Adopting an older dog can be a great thing. I wrote an article about the reasons why you should consider adopting an older dog. If you haven’t had a chance to read it, you can check it out here.
That being said, there are some downsides to consider. If you haven’t had a chance to read my article about reasons why you might not want to get an older dog, you can read it here.
If you decide that adopting an older dog is the right choice for you and your family, you need to have everything ready before you come home with a dog! Though this is true for every puppy and dog, there are some special things to consider when bringing home an older dog.
Here are some tips to help you get ready.
You will need to be patient with your new pet.
Most older dogs take a little longer to transition to a new home than younger ones. They may have spent years with the same person in the same house, and it will just take some time for them to get used to you and your home.
Because of this, you will need to give him or her plenty of space.
Though love and attention are great, especially for those who have spent plenty of time in a kennel, it can be overwhelming for your new dog. In fact, you may notice that your new dog sleeps more than you would imagine.
For this reason, you want to make sure that your new dog has a place where he or she can feel safe, such as a kennel or even a dog bed on the floor. Then, when he or she is there, you need to make sure that everyone leaves him or her alone.
It is also important to remember that your dog may not act exactly like you expect him or her to.
Your dog may be grieving the only home that he or she knows, so don’t be surprised when you find out that the happy dog that you picked up isn’t as cheerful at your home. Over time, they may come around and become excited to see you.
If you picked him or her up at a shelter, your new dog may have been scared and will act differently as they become comfortable in your home. He or she may have never barked in the kennel, but seems to do a lot of barking now that he or she is in a home!
Ensure your home is prepared for your new dog.
Although most people think about puppy-proofing their homes, the truth is that all dogs need a safe place to call home. This means cleaning up the house and picking up anything that doesn’t need to be on the floor. You should store your cleaning supplies and other potentially toxic items out of reach of pets.
When you bring home an older dog, you also need to assess the environment to identify potential issues that may cause them trouble. Do you have slippery steps that need something on them? You may want to place rugs on your slippery floors to help a dog with arthritis move around better.
And your children are too!
Many children get so excited about a new dog that they can easily overwhelm it. Make sure they know that your new dog may be a little uncomfortable at first, and they need to be extra gentle when petting and playing with them.
You need to be ready also!
Many people acquire an older dog as a way to replace the one they have just lost. Then, when this dog isn’t the same as the old one, they find themselves getting heartbroken all over again.
Choose good senior food.
Senior food is formulated for the needs of older pets, so you should always make sure that you find food that is perfect for your new dog.
Hopefully, he will come with the food that he or she is used to. If you are able, you may just want to keep him on it, since he or she is probably doing well on it. If you want to feed him or her something better, make sure that you do it gradually.
It can take some time for an older dog to adjust to your new home. This may be even more true if she has always lived with one person and suddenly is a part of a family with children! You need to ensure that your home, children, and you are prepared.
Your new dog is going to need his or her own space, which may include a crate or a bed that he or she can go to whenever needed. Your children will need to be gentle with him or her, as your new dog may have arthritis, which can be painful at times. You also need to be ready, because this new dog isn’t going to be the same as the one that you just lost!
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Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.