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Retired dog are a group of special companions who have made great contributions to human society. They are gentle and obedient, and are particularly suitable for adoption as family companions. If you want to choose a retired dog as a new member of your family, please read this full adoption and feeding guide for retired dogs carefully.
Perhaps you have seen this group of silent warriors on TV or in your life: military police, search and rescue, drug enforcement, security inspection, guide dogs, etc. After serving for 5-8 years, they face the problem of retirement. Adopting a retired dog is not just about adopting a dog, but taking on a trust and responsibility.
Tips for adopting retired dogs
- 1.Understand the background of retired dogs
Retired dogs usually have served for many years in a row and eventually retired due to age or health reasons. They may have experienced a high-intensity work environment, so their personality, physical condition and behavioral habits are different from other domestic dogs.
Older age, physical function begins to decline
Stress response or behavioral habits formed at work
Difficulty adapting to unfamiliar family environment
Before adopting, it is recommended to communicate in detail with relevant institutions (such as military dog bases, police dog units or guide dog schools) to understand the health status, personality and living habits of the dog.
- 2.Adoption process
The adoption process may vary in different regions and institutions, but it usually includes submitting an application to the relevant institution, review and matching, home visits or interviews, signing an agreement, and finally taking the dog home.
- 3.Preparation before adoption
Home environment: Prepare a quiet and comfortable resting area for retired dogs to avoid an overly noisy environment.
Daily necessities: Prepare dog kennels, food bowls, feeders, water bowls, dog collars, leashes, toys and other necessities.
Psychological preparation: Retired dogs may need time to adapt to new life, and adopters need to be patient and loving.
Legal compliance: Ensure compliance with local dog regulations, such as applying for dog licenses and regular vaccinations.
Feeding Guide for Retired Dogs
Dietary management for retired dogs is crucial to their health. Because they are older or have special health needs, feeding needs to be scientifically planned, and focus on changes before and after eating.
- 1.Choose the right dog food
High-quality dog food: Choose dog food suitable for older dogs or special needs, and give priority to formulas with clear protein sources and added joint protection ingredients (such as glucosamine and chondroitin).
Low-fat and low-salt: Retired dogs may have reduced activity and are prone to obesity. They need to choose low-fat and low-salt dog food to reduce the burden on the heart and kidneys.
Easily digestible formula: Some retired dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and choosing dog food with added probiotics or fiber helps intestinal health.
- 2.Make a feeding plan
Timed and quantitative: Adult retired dogs usually have fixed feeding times and portions every day, and each portion is adjusted according to weight and activity. Use the Dokoo automatic feeder to set daily feeding to help owners take better care of their pets.
Control weight: Weigh regularly, observe the dog’s body shape, and avoid obesity. If you find abnormal weight, adjust the diet in time.
Fresh drinking water: Make sure there is clean drinking water in the water bowl at all times, and encourage drinking more water to promote metabolism.
- 3.Special dietary needs
Joint health: For retired dogs with arthritis or mobility problems, fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids can be supplemented under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Gastrointestinal sensitivity: If the dog vomits or has diarrhea, you can try hypoallergenic dog food, or feed it in small amounts at multiple times.
Dental problems: Elderly dogs may have fragile teeth, so you can choose soft dog food or wet food.
- 4.Precautions for homemade food
If you choose to make homemade dog food, you need to ensure that the nutrition is balanced and avoid feeding high-salt, high-oil or toxic ingredients in human food (such as chocolate, grapes, onions, etc.).
Note: Homemade dog food needs to be consulted with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist to ensure that the nutritional needs of the dog are met.
- 5.Snacks and rewards
Feed in moderation: Snack games are very helpful in improving the dog’s mental vitality. The dokoo dog camera can detect the dog’s activities, take photos in real time and upload them to the cloud, and interact with the dog.
Healthy choice: Choose low-calorie, natural snacks, such as freeze-dried meat strips and dried vegetables (carrot strips, broccoli).
Training purposes: Retired dogs are sensitive to commands, and snacks can be used as training rewards, but the frequency needs to be controlled.
How to take care of retired dogs?
- Give it time to slowly adapt to the new life
- Pay attention to health checks and elderly care
- Respect its “professional memory”
- Continue “light training” to keep it dignified and fulfilled
- Exercise moderately or play lightly every day
- Regular physical examinations, pay attention to the health of teeth, joints and internal organs.
- Give psychological care, more companionship and more interaction
- Regular hair care, keep the skin clean, and prevent parasites or skin diseases.
Summary
Adopting retired dogs is not only about providing a warm home for these loyal companions, but also about respecting and rewarding their selfless dedication. Every retired dog family is “welcoming the return of heroes”.
The adoption and feeding of retired dogs requires careful and scientific methods. Before you are ready to take care of retired dogs, we hope this guide will help you start a wonderful journey with retired dogs!
