Many people prefer to adopt puppies, though this requires them to train the animal. When it isn’t cute anymore, too many of these pets end up in the shelter. Other pet owners simply can’t take care of an older dog and these pets often have a hard time finding a new home. This is why there are so many older dogs in desperate need of a new home. However, they will be incredibly grateful for a new family, and that’s perhaps the best reason to take them in. Here are three things to be aware of when adopting an older dog.
They’re Often Easier to Integrate into Your Family
Older dogs are not going to leave teeth marks on everything you own. They’re typically house-trained, though dogs developing cognitive dysfunction may start having accidents just like puppies would.
If all is well, all they have to do is get used to you and your routine. Know that older dogs need a routine, but they can learn to adapt and they can learn new tricks. Because of their longer attention span, they’ll actually learn how to get along with your family faster than a puppy would.
Another thing you should know is that older dogs tend to be more settled than puppies. This makes older dogs a better option for families and those who want to protect their homes. Furthermore, older dogs will be more patient with young children. This is why it is better to adopt an older dog than a puppy as a companion for your young children. Then you only need to teach the children how to interact with the dog in a safe, respectful way.
You Know What You’re Getting
The dog is full grown, so you won’t have to worry about them getting too big for your flat. An older dog’s personality is established as well. You will know if they’re naturally excitable and eager or calm and patient. You may be given information about their history by staff at the shelter or from their previous owner. This will give you more information on whether he/she would make a good guard dog, or whether they will be safe around children.
Understand the Medical Issues You’ll Need to Address
Younger dogs need to be vaccinated, de-wormed, and chipped. Older dogs have typically had all of this done already, which is a good thing. However, many of them may come with a different set of medical needs. Most dog breeds have health problems specific to them. The issue here is that there is a great chance that you won’t know the exact breed of the animal. However, mixed breed dogs have the benefit of hybrid vigour, which prevents them from developing certain diseases and disorders associated with purebreds.
One thing you have to be prepared for, however, is issues with their joints. These are common for most dogs, and you’ll have to take steps to reduce the pain and discomfort they experience. In this case, we would suggest you look at YuMove and their line of dog supplements. They have a wide selection of products for joint care for dogs that have received good reviews by Trustpilot. These products contain ingredients like manganese, glucosamine, and vitamin C and E and could help your pet maintain its mobility.
Older dogs tend to get less exercise too, so you’ll need to be careful not to overfeed them. Weight management becomes a concern with older dogs, since they’re prone to diabetes and other hormonal disorders, not to mention that it can worsen joint issues. This can lead to additional problems. For example, incontinence can be caused by hormonal imbalances, especially if they’re taking medication that forces them to drink more water.
You also can’t expect an older dog to be as sharp and alert as a younger one. They may seem more passive in their play, but that’s often because they start experiencing cognitive decline after a certain age. Many dogs also start to lose their eyesight and hearing with age, which is something you’ll have to watch out for.
In any case, you may want to have the vet diagnose potential issues before you bring them home. It may be possible for the rescue centre to help you with medical treatment for a dog with diabetes, but you need to verify that this is the case before you adopt a dog with this condition.
One thing that increases as dogs get older, is attention span. You’ll be surprised at how fast they learn instructions, and many people report that they’re much easier to train than younger dogs. Everybody should consider adopting an older dog from a rescue centre instead of bringing home a puppy. The dog will be just as good of a companion, and you may avoid some of the issues that come with puppies.
