How to Care for a Stray Animal

Every day, people find stray animals and decide to take the animal in as an addition to their family. Although animals make wonderful companions, it’s important that great care is given to the animal, especially if it’s a stray. Most stray animals have fleas, ticks, ear mites, worms and are malnourished. It is important to rectify these aliments in your new pet.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cat or dog food
• Water bowl

1. Put the pet in a secluded room away from the noises of kids and away from any other pets you might have in your home. At first, your new pet is going to be timid and shy. It is important to first let your new pet know that you are not going to cause it any harm before introducing him/her to the rest of your world. Also, if you have other pets this is extremely important because you don’t know if your new pet has any major health problems and he or she could pass on to your other pets.

2. Give him/her food and water. Filtered water is best. Also, use puppy or kitten food until you find out your new pet's age at the vet's office. Puppy and kitten food have more proteins and nutrients that will help your pet's immune system build itself back up. There is no telling how long your new pet has been in the wild; the pet's immune system could be weak, as a result.

3. Visit the veterinarian. A professional needs to check your new pet out for fleas, ear mites and worms. Plan on spending money for medicines to rid your new pet of any problems and to get shots such as a rabies booster. Depending on the state of your new pet, the vet may also want to do blood work to out rule and major medical problems. At the vet's office you will also find out approximately how old your new pet is and whether it is a male or female animal. The vet will also go over with you when it’s appropriate to have your new pet spayed or neutered.

4. Introduce your new pet to the rest of your family. At first your new pet will explore and smell everything to get the "lay of the land." Be sure to give your new pet lots of love and attention. If your new pet is a dog, be sure to take it out often so that the pet gets used to going to bathroom outside. If your new pet is a cat, be sure to show the pet where the litter box is to avoid any accidents on the floor.

5. Keep regular check-ups at the vet's office for all of your pets.