Are you ready to start looking for a new pup? You may want to consider getting a senior. While many people understandably want puppies, there is also a lot to be said for getting a sweet, debonaire pooch that is in his golden years. A local Frazier Park, CA vet offers some advice on adopting a senior dog in this article.
Is Adopting A Senior Dog A Good Idea?
While choosing a pet is a very personal experience, there are certainly a lot of pluses to adopting an older dog. Fido will have outgrown his zoomies, and will likely be past many bad behaviors, such as digging and chewing. He also won’t need as much exercise as a younger dog, which can be appealing to many.
Older dogs also often have absolutely wonderful demeanors. They tend to be very sweet and friendly, and really just want someone to love them, care for them, and give them toys, treats and belly rubs. They also often bond with people pretty quickly.
Life experience is another plus. Older dogs have had time to learn a lot of key lessons and have had years of experiences, whether good, bad, or both. They quickly recognize and appreciate when someone is helping them, and can be very, very grateful. You may very well melt when you see your pooch looking at you with sheer love and adoration!
How Long Does It Take For An Older Dog To Adjust To A New Home?
You may have heard of the 3/3/3 rule. This states that it takes pets about three days to adjust to a new place, three weeks to feel comfortable and settled, and three months to really feel at home. This isn’t a hard and fast rule but is a good gauge for helping Fido get settled.
How To Prepare For Adopting A Senior Dog?
No matter what kind of dog you’re adopting, there are a few things that you would want to do before bringing your furry friend home.
The first thing on your list should be to hit the pet store. You may need to wait until you’ve picked Fido, so you’ll know what size, breed, and age he is. That is pretty important with some products, such as food and treats.
As to your shopping list? You’ll need to get food, treats, dishes, grooming supplies, dental products, toys, and a crate or carrier for travel. If your canine pal has thin fur, he’ll need a jacket or sweater as well. A good bed is also a must. If your new buddy has any mobility issues, such as arthritis, pet ramps or stairs should also be on the list.
Do Older Dogs Adjust To New Owners?
Older dogs can form very strong bonds with their humans … but it may take them some time. If Fido was closely bonded to his prior owner, he may still be struggling with feeling sad, depressed, and/or abandoned.
Don’t try to force affection. Love always needs to grow naturally. Be patient with your canine buddy, and give him the time he needs to settle in and feel loved and safe.
What Should I Consider Before Adopting A Senior Dog?
Older dogs are very cute and sweet, and have a special way of melting our hearts. Many people find adopting older pets to be particularly rewarding. That said, there is a lot more to think over than Fido’s appearance.
One thing you will want to consider is the fact that your pooch may need more veterinary care than a younger dog would. This is just natural. Pets, like people, become more vulnerable to illness and disease as they grow older. Consider your budget and finances.
Lifestyle: Older dogs are wonderful, but they may not be the best match for someone who wants a pooch to accompany them on vigorous hikes. Fido will still need some activity, and he’ll definitely have moments of playfulness, but he probably won’t be up for strenuous activities. On the plus side, he also won’t be tearing off after every squirrel that crosses his path.
Household Setup: It’s not uncommon for older dogs to deal with bone and joint issues, such as arthritis. This can make it hard for Fido to get around, and can make climbing particularly difficult. If you live on a third-floor walkup, a senior dog may have trouble getting up and down the stairs. That may not be an issue if your pooch is small enough to be easily carried, but it could definitely be a problem with a larger pup.
Other Pets: You’ll also want to consider any other pets you have or are planning to get. If you have a young, rambunctious puppy, your senior may feel annoyed and exhausted by the young one. On the other paw, things could go the other way: your furry friends may end up being besties. Some furry seniors really enjoy having a puppy to play with and snuggle up to. You may also find that a well-mannered older pooch can be a great influence on a younger dog. That’s a lot of variables, though. That’s why we always recommend introducing the dogs first, if possible. Ask your vet for tips on this.
How To Build A Bond With An Older Dog?
Dogs of all ages are capable of building very strong bonds with their human companions. Time, love, patience, and great TLC are really the main factors that can help you and your pooch build a great friendship. You will need to take care to do things properly, though:
Here are a few pointers:
Get To Know Fido: All of our canine buddies are a bit different. Take time to get to know your furry friend, and what he likes and dislikes. Does Fido like belly rubs or ear scritches?
Keep His Care Routine Consistent: Pets always feel most secure when they are kept on a steady schedule for things like walks, meals, and playtime.
Talk To Your Pet: This may sound simple, but just taking time to talk to your canine buddy can have a pretty profound impact on him.
Treats: No surprises here. Fido will never outgrow his love of treats. Don’t go overboard, though. You’ll also need to limit greasy, fatty foods, like bacon and sausage.
Why Is It Important To Adopt A Senior Dog?
Older dogs often have a very hard time getting adopted. They just can’t always compete with puppies! We know that many people want to raise their pets themselves. Baby dogs are, of course, absolutely adorable. However, there’s a lot to be said for these sweet, gentle dogs that are in their golden years.
Here are a few key benefits:
- You’ll be helping other pets, by opening up space at the shelter. Fido’s adoption fees will also go to help other animals in the shelter’s care.
- Because senior dogs don’t have as much time left, they don’t require as long of a commitment.
- Your new pal will already be trained.
- No surprises! What you see is what you get.
- Older dogs are less active than young ones.
- FIdo has likely outgrown destructive behaviors.
Last but not least, you may also find it very rewarding. Older dogs often have gone through quite a bit. Some have been cruelly abandoned by former owners.
Make An Appointment At Our Frazier Park, CA Veterinary Clinic
Do you have questions about caring for an older dog? Is your canine pal due for an exam, vaccinations, or parasite control? Contact us, your local Frazier Park, CA pet hospital, today. We’re here to help!
