Why you should adopt an older dog
Choosing to adopt a dog is a wonderful decision and has benefits for both human and canine. Many people look for the youngest dogs when they visit the shelter, but adopting an adult dog has plenty of perks, too.
According to the Sun Sentinel, companion animals are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. An American Veterinary Medical Association Survey showed that about 31 percent of pet-owning households had a pet over age 11 in 2006, which was a 25 percent increase over the number they found in 1987.
The more older pets there are, the larger their chance of winding up in a shelter. The benefits of adopting an older dog may include less extensive training requirements when compared to puppies and they often have established personalities and may be calmer around the elderly and children.
Many people worry about how much an older dog will cost in terms of veterinary bills. While owners should certainly take the risks of canine diabetes, arthritis in dogs and other senior-related conditions into consideration, the cost of owning an older dog may not be that much more than getting a puppy. The initial costs of dog vaccinations and other care throughout a puppy's life may just about equal what you will spend to give an older canine the happiest golden years possible.
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