Don'T Make These Assumptions When You Acquire An Elderly Dog
When people add dogs to their families, they often choose puppies. There are lots of benefits of getting a puppy instead of an older dog. For example, not only is the puppy stage fun, but you will also have a chance to train the animal to meet your behavioral expectations. There may be times that you acquire an older dog, however. Perhaps a family member has passed away and you've taken in his or her older dog, for example. It can be easy to make a number of assumptions about the health of an older animal, but doing so may be detrimental. Don't hesitate to visit your veterinarian for a check-up for the dog, rather than make these assumptions.
The Dog Is Up To Date With Its Shots
When you acquire a puppy, you will often have the understanding that it has not been vaccinated — and make an appointment to see your local vet. With an older animal, however, it is easy to assume that the dog is up to date with its shots. This, however, might not be true. The previous owner may not have been attentive regarding getting the dog vaccinated, and it is also important to remember that dogs need certain shots multiple times during its life. Take the dog to your animal hospital, where the vet can test the animal to assess its needs.
The Dog Is Of A Healthy Weight
You might also assume when you acquire an older dog that it has a healthy body weight. For example, if you have always seen the dog at its current weight while visiting the deceased family member, you might accept that the weight is appropriate. Instead of making this assumption, seek the input of your local veterinarian. He or she will weigh the animal and tell you whether the dog needs to gain or lose weight — or whether it is at a healthy weight. If weight gain or weight loss is needed, the veterinarian can recommend food that is appropriate for your breed and age of dog.
The Dog Can Hear Well
Like humans, many dogs can suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss as they age. A dog that does not hear well may be more at risk of injury. For example, it might be standing in the driveway and fail to react quickly when a courier van pulls in to drop off a package. Don't just assume that the dog's hearing is fine. Your veterinarian will run some tests to assess how well the animal hears.