Why You Should Consider Adopting a Senior Dog

November is the month to give a warm welcome to our wise and wonderful senior pets! Honestly, we think every month should be all about adopting an older dog! Senior canines have their own special and delightful qualities, yet they often get passed over by those searching for a new furry friend. This article features a local Grundy, IL vet sharing some fun insights on adopting a senior pup.

Is Adopting a Senior Dog a Good Idea?

Older pets can be great companions, but ultimately, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a furry family member. If you’re looking for a lively companion to join you on hikes, an eleven-year-old dog might not be your best match. That being said, there are some delightful perks to welcoming a furry friend in his golden years.

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Previous Training

One of the best things about adopting an older dog is that he probably has the hang of the basics of good ‘petiquette’ already. Many senior dogs come with a wealth of experience and know the ropes when it comes to basic commands like ‘Sit,’ ‘Stay,’ ‘Come,’ and ‘Lay Down.’ That can really smooth out the adjustment process!

Already Housebroken

Puppies are cute little bundles of joy, but one of the not-so-fun parts of bringing a young dog into your home is the whole housebreaking adventure. It can be a bit of a challenge, a little messy, and sometimes downright frustrating! Older dogs have already experienced this, which is a definite win!

More Mellow

Puppies are little bundles of joy, but they can also be furry, barking whirlwinds of playful trouble! As your four-legged friend reaches those golden years, he’ll likely have left behind most of those pesky habits, like munching on your favorite shoes, turning your flowerbeds into a digging site, and giving the cat a run for her money. This is one of the coolest things about senior dogs. They usually prefer to just chill out, being super cute while soaking up all the ear scratches, back pats, and belly rubs they can get!

Ultra Loveable

All dogs crave TLC from their humans, but older pups tend to be extra cuddly and affectionate. There are a few reasons this could be happening. As Fido gets older, he might start to notice some changes in his health, like maybe a little difficulty seeing or hearing, or just feeling a bit stiff, sore, and tired. He might be a bit confused about what he’s experiencing and could use some comforting reassurance from his humans.

Additionally, a lot of older dogs looking for a new home might be feeling a bit down about being separated from their previous owners. Fido’s owner might have passed away, fallen ill, or maybe just found themselves unable to give him the care he deserves. It’s really sad to think that some dogs end up being abandoned, especially after they’ve given so much love and loyalty throughout their lives. Thankfully, older dogs often form quick connections with their new owners. You’ll be amazed at how fast Fido can turn your heart into mush with his wagging tail and loving cuddles.

No Surprises

One more great thing about bringing an older dog into your life is that what you see is what you get. No need to fret about how big Fido will grow or whether he’ll be best buds with the cat in a few years. This can be a great way to discover which furry friend will be the perfect match for your home.

More Relaxed

If you love to be active and are looking for a furry friend to join you for playtime, hikes, swims, and jogs, then a puppy or young dog could be just the pet you need. That said, a lot of folks really dig the chill vibe of older pups. No more fretting about Fido chasing after cats or squirrels or dragging you along on walks! He’ll happily stroll alongside you, savoring life at a leisurely pace.

Vet Care

When you bring home a puppy, you’ll want to take little Fido in for some essential vet care to help him start off on the right paw. It’s important for all dogs to get microchipped, spayed or neutered, and stay up to date on their vaccines and parasite prevention. The good news is, your furry friend has probably already been spayed or neutered! That could help you keep some extra cash in your pocket when it comes to vet bills!

Shorter Commitment

If there’s one thing we could wish for our four-legged friends, it would be to extend their lives so we could enjoy their company even longer. Unfortunately, we’ve only got so many years to spend with Fido. But while that may be disappointing, there could be a little glimmer of hope for some folks. For instance, if you’re feeling a bit uncertain about where life will take you in the next five years, or if the thought of committing to a furry friend for a decade seems a bit daunting, adopting a senior dog could be the perfect choice for you.

Rewarding Experience

Helping an older dog enjoy their golden years is a fantastic way to make a positive impact. And while it might not change the world, it will surely make Fido’s tail wag with joy! In these challenging times, those little gestures of kindness shine brighter than ever. Making sure Fido gets his happily-ever-after is something you can totally feel great about! 

Save Money

Since older pets can struggle to find loving homes, it’s quite common for them to be available at a discounted adoption rate. That can lighten the load on your wallet!

Keep in mind, though, that Fido might require a bit more attention from your Grundy, IL vet compared to a younger pup. Only commit if you’re certain you can shower your older pet with all the love, attention, and medical care they deserve!

Chat with your Grundy, IL veterinarian for some extra insights! 

Finding Your Ideal Pup

Lots of folks have a soft spot for certain dog breeds. But purebreds can set you back several hundred—or even several thousand—dollars! Some breeds come with some seriously jaw-dropping price tags. For example, a Tibetan Mastiff can fetch more than ten grand, while a Samoyed might set you back around $14,000. There are plenty of rescues out there that focus on specific breeds, so you might just discover the perfect older pup waiting for you at a shelter! 

Schedule a Visit to the Grundy, IL Vet for Your Senior Pup

Is it time to take your furry friend in for a check-up, some parasite prevention, or those important vaccinations? Feel free to reach out to us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs! We’re your friendly Grundy, IL animal clinic, ready to lend a paw!