By Savannah Admire
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When you decide to adopt a dog from your local shelter or rescue, you’re likely thinking of a charming mixed-breed or a puppy who needs a loving home. But there are also dogs with disabilities in shelters across the country who are just as eager to find their forever families — and, unfortunately, are far less likely to do so.
Special needs dogs are the third most difficult animals to place in homes, ranking just behind senior dogs and bully breeds. These dogs can spend more than two years waiting for the right person to adopt them, which is four times longer than the average for able-bodied dogs. But special needs dogs are dogs first, and they just want to experience the love and affection that every dog deserves. Learn all about special needs dog adoption and whether adopting one of these pups is right for you and your lifestyle.
What is meant by “special needs dog”?
So what is a disabled dog? The term “dogs with disabilities” is very broad and doesn’t have a strict definition. Disabilities can range from minor health issues to chronic illnesses that need constant treatment. A special needs dog may be deaf or blind, have one or more missing limbs, or struggle to control where they use the bathroom. Dogs with disabilities can be impacted by mental or physical conditions that make their lives different from those of other dogs, such as:
- Missing limbs or eyes
- Hearing or vision impairment
- Deformities
- Muscle issues that result in an inability to use certain limbs
- Behavioral problems because of past trauma
Regardless of a dog’s disability, they still want to play, snuggle, and live the life of any dog without special needs.
What are the factors to consider when adopting a dog with disabilities?
If you’re thinking about adopting a special needs dog, it’s important to consider a couple factors before adopting a special needs dog. Taking care of any pet is a huge responsibility, but a special needs dog often requires more attention, time, and patience. Carefully consider whether your life, job, and bank account have room to take care of a dog with disabilities.
Your Lifestyle
Adopting a special needs dog is a long-term commitment that often requires the ability to adjust your schedule for your dog’s needs. That means you’ll need a flexible work schedule that allows you to look after your pet during the day and doesn’t require you to travel often. You’ll also need everyone in the home to be completely on board with taking care of the dog, including kids, who will have to understand and abide by the house rules around the dog’s needs. Depending on the dog’s disability, your free time may be more limited, and you may have to shift focus to meeting your pet’s day-to-day requirements, whether that means regular medications, a special diet and feeding times, or assistance with mobility.
Your Financial Resources
While time commitment is essential, you also need the funds required to adopt a special needs dog and meet their needs. Many of these dogs require more frequent vet visits or surgeries, while others may require special diets or specific training classes. If your dog has mobility issues, you may have to invest in accessories like ramps or wheelchairs that enable them to move around more easily. Take time to examine your financial situation and determine whether you can commit the money required to care for a dog with disabilities.
Your Ability to Provide Care For the Specific Disability
Your own physical strength and ability will play a big role in caring for a special needs dog. For example, you may have to pick up and carry your pet from time to time, help with elimination, feed them by hand, or administer medications. Your dog may even have to be strapped into special equipment to move or require constant, 24/7 supervision. You must be able and willing to handle all these needs.
What challenges should I expect when adopting a dog with disabilities?
Adopting a dog with disabilities can be incredibly rewarding but also comes with challenges. Before committing to care for a special needs dog, consider whether you’re prepared for the commitment and can face the challenges of the responsibility.
Medical Expenses
Not all dogs with disabilities require extensive medical care, but many do. This can range from surgeries and extra vet visits to medications or special equipment. Keep in mind that pet insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so you should be prepared for the financial commitment of caring for a special needs dog before adopting.
Training Needs
Some disabled dogs may need special needs dog training classes designed to help them more easily navigate the world. For example, if you adopt a dog with behavioral issues, they will likely need consistent, positive training. Similarly, dogs with sensory issues like deafness and blindness highly benefit from the socialization that group training classes provide.
Time Commitment
Many dogs with disabilities have spent a significant amount of time in a shelter and may require patience to feel comfortable in their new home. But the time commitment doesn’t stop there. Dogs with medical issues may need specific injections or medications at certain times of the day or even diaper changes. If you want to adopt a dog with disabilities, it’s important to understand that your schedule will revolve around their needs, which can take up a lot of your time.
What are the advantages of adopting a dog with disabilities?
Adopting a special needs dog is a significant commitment but can also be incredibly rewarding. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you’ll benefit from an inspiring and loving companion. Some of the advantages of adopting a dog with disabilities include a forming a deep bond, gratitude and unconditional love.
Unconditional Love
Dogs with disabilities rely on their human parents to provide the care they need, so they tend to form deep, lasting bonds quickly. Your special needs dog will understand the important role you play in their daily life and how you help make them happy and comfortable. The result is usually a loyal and loving pet.
