Are you prepared to bring a new pet into your home? Many individuals choose young animals while looking for a new companion. We understand why: puppies and kittens are both adorable and entertaining. There’s certainly something to be said for raising your pet yourself. However, senior pets still have a lot to offer! Continue reading as a local Waterdown, ON veterinarian discusses some of the benefits of adopting an older pet.
They’re Calmer
We all know that puppies and kittens are quite playful. This is adorable to watch. However, there is a drawback. At this stage, pets are typically rather rambunctious. They frequently get into anything and everything. They also need plenty of toys and attention. A younger pet will require a significant amount of pet parenting to keep them amused and out of trouble.
Saving A Life
Adopting older animals can be challenging. Many people simply pass them over in favor of younger animals. While some shelters have implemented a no-kill policy, this is not a general practice. There is no definite statistic for how many pets are euthanized in shelters each year, but estimates range from 378,000 to one million. Given that many shelters only allow pets to be adopted for a limited time, many elderly animals have a slim chance of ever leaving. Saving a pet’s life is an extremely powerful and significant experience that can have a lasting impact on your life.
No Surprises
When you have a puppy or kitten, you won’t be able to predict how big Fido will get, especially if you adopt a mongrel. That can be a major issue, particularly for renters, as many areas have size restrictions. You also won’t have a good idea of their personality. Every pet, like every person, is unique! There is no guesswork involved when dealing with an elderly animal. What you see is what you will get!
Prior Experience
Another advantage of adopting animals in their senior years? They are often already trained. There are numerous benefits to being able to avoid housebreaking! Cats, of course, do not require actual training—they usually train us, not the other way around—but they do need to understand the do’s and don’ts of being a good kitty.
Calm Demeanor
Puppies and kittens are adorable and energetic, but they can also be a handful. You may find yourself continuously removing Fluffy from your curtains or preventing little Fido from chewing on your shoes. Basically, having a baby animal is in some ways similar to having a furry, four-legged toddler.
Older animals are much easier in this regard. They’ve usually passed any rowdy behaviors like digging and gnawing. They truly only want to sleep, eat, and snuggle. That makes them easier to keep.
Unconditional Love
Pets are highly intelligent and intuitive. They also frequently serve as mirrors, reacting to how they are handled. They recognize when someone has been helpful to them and are extremely thankful. In fact, you might melt the first time your new friend glances up at you with those wide, soulful eyes!
Shorter Commitments
This one is bittersweet. Older pets just have less time with us than younger ones. Adopting a puppy or kitten means committing to at least a decade of pet ownership. Senior animals simply don’t have as much time. That can be advantageous for some. If you don’t know where you’ll be in 10 years, or if you plan to go to college for eight years before moving cross-country, an older animal may be the right choice for your timeline.
Less Destructive
By the time Fluffy and Fido reach their senior years, they will have pretty much run out of gas. Fluffy will be more interested in catching Z’s than mice, and Fido will most likely chase squirrels in his dreams rather than reality. Dogs will also have outgrown many unpleasant habits, like digging and gnawing. Fluffy will still need to keep her nails sharp and will most likely still want to bat little objects off your desk or coffee table, but probably won’t be motivated enough to climb the bookcase and knock everything off your dresser.
Save Money
Shelters frequently give elderly animals at a discount in order to boost their prospects of adoption. You may also save on veterinarian expenditures because Fido and Fluffy have most likely already been spayed or neutered. Keep in mind that they may require additional veterinarian care as they age. Contact your Waterdown, ON veterinarian for further information.
Although kittens and puppies are adorable, older pets can also be extremely appealing. There’s something heartwarmingly adorable about seeing a sophisticated pooch politely request pets or cookies, or seeing Fluffy blissfully napping in her favorite sunbeam.
Sweet Demeanor
Older animals often have a calm, friendly, affectionate disposition that makes them enjoyable to be around. Many crave attention and simply close their eyes in happiness when you scratch an itch or touch their foreheads.
Set A Good Example
Adopting an elderly animal is, at the end of the day, a wonderful act of generosity. If you have children, this is an excellent method to teach them the value of empathy.
Help Promote Good Animal Welfare
When you adopt an elderly animal, you are indirectly helping other homeless pets. For one thing, you’ll be freeing up space at the shelter, allowing another loving dog or cat to find a home. Fluffy and Fido’s adoption fees will also assist the shelter provide food, shelter, and care for its other animal residents.
Find Your Perfect Match
Are you more of a calm, indoor person? If so, a quiet, lovely elderly pet could be the ideal companion for you!
Tips for Adopting an Older Pet
While older pets require the same care as any other animal, there are a few things you should do differently. You might wish to get pet ramps or stairs for Fluffy and Fido. If you have a cat, look for kitty furniture that is low to the ground and easy to get on and off.
Of course, each pet is unique. You should see your animal clinic for particular care instructions for your animal companion. We adore seeing senior animals find wonderful homes!
Book An Appointment At Our Waterdown, On Pet Clinic
Have you recently adopted an elderly pet? Please contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary requirements. As your Waterdown, ON pet clinic, we’re here to help!
!Social Media Icons