When people are thinking of getting a dog they often want a puppy reminiscent of the dog they grew up with. The nostalgia for the protective German Shepard or the Rhodesian Ridgeback they can take on every outdoor adventure, has them searching for a breeder in their area. But, what about the senior dogs in shelters? Thanks to many campaigns such as Adopt Don’t Shop and awareness against puppy mills, many people are choosing to rescue senior dogs in shelters.
Senior dogs are some of the best dogs to rescue, we have seen it first hand at our vet clinic. The Vet Set offers preventative care such as vaccinations, cold laser, and dog acupuncture to keep your senior pet happy and healthy in their end days. Learn more about why adopting a senior dog will change your life!
Reasons You Should Adopt a Senior Dog
Raising a puppy can be a lot of work and with shelter’s brimming with senior dogs — adopting an older dog may be the perfect option.
With a senior dog, you know exactly what you are in for.
There is no messy potty training or getting up at 2 am to take your dog out — with a senior dog they are potty trained and know how to hold there bladders until they can be let out. You also know exactly their size and what they look like so you won’t have to worry about a cute little puppy growing into a giant 130-pound pooch!
Senior dogs know how to be independent.
Senior dogs love the doting and special attention they get, but they can also be alone and independent when you are not there, whereas puppies have an inkling of getting into the trash or chewing on your expensive shoe collection.
Seniors dogs are ready for adventure!
Senior dogs are very adaptable and ready for new adventures with their owners and as long as they don’t have any health issues, they can keep up with you just like a puppy.
Senior dogs have the biggest hearts.
Not only are senior dogs resilient and although they may have some issues to work past such as emotional and physical concerns, but they also have the biggest hearts and their love abounds. Senior dogs are great at forgiving and living in the moment with their new owners. You can be sure when you adopt a senior dog, if you love them well, they will return it right back.
Senior dogs are grown up.
When you adopt an older dog they typically know the difference between expensive shoes and their toys, so you won’t have to worry or anticipate them shredding your personal belongings.
Senior dogs keep your home cleaner.
While all dogs are a little messing in how they shed or the dirt they track in, you won’t have to worry about your floors being soaked in urine. Pet odors are notoriously hard for getting out of carpets and with a senior dog, you greatly reduce these chances.
Senior dogs have established sleep.
When you get a puppy, it takes quite a while for them to establish a sleep schedule and they require you to get up with them throughout the night. Older dogs are much better relaxing into a schedule and sleeping through the night.
Senior dogs are the more mature and seasoned version of puppies — they’ve been trained, they are resilient, and they have so much love to give.
Perhaps you’ve just rescued a senior dog and welcomed them into your pack. If you are looking for a vet clinic in Carroll Gardens for complete dog care, schedule an appointment with us today!