Adopting an Older Dog: Pros and Cons

Adopting a dog isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. You must be even better prepared to adopt an older dog. To cope effectively with adjusting a senior dog to a new family, you need to know what to expect and how to react to specific situations related to older dogs.

Now, let's check the pros and cons of adopting a senior dog so that you can decide whether it’s the right choice for you.

Pros of Adopting a Senior Dog

Adopting an adult dog has a lot of advantages that many pet owners are unaware of:

• Adopting old dogs requires less time and attention:

This is excellent for people who work full-time and want their evenings to be quiet. Old dogs have grown out of their reckless puppy phase and have calm, easy-going personalities.

• You know what you’re getting:

Adopting a senior dog is all about predictability, both character and size-wise. You can get to know a dog before bringing them home, minimizing the risks of dealing with the unknown.

• They require less training:

Typically, older dogs are trained to some extent, so a new owner will be spared at least the need to potty train a senior pooch.

Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog

It’s part of our human instinct to be attracted to cute, cuddly little creatures, whether babies, kittens, or puppies, so most people naturally prefer to adopt a puppy. However, you should consider your lifestyle and work schedule to decide whether a pup will fit into your daily routine. Sometimes, senior pets can blend in with your family much better with a smoother transition period.

First, older pets are fully grown and mature, which leads to more patience and better obedience. They also have a longer attention span and are often housetrained. In addition, senior pets have a well-established routine, so they won’t interrupt your sleep for potty breaks or playtime.

Misconceptions About Adopting Old Dogs

Many owners feel discouraged from adopting a senior dog because of certain myths about the experience. We’d like to bust some of them as we believe adopting an older dog is not much different from adopting a puppy. This information might be helpful if you’re hesitant about adding a senior dog to your life.

• Senior dogs have problematic behavior:

Many people believe senior pets end up in shelters due to their disruptive behavior and poor training. However, in reality, the reasons why owners part with their dogs are very different. They can include the owner's death, illness, moving away without the possibility of taking the dog with them, and many more.

• Senior dogs cost more:

As senior years tend to bring health issues, some potential owners dismiss the idea of adopting an old dog because they fear high medical bills. The truth is that any dog requires veterinary care. Young puppies also need vaccinations, which are expensive. So, regardless of age, you should be ready to invest in your dog’s health.

• Senior dogs aren’t playful:

Energy levels go down with age. However, if your older dog is in good health and physical shape, you can expect them to enjoy regular play time with you. They can also learn new tricks to impress you and your guests. Like any canine, a senior dog enjoys mental and physical stimulation.

Cons and Challenges of Adopting an Older Dog

Despite the numerous advantages of adopting adult dogs, you should be aware of the possible disadvantages:

• They may have problems with other family members:

Senior dogs have fully formed personalities. So, adapting to other family members can be much more challenging. You need to be ready to spend extra time helping your dog form a bond with your family members.

• You may need to overcome their background:

• They may develop more health issues:

Older dogs may need medical assistance differently. As they age, dogs often develop chronic conditions or dental problems that may require constant vet visits. It’s a good idea to check an older dog’s medical background to know what to pay attention to regarding their health.

• You need to be mindful of their activity level:

Older dogs are known for being calmer and less energetic than puppies.

Adopting an Old Dog: How to Prepare

Before you adopt an older dog, you should consider the following steps: 

1. Check your future dog’s health history
2. Consider getting insurance
3. Learn about healthy weight management
4. Create a safe and cozy place for the dog in your house
5. Ensure access to food and water

Wrap up

Adopting older dogs is rewarding and challenging, but don't let those challenges scare you off. Despite the potential difficulties of adjusting a senior dog to your life, you will receive infinite unconditional love and loyalty and rescue the dog from loneliness.

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