6 Misconceptions About Adopting A Senior Pet

It is sad to know that there is no shortage of senior pets in most rescue animal shelters. While it is a common misconception that senior pets have been surrendered because of misbehavior or lack of adaptation skills, the truth is most senior animals are given up due to other reasons. These reasons often include their owners’ health issues and financial challenges, illnesses, and even death.

Unfortunately, this is not the only misconception that surrounds senior pets. The reality is that senior animals make great pets! Read on to know the other misconceptions about adopting a senior pet and the actual truth.

1. Misconception: Senior pets could not bond with a new owner.

Truth: Many assume that, because of their age, senior animals are no longer able to form a bond with new owners. Some also assume that the bond you can form with a baby or a younger animal is stronger than that of an elderly pet. But these are just misconceptions. In reality, senior pets have been used to having a family around for most of their life and look forward to the love and affection a new owner can offer.

2. Misconception: Senior pets can be difficult to care for.

Truth: Senior pets actually make great pets if you have never owned a pet before! This is because, having spent enough time with their previous owner, senior pets are likely to have been already trained. They are used to being around humans and have acquired human-friendly habits from their previous home.

3. Misconception: Senior pets are hard to train.

Truth: As previously mentioned, a senior pet is most probably already house broken and trained. It is very likely that it is already potty trained and can even obey basic commands. Because of its advanced age, a senior animal is also more aware of its internal schedule. Now, as with all new pets, it will take time for the both of you to bond, but once a senior pet comes to know you and trust you, things will become a lot easier.

4. Misconception: Senior pets are not sociable.

Truth: Senior pets are actually great for families and households with children and other pets! They are not as active and aggressive as kittens and puppies. Instead, they are much gentler and patient, especially with younger animals as well as human babies.

Also, because they are advanced in age, there are less surprises with a senior animal, unlike a younger pet whose temperament can change as it grows older.

5. Misconception: Senior pets require a lot of effort to take care of.

Truth: As many veteran pet parents can attest to, it is actually the young ones that are more challenging to take care of! Senior animals, as aforementioned, are often gentler and kinder in temperament and are used to being around humans. They are also a lot more patient, which makes training easier. Senior pets also require less exercise, which works really well if you don’t have enough time to train them everyday.

6. Misconception: Senior pets’ health care is more expensive.

Truth: No matter what its age is, you always need to be prepared for your pet’s medical and health care expenses. With this said, a senior pet’s health care is not necessarily more expensive than a younger animal’s as most older pets’ veterinary care needs are basic. In fact, you might even get to save by getting an elderly pet as it is likely to be already spayed or neutered. It is also possible that its vaccines are up to date.

It is unfortunate that there are misconceptions surrounding the adoption of senior pets. However, the truth is that adopting a senior pet just might be one of your best decisions. An elderly animal is great for families because of their gentler temperament, they are already trained, and they are used to human company. Adopt a senior pet and you just might find an amazing and loving animal companion.

Related Articles:

• Crucial Facts About DNA Sampling For Pets
• 6 Common Cat Breeds that are Great with Families
• 4 Helpful Tips for New Fur Parents