them that she would only need a rabies shot each year so they have no idea what shots she has had.

I plan on taking her to a vet asap after we get her, but I'm just trying to plan ahead and am wondering if she will need a full course of shots or what they do for a dog that's past is unknown?

Thanks!

 

[clh2]

We've adopted one dog from a humane society and one from a rescue. Both had come in as strays.

Both needed all their shots - because the dogs weren't able to let us know what they had.

I feel bad for the dog - sounds like it has been bounced around a little bit.

Good luck with this, and don't forget - it is a disboards rule that you have to post pics!

 

[lisajl]

When in doubt-get the shots! Have seen a lot of parvo at the vet clinic I work at, and you don't want that!

Get a heartworm test, too!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Yes...they will run the series again if it is unclear when they last got them. They may make you wait a certain amount of time though.(like if you begin your child's hep series and you miss the date for the next, you have to wait a certain amount of time before you can start them again).

Definately get them to the vet as the PP though.

 

[mrsv98]

The vet can do a titer blood test to determine the protective levels of the various vaccines. You should also take a stool sample to check for worms and get a blood test for heart worm.

Now some unsolicited advice from a DIS friend. We did exactly the same thing last year. We have always had labs from a breeder that I raised from little pups. We adopted a young cairn terrier mix a year ago March and I can tell you it is a VERY different experience. I absolutely love Sweetie, but it has been a long process to get her to a place where I can say that. She was a puppy mill dog and not socialized. She had a host of psychological issues and is now on prozac and xanax for her anxiety. We are slowly weaning her off the xanax but again, it is a long process. I have to admit, there was a weekend or two when I was ready to throw in the towel and she can still make me nuts but she also loves me unconditionally and adores DH and DD.

I am not trying to dissuade you at all, just be prepared for a different experience and have a lot of patience. Good luck!

 

[rszdtrvl]

Bless you!

When we got our Beagle, Miss Daisy, at 4 months old, we were her 8th home since she was born. If you estimate that she was taken away from her mom at 8 weeks, that is A LOT of homes in a very short period of time. We made her part of the family, had her spayed, and loved on her.

She was a PITA, but is our girl, and 7 years later, she is such a loving joy.

I agree - puppy will need all shots if there are no records. And a neuter or spay would be a great idea if it is not already done. There are too many pets that end up being bounced from home to home.

 

[jp24]

You should always adopt puppies from a humane society or a no kill shelter, IMO. I've worked with the Oregon Humane Society and can tell you that there are so many great animals that have trouble finding homes that it's not even funny. Breeders and pet shops aren't the answer. All three of my dogs have come from OHS and they are great. They had their own issues in the beginning but it's so worth it to give a discarded dog a loving home.

 

[lisajl]

The vet can do a titer blood test to determine the protective levels of the various vaccines. You should also take a stool sample to check for worms and get a blood test for heart worm.

Now some unsolicited advice from a DIS friend. We did exactly the same thing last year. We have always had labs from a breeder that I raised from little pups. We adopted a young cairn terrier mix a year ago March and I can tell you it is a VERY different experience. I absolutely love Sweetie, but it has been a long process to get her to a place where I can say that. She was a puppy mill dog and not socialized. She had a host of psychological issues and is now on prozac and xanax for her anxiety. We are slowly weaning her off the xanax but again, it is a long process. I have to admit, there was a weekend or two when I was ready to throw in the towel and she can still make me nuts but she also loves me unconditionally and adores DH and DD.

I am not trying to dissuade you at all, just be prepared for a different experience and have a lot of patience. Good luck!

Hey, for anxiety have you heard of Thundershirt.com?
My dog has anxiety during thunderstorms, etc..and I bought it about 2 months ago, has worked wonders! We originally put her on ACE, then holistic meds, but this shirt is amazing!
I don't know the extent of your dogs anxiety, but this product has helped our dog.

Lisa

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would probably want a full medical exam before I agreed to take this dog. If it's been passed around and there is question about its immunization and heartworm preventative history, you may wind up with a sick dog that costs you money and heartache. I'd also look closely at its temperament and training, etc. It may well have formed bad habits that will become your problem once it's yours.

BTW, rabies is every 3 yrs, not yearly. She needs to be tested for heartworm if she hasn't been on heartworm preventative - treatment for that is very difficult on the dog. Also check for fleas, ticks and worms before she comes in your house and yard.

 

[lisajl]

BTW, rabies is every 3 yrs, not yearly. She needs to be tested for heartworm if she hasn't been on heartworm preventative - treatment for that is very difficult on the dog. Also check for fleas, ticks and worms before she comes in your house and yard.

This depends on what state you live in.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

This depends on what state you live in.

I didn't know that, thanks. I'm glad I live where I live then - I wouldn't want to vaccinate my dog more than is necessary.

Revaccination recommendations should be designed to create and maintain clinically relevant immunity while minimizing adverse event potential. The practice of revaccinating animals annually is largely based on historic precedent supported by minimal scientific data. There is increasing evidence that some vaccines provide immunity beyond 1 year. Unnecessary stimulation of the immune system does not result in enhanced disease resistance and may expose animals to unnecessary risks.

http://www.sardogs.com/health_avma_report.htm

 

[MagicStarFan]

It will need a course of shots, just be sure to check with the vet and you'll get paperwork when adopting, so..

 

[kwelch10377]

When I got my dog they just did some bloodwork/other tests to figure out what she needed. I'm sure they will do the same here.

ETA: If you are worried about the cost of the any shots or anything else that needs to get done, check out if they have any free programs in your area. We've been able to get some of my dogs shots done for free.