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November is the month to adopt a senior pet! Honestly, we believe that every month ought to be Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Older pets possess some truly unique and wonderful charms, yet they often get overlooked by those in search of a new companion. Below, a local Nye County vet shares some thoughts on adopting an older animal.
Is adopting a senior dog a good idea?
Senior pets can be fantastic companions, but ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a pet. If you’re looking for an energetic companion to join you on long hikes, an eleven-year-old dog might not be the best choice. That being said, there are some fantastic benefits to adopting a dog in his golden years.
Check out some of our top picks below:
Previous Training
One of the greatest perks of adopting an older dog is that Fido probably already has a good grasp of the basics of pet etiquette. Many senior dogs are already trained and know basic commands such as ‘Sit,’ ‘Stay,’ ‘Come,’ and ‘Lay Down.’ That can surely help make the adjustment process smoother.
Already Housebroken
Puppies are absolutely adorable! However, one of the challenges that comes with adopting a young dog is the need to housebreak them. This process can be quite frustrating, tedious, and, let’s be honest, a bit messy too. Older dogs have been through this before, and that’s definitely a plus!
Less Destructive
Puppies can be furry little whirlwinds of chaos with their barking and playful antics. As your four-legged friend reaches his senior years, he’ll likely have left behind many of those pesky habits, like chewing on your shoes, digging up your flowerbeds, and playfully chasing the cat. Instead, Fido would much rather lounge around, looking cute and soaking up all the ear scritches, back pats, and belly rubs he can get.
Extra Loving
All dogs love attention from their humans, but older pups tend to be especially affectionate. Everyone wants to experience love! While that’s true for any dog, it’s especially evident with pups in their golden years. There are several potential reasons for this. As Fido gets older, he may begin to notice some changes in his health. This could include things like a decline in his vision or hearing, or he might feel a bit stiff, sore, or tired. He might not fully grasp what he’s experiencing and could be seeking some reassurance.
Additionally, a lot of older dogs available for adoption often feel distressed about being separated from their previous owners or, in some cases, being abandoned. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of unfortunate circumstances. Fido’s owner might have passed away, fallen ill, or maybe just found themselves unable to take care of him anymore.
Sadly, there are instances where dogs are heartlessly abandoned, even after years of unwavering loyalty. That can be really tough for Man’s Best Friend. Dogs are truly devoted companions, always going the extra mile for their humans. The good news is, older dogs often form strong connections with their new owners in no time at all. You’ll be amazed at how fast Fido can warm your heart with his wagging tail and calm, loving nature.
No Surprises
Another great aspect of bringing an older dog into your home is that what you see really is what you get. You’ll never have to worry about how big Fido will grow or whether he’ll get along with the cat in a few years. This can help you determine which pup will be the best fit for your home.
More Relaxed
Younger dogs can really bring a lot of joy and excitement. If you’re active and looking for a furry friend to join you for playtime, hikes, swims, and jogs, then a puppy or young dog might be a better match for you. Many people truly appreciate the more relaxed demeanor of older dogs. You can rest easy knowing that Fido won’t be darting after cats or squirrels or pulling you along on walks. Instead, he’ll stroll alongside you, savoring life at a more leisurely pace.
Already Fixed
When you bring a puppy into your home, it’s important to take him to your Nye County vet for some basic care to help him start off on the right paw. It’s a good idea for all dogs to be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up to date on their vaccines and parasite control. That said, it’s likely that older dogs that are looking for new homes have already been spayed or neutered. That could help you save on veterinary expenses.
Shorter Commitment
This one is a bit bittersweet. If there’s one thing we’d love to change about our furry friends, it would definitely be to extend their lifespans, allowing us to enjoy more time together. Unfortunately, we have just a handful of precious years with Fido. However, even though that can be a downside, there might be a silver lining for some. If you’re uncertain about where you’ll find yourself in five years, or if you’re not quite ready to commit to a decade or more of pet parenting, adopting a senior dog could be a great compromise.
It’s Fulfilling
Providing a senior dog with a wonderful retirement is a fantastic way to create a positive impact. It might not change the entire world, but it will surely make a difference in Fido’s world. In these challenging times, those little acts of kindness hold even greater significance. It’s truly rewarding to help Fido find his happily-ever-after. You might actually discover that the experience is quite rewarding.
Cutting Costs
Older pets often face challenges in finding loving homes, so it’s not uncommon for them to be available at significantly reduced prices. That certainly helps lighten the load on your wallet.
That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that a dog in his senior years may require more veterinary care compared to a younger pet. Make sure you’re ready to provide your new furry friend with the love, attention, and medical care he needs and deserves before making a commitment.
Feel free to reach out to your Nye County vet for more details.
Find Your Ideal Dog
Lots of folks feel a special connection to dogs of a certain breed. But purebreds can run you several hundred—or even several thousand—dollars. Some of the priciest pups come with some jaw-dropping price tags. A Tibetan Mastiff, for example, can fetch more than ten thousand dollars, whereas a Samoyed might set you back around $14,000. You’ll find that there are various rescues dedicated to specific breeds, so it’s worth checking out a shelter for the dog you’re hoping to adopt.
Is your four-legged family member due for an exam, some parasite control, or vaccinations? Have any questions about your pet’s veterinary care? Feel free to reach out to us anytime. As your friendly Nye County animal clinic, we are ready to assist you!