Ever thought about adopting a senior dog?
If you want a pet, adopting a senior dog is one of the best things you can do! Most of the time, people are reluctant when they hear about adopting a senior dog, but there are some good reasons to do that.
If you go to visit an animal shelter, you will see that the old dogs are never the ones that get adopted because people are afraid that they will get sick and lose them soon.
But these dogs are the same as any dog, and they are waiting for their forever home. Also, there might be things that can make taking care of a senior dog much easier than taking care of a puppy.
Read on and find out why adopting a senior dog is an amazing idea. They need a home and a loving family too!
1. What you see is exactly what you get
When adopting a senior dog, you will not get any surprises. What we want to say is that the characteristics of the breed and their size are fully established, and you will be able to pick the right dog that matches your lifestyle.
When you get a small pup, most of the time you don’t know for sure how big they will get or what other key characteristics they will have. Even if you know their breed, some things will remain a surprise until they grow up a little bit. If you live in a small apartment and you are adopting a senior dog, you can be sure that they will not outgrow the space.
Also, you will be able to find a dog that matches your temperament, as their personalities are fully developed. That means if you are active and like going outside, you can find a senior dog that has the same interest. Or if you enjoy stay-at-home quiet evenings, you can adopt a pup that likes snuggling and staying on the couch with you.
2. They bond quickly
When adopting a senior dog, be prepared because your new pup will bond with you and your family in no time. They are known to form deep connections faster because they feel like this is another chance for them to get the love and care that they need.
This is especially true for those dogs that have been residents of shelters for longer periods of time or those that have been through various traumatic experiences.
Senior dogs are also better at recognizing the emotions and moods of their owners, and they can be with you whenever they need it. This developed emotional intelligence can make your dog offer you the emotional support that you need.
3. They don’t need that much exercise
Well, all dogs need exercise, but as they get older, they will need less physical activity than, let’s say, young and energetic pups. So, if you don’t have the time or the physical condition to go on long walks every day and go to the dog park, adopting a senior dog might be the solution if you want a pup but can’t do much physical activity.
Specialists say that most senior dogs will be good with only 30 minutes of exercise per day. Go for a walk and also involve some playtime in all of this, and everything should be alright. This is why adopting a senior dog is an excellent idea if you have mobility issues.
Also, since they are not so energetic, your new pup will not run around at home, which means you will be able to enjoy a more peaceful environment.
4. A calm temperament
When you have a young puppy, they will always be up for playtime, and you need to provide them with that. It is an essential part of their development, and offering them constant attention and the opportunity to exercise will help them grow and become healthy adult dogs.
But when adopting a senior dog, be sure that you will not have to deal with that anymore. Usually, they will be calmer, and they will enjoy a more relaxed way of life. This can benefit those who are not that active, as well as those who have jobs that take up a lot of time.
Furthermore, due to their calmer temperament, elderly dogs are frequently less disruptive in social situations. Whether you’re having a meal with friends or taking your dog to a social event, a dog that is older is more unlikely to jump on others or make trouble.
5. All dogs deserve a second chance
As we already said, when it comes to adopting a senior dog, people are reluctant and avoid making such a decision. Also, there is this strong belief that it is better to adopt a puppy because they learn things easier.
But older dogs deserve to have a home of their own as much as puppies, and this can be your chance to give them this opportunity. They deserve the best conditions in their golden years, and if you are able to provide, why wouldn’t you?
In their later years, the affection, love, and confrontation you can offer are most of the time the things senior canines need the most. The psychological and emotional perks of having a dog are enormous, and the benefits that come to you as a pet parent are just as fulfilling.
6. No more training
When you are adopting a senior dog, there is one important thing you need to be aware of: most senior dogs you take from the shelter already have basic training, so there is no need for you to take care of that. You will not need to spend time with your dog to teach them commands such as “come,” “sit,” or “stay.”
Also, no more puppy-proofing, as there will be no need for that. No more “surprises” on the carpet, and you can be sure that your favorite shoes will stay intact.
Furthermore, adult dogs have greater focus and may learn novel skills or routines faster than puppies, who tend to have limited attention spans. The advantage of this is that they will get used to the new house and new environment all the more easily.
Are you ready to adopt a senior dog?
Go to your local animal shelter, and you will see that they have many loving senior dogs that are waiting to become part of a new family. What you can do before adopting a senior dog is to do your research and see what the needs of these dogs are. Get ready and be prepared to welcome your new friend into the family with understanding, patience, and, most importantly, love.
If you decide to visit the shelter, don’t be afraid to ask the employees about the dog’s past, medical history, and any behavioral examinations they may have performed. All of this information will be valuable in the long run, and it will also help you find a dog that suits your lifestyle.
If you want to learn more about how to take care of your senior dog, this read might help you: Old Dog Love: A Common-Sense Guide to Caring for Your Senior Dog
You should also read: 9 Genius Pet-Friendly Cleaning Tips That Will Make Your Life Easier
