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

10 December 2021

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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Ariana Smith

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

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A Quick Look At Dog Bite Statistics And Increasing Safety

Americans, as a whole, love their dogs. Many millions of American households are home to at least one pooch, and many families keep multiple dogs. Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years. They are generally friendly, and they become productive members of households. Dog bites remain common. Many of these bites are relatively harmless, resulting in no substantial injury. However, some people do end up needing to seek medical treatment. Sadly, some people pass away from injuries sustained by dog bites, although fatalities are rare. If you or a loved one have been injured, you should speak with a lawyer. You may receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other things. You can search for a dog bite lawyer in the Detroit area or for a lawyer based nearest you. Curious about dog bite data and increasing safety? Read on! Looking at the Data Regarding Dog Bites Data covering dog bites can come from many different sources. Immediately, one clear challenge emerges: data collection is often sporadic, and the methods used by different organizations and by researchers at different times. As a result, they may make the data hard to compare. For example, the Centers for Disease Control has conducted various studies over the years. But they need to collect and publish standardized statistics on the issue regularly. Some of the most commonly cited statistics conclude that 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Roughly 800,000 require medical treatment. However, this data comes from a CDC study examining bites from 2001 to 2003. It’s hard to say if this data still accurately reflects the situation in recent years. On the one hand, dog ownership has increased, so perhaps dog bites are increasing. On the other hand, increased education and efforts to ensure healthier human-dog relationships may result in fewer bites. Dog Biting Statistics Moving further away from the dog statistics, the average cost per claim for dog attacks keeps on escalating from the year 2003 to that of 2017. They are driven by the increasing cost of medication and the higher settlements. According to a study, around 28000 dog attacks resulted in hospitalization (the figures range between the years 1993 to that of the year 2008). The statistics kept on increasing therefrom. Presently, a dog bite treatment in a hospital (hospital stay) costs around $18200. Looking at the number of dog attacks on US postal employees in 2019, one can understand cities notorious for dog bites. They include Chicago, Los Angles, Dallas, Columbus, Philadelphia, Toledo, and others. These figures point out the increasing number of dog bites and also the cost of treatments. The concerns keep mounting high with time. The Most Crucial Statistics Let us know about some of the most crucial statistics on the dog bite. According to statistical figures, almost around 4.5 million people became victims of dog bites. Nearly half of them are children. Around 70% o dog bites are untreated. Dog bite accounts for around 46 fatalities, as recorded in 2019. The Pitbull and the Rottweiler are responsible for 77% of dog bites. According to global figures, millions of dog bites occur Annually! These statistical figures call for introspection; therefore, the concerned authorities must be aware of the dog bites. It is important for the sake of awareness. Keeping Children and Safety in Mind With Canines Children rank among the most vulnerable to dog bites, and educating them to reduce the risk of bites is important. Since children are not as large or robust as the typical adult, they are more vulnerable to injury. Further, many children don’t understand how to interact with dogs properly. What may seem like innocent rough play may cause a lot of harm to canines. If a child injures a dog, it may be more likely to bite. It’s important for parents to properly educate children on dogs and how to interact with them. Supervision at home is crucial for households with both kids and dogs. It’s also wise to teach children not to approach strays or unknown dogs. While many dogs are friendly, some may be dangerous. Also, larger dogs can pose more of a threat. Even if a small dog bites a child or adult, it will likely do less damage. A larger dog, no matter the specific breed, will be able to inflict more damage if it should decide to bite someone. Remember, if you’re looking for a dog for your family. What If A Dog Bites Your Child You need to be mindful of health and safety measures when the dog bites your child (especially if it is not your own dog). At the same time, you also need to take your kids to the emergency department. Though rate, infections like rabies and others are fatal. Therefore you must not delay at all and take your child to the nearby hospital for treatment. Your doctor will let you know if the child needs stickers or if antibiotics will suffice. Moreover, you can help your doctor by providing some important tips on the risk factors associated with dog bites. You can name the location of the dog’s owners. It will enable the doctor to procure updated data on the vaccinations. It can also help you understand whether or not the dog attacked was provoked or unprovoked. If the attack was unprovoked, let the doctor know if the dog is sick. It might completely affect the treatment decision. Have You Safely HENDled Them? Take note of some of the safest ways to handle dogs so that you do not have to be in trouble. Never try to squeeze the dog too tightly as they feel uncomfortable. Also, never tease them by pulling the ears and tail tightly. It is a sensitive organ. Do not disturb the dog when they are eating. Dogs give their utmost concentration while they are eating. If you do it, be prepared to face the heat. Never put your fingers before them, especially when they are eating. These precautions can save you from dog bites. Read Also: When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog 4 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Service Dogs What Can You Do When Bitten By a Dog?

