Integrating A Puppy with a Senior Dog
Having puppy fever and thinking of adding a new addition to your family but… you already have a senior dog at home? Should you get a new pet? Many of us have the idea that a puppy can bring life to an older dog but is that really true? Here’s what to think about if you’re considering bringing in a buddy for yourself and your golden oldie.
Finding the Right Puppy
Like introducing kids and dogs, it is important to consider the temperament of your senior when deciding if a new puppy will make a good addition to your home. If your dog has territorial aggression or does not get along with other dogs, there might be some extra work for you to do to ensure they get along.
Some other huge factors to consider would be the difference in size, physical fitness and health when blending them together. Be sure to do your research on the different breeds to decide which one will suit your lifestyle and family. You wouldn’t want a puppy of a bigger breed to tower over and scare your senior dog who can be more fragile at their age. Choose a breed that will mesh well with your current pet.
Precautions to Take Before Introducing Your Puppy
Before bringing puppy home, it is ideal to bring it to vet for an examination to ensure that you won’t be introducing any health issues such as diseases. In fact, both puppy and your older dog should both puppies entering the new home and older dogs already in the home should be up-to-date on their vaccines, including core vaccines like distemper, parvovirus and rabies (if the puppy is four months or older).
Set Ground Rules
To avoid any territorial behaviours, try introducing them to each other on neutral grounds. That way, your older pooch doesn’t feel fearful, threatened, or protective of your house. Instead, it can focus on making friends with the puppy.
You can also take measures to avoid making your older pooch feel left out and jealous. For instance, your senior dog should feel like their belongings (toys, food/water bowl, chews) still belong to them and not the new puppy. Other actions can include:
• Focusing your attention on your older dog before greeting your younger dog
• Feeding your older dog first
• Putting the leash on your older dog first
As well as your attention and love!
Don’t let your Senior Dog Down
Just because your senior dog isn’t growling at your new puppy, it doesn’t mean he’s having fun. Many senior dogs don’t have the energy or personality to keep up with a puppy who is full of energy nor defend themselves from raging puppy teeth for hours on end! Remember, your senior dog has had years without a puppy with an endless desire to play, so do give the new puppy lots of downtime and let your senior doggo snooze into doggie dreamland.
However, if the sole reason to bring home another dog is to make your senior doggo’s impending passing more bearable, do reconsider your decision. The thought of it may be tough, but this is when they need all your attention and love the most. They deserve to enjoy their golden years comfortably.
We hope these advices were helpful in your decision to getting a new puppy or helped in your quest to get both senior and puppy become the best of buds.
If you think you are ready for a new addition, Pet Master carries a wide range of puppies that could possibly be a part of your family! Click here to learn more about our puppies!
