When people decide to adopt a dog, many automatically think of getting an adorable puppy. They envision the fun of playing with it and training it. However, adopting an older dog can offer rewards beyond measure. Before making the decision, it’s a good idea to research what to expect from a senior dog, as well as any other issues that may be inherent in owning an older dog.
There are many positive aspects of adopting a dog that’s past its puppy stage. Puppies are little balls of energy—they’re very active and need plenty of daily exercise. They also require constant supervision as they grow and learn the rules of the house. With a puppy, you’ll need to teach it everything you want it to know.
Why Adopting an Older Dog Might Be the Right Choice
Older dogs may not be as active and are often content to lie at your feet rather than run wild around the yard. While exercise is still important, an older dog might be happy with a short daily walk, whereas it can sometimes seem like a puppy can’t get enough exercise. There are other benefits to adopting an older dog as well.
For one, an older dog might require much less work than a puppy. Housebreaking a puppy demands an unlimited supply of patience and consistency. However, an older dog may already be housebroken and could know a few basic commands. If it’s not housebroken, it’s relatively easy to teach an older dog because they’re less likely to be distracted by the world around them, and their attention span is generally longer. While older dogs may take a bit longer to move around due to limited mobility, they’re still puppies at heart—just as eager to please as younger dogs. No matter how old a dog is, learning new tricks helps keep its mind stimulated and, in effect, more youthful. Whoever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks clearly never tried!
Additionally, older dogs come with fewer surprises. Depending on where you adopt, you might already know their medical history. This is invaluable as the dog ages. Since older dogs are fully grown, you won’t have to worry about how big they’ll get. They’ve generally calmed down and are less likely to give you a run for your money. If you’re looking for a family dog, an older dog is more likely to tolerate younger children.
Just like any dog, the key is to learn as much as you can about the dog and its history. You might be pleasantly surprised by its spotless medical record or perhaps its Canine Good Citizen award. In some cases, the dog may be available for adoption through no fault of its own—its previous owner simply couldn’t care for it anymore. In this case, it’s reasonable to assume that the dog has been well cared for and will be a wonderful addition to your family. Moreover, since it’s harder to find homes for older dogs, you could very well be saving a life.
People may assume that older dogs incur higher vet bills. While it’s impossible to predict a dog’s long-term health, an older dog could actually have lower initial vet costs if it’s already been spayed or neutered. You can also avoid the extensive round of puppy vaccinations. While many dogs live long, healthy lives, it’s only natural that as a dog ages, health concerns become more prevalent. Some breeds are predisposed to certain conditions, but in general, diseases are more common in older dogs. Being proactive with your dog’s medical care—taking it to the vet for regular check-ups—can help prevent disease and keep your dog healthy longer.
Some families are simply better suited for older dogs. Perhaps a family is looking for a dog with a calmer disposition for companionship. Maybe they want a dog that already knows a few obedience commands. Or perhaps they just want a dog that will be forever grateful that someone gave it a second chance at life and now wants to live out its years in a loving home. That’s one more reason adopting an older dog is a fantastic decision.
