Vet Approved Guide: 10 Tips for the First 30 Days After Adopting a Dog (2025)🏊♂️🐶

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Bringing home a new dog is exciting—but those first 30 days are critical for building trust, establishing routine, and starting a healthy life together. Whether you’ve adopted a puppy, adult, or senior dog, preparation and patience are key. 🐶❤️

As a veterinarian, I help pet parents navigate the transition after adoption every day. This guide provides 10 essential tips for your dog’s first month at home—plus guidance from Ask A Vet. 🩺

🐾 1. Set Up a Safe, Calm Environment

• 🛏️ Create a quiet space with a comfy bed, water, and toys
• 🚪 Use baby gates or crates to manage access and avoid overwhelm

Keep things simple. Too many people or too much space too fast can stress a new dog. 🧠

🦴 2. Stick to a Routine

• 🕒 Feed, walk, and play at the same times daily
• 📉 Predictability reduces anxiety and builds trust

Use Woopf to build structured training into the daily routine. 🎯

🩺 3. Schedule a Vet Visit Within the First Week

• 📋 Even healthy-appearing dogs need a baseline checkup
• 🧪 Get a heartworm test, stool check, and vaccines up to date

Use Ask A Vet for quick answers and follow-up support. 📱

🧼 4. Establish a Potty Plan (Even for Adult Dogs)

• 🚪 Take outside frequently—after meals, sleep, and play
• 🎉 Reward with praise and treats for outdoor potty

Housetraining may regress in new environments—patience is key. 🧻

🎓 5. Start Training Early

• 🧠 Use simple cues like “sit,” “come,” and “leave it”
  

📋 6. Watch for Health and Behavior Red Flags

• ⚠️ Diarrhea, coughing, or lethargy
• 🧠 Resource guarding, excessive fear, or hiding

Ask A Vet can help determine if issues are medical or behavioral. 🩺

🌿 7. Ease Stress and Build Bonding

• 🎧 Use calming music and pheromone diffusers
  

📷 8. Take Notes (Not Just Photos!)

• 📝 Track behavior, potty schedule, and reactions to new things
• 📈 Helps your vet and trainer make informed decisions

🐾 9. Introduce Slowly to People and Pets

• 👥 Keep new intros short and positive
• 🚫 No dog parks or crowded events in the first few weeks

💬 10. Ask for Help (It’s a Sign of Love)

• 📱 Use Ask A Vet for health or behavior concerns

✅ Final Thoughts: The First 30 Days Matter Most

Adopting a dog is a lifelong promise—and the first 30 days are the foundation. With patience, structure, and compassionate tools like Ask A Vet, you’ll build a bond that lasts a lifetime. 🐶❤️

Quick Recap:

• 🏡 Create a safe, quiet home zone
• 📆 Stick to a consistent schedule
• 🩺 Schedule a vet visit early
• 📱 Ask Ask A Vet for expert guidance

Need help getting started? Visit AskAVet.com. 🐾