When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog

Published on: 10 December 2021 Last Updated on: 18 January 2022

If you’re looking to add a four-legged, tail-wagging friend to your family, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether about adopting a puppy or an older dog. Either would give you an adorable, furry friend, but both choices have their unique disadvantages, too.

Whether you’re looking for a puppy or an older dog, you’ll want to check out this year’s most popular dog breeds. These showstopping canines will give you an idea of what other pet parents are looking for in their animals.

Mixed breed dogs are a perennial favorite for their unique makeups and generally stable health, but they may not be the answer if you’ve got your heart set on a specific breed. Following the mixed breed dogs are toy breeds, such as Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.

These loyal, yappy dogs are popular among older adults or couples without children, as they can be particular about their boundaries. Lastly, everyone loves the classic Retriever breeds, such as Goldens and the ever-adorable Lab puppies.

Now that you’ve got the necessary background on this year’s best in show breeds, here are the pros and cons that come with both puppies and older dogs.

Puppies pros

Adopting a pint-sized pooch can be the puzzle piece your growing family needs, but it won’t be without a lot of patience (and chewed furniture).

1. Puppies are cute and affectionate

Young dogs are precious, which is why so many people want to adopt them. Puppies are also affectionate and can become very attached to their owners.

2. Plenty of energy to play

If you want an energetic dog, puppies are the way to go. These little dogs love to run, play, and go for walks. If you’re into jogging, a younger dog’s energy will make your pet a fun partner on your daily 5K.

Puppy cons

Owning a puppy may be fun at playtime, but it can also be a lot of work. Here are the cons to adopting a puppy.

1. Training is needed

Puppies require training in every way imaginable: housebreaking, noise, nipping, jumping, and more. Just like human children, puppies aren’t always eager to do what they’re told, so you’ll need a pound of patience.

2. Puppies’ adult years are a mystery

How a puppy will grow up is a bit of a question mark. Will your dog have behavior issues or medical problems? Only time will tell, and the uncertainty might be more than you’re willing to handle.

Adult dog pros

Grown dogs can offer just as much love and companionship as a puppy, so some prefer to give an adult dog home when adopting a pet. Here are the pros of adopting a seasoned dog.

1. You know what you’re getting

When you adopt an adult dog, you already know its temperament and health needs. There are fewer questions with older dogs, as their personalities have already developed.

2. The dog may already have training

Some adult dogs who need a home have already been housebroken and may have other training, such as service dog training. Older dogs can be an excellent choice for first-time dog owners because of this experience.

Cons of adopting an older dog

Giving an older dog a home carries with it a few considerations. Among them are these possible cons.

1. Senior dogs may not be as energetic

Adopting a senior dog who needs a home is admirable, but don’t expect older dogs to have the same energy level as a puppy or younger dog. For some aspiring dog owners, this chilled-out nature may be a plus. It may mean leaving Fido at home more often than not for active families.

2. Possibility of medical costs

Aging dogs can have medical problems, so you’ll need to consider the cost of veterinary care. Though puppies can also go through their share of medical mayhem, dogs nearing the end of their lifespan will undoubtedly incur a few vet bills before they leave your life.

Giving a dog a home

Deciding to give a dog home can be one of the best choices you ever make, but you’ll need to determine whether an older dog or a puppy is best suited for your home. Whether you adopt a puppy or senior dog, you’ll find either to be loving companions for the whole family.

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CBD is very famous in recent years. What is CBD? This is a substance that occurs both in the cannabis plant and in the human body. CBD and THC are the most famous and most important substances from the cannabis plant. The advantage of CBD is that this substance has no psychoactive effect. THC does have this, therefore you can get stoned or high from THC and not from CBD. It can, however, alleviate the effects of THC. The human body has an endocannabinoid system. This system consists of cannabinoid and cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid from this system corresponds to the cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. It is, therefore, a body substance which is also the reason why CBD is so well absorbed by the body. An imbalance in the endocannabinoid system: It is important that there is sufficient cannabinoid present in the body to keep the endocannabinoid system in balance. 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Read Also: CBD The Solution To Insomnia Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe For Pets – Dogs & Cats

