Advantages and Disadvantages of Adopting Older Dogs
When it comes to dogs, many people immediately think of a puppy or young dog. After all, it is said: The younger the dog, the more it can still learn. Moreover, puppies are so cute and small, while older dogs seem rather boring and prone to illness. So why should one choose an older dog? Well, there are some good reasons.
Senior dogs are great companions! It is not without reason that people who have once adopted an older dog often become "repeat offenders" and keep choosing older four-legged friends. Why is that?
Older Dogs Are Calmer
Especially new dog parents are often overwhelmed by the energy and what a young dog still has to learn. An older dog has fewer antics and goes through life →much more calmly.
In addition, they have already outgrown the →puberty, have shed their wildness, and stand firmly on their four paws. Older dogs take certain situations more calmly and are not easily disturbed.
Older Dogs Are Still Active
Contrary to the rumor that senior dogs are slowpokes, many older adoptive dogs are still quite active. They often still have great joy in activities with their owners and truly thrive on walks or mental exercises. However, they are less exuberant or hyperactive than younger dogs can be.
Older Dogs Are Cuddly
Whether a dog is cuddly often depends on its character. Nevertheless, many dogs tend to seek more closeness to their owners and want to cuddle as they age. So, very few grumpy dogs would object to a nice petting session!
Older Dogs Are More Relaxed
Some older dogs patiently endure things like ear cleaning, paw wiping, or nail trimming. As long as the reward afterward is satisfying, they are quite relaxed about such matters. However, when it comes to →tooth brushing, it may take some practice.
Regardless of age, a grooming routine for your furry friend should not be neglected. With Pets Deli CARE, you can clean fur and paws gently and without fuss!
Unsere Care-Line für saubere Fellnasen
Older Dogs Have a Stable Character
Like any second-hand dog, an older dog brings a backpack full of experiences when adopted. These can be both positive and less pleasant things. Over the years, certain behaviors may have solidified. Some of them can certainly be changed with the right training, a lot of patience, and dog understanding. Others may remain forever.
As with almost all rescue dogs, the same applies to grumpy dogs: You can expect a little surprise package! Therefore, inform yourself well about the nature of the animal before adopting an older dog and consider whether you feel up to the challenge.
Older Dogs Are Ideal for Beginners
In this case, it definitely depends on the character of the dog. An older dog with a well-established character, relaxed and self-confident, can indeed be →suitable for beginners.
However, a surprise dog from abroad or a second-hand animal with certain issues can overwhelm inexperienced dog owners. If older dogs come with certain "quirks" upon adoption, these are often already quite established. This requires a lot of training, the right approaches, patience, and strong nerves.
Older Dogs Are More Grateful
Especially if you are interested in a dog from a shelter, you often hear "they are so grateful." Well, certainly none of the animals would want to give up their warm spot on the couch voluntarily. However, a dog that, for example, is afraid of bicycles and reacts with a lot of barking will not suddenly change its behavior out of gratitude after adoption and start liking bicycles.
Of course, your older dog will love (learn to love) you and be happy that it does not have to spend its twilight years in a shelter. However, you should approach the matter realistically.
Older Dogs Cost More Money
Anyone deciding to adopt an older dog should expect that the animal will require more veterinary visits than a young puppy. Just like us humans, senior dogs →experience more ailments with age. Additionally, you do not know how much the health of the animal has been affected by improper nutrition or overexertion of its joints.
However, it is true that with appropriate training, the right care, and a →healthy diet**, you can enhance the quality of life of an older dog and, ideally, even prolong it.
Some shelters even offer lifetime free veterinary care for the adopted dogs. A lower adoption fee for a senior dog is also not uncommon.
