Advantages of Adopting a Senior Dog

November is Adopt a Senior Pet month! We believe that every month should really be dedicated to adopting senior pets. Older animals possess some truly unique and wonderful qualities, yet they often get overlooked by those in search of a new companion. In this article, a local Wickenburg, AZ vet shares some thoughts on adopting a senior dog.

Why Adopt a Senior Dog?

Senior canines can be fantastic companions, but ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a pet. If you’re looking for a lively 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 bringing a dog into your life during his golden years.

Check out some of the top reasons:

Previous Training

One of the greatest perks of adopting an older dog is that Fido probably already has a grasp on the basics of good 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 certainly an advantage.

Less Destructive

Puppies are undeniably cute, but they’re also a whirlwind of fur and playful barking chaos. As your dog 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 chasing the cat around. Honestly, this is one of the greatest aspects of having senior dogs. They usually enjoy lounging around, looking adorable while soaking up all the ear scritches, back pats, and belly rubs they can get.

They Simply Seek Love

Older dogs can be incredibly lovable. All dogs love attention from their humans, but older pups tend to be especially affectionate. Everyone desires to feel loved! 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 simply feeling 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 due to being separated from, or possibly abandoned by, their previous owners. Sometimes, it really just comes down to a bit of bad luck. Fido’s owner might have passed away, fallen ill, or maybe just found themselves unable to take care of him anymore. 

Sadly, there are also 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. Fortunately, older dogs often form strong bonds 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 loving nature.

No Surprises

Another great thing about adopting an older dog is that what you see is what you get. You won’t have to worry about how big Fido will grow or whether he’ll get along with the cat in three years. This can really help you determine which pup will be the best fit for your home.

Calmer

Younger dogs can 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 just the right match for you. Many people, however, truly appreciate the calm demeanor of older pups. You can relax a bit more knowing that Fido won’t be darting after cats or squirrels, and you won’t be dragged along on walks anymore. He’ll stroll along next to you, savoring life at a more leisurely pace.

Cared For

When you bring a puppy home, it’s important to take little Fido in for the essential veterinary care in Wickenburg, AZ that he needs to start life off on the right paw. We suggest that every dog should be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention. It’s likely that your furry friend has already been spayed or neutered. That could really help you save a good amount on veterinary expenses.

Shorter Commitment

This one has a bit of a bittersweet feeling to it. If there’s one thing we’d love to change about our furry friends, it would be to extend their lifespans, allowing us to enjoy more time together. Unfortunately, we have a finite number of precious years with Fido. While that can be seen as 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 committing to a decade or more of pet parenting feels a bit overwhelming, adopting a senior dog could be a fantastic option.

Fulfilling

Providing a wonderful retirement for an older dog is a fantastic way to truly make an 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 matter more than ever. It’s truly rewarding to help Fido find his happily-ever-after. Chances are, you’ll find the experience is quite rewarding.

Cost-Effective

Older pets frequently face challenges in finding loving homes, so it’s quite common for them to be available at significantly reduced prices. That really helps lighten the load on your wallet.

That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that Fido might require more veterinary care compared to a younger pet. Only make a commitment if you’re sure you can provide your new furry friend with the love, attention, and veterinary care he deserves.

Feel free to reach out to your Wickenburg, AZ vet for additional information.

Find Your Ideal Dog

A lot of folks feel a special connection to dogs of a certain breed. Of course, purebreds can cost several hundred—or even several thousand—dollars. Some of the most expensive pups have pretty jaw-dropping price tags. For instance, a Tibetan Mastiff can go for over ten grand, while a Samoyed may cost $14,000. There are many different rescues that work with specific breeds, so you may find the dog you are looking for in a shelter.

Make An Appointment with Your Wickenburg, AZ Vet For Your Senior Dog

Do you need to bring your canine buddy in for an exam, parasite control, or vaccinations? Please do not hesitate to contact us for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your local Wickenburg, AZ animal clinic, we are here to help!