Adopting a Senior Dog

Adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding experience for both you and the dog, offering him the opportunity at a rich life in his golden years. Unlike a puppy adoption, a senior dog adoption can often mean you receive a dog with a set temperament who’s happy to maintain a slower lifestyle. As you make the decision, though, there are a few items to consider:

• Can I afford potential vet bills that may arise? There’s a good chance that vet bills could be more costly for an older dog than a younger dog.

• As large dogs age, arthritis and mobility issues can become a problem–especially if you have a two-story house. Do you have a multistory home that could eventually be difficult for an arthritic dog to maneuver?

• Do I have–or expect to have–young children in the house? Unlike younger dogs, older dogs often don’t want the excitement involved with very young children.

Related posts:

1. Adopting a Senior Dog
2. Adopting a Retired Military Dog
3. Adopting a Shelter Dog
4. Adopting a Shelter Dog: Questions You Should Ask
5. Overcoming Misconceptions About Shelter Dogs