Adoption Without Regret: A Vet´s Honest Perspective

Usually people choose their pets guided by emotions. Out of compassion, out of love or because they wanted to save a life. And that is really beautiful. However, every type of adoption carries risks, and if you are not aware of these risks, you may face health complications in your pet, stress at home, emotional burnout and unnecessary suffering for the animal.

Dogs and cats from breeders, from shelters and from the street come with very different medical and behavioral challenges. Many breeds carry genetic predispositions that may require long-term medical support. Large breed dogs often develop chronic joint disorders. Pugs and Bulldogs may struggle to breath and have lifelong skin problems. British Shorthair cats frequently carry congenital heart problem - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. Scottish Folds struggle with chronic progressive and very painful joint issues. This conditions cannot be cured, only controlled. Many times with expensive medications and frequent consultations. The decision to adopt a dog or a cat of problematic breed should be conscious so you are psychologically and financially ready for lifelong management of potential health issues. For example, nowing both parents might be helpful to estimate the level of riscs.  

If you decide to take a dog or a cat from a shelter, you must know that they may struggle with chronic gastrointestinal issues and/or allergies due to long stressful shelter stays and poor-quality diets. A shelter and street dogs may also carry trauma, anxiety, fear. Not because they are bad, but because their life has been unpredictable. Adopting an older dog or cat from shelter may mean taking a responsibility to treating already existing chronic health porblem(s). 

If you are allowed to make an informed choice during the adoption, you will go through far less stress dealing with those problems later, as you will be prepared emotionally, mentally and financially. This will absolutely influence the outcome in a positive way, as you will have a chance to deal with these problems from place of patience, understanding, acceptance and empathy instead of unpleasent surprise, despair, stress and insecurities. 

When you choose a pet with full awareness of his genetic predispositions, previous experiences, future risks and specific care needs, you give a real chance for a healthier life for them and happier life for both of you.