Ways to Improve Your Newly Adopted Pet’s Mental Health

Adopting a pet is a truly noble act. You are providing a home for an animal that lost theirs or had none to begin with. However, adopting a pet is no simple task, even for the most experienced pet owners. 

Depending on what they've experienced and been through, it may be challenging to connect with them. As such, your first step should be to improve your adopted companion's mental health and let them know that they have a loving home and relationship with you!

 

Build Up Trust

Unfortunately, many adopted pets have had poor relationships with humans, and they have even abused some. Because of this, their mental health may seriously be suffering as a result. It would be best to let your pet know that you are a human they can trust and that you are their companion for life. Simple acts can go a long way to build this relationship with your furry friend. 

For example, some animals may get fearful and anxious if you're towering over them. Get down on the ground and interact with them at their level. It also helps to respect their own space and pace. Don't go smothering them immediately without building up their trust first!

 

Take Time to Play With Them

Pets love to play, and depending on how these adopted ones lived their lives up until now; they may have never had the chance to do so. A fun way to improve your adopted pet's mental health is to set up some fun activities with them. 

Let them know that their life will be filled with fun and love from now on. If you adopt a dog, take them out for a nice walk or play some fetch with them. For cats, get them a toy they can chase around or try to catch. 

 

Manage Their Stress

Stress in pets can be detrimental to their mental health. Remember that you have introduced them into an entirely new environment. Try not to stress them out too much as they acclimate to your home for the first few weeks of living with them. Try to keep things calm and quiet and give them their own space where they can cool down if they get too overwhelmed. 

If you have other people in the house, make sure they take note of this too and refrain from bringing too many people into their lives all at once. It may take time for them to get used to it, but you need to be wary of causing them stress so you can eliminate them immediately. 

 

Your Pet’s Mental Health Matters at Eldorado Animal Clinic

Taking care of an adopted pet can get complicated but know that you are not alone! At Eldorado Animal Clinic, we have state-of-the-art equipment and highly capable staff to assist you in anything your companion may need. You can come to us with any concerns, and we would be more than happy to help you. Keeping your pet healthy is essential in maintaining their mental health as well, and our vets can help you with that. Don't stress your pet out with second-rate veterinarians, and contact us for more details!