Here's what you should look out for when adopting a handicapped dog.

Here's what you should look out for when adopting a handicapped dog.
All pets deserve our love and care. But some may need more dedication
than others, as is the case of a handicapped dog. Present in many NGOs
and adoption fairs, these furry animals are affectionate and teach us, on a
daily basis, to look at life in a different way, with a great lesson in
overcoming!
However, before adopting them, it is necessary to reflect a lot. Remember
that these pets have special needs that must be met to ensure their wellbeing. Below, we have prepared some things that you and your family
should take care of before and after adopting a disabled dog.
Bringing a disabled pet home is very rewarding. Besides decreasing the
number of abandoned dogs and helping handicapped animal NGOs, you
will also be giving a second chance to a unique and special dog. And you
can be sure: he will be eternally grateful, taking every opportunity he gets
to return your love with lots of licks, companionship, and affection!
Just like us, dogs have different types of disabilities, with diverse origins.
"We need to understand the cause of the disability to take care of it in the
best way and make more quality of life available in the pet's day to day life
in the new house", advises the veterinarian, Dr. Renata.
A pet with vision problems, for example, needs adaptations in the
environment, but will not necessarily require specific and continuous
veterinary treatment.
On the other hand, a dog with paralysis of the hind legs, besides needing a
chair for handicapped dogs, may need physiotherapy sessions,
acupuncture, among others. Questioning with the NGO or talking to a
veterinarian about the needs of a disabled dog is important to estimate
the costs and care that you will have with him.
It is not a rule, but in some cases handicapped dogs can take longer and
have more difficulty to adapt. And you will also have to make some
adaptations.
Because of the keen sense of smell of these special pets, it is possible to
teach blind or deaf dogs to do their normal activities, such as drinking
water or even peeing in the right place. But patience and dedication are
required. Do you and your family have the time and willingness to take on
the challenge and wait?
"Some pets need specific devices, veterinary care, special food, and
medications," says Dr. Renata. "This generates a much larger financial
contribution than the adoption of a healthy dog," she adds.
If you are aware of all this, are accompanied by a professional in the area
and, in some cases, have the time and money available, congratulations!
You will be great with your new friend. In this case, get ready to have a
sincere, loving, and very loyal companion for many, many years.
Below, Dr. Renata explains the main needs of animals with physical
disabilities: visual, hearing, and locomotion.
Visual impairment: thanks to their sense of smell, blind dogs manage very
well, but it is important to make adaptations in the house. Passages with
stairs should be blocked to avoid falls. In addition, it is necessary to
remove furniture and dangerous objects (pointed, sharp, etc.) from the
path, to prevent the pet from bumping into and hurting himself. "
Hearing impairment: a deaf dog can perform his activities normally, since
smell and sight are present. Try to stimulate these senses. As our voice is
an important way of establishing a bond with the dogs, do a lot of
caressing to compensate for her absence.
Motor disability: in general, dogs with difficulty in locomotion depend
more on their guardians. This is because, in some cases, it is even
necessary to help them defecate and urinate. Talk to a veterinarian, he
will be able to guide you about the need for a chair, physiotherapy,
veterinary care, and day-to-day adaptations.
Remember that just like other dogs, the handicapped dog, regardless of
his disability, also needs stimuli.
Therefore, be sure to play with him, to promote environmental
enrichment and to walk him every day, allowing him to feel new aromas,
textures, and even to make new friends.