Why is World Dog Day celebrated today and what you need to know before bringing a puppy home

Since 2004, each July 21 is celebrated on World Dog Day. A small tribute to the four-legged animal, better known as “The men’s best friend”. However, the significance of this date can be much deeper. Currently, there are over 300 million dogs in the world, of which, according to World Health Organization (WHO), It is estimated that 70% are homeless.

Beyond the commemoration of one of the animals most faithful to man, the anniversary aims to raise awareness of the large number of abandoned dogs still waiting for a family that wants to adopt them.

At Argentina, since the start of isolation, dog adoptions increased by 200%. “This phenomenonIt has to do with the forced increase in the hours that people spend at home and with the fact that, thanks to this, they manage to have more time to devote to the new member of the family and their adaptation ”, holds Julia Fenley, coordinator of technical advisers Vitalcan, an Argentinian company with over 20 years of experience in the pet care market.

What issues must be taken into account to properly welcome puppies?

1. During the first few days it is important make sure the puppy is at least 45 days old before you bring him home. The ideal is to leave him for up to 60 days with his mother, since these two weeks will be decisive in terms of learning and will largely determine his future behavior. Once at home you should consult the veterinarian for a general assessment. The professional will define a vaccination schedule, preventive measures and an appropriate diet.

“It is essential when adopting a puppy to take into account that separation from his mother, siblings or other animals or people with whom he lived, in addition to a change in the environment, leads to marked stress for the same (variable in intensity according to each individual). Changing your diet can also cause stress, so ideally the first few days respect the foods you have eaten previously, and after 2 or 3 days begins a gradual shift towards the food we choose to provide in the new home, ”they explain of the company.

2. Try to make your home a safe place. Puppies are very curious, so you should be careful to avoid risky situations such as leaving small parts within reach that can be put in their mouths and suffocate, others that are very harmful such as batteries, objects. sharp, cables they can chew on, etc. Also limit access to dangerous places such as balconies, patios with swimming pools or the street.

3. Assign it a spot. The puppy should have a defined space and recognize it as their own. For that, it would be good use mats or baskets (not wicker or similar). When he goes in his place, you can reinforce him with a reward.

4. Let him sleep. Don’t worry if he sleeps a lot, puppies spend many hours sleeping. It is important not to disturb them, as they can become stressed.

5. Teach him your name. The first thing you will do when the puppy comes home is probably to give it a name. It is essential to repeat it over and over, and before its response, reward it with praise (in a soft and friendly tone of voice) and pampering.

The need for daily companionship is reciprocal between man and dog. However, while throughout life hundreds and thousands of dogs waited for a home, It was during his forties that the man began to seek and need this relationship more. the love and care They should be the first thing you need to think about when bringing a four-legged puppy to their new home.

As they explain from Vitalcan, “Canine puppies are born with a functioning but immature immune system, which is why nutrition (along with a proper health plan) is vitally important.”

It’s essential When adopting a puppy, take into account that separation from its mother / siblings / other animals or people with whom it has lived, in addition to a change in the environment , cause marked stress for him. (variable in intensity according to each individual). the change of diet it can also cause stress, so ideally the first few days respect the food you eat before and after 2-3 days start a gradual change to the food we choose to provide in the new house

In the canine feeding regimen, it is recommended that it be controlled and that the daily ration is divided into 4 equal portions, After 6 months, the frequency can be reduced by feeding them 3 to 2 times a day. The ideal is respect the times in which the food is provided because it is important that this puppy acquires a routine. In the case of felines, respect for their phylogeny, the daily ration should be divided into several times a day. In nature they feed 20 to 22 times a day Therefore, if it is a self-regulating cat, serving half in the morning and the other half in the evening will have food available throughout the day.

KEEP READING: