7 Advantages of Having an Older Dog

When you get a pet, you know that you’re responsible for him for as long as he’s alive. And you know that it’s a law of nature that he’ll get old. But don’t forget that we too are aging along with our dogs, albeit at different rates. Today, we’ll tell you why it’s so great to have an older dog.

Older dogs deserve a second chance

If you are the kind of person who loves animals, then you may not even think twice before adopting an older dog. However, a lot of people choose a puppy for many different reasons, some good and some bad.

It does make some sense for a family with small children to be inclined towards a young dog that can keep up with the children. However, in homes with just one person — or all adults — the option of adopting a senior dog should not be ruled out, especially if we take into account that 2 out of 10 dogs abandoned in Spain are 7 years old or older, according to a study by the Affinity Foundation.

A few reasons that old dogs end up living on the street or in a shelter are the death or illness of their owners. And then sometimes owners abandon them, no longer wanting to take care of an aging animal. So think it through, and if it is within your means, give an adult or senior doggy a second chance.

Good reasons to adopt an older dog

The arrival of an older dog will mean you can expect experiences that are different but just as rewarding as those that a puppy could bring. That’s why you should focus on the quality and not the quantity of time you will share with the dog.

In addition, if you are also getting on in years, you will surely appreciate spending your days with someone who moves at a slower pace and handles things a bit more calmly.

We’d like to convince you, so below we’ll detail some benefits of having an older dog. You won’t regret it!

Advantages of sharing your home with an older dog

1. A senior dog is already trained. You probably won’t have to go through long, tiring training sessions and he’ll pick up on what you teach him more easily too.
2. He will adapt more quickly to his new home, since he is already accustomed to living with humans and other pets.
3. He will be grateful for the new opportunity you are giving him. And he’ll show it!
4. An adult dog’s character won’t change, as could happen with a puppy. No surprises.
5. He is already full-grown. You won’t have to worry about how much more he might grow.
6. If you do not like exercising too much you will be in luck. An older dog doesn’t need too much physical activity.
7. He is used to humans. Most likely, he won’t wake you up in the middle of the night like a young, inexperienced puppy might.

Give a new home to an older dog

So, if you’re thinking about adopting a pet, don’t rule out an older dog. Workers at the shelter will be able to tell you about his personality and how to take care of him so that nothing unexpected comes up after you bring him home.

One thing that there’s no doubt about is that it will be an enriching experience if you adopt a furry friend with a few years on him. Expect to a lot of love! And when the time comes for his departure, as the law of nature goes, he will leave you with the best of memories.