7 Signs to Look for When Searching for Responsible Maltipoo Breeders

Are you in the market to buy a Maltipoo puppy or an adult? You may have heard their sweet, hand-clapping sound, but what else should you know about these dogs before you start your search for a breeder? The Maltipoo is a famous designer dog that combines two pure breeds, the Maltese and the Poodle. While testing an adult dog is fun, most people want to find responsible breeder-producing puppies. A puppy’s development begins immediately after birth, so the breeder must provide a safe environment for them to be born and nurtured. Read on from this post to find seven signs of a good Maltipoo breeder to buy online. 1. The Breeder Is Knowledgeable About the Breed Any good breeder will tell you about the breed's history and characteristics. They should also give you information about the puppies' parents and any health problems associated with the species itself or with that line of dogs. In addition, a good breeder should give you detailed information about where the puppies have lived and who has handled them. 2. The Breeder Evaluates Each Puppy's Temperament All puppies are cute, but not all will make good pets. The breeder must evaluate each puppy's temperament before placing it with a new owner. You cannot change an adult dog’s temperament, but if the breeder doesn't consider each puppy, you could end up with it. 3. The Breeder Has a Good Reputation A good breeder will have a good reputation among their clients. They will be known for breeding healthy dogs with good temperaments. So when you talk to other people who have purchased puppies from this breeder, they will only have good things to say. 4. The Breeder Has Puppies Available regularly A reputable breeder will usually have puppies available regularly. If you find a breeder with just one litter per year, they may not have the quality puppies you're looking for. The same holds if they only breed occasionally or if their breeding dogs are in retirement. 5. The Breeder Spends Time With the Puppies When you visit the breeder's home, you should be able to see the puppies playing and interacting with their mother. A good breeder will spend time with the puppies, socializing with them and teaching them how to behave around people. 6. The Breeder Has Clean Facilities The facilities where the puppies live should be clean and free of any hazardous materials. The breeder should have a good sanitary protocol to prevent the spread of disease. Puppies should never have exposure to cigarette smoke, and the breeder should never sell a puppy to someone who smokes. 7. The Breeder Offers a Written Health Guarantee A good breeder will offer a written health guarantee for their puppies. The contract should cover genetic defects, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart problems. The breeder must stand behind their dogs and return a dog if it becomes ill or cannot function in a typical environment. 8. The Breeder Asks Questions About You and Your Home The breeder will want to know as much about you as possible before selling you a puppy. They will want to see if you have any other pets at home, whether you have children and your lifestyle. The information is vital to the breeder, as they want to ensure each puppy is going to a good home. Bottom Line It is essential to ensure great puppies find a good breeder who can prove that their dogs are pedigreed, healthy, and well-raised. The Maltipoo will be with you for a long time, and it’s essential that your puppy is in good health and brought into the world by great breeders so they can be properly socialized. Read Also: When Every (Dog) Year Counts: The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Puppy vs. An Older Dog What You Should Know About Mini Sofas For Dogs How does the Training of Defence Dogs Look Like? 5 Reasons Why Your Child Needs a Dog 5 Benefits Of Grain Free Dog Food

What You Should Know About Mini Sofas For Dogs

A pet owner who loves their dog will do anything for it. If you own a dog, you understand that feeling. It will continuously look for new ways to please your pet. A dog can sense its owner's love and become quite loyal to them. That's why people love taking care of dogs so much. Moreover, pets usually have a preferred place to lounge. In most cases, this place is your furniture. This is because it is soft to sit on and relax. However, dogs can start to shed and leave hairs everywhere around the sofa. If you don’t groom your pet, you will have to constantly clean all the hairs from the furniture. This can waste a lot of time. Follow the link for more details about the topic: tips cleaning dog hair. Instead of doing that, you should consider investing in a mini sofa for your pet. Many owners have them in their homes. They are their best option for pets that want to lounge or sleep on. Also, a minute sofa is far more appropriate for a pet then your own couch. You won't have to worry about the hair anymore. Before you decide to purchase this particular product, here's what you should know about it: Soft and comfortable One of the main reasons you should consider purchasing a piece of furniture like this is because it is incredibly soft and comfortable to lay on. Dogs are usually quite active, but at some point, they will get tired and will want to sleep for a couple of hours. What better way to do that than on their very own mini sofa? This particular piece of furniture is specially designed for pets. All you have to do is select one for your canine and purchase it from a local store or order it online. It can really make your dog happy. All you have to do is teach it to lounge there. It might take some time, but it will definitely be worth it. Mostly, people look for a dog sofa or chair for their beloved furry friend. Your pup will have a place of its own to relax. How cute is that? The main reason why these products are so popular is that they are practical and comfortable. You will be able to notice that if your dog gets used to it. It is the perfect size for your beloved furry little friend. Just make sure to order it from a reliable store. There are many like those available online. Different designs As with any product, the mini sofa for pets also has various designs. Some are more expensive than others. What you should do is take your time and browse through several products. They all have different applications that you need to check out. To speed things up, it is advisable that you visit some reviewing websites because they usually have a lot of information on them, even for products such as these. They will be able to figure out what will work best for you and your pet. If your dog is quite heavy, you should definitely purchase a mini sofa that can endure heavier dogs. If not, you can select the smaller and dainty looking ones. They are quite adorable. There's a high chance you’ll have a hard time deciding which one to get. But a decision has to be made sooner or later. You can always ask for a recommendation from someone close to you that has the same mini sofa for their pet. The sooner you make a decision, the faster your pet will get used to it. You can take adorable pictures from your furry friend napping or lounging on the tiny sofa. Easy to clean The mini sofas are smaller and easier to clean. How fast can you do it depends on the material of what they're made oft. For example, if you purchase a mini leather sofa, all you have to do is wipe it if it gets very from your dog. But not all mini sofas are made from leather. Some are designed with a softer and more plush material that has to be removed and thrown in the washing machine to get properly cleaned. Either way, it won't take up much of your time. You can even use a steamer to clean all the germs and bacteria located inside the material. Let's face it, dogs can quickly get dirty. It is your responsibility to clean up after them. But you won't feel bad about it because your pet will love the new mini sofa you purchased for it. Some have a storage pocket Many mini sofa designs have an extra storage pocket where you can store all of your pet's toys and other essential things. A lot of owners buy different kinds of toys for their pets to play with. What better way to store them than to place them in their very own mini sofa? Some designs are practical and convenient like that. If you are looking for a similar one for your own furry friend, all you need to do is find the right mini sofa and purchase it. What better way to do that than to do some extensive research online? As mentioned above, you can go through several of the products until you find what you're looking for. Read Also: 4 Cool Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Service Dogs Can Dogs Make the Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better? Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress? The Best Dog Breeds For Fitness Fanatics

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