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Articles > GeneralIntroducing A Puppy Into Your Home
Bringing a puppy into your household with a senior dog is a decision that needs to be made wisely. “Most often, I hear people want to get a puppy to replace the dog that is going to die soon,” says Nancy Williams, a registered veterinary technician and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist in Manchester, Maryland. “That’s not a good reason.” Instead, she says, you should truly want another pet. Also take into consideration your lifestyle as well as your older dog’s health and temperament by asking yourself the following questions before adopting or purchasing a puppy. 1. Can you financially provide quality veterinary care, boarding, grooming and training for two pets? Just one dog can cost upwards of $1,000 each year, say experts. 2. Do you have the time and patience to raise a rambunctious pup while caring for an older dog, especially if he has special needs? If your life is hectic with work and family, it’s not the right time for a furry addition. 3. Is your dog a good or bad role model? The puppy may mimic your older dog’s behavior. For example, if your senior dog barks incessantly, there’s a good chance you’ll hear those yips and yowls in stereo. 4. Is your dog in good health? “If your old dog is limping, having trouble getting up or slowing down overall, you really need to talk to your veterinarian,” says Williams. “It doesn’t mean he’s just getting old. It means he’s hurting.” Also vision and hearing loss may cause your older dog to become easily frightened. These and other medical conditions can make your senior dog less tolerant of an energetic young pup. 5. What happens if the dogs don’t get along? What will you do? Your older dog must like other dogs. Otherwise, the relationship is doomed from the beginning. But there are times when even the friendliest pooch can dislike another dog. Signs the relationship isn’t working and professional intervention is needed, says Williams, include the older dog biting the puppy or increasingly making threats toward her such as snapping, snarling and growling. ~ Staff, SeniorDogs.com If you would like to include this article on your site please include the following information with the article:
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