Gratitude
There’s something truly special about watching a formerly abandoned dog reveal their truest self in a safe, stable home. Adopting a dog with disabilities provides them with more than a home — you’re also giving them the love and attention they may have never received in the past. Because of this, special needs dogs often feel a sense of gratitude and affection toward their pet parents, especially when they’ve waited a long time to find their forever homes.
Educational Experience
If you’ve never spent time around a special needs dog, you may be surprised at how they adapt to their differences and learn to work around their disabilities. Dogs with missing limbs are still as playful as those with all their legs, and blind dogs often use their other senses to navigate their environment. It can be inspiring to watch a dog with disabilities tackle the world head-on, and it may even encourage you to face your own challenges.
What are the types of disabilities in dogs?
Disabilities can come in a variety of forms in dogs, whether physical (such as a missing limb or vision impairment), cognitive (such as dementia), or behavioral (such as anxiety disorders), and they range in severity.
Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities in dogs include any medical condition, injury, or congenital disability that impacts the dog’s life, such as:
- Sensory issues like blindness or deafness
- Digestive issues
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Paralysis
- Deformities or injuries
- Chronic medical conditions like epilepsy, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or cancer
Cognitive Disabilities
Cognitive disabilities are less common but still occur in some dogs, resulting in the need for specific treatments and often more frequent vet visits. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is similar to Alzheimer’s in humans and can result in dementia.
Behavioral Disabilities
For many dogs, behavioral disabilities often result from abuse or trauma in their past. With patience and training, these issues can be managed. Some examples of behavioral disabilities include aggression, separation anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Where can I adopt a dog with disabilities?
If you have fully considered the commitment and decided to adopt a dog with disabilities, start by contacting local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Many of them likely have special needs dogs desperately in need of loving, caring homes. You can also reach out to a disabled dog shelter or rescue organization that specializes in caring for and placing dogs with disabilities. If your local shelter does not have any special needs dogs, search online listings for special needs dogs up for adoption.
What are some tips for caring for a disabled dog?
All pets require a major commitment from their human parents, but none more so than dogs with disabilities. If you decide to adopt a special needs dog, remember these tips to help you care for your pet with grace and love.
- Be patient and understanding. Dogs with disabilities may be more likely to make mistakes or messes, whether that means urinating in the house or being destructive. The best gift you can give a special needs dog is your time and patience. Be understanding of their struggles and do your best to make life easier for them.
- Provide specialized care as needed. Make sure you have the physical stamina and ability to care for a dog with disabilities. Research their condition in-depth before adoption, but understand that their specific needs may change over time. You should also consult your vet and work with them to develop a care plan for your special needs dog.
- Adapt your lifestyle to accommodate the dog’s needs. Remember that your schedule will revolve around your dog, whether giving medications at specific times or helping them move about the house.
Can I provide the necessary care and resources for a disabled dog?
So, can you have a special needs dog? As long as you have the financial resources and are willing to take on the responsibility, you can provide a special needs dog with a loving home. Just keep in mind that you may have to purchase items other dog owners don’t, like ramps or canine diapers, and you should have a flexible schedule so you can more easily meet your dog’s needs. But you don’t have to be an expert in caring for a dog with disabilities; you just have to be willing to learn.
While caring for a dog with disabilities is a big commitment, if you have the resources and lifestyle to provide for a special needs dog, you should certainly consider adopting one. These dogs can be incredibly inspiring and loving companions and may even change your life as much as you change theirs.
FAQ (People Also Ask)
Should I consider adopting a dog with disabilities?
Caring for a special needs dog requires patience and a commitment to meet the dog’s needs regardless of the challenges you may face.
How can I ensure the disabled dog’s well-being and quality of life?
Beyond meeting your disabled dog’s needs, you also need to spend time with them, play with them, and socialize them with other people and dogs, if possible.
What if I am not sure about adopting a dog with disabilities?
If you’re not sure that adopting a special needs dog is right for you, then don’t do it. There are plenty of dogs without disabilities who also need homes.
References
Understanding the Special in Special Needs Pets
Adopting a Special Needs or Blind Pet
Tips for Living with Blind Dogs
Adopting a Disabled Dog Doesn’t Need to Be Scary!
Tips on Living With and Training a Blind Dog
Savannah Admire is a writer, editor, and pet parent to two dogs and a cat. When she’s not writing, you can find her reading, playing Animal Crossing, or being an obnoxious nerd about her favorite movies and TV shows. She lives in Maryland, where she constantly debates whether or not to get a third dog.
Daniela Lopez
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