Should I get another dog for my senior dog?
Maymie Spencer
2025-06-20 23:54:23
Count answers
: 13
You’ve probably heard that an older dog becomes revitalized and may actually live longer, if you bring a younger dog into the family. In our experience, whether this is true depends on the dog and the family. Most older dogs don’t like change, and some just won’t adjust to having another dog around. Others can adjust, provided the new dog is introduced properly and the old dog’s position as “top dog” is maintained. This will require careful supervision. Some people feel better about facing the loss of a dog if they have another companion already in place. If that’s true for you, just be sure the new dog does not create a stressful situation for your senior. You are very right to be concerned about the effect of adding another dog to your family. Each dog is an individual, though, and each family presents a different situation, so there really is no way of predicting how your dog will react.
A puppy may be too energetic for your dog’s taste; but a slightly older dog — say, a 4- to 5 -year-old — may be calmer and your dog may relate better. Consider waiting until after any upcoming big events or holidays to get another dog. Introducing a new dog into your home will require careful attention and time. The introductory period is very important because it will establish rapport and the ground rules for the dogs. It’s better if this can be done in a calm atmosphere. If the surviving dog is a senior, keep in mind that an older dog is the better adoption choice because he is likely than a young dog to be more compatible with your senior.
Barton Conroy
2025-06-20 22:55:24
Count answers
: 8
You must ask yourself the following question first, ‘Why do I want another dog?’ Is your existing dog lonely? Bear in mind that separation anxiety may not be cured by getting another dog, since your dog may well be missing you, and only you. In other words, a new dog may end up missing you as well, but the dogs may not be comforted by each other. Is your current dog really overexcitable and perhaps you are hoping that a new dog will calm your existing one down? They might. However, it might be that as you have not really got to grips with your current dog’s behaviour, you will then end up with TWO very unruly dogs. Will the dogs get along? Dogs are social creatures – they can get on but then again, they may not get on. If you do get a new puppy, be aware that the older dog may not exactly be feeling ‘jealous’ but they certainly may not appreciate suddenly having all their best things limited or shared. Don’t ever, ever get another dog to try and sort the other dog’s problems out without professional advice from a qualified trainer or behaviourist. What about a new puppy and an older dog? Try and make sure that whilst the new puppy gets time to play with the older dog, the older dog needs time to themselves, too. Give the older dog time to play separately with his or her normal buddies, too. And most of all, give each dog some quality time alone with you and your family.
Merlin McDermott
2025-06-20 22:26:30
Count answers
: 10
If you have an old dog, they may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup. What’s the age of your current dog? Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. Is your current dog out of puppyhood and completely trained and bonded to you? It’s often more than twice as difficult for one person to train two young dogs at the same time. Young dogs may also bond to each other and be less likely to create as strong a bond with you. Dogs with similar energy levels make the best companions. Some breeders suggest that opposite-sex dogs get along best.
You may have forgotten how much time is required to dedicate to training and socialization. If your time is limited, wait until your schedule clears. Can you handle the additional cost? You’ll be doubling your financial commitment – twice the amount of food, vet visits, vaccines, grooming, etc. If you’re not prepared for the added expense, don’t get a second dog.
Jordy Hamill
2025-06-20 22:13:36
Count answers
: 6
When senior dogs become less active, they are at risk of boredom or loneliness. A new puppy can provide valuable companionship and inspire the older dog to be more mobile. Plus, puppies and their playful antics serve as distractions and sources of entertainment for senior dogs. And this relationship is a two-way street. Your new puppy will tag along behind your senior pet during potty breaks, dinner time, and downtime, and learn the rules of the house. If your aging dog is slowing down and simply prefers lounging over swimming or hiking, a new puppy might be an ideal way of keeping your older dog’s mind and body active. Weigh all of your aging dog’s needs against the demands of a new puppy before making a final decision. You want your aging dog to thoroughly enjoy his golden years.
Ricky Reichel
2025-06-20 20:27:21
Count answers
: 8
A new puppy can help liven up your house and, hopefully, provide companionship for your older dog, making him more active and joyful. But there are a few things to ponder before assuming every member of your household is ready to take on a furry energy ball. Take your dog’s temperament into account. If he is of a friendly breed and has a history of getting along with other dogs, he might find it easier learning to live with another dog. Check if your senior dog is healthy enough to handle an energetic puppy with a visit to his usual vet. If your dog suffers from illnesses like arthritis, late-stage kidney or heart disease, cancer, canine cognitive dysfunction, or other conditions that already impact his quality of life, now is probably not the right time to add a new puppy to his life. Your life companion deserves a peaceful home and all the attention and care you can give him. Puppies and senior dogs have different needs, and you need to make time for both. Think about whether you will be able to: closely monitor their interactions when they meet, and during the following days (or even months!)train your puppy and gain his trustbe able to spend time one-on-one with your older dog, so he doesn’t feel left outprovide health care for your older dog if he needs it. If you decide that getting a puppy is the right thing for the entire family, be aware that not every puppy is the right fit, even if your dog is generally accepting of others. It is preferable to get a more laid-back puppy and avoid high-energy breeds like herding dogs or huskies.
Read also
- What is the rule for senior dogs?
- How far apart in age should dogs be?
- Can you socialize an older dog with other dogs?
- What does it mean when an old dog walks around aimlessly?
- How long should a senior dog be left alone?
- How long do mixed-breed dogs live?
- How far apart in age should dogs be to avoid littermate syndrome?
- What age is too late to socialize a dog?
- Can you teach an older dog to get along with other dogs?