The U.S. has some
70 million stray animals, amounting to five homeless animals for every homeless human nationwide. Most of these animals never make their way to shelters. Instead, they roam at large and facing potential hazards from traffic, other animals, and extreme weather.
As an animal lover, you may want to help a stray dog or cat to the best of your ability, whether you end up adopting the animal or not. Good working knowledge of how to handle the situation, with the aid of a skilled veterinarian, can help you do just that. Follow these four key steps toward a happier life for your new friend.
1. Interact With Caution
If you see a dog or cat running free in a public place while you drive, don't screech to a halt. This action could endanger you while panicking the animal. Pull over at the first safe opportunity, or note the animal's location and appearance and either return to the area later or give your information to local animal control authorities.
Observe a stray dog or cat's behavior before trying to approach it. Mammals can transmit rabies through their bites. If the pet shows telltale signs of rabies such as drooling, aggressiveness, fearfulness, or balance problems, keep your distance. If the pet seems healthy and friendly, try to coax it into your car or a pet carrier.
2. Look for a Microchip
Don't assume that your stray animal has no owner simply because it lacks the usual collar ID tags. These tags can detach from their collars for various reasons, leaving animals unidentifiable as pets. However, many pets have microchips under the skin. These tiny chips contain the necessary information to locate their owners.
Bring the animal to any local shelter or veterinary clinic to have it scanned for a microchip. The employees at these facilities can run a radio frequency (RF) scanning device over the pet's upper body. An embedded microchip will send ID data to the scanner. The employee can then look this data up in an online national pet register.
3. Get the Animal Checked for Diseases
Stray dogs and cats can pick up a variety of parasites and germs in their travels. Some feral animals may have never undergone the basic wellness tests and preventative measures that all animals need to ensure their future health. No matter how well your stray appears, schedule a wellness check for it at a vet clinic.
Your veterinarian will examine the animal for any obvious external issues such as pest infestation, skin problems, and eye or ear injuries that may require treatment. Blood, urine, and fecal testing can detect other diseases or parasites. The veterinary team can then provide vaccinations, deworming, and other wellness care as needed.
4. Learn How to Care for an Adopted Animal
If you decide to adopt the animal as a member of your household, make sure you know how to care for the pet in question. Dogs and cats require ongoing wellness care to keep them healthy. They may also need training or socialization to help them get along with family members, strangers, and other pets.
Talk to your veterinarian about the basics of pet ownership. You'll receive valuable guidance on how to feed your pet properly, what kind of exercise your pet may need, how to train your pet, how to recognize signs of common health challenges, and when to schedule periodic wellness exams.
If you find yourself in possession of a stray cat or dog, bring it to Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach. We can check for a microchip, check the animal's health, administer any necessary care, and provide you with valuable pet ownership advice.
Contact our veterinary clinic today.