5 Myths About Horse Racing That You Must Know

Horse racing is one of the most popular sports around the world and has a huge following from England to Dubai and everywhere in between. But, there are a lot of assumptions made about the sport, so let's set them straight. Here are the biggest myths people believe about the sport of horse racing. 5 Myths About Horse Racing: 1. Any Old Horse Can Win or Run in a Race Thoroughbred horse racing is just that, exclusive to thoroughbred horses. These horses have a lineage traced back to one of three stallions and only then are eligible to compete. Not only are races limited to thoroughbreds, but the training required to turn a horse into a winner is second to none, being broken in at around 18-months-old, making these horses the only ones capable of running 1 ¼ mile in two minutes. So, next time you're placing free bets at the races, you can be assured that it's in their blood to race. 2. Whipping Hurts Horses Whips are no longer used in the sport. A soft paddle called a ‘persuader’ is used to lengthen a horse's stride and has been proven not to cause harm or pain to the animals. People have used a persuader on a person to prove they are inflicting pain, but the skin of a 1,000 pounds racehorse can withstand more than the average human. The role of the paddle is to remind the horse to stay focused during the long track and not to lose focus throughout the race. 3. Horses Have no Value Once Retired It is a common misconception that racehorses are sent to the abattoir (slaughterhouse) once they have seen their racing career through. But, again, this is not the case. Retired racehorses are very valuable and are often rehomed for breeding, for pleasure or equestrian use, as they are very athletic and can be trained to be riding horses and opposed to competitors. 4. Horses Do Not Enjoy Racing Thoroughbreds are raised to race, it is in their blood to compete. Horses that race weighs an average of 1,000 pounds, I'm sure you can imagine how impossible it would be for a jockey of around 55kg to force an animal of this size to run while on it back. It is not unheard of for a horse to decide they aren't in the mood during a race; one horse, in particular, decided he didn't want to jump while competing and planted his feet firmly on the track, refusing to continue; there wasn't much the jockey could do about it. Horses cannot be made to run in races due to their dominance of power against their jockeys and so when they do run it is through choice and enjoyment; they are doing what they know. 5. Horses are Mistreated On average, horse races are sold for around $65,000. Not only are they an investment but they are how some people make a living and choose to spend their time (training, owning, breeding). Simply on that alone, it is hard to believe that they would be poorly cared for. It is not uncommon for owners to fork out a fortune to transport and provide the best for their horses, often being referred to as living like kings due to their exercise and treatment is unparalleled to any other owned animal. Read Also: A Lightning-Fast Guide to Choosing High-Quality Sports Equipment 3 Things to Consider When Designing a Company Logo for Your Business

Different steps on how to clean pet stains on couch

Pet owners know that pets are already a part of the family, as they have made our bad days a bit easier and better. If you’re a mom you think of other things like home areas that need organizing, throwing out the trash, checking this and that. But when you have pets, having your couch stained is inevitable. It is annoying, and it is also frustrating, and it can also ruin your day and it can ruin your furniture. But that is one of the consequences of having a pet since they can’t hold themselves especially the younger ones. You can wipe it or use chemicals in it, but it can damage your furniture if you are not careful. There are steps that you will need to follow in order to save your furniture from damage and so that the smell and the stain will go away properly. Here are home and diy tips on how to clean pet stains on the couch: 1. Use a rag or cloth : The first thing that you will need to do is to soak up as much pet stain as possible, especially if it is urine, and you can do this by using an old rug or any cloth that you are using for cleaning. This can be done no matter where on your couch the pee is located. It is easier, however, when you have a removable cushion because you can just step on it with the most weight and force to remove the seethed urine and to soak it up. 2. Deodorize : Another step on how to clean pet stains on the couch is to deodorize. You can do this by mixing 4 parts of water and 1 part of distilled white vinegar, you can then naturally and easily deodorize your couch cushion and you can give it a good cleaning. Vinegar does smell, but it is known to be the #1 natural household cleaner and it is a great product to use in every laundry, no matter how much load it is. You will be able to smell the strong scent of vinegar as you apply it on the couch and use it to clean it but after washing it up, the smell will be gone, along with the smell of pet stains. This may be a strange solution, but it does the work well. So, with using an old rug or a cloth, you can just wipe the stain and rub the vinegar into the pee spot until you have covered the spot, you can then scrub the vinegar on it. If you see a dry pee spot, then there is no need for you to drain it or soak it out, instead you can go straight to scrubbing the spot with vinegar of you can also spray it with a vinegar and water solution, soak it up and then scrub it. 3. Moisture and odor removal : For this step on how to clean pet stains on the couch, you will need two ingredients: Baking soda and lavender essential oil. These two ingredients have the power of natural ingredients and when they are mixed together they can accomplish the odor and restoration goal that you have for your couch. You just need to measure about 1 cup of baking soda, one that is enough for at least a spot size that is about as big as one cushion and then you can add around 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil per 1 cup of water, or you can also adjust the amount depending on how much you need. You can then blend this mixture by using a fork to evenly distribute the lavender essential oil with the baking soda. You can then gently sprinkle the mixture onto the stained area on the couch. 4. Let it sit in : After pouring the mixture in, you just let it sink in and sit for several hours or you can also do it overnight in order for it to dry out, soak up and absorb the odor of the stain. You can come back and vacuum all of the residues and you will see that it will be good as new, and it will also smell great. 5. You can use a liquid dishwashing detergent : If you are not too keen with the vinegar, baking soda, and lavender essential oil solution, then you can try another solution that is guaranteed to work. This involves using liquid dishwashing detergents. You need to take at least 1 cup of warm water and mix it with ¼ teaspoon of whatever dishwashing liquid that you have in your kitchen. Remember that laundry detergent and hand soap will not work for this kind of stain. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and you can spray the affected area. Once the mixture has soaked into the stain after a few minutes then you can use a cloth to wipe it up. Use warm water to rinse the area. Read Also : 6 Tips For Keeping Your Home Clean (With Pets And Kids) What Are The Best Hamster Toys For Your Pet?

When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog