Adopting a dog is one of the biggest responsibilities a person can take on. That and the fact it can also be one of the best decisions you make. Dogs bring so much joy to peoples’ lives, and can really provide you with that animal companionship that is so special. And while the first instinct may be to adopt a puppy, there are plenty of senior dogs that are just as much in need of a forever home. Senior dogs can end up for adoption for all kinds of reasons and are just looking for someone who will love and care for them in their final years.
If you’ve made the decision to go ahead and adopt a senior dog, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind, as it will be a different experience than bringing home a puppy.
Is the Dog Fully House-Trained?
Just because the dog is a senior, it doesn’t mean you should automatically assume they are house-trained. It really depends on their background and even health issues. For some dogs, the fact they make messes in the house could be a health issue, not a behavioural issue. You just want to be prepared so that you know what to expect.
Understand Basic Training Will Need to be Reinforced
Even if the dog is fully trained, it’s important to accept basic training will need to be reinforced. This means the basic commands of come, stay, sit, heel, and so forth. You want to be sure that you keep your dog safe and away from harm, and that’s what basic commands can help with. Plus there is the fact that training your dog helps to create a bond between the two of you.
What Health Issues Does the Dog Have?
That leads us to health issues in general. Senior dogs may display anxiety issues when they get relocated. It is a common concern, and many pet owners choose CBD Dog Treats to calm their old dog. These medications are said to be harmless cannabis treats for dogs, and are easily available from many providers. In case you notice any displacement behavior, you may want to get your dog some cannabis treats. Your aged dog could be perfectly healthy and spry as age doesn’t have to dictate their health. On the flip side, there may be some other medical issues to be aware of such as the need for medication, whether they need surgery down the road, or any other specific treatment and care.
One of the most common issues senior dogs have – especially large breed dogs – is joint and mobility issues. This could be in the form of arthritis or something a little less severe. If that’s the case, you can look into supplements and joint chews for dogs. Consider joint chews from YUMOVE as a great option as they can address a variety of issues in all breeds and sizes. If your newly adopted dog seems to be really slow to move around and has joint inflammation and pain then the YuMove Plus for Dogs could be useful. This is an extra-strength joint aid for dogs that can help to lubricate their joints and then give more of a cushioning effect. You could also invest in an orthopedic Bobby Bed as well to help ease any joint pain your dog may have when they are at rest.
They May Not Be Great with Kids and Other Pets
As dogs get older, they can become a little impatient and really enjoy their personal space. If you have young kids or other pets in your home, an older dog may not make a good fit. You may need to take extra steps to help everyone get along.
Teach your children to respect an elderly dog’s space, and leave them alone when they want to be by themselves. Some pets like cats can learn to be good with a senior dog as well. What’s important is that you introduce them in a controlled manner (this goes for children and pets alike). Make sure everyone gets to know each other in a respectful way.
A Senior Dog Can Bring a Lot of Joy to Your Home
So, if you’re ready to adopt a dog, you may want to take time to look into senior dogs available in your area. They offer their own set of fabulous benefits versus that of a puppy.
