Many people buy, or adopt, a new dog, or new puppy, and are worried about its health within the first day (especially if the new dog does not eat, drink, pee, or poo). Knowing what to expect from a new dog, or puppy, is key so a new owner does not panic.

Before you Bring Home a New Dog or Puppy

There are a few things you need to ask the seller of the dog, or the adoption agency, before taking a dog home. Find out the dog's normal routine. Find out what food the dog eats, and how much per feeding. Find out if it has any behavior abnormalities. Most of all find out if the dog has been veterinarian checked, vaccinated, and dewormed – and when – get proof. It is not enough to get the person's word that the dog was vaccinated, you should be able to get actual veterinarian papers, if the dog is mature and the person claims they lost them – have them call their vet to get new papers.

Find out what health guarantees come with the dog, or puppy.

You may want to note that most diseases have an incubation period of a few days. Thus the puppy you take home today, might get sick four days from now, due to an exposure while in the sellers care. This is why most animal shelters, and reputable breeders, always have a health guarantee that is good for at least two weeks.

Also note that the vaccinations are not effective immediately, and many require booster shots. It is never a good idea to pay for a dog, or puppy, that is not vet checked, vaccinated, and dewormed, or comes with a good health guarantee.

Of course you need to make sure your home is ready for the new dog, or puppy, including purchasing the same type of food it is on. If you want to switch you can do so in a few weeks, allowing it time to adjust to the new home – all food changes should be gradual.

© Artwork by Brenda Nelson

Bringing the New Dog Home

Many people overwhelm their new dog, playing with it, giving it new toys, treats, and so forth. This can be very overwhelming to some dogs. It is far better to bring home a new dog part way through the day and easing it into its new home. On that first day the new dog should not be taken for a walk, other than in the backyard (on leash) especially if it is not fully vaccinated.

The dog should be fed, according to what it normally would be fed (information gathered before buying or adopting the dog), however it might not want to eat in unfamiliar surroundings. It should be shown where its food is, but not pushed to eat. Some dogs have upset stomachs after a relocation, so forcing it to eat would not be a good idea.  There are some tricks to get a fussy dog to eat, but if a person offers things such as gravy to get a dog to eat, the dog only learns that if it refuses to eat long enough - the owner will give in and add gravy to the food (NOT a good idea since gravy is carbohydrates and carbohydrates are fattening).

The dog should be given fresh water, and can be given treats in moderation (certainly when it goes to the bathroom outside).

It is important to understand that for the first 24 hours the dog may be out of sorts.  A new dog might not want to eat anything. If for any reason the dog refuses to drink after 24 hours, or eat after 36 hours, you may have to be more encouraging.

It is normal for a dog not to urinate for the first 24, or defecate for the first 36 hours in a new home. If this continues any longer, and especially if any other symptoms are showing (or it is a young puppy) the seller, or adoption agency, should be contacted.

Dogs typically urinate first thing in the day, come in for breakfast, go out for a run, and defecate within minutes of running around. If the dog is not urinating – give it some exercise, and offer it a drink (check to make sure the water is fresh), then rustle some grass with your feet, but let the dog relax - you can also buy spray products that encourage dogs to urinate in a particular location. If the dog is not defecating – give it some exercise, as exercise stimulates the bowels – of course there is always a slight concern the dog has eaten something and caused a blockage, so make sure no toys are missing and the dog is otherwise feeling fine.

Dogs who are on good quality food might only defecate once a day, while dogs on lower dog quality food (or puppies who cannot control their bowels) may need to defecate several times a day.

*Be aware that in home accidents might be a problem even for house trained dogs as it takes them a while to learn your routine - or for you to learn their routine.

Any Real Problems?

Again if there are any real problems, contact the person you got the dog, or puppy from. If they are ethical they will offer you tips, or will authorize you to take it to the veterinarian and they will pay the veterinarian costs.

Please read more on Parvo if a new puppy has any signs of lethargy or diarrhea.