Adopting a Senior Dog

When we think about bringing home a new pet, we often think about that the new pet is a puppy or kitten. And don’t get us wrong, there is certainly a large appeal to those puppy dog eyes and boundless energy! However, as many are looking for a new companion that could be a better fit for their lifestyle, many are choosing to adopt an older dog. 

What is Considered a Senior Dog?

Senior dogs are often described as dogs over the age of 7 but the aging process can vary from breed to breed as smaller dogs often have longer life expectancies than larger ones. 

What are the Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog?

While you may not get the full puppy experience, a senior dog often provides benefits of their own. They are typically more settled, are already “in” their personality and require less of a learning curve in many of the places a puppy needs training. Older dogs, especially rescues are also more likely to be acquainted with people and much more friendly and adaptable to different situations. 

What are the Downsides? 

Your older pup may be more chill about the world around it but adopting an older dog doesn’t come without its cons. Mainly, there will be less time to spend with your companion as they’ll have a shorter amount of time left. Your pet may also have health issues or present with them sooner than a puppy would. 

Bringing home a new not so baby, fur baby can be a rewarding experience but not one without its challenges. Be prepared for the ups and downs with the info above and grab some of our puppy pads for the times some of those days might need a little extra support on the potty front!