Caring for a special needs pet is a wonderfully rewarding experience. In many instances, these furry companions are just as playful, energetic, bright, and funny as any other pet, and they’ll enrich your life in ways you didn’t think possible.

Still, disabled pets often require some extra attention and care, and you need to know whether you can provide it before you decide to adopt. So, take a look at a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for owning a special needs pet, then determine if this is the right decision for you. 

Consider your lifestyle and financial situation!

Before you invest in premium pet food, travel pet combs, clothing, toys, and pet beds to welcome your new furry family member, you’ll need to assess your lifestyle and financial situation carefully. Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, financially and otherwise, so you’ll need to make sure you can handle it.

Disabled pets often need more frequent vet visits, and some need daily medications. Others follow a strict diet. Others still require expensive, time-consuming treatments, medical aids, and more.

With a disabled pet, your monthly bills will likely be higher, and you’ll probably need to spend more time at home. If your job has a hectic, unpredictable schedule, if you travel often, or don’t have stable finances, you should think twice about adopting a disabled pet.

Learn all you can about your new family member!

Once you’ve determined that your lifestyle and financial situation can accommodate a disabled pet, it’s time to start studying. Learn all you can about your pet’s disability, treatments, and unique needs. Talk with a few veterinarians in your area about your pet’s disability and see how they can help. Ask the shelter about your pet’s personality, temperament, and behavior. Find out whether they’re good with children and other animals.

The better informed you are before you sign the adoption papers, the easier it will be for you and your new family member to adapt to your new lives.

Develop a health check routine!

Although attentive pet owners quickly pick up cues that their pet isn’t feeling well, many disabled pets have trouble communicating that there’s something wrong.

Newly adopted blind pets might not be eating well because they’re still adapting, but some cannot find where the food is.

Paraplegic pets might not detect injuries to their lower body since they have no sensation there, so there won’t be any whimpering or whining when they’re hurt.

To ensure your new disabled pet is healthy and happy, you’ll want to establish a regular health check routine that you follow to the letter. That can include anything from checking their limbs after a walk to keeping track of their eating habits and giving them a daily brush.

Train and play with your new pet!

Although they have unique needs, disabled pets are still pets. They need to exercise, play, train, and spend quality time with their humans.

Just because your dog can’t see doesn’t mean that it cannot play fetch. Your cat might have only three legs, but they can still run around and play with a laser pointer.

Treat your disabled pet like you would any other pet (but do keep their disability in mind), and make them feel loved and cared for at all times.

Have patience and understanding for your special needs pet!

Adopting a disabled pet can be challenging and take an emotional, physical, and financial toll. Still, it’s one of the best things you can do to improve your new pet’s quality of life.

Sources

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/responsible-pet-ownership

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/giving-your-dog-a-thorough-home-check-up

https://dogtime.com/trending/36481-blind-dog-plays-fetch-video

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