Stress and Adoption: How to Make Your New Dog Comfortable

Spoiler alert: the answer is PATIENCE. Newly adopted dogs need at least 90 days to completely settle into their new home, and should be supported by a comfortable, quiet, environment and a predictable routine.

A dog is stressed when first adopted into their new home. Often the new human family is overjoyed and brimming with love, and rightly so. They have been contemplating and planning to acquire a new dog and are eager to welcome their new family member.

Consider the point of view of the dog when being adopted. Often they have already suffered distress from being in a noisy and frightening shelter environment, or the confusion and loss of leaving their familiar foster home. Many newly available-for-adoption dogs are still recovering from the stress of recent medical treatments such as spay/neuter surgery, dirofilarial adulticide injections, or other veterinary issues.

Understanding body language and vocalization is important. Until dogs are comfortable in their new home, watch for dogs displaying displacement behaviors such as yawning or lip licking. Along with the myriad of requirements involved in adopting a new dog, the new family must allow enough time to form a bond with their dog.

Much has been said about the three-days-three-weeks-three-months post-adoption time frames. In my experience, the new dog is only beginning to be comfortable and de-stressed in their new environment within a minimum of 90 days. Often longer in situations concerning high-octane types, dependent "velcro" personalities, or especially puppy mill and other neglect survivors.  

In the first several days of being in their new home, most dogs need more than average quantities of sleep. It’s important to provide a safe zone with a relatively quiet and comfortable resting place. Sufficient exercise, but also sufficient – and safe – sleep is essential. Spending quiet time near the dog helps them. Provide sufficient but low-stress exercise to increase the bond between the new adoptee and their human.

The stress of being a newly adopted dog has positive components as well. Navigating this important milestone in a dog’s life is gratifying with the right amount of patience, planning, and time.