Adopt a Senior Pet Month in MA: Tips for Westport Pet Owners

The month of November is officially the “Adopt a Senior Pet” month. However, you don’t need to wait for a particular month to adopt a special senior pet. Older dogs and cats can make great pets for Westport pet owners who are looking to add a new furry member to their family. For those who have been thinking about adopting a pet, here are some reasons that you should consider about choosing an adult pet over a puppy or a kitten.

There are many advantages to choosing a senior pet and some things that you need to be aware of should you decide to bring any new pet into your home. Your friends at our local veterinary clinic in Dartmouth have lots of great tips to help you provide quality vet care for cats and dogs, including important dental care for pets, to help them live a long and healthy life.

Advantage #1 – When you adopt a senior pet there’s no wondering or worrying about how big the pet will get when full grown or if there will be any issues about behavior, house-breaking, or grooming requirements. All of the information that you need to pick the best type, breed, and size of pet will be completely available without any guesswork when you adopt a senior pet.

Advantage #2 – In most cases, a senior pet will come with all the training he or she needs to do the things that you want to do. House training is one of the most frustrating parts of adopting a puppy or a small kitten. Adult dogs and cats know where they are supposed to go and require little supervision or training even when coming to a new home. Leash training, yard training, and other obedience issues are also typically already worked out by the previous owner or through the adoption center. Many shelters are now including training, especially for large breed pets.

Advantage #3 – If your senior pet does require some training, the good news is that older pets are much easier to train than puppies and kittens. They are often far more calm, focused, and eager to please. So if you have something new that you want to teach your new senior pet, go ahead and start training. You might be surprised at just how easy it can be to teach an old dog (or cat) new tricks!

Advantage #4 – In most cases, the shelter provides an update of all vaccinations and offers primary vet care for cats and dogs while they are under their supervision. You should still schedule an appointment at your preferred veterinary clinic in Dartmouth for a veterinary check-up, especially if you have other pets at home. Westport pet owners need to be aware that their existing pets might be behind on vaccinations, so it is important to keep everyone safe.

Exposure to other pets, whether it is a new pet coming into the home, playing with a new dog at the dog park, or even coming in contact with areas where another pet has defecated, can be a health risk if you are not prepared. When it comes to pets, prevention is key. So before you bring a new pet home, consider bringing your current dog or cat in for a veterinary exam to ensure that they have proper protection.

Advantage #5 – Senior dogs still have a lot of life and love to give! Most senior dogs love companionship with humans and are excited about getting out to play, watch a little TV on the sofa, go for a walk, and do all the things that you want to do with them. If you have a lot of love to give, consider adopting a senior pet.

Advantage #6 – Senior dogs and cats need to be in a loving and caring home. There are lots of reasons why pets end up in shelters. Lots of human situations contribute to beloved family pets ending up in an adoptive situation. Allergies, the death of an owner, new babies in the house, changes in career status, moving to a new home, and financial troubles are just a few of the reasons why you will find amazing pets looking for new families at your local shelter. There’s nothing wrong with them, they just found themselves in a bad situation.

Vet Care for Cats and Dogs

Pets of all ages require professional care through annual veterinary check-ups and dental care for pets to ensure proper health and longevity. Westport pet owners who have senior dogs and cats should consult with their local veterinary clinic in Dartmouth to ensure that they are bringing them in frequently enough for check-ups. There are many conditions of old age that can be prevented through regular check-ups and monitoring of health. If you are interested in adopting a senior dog or cat, make sure to visit a local shelter or rescue and inquire about adult pet adoptions. Most dogs and cats live an average of 10-15 years, so a six or seven year-old pet has many years of love and enjoyment to give to the right owner. To schedule a veterinary check-up for your pets, contact Anchor Animal Hospital in Dartmouth by calling 508-996-3731.