We at Pet Shield thought that sharing our top benefits of adopting a senior dog would be a great way to celebrate! For many pet owners and families, a senior pet is the best possible addition to the family. Here’s why:
A Good Home for a Good Dog
Older dogs are adopted at a much lower rate than pups. It’s disheartening to think about these animals spending their golden years in shelters without human companions. When you adopt an older dog from the shelter, you can have a feeling of pride knowing that you’re changing a dog’s life, and offering a heart and home to someone who may not otherwise receive one. Many people are quick to adopt puppies and often won’t consider dogs over the age of five. The love you give your new, older dog will be reciprocated even more than you may realize. Shelters are usually overcrowded, and older dogs may be first to be euthanized. When you adopt a senior dog, you are not only providing it with a better life, but you’re also saving it from being put down.
Their Personality Has Developed
With an older, dog, you’re able to better understand the personality you’re adopting. A puppy not only requires training, but also time and effort to develop an understanding of the best training methods for them, as well as their likes/dislikes. When it comes to older dogs, you have a better likelihood of having this information right away, which can help both you and your dog bond with one another. You can do things like take your dog for walks without having to worry about leash training, or proper socialization. Adult dogs make great workout partners, snuggle buddies, and loyal companions. Not only that, but when you’re adopting an older dog, you can often learn their entire medical history in advance. Vaccinations have been taken care of, and trips too the vet are less frequent than with a new pup.
You Have an Easygoing Companion
With age comes a more relaxed state for most dogs. Less exercise is needed and they are less energetic throughout the day. For seniors living a more relaxed lifestyle, adult dogs can make perfect companions. If you’re interested in adopting but you’re used to a slower lifestyle, or don’t have hours of time to spend on training, walking, and visiting the dog park, a senior pet could be the right choice. Dogs with calmer temperaments will usually have better manners than youthful pups. This comes in handy when the delivery truck arrives, you have guests, and so on. Older dogs often have been socialized previously with both other dogs and humans, so they’ll be more likely to have positive interactions in the future.
They’re Already Trained
While puppies require a great deal of effort training in the early stages of your relationship, an older dog is ready to go for a walk, play fetch, etc. It’s also rare to find an adult dog that still needs to be housebroken. You can spend your early days with your new dog simply bonding and enjoying each other’s company. It’s much more stress-free. There’s a good chance simple commands like “sit” and “stay” will already be in your dog’s vocabulary. And believe it or not, older dogs can be more receptive to learning new commands due to their prior training.
Pet Shield is Here to Help
Pet Shield covers dogs (and cats) of all ages and the coverage does not change based on age. All we ask is that you provide us with your pet’s older pet test medical records before the policy underwriting is completed. This includes a complete exam, urinalysis and blood tests. Get a free quote today to discover how easy and inexpensive it can be to protect your pet!