A dog falls into the category of “senior” around the age of 7. Most of the animals who are living in shelters are older animals and it makes me terribly sad to know how these helpless animals are waiting desperately for their families and take them back into their own house. However we know that their families will never come back and they will never leave that shelter unless other adoptive families are willing to give them a second chance.
Most people thinks that the older dogs are not good enough and that’s why their owners dumped him in the shelters, but this is wrong because many dogs loses their homes and owners for different reasons such as death of the owner, having a child in the family, families do not approve the dog, change in life style and many more reasons like this but that doesn’t mean the dogs are having some behavioral issues.
Leaving your dog in kennels is as cruel as leaving your parents in the old age home. Some people buys a dog because of its looks and then get rid of it when they get bored which is terribly sad.
If you want to buy a dog, then go for an older dog, I am sure they’ll make the best pet for you. I am giving you some reasons how “Senior dogs” can be the best pet :-
1. THEY ARE EXPERIENCED :- Obivously older dogs are much experienced than puppies as they have already spent years with their previous family and therefore they have already learned obedient training. You won’t have to waste time in teaching him commands like sit, stay, up etc. They are already house – trained and potty – trained so you will need not to worry about anything. If you adopt an older dog, you will save a lot of time and energy in training them whereas younger dogs would have need a LOT of time and energy towards training. You can teach him new tricks as they are experienced dogs and will easily catch you whatever you say.
2. LESS – DESTRUCTIVE – Yes! You’ve heard it right, senior dogs are definitely less destructive because they have past that energetic puppy phase and they have adult teeth so you need not to worry about your furniture or shoes now.
3. GREAT COMPANY FOR SENIOR CITIZENS :- Senior citizens and senior dogs are perfect for each other. As older dogs are less – energetic so senior people need not to worry about his chasing and they both can relax together and can explore many new
things.
4. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET :- When you buy puppies, you don’t know what shape and personality they will end up but in case of older dogs, this is opposite as they have already become a grown up dog. You will know everything about the older dogs by simple research like personality and grooming requirements. You can easily buy that dog which matches your lifestyle.
5. BE A HERO BY SAVING HIS LIFE :- Usually older dogs are the last to be adopted at the shelter. They keeps waiting for someone to take them in their home and treat him better. If you bring him at your home, I assure you it will be the best decision of your life.
AFTER ADOPTING THE SENIOR DOG :-
Once you bring the new canine friend at home, some important instructions should follow especially when it comes to older dog.
1. INTRODUCTION :- The first and important thing, introduce him to every member of the family. He will easily accept everyone but this will take some time. Don’t force him to do anything as he can be frighten at first.
2. ADJUSTMENT :- In the first few weeks or days, your dog can be fearful or frighten as he is adjusting in the new house, but don’t worry, this is only temporary and once he gets used to your house, he will be happier.
3. FEEDING :- If you can get the name of the food, your dog was feeding before then it can be easy. Sudden changes in diet can be harmful for his digestive system so in the first few days, you can mix the new food with old food and then you can make him used to the new food slowly.
If he is refusing to eat, there may be many reasons for it like settling in a new place or do not like the food. In this case, all you have to do to give enough love, affection and some time to him and also you can experiment in the food. If he keeps refusing it, then you should go to vet.
Once you settled out with your dog, I assure you won’t regret this decision and he will also proved to be a great companion of yours. Also you will feel tremendous by saving the life of an animal and giving him quantity life.