Should I adopt an older dog?
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, your first thought will probably go to a cute puppy. Very few people think about the adoption of an older dog, although an adult pet can bring you the same lot of happiness and much less work. If you have never thought about bringing the home of an older dog, here are some advantages and disadvantages of the decision.
Pros
- It's cheaper. Puppy requires frequent visits to the veterinarian, numerous vaccines and possibly spay/neutered surgery; The older dog received from the shelter will be up to date on vaccines and needs control only once a year.
- It's easier. Older dogs are already in the home, which means that you do not have to deal with a deterioration of "accidents" or had to go through the puppy ten times a day. Older dog is the best choice for someone who is at home only in the evening or someone who do not have energy or physical ability to run afterpuppy nonstop.
- It's safer. If small children or other pets apply in the house, an older dog may be the best choice. Puppies do not have to tolerate teasing and their playful biting can sometimes be rough. The older dog will better understand the limits and become a companion rather than a opponent.
- It's humane. Accepting an older dog means you save your life. Because most people tend to adopt puppies from shelters, it is more likely that older dogs will sleep or spend the rest of their lives living in shelters.
Cons
- time. Older dog will be less years of age to share with you. If you accept from a shelter, it may be impossible to guess exactly how old the animal is, so you can't know how long you have with it.
- Health problems. Although young dogs do not necessarily have to be healthier than older dogs, complications certainly multiply how years have passed. With an older dog, maybe you are dealing with problems that have been caused by malnutrition or abusedI am from previous owners that you can do nothing about.