Do research before adopting shelter dog

#Middlebury #ShelterDog

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I read that stray dogs from foreign countries are being put up for adoption here and bringing new diseases with them. My family wants to adopt a dog, but now we’re uncertain about doing so. How can we make sure we’re getting a healthy dog? – Julie in Alexandria, Louisiana

DEAR JULIE: You should certainly do some research before taking that super-cute puppy home from a shelter.

Rescue shelters have gone through some dramatic changes in the past decade, and perhaps the most notable change is that dogs eligible for adoption are often shipped from a shelter in one region of the country to another region. Dogs from overseas also are being acquired by some shelters as demand for rescue dogs – particularly the “adorable” one or popular breeds – outstrips supply.

There is little federal regulation – the USDA doesn’t track how many dogs are imported from other countries, for example – and states are only just beginning to tighten rules to ensure the health of dogs shipped across state lines. There are reports of newly adopted dogs developing severe illnesses, including a new strain of canine distemper virus – a highly contagious disease that closely resembles rabies.

Here are some important questions you should ask:

• Where did the dog come from? Was it surrendered locally, sent from another state or unknown?
• Ask for copies of health records. Has the dog been given vaccinations yet?
• If the dog comes from another state or country, was it quarantined after arriving (at least 48 hours in some states)?

Take the dog you adopt to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a health check and to get any needed vaccines.

Send your questions, tips or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.

© 2019 King Features Syndicate, Inc.