All About Dogs: Is a Dog Adoption on Your Agenda? How to Find the Perfect Woofer!

By Eli Rutledge

So you'd like to add a canine member to your household. When you plan a dog adoption, you're far more likely to find the best dog for your situation. Let's say you're older and live in a small apartment?you probably want to adopt a smaller, less active breed who will not require the amount of exercise, such as a more rambunctious Irish Setter will. On the other hand, if you've got a fenced backyard, lead an active lifestyle, and your household includes 3 kids, the Setter might be a great choice. So, your first step in pursuing a dog adoption should be to choose a breed or mixed-breed dog of a size and temperament that matches your needs, as well as those of your new pet.

Once you've decided on the size and type of dog, start looking through the classifieds, visit the Humane Society and other dog adoption organizations to take a look at some of these cuties. It's true that a younger dog (12-16 weeks) is usually a better bet in avoiding potential behavioral problems, with respect to socialization and learned bad habits, just as with people, each dog has a unique personality and natural tendencies towards mellowness, aggressiveness and everything in between. Become familiar with a number of dogs in order to gain a sense of a dog most likely to fit in to your home environment.

When you find that perfect pooch, you'll want to make a physical examination to assure that your dog is sound and healthy. Here's what to look for in your head-to-tail exam:

1. Check the dog's nose? It should be cool and moist. Be wary if he's sneezing often or has a nasal discharge. At the least, have your vet look over the dog for other signs of poor health before proceeding with a dog adoption.

2. Look at the dog's gums. They should be a nice, healthy pink. If they aren't, this may indicate intestinal parasites which also results in anemia.

3. How are his eyes? A dog's eyes should be bright and clear?if you see signs of mucus or 'tears' around the eyes, conjunctivitis may be the culprit.

4. Any dog adoption exam should include determining that your selected dog breathe easily after a bit of activity. If not, this may warn of an airway obstruction, or even a congenital heart problem.

5. Now, watch the dog walk and run. The legs should be straight, not bowing in or out, and his gait should be smooth and sound. Certain breeds are vulnerable to inherited bone and joint problems, such as hip dysplasia and what's called 'patella luxation'. If your chosen dog appears to have problems in this area, you'll want to have a vet check him out before going through with the dog adoption process,

6. Now, your last inspection point should be his coat: it should be bright and shiny?in puppies, the coat should be fuzzy and soft, with no bare patches or signs of excessive scratching. This could indicate skin parasites, such as ringworm, mites or a flea infestation.

This covers the initial physical exam. Of course, personality counts! The tips given here should help serve as your guide to a planned dog adoption which results in a happy household for all concerned. Good luck!