Everyone prepares for this in their own way. Some read articles and look for information on websites or groups, others shop, relying on their gut feeling or the recommendations of a retailer, some seek advice from a specialist.

It is worth remembering that this is a big change in life not only for us, in its own way the animal is also experiencing it. Depending on past experience, it may be more or less calm, but it should be borne in mind that for the pet it usually involves a complete change of environment. It has to familiarize itself with a myriad of new stimuli: new surroundings, new people, new smells and sounds, and even new resources such as a bed, toys and bowls. Animals adopted from the Foundation or a shelter come to us with their own baggage of experiences, not necessarily positive ones.

For an animal, adoption leads to a big change in its life, in the case of some of them, this is not the first such change. It loses its previous place, where it has established certain relationships, got used to the routine and environment. Even if we are talking about a shelter, which is not an optimal place to live and where conditions are often difficult, for the animal it is a place with which it has had time to become accustomed and adapt to its rules. Rapid changes, even if they are changes for the better, can cause nervousness and a stress reaction. This often comes at a significant emotional cost. The animal has to learn the rules of the new place, get used to the new routine, and get to know and accept new people. This is a process that can lead to a drop in mood and even cause anxiety. In addition, sudden dietary manipulations in animals under stress can be met with gastrointestinal symptoms.

An excellent solution for dogs and cats is the support of pheromones, which have the task of reducing stress, adding reassurance, and supporting the building of a sense of security. In dogs, such a task is performed by pheromones secreted by the sebaceous glands of the milk groove of lactating bitches. The calming properties of these pheromones have also been confirmed in adult dogs. In cats, on the other hand, pheromones secreted by the glands of the milk cotyledon of nursing kittens have a similar effect. They have the effect of increasing comfort in new surroundings, as well as increasing the tendency to exhibit affiliative behavior, i.e. to establish and maintain social bonds.

Dr Seidel brand offers various forms of adaptation preparations, which contain a composition of natural substances that affect the behavior of animals in a similar way to the pheromones described above . Wearing a collar a few days before picking up a dog or cat from a shelter significantly helps the adaptation process. The second solution is to use a contact evaporator, which emits the equivalent of pheromones in the apartment where the animal is to settle. They are suitable for dogs and cats of all ages. The products are completely safe for health and have no side effects.

It is important to provide the animal with an asylum, that is, a safe place for it to stay. This can be a bed, a cage or a lair. It is worth noting that the chosen place for the lair should be located in a quiet and somewhat isolated location. The pooch should feel so calm and comfortable. We can also spray the chosen location with an adaptive spray to induce a feeling of soothing and reduce anxiety.

Adapting a new pet at home is a process that requires patience. Every pet needs time to get to know its new surroundings, get acquainted with the household members and understand the new rules. It is crucial to provide him with a calm and safe environment where he can gradually gain confidence. In the future, our persistence and care will surely be reciprocated by the trust and love of our pet.

Sonia Muller
Behawiorysta psów i kotów