Adopting An Adult Dog: Pros And Cons

Adopting an adult dog is an act of love that will improve your capacity as a responsible person. In addition to fighting abandonment, you will make a huge contribution in the fight against the  business  of illegal animal trading.

Volunteers all over the world devote a lot of time and resources to saving and treating abandoned dogs. Through adoption, we try to offer them a second chance, placing them in a new family that can guarantee them affection and all the necessary care.

It’s not about saving money by giving up on buying a ‘new’ animal. The goal is to take money away from farms, often abusive, which earn thanks to outlawed aesthetic and reproductive practices. When the life of the animal is considered an economic affair, the consequences can be serious for the health and development of its species.

Fortunately, many people today resort to animal shelters and shelters, thereby discouraging the sad animal trade.

Buying animals is wrong, better to adopt them!

The neglect and mistreatment of pets is a sad reality on almost every continent. The main reason is the unconscious possession of an animal, which is largely facilitated by a market that generates money at the  expense  of dog health.

Often a dog  is bought without the owners being aware of the care, costs and responsibilities that come with it. An animal extirpated from his habita natural t lose much of its independence to feed, hydrate, move or clean themselves properly. It is basically the actions of their owners that can ensure their survival and well-being.

The growing abandonment of pets has even made it necessary to introduce increasingly numerous economic sanctions and fines in many regions and countries.

We must fight against the trade in animals

When it comes to fighting against the sale of animals and preferring adoption, it is worth remembering these two crucial reasons:

• The first is that trade facilitates unconscious possession. It is simple to buy a newborn puppy without any prior preparation for raising a pet. The company does not take into account the ability to offer a home, adequate assistance or dedication to love and affection. For them, the important thing is to  sell : immediately, quickly, to anyone.
• The second reason is that historically many races have suffered mutilations due to aesthetic patterns or to perform combat functions and forced labor. This is the case with the Pit Bulls, the Cocker Spaniel, the Rottweiler, the Dogo Argentino or the Doberman, among others.

Adoption indicates greater awareness and respect for an animal’s life. It is based on improving the quality of life of thousands of abandoned animals and giving them a second chance. It is the result of generosity and not of a dangerous momentary whim. A relationship of mutual and disinterested cooperation, as every love relationship should be.

What are the pros and cons of adopting an adult dog?

A dog becomes an adult when it reaches 18 months of age. If you are looking for a new four-legged friend, in the municipal kennels and other shelters, you will find many ready for adoption. Unfortunately, advertising, cinema and fashion push the most superficial people to choose a puppy. Except that, after the surprise is over, they realize that the animal grows, becoming bulky and a hard weight to support.

The main advantages of adopting an adult dog

• You offer him  a second chance to give and receive love.
• He will become your best friend and see you as his savior.
• He has many experiences behind him and can convey courage and tenacity.
• He tends to get along well with other animals and people, as he has already got used to it through the socialization process.
• It has a defined character and it is possible to evaluate and choose the dog that best suits your lifestyle.
• You can stay with him immediately, without waiting for vaccinations, having an already educated and trained dog.
• Show a calmer attitude without destructive behavior.
• It is less hyperactive than puppies and more manageable.

Disadvantages of adopting an adult dog

We talked about the pros : now let’s analyze the  cons related to a desirable  adoption of an adult dog. In reality there are no disadvantages . If anything, let’s talk about precautions related to the care that you will have to guarantee to your new four-legged friend:

• Ask the volunteers at the kennel about the character of each animal. This will help you choose the one that best suits your home and lifestyle.
• Before opting for an animal, it is best to try to get to know it better by taking it for a walk and spending a few moments alone with it, before adopting it.
• Establish a friendship with the chosen animal before introducing it into the house: walks, treats, games, caresses …
• Check the degree of socialization of the dog before exposing him to coexistence with other animals and people, especially with children.
• Take him to the vet to check the vaccine and pesticide situation. However, often the same shelters and kennels will give you the animal already checked and with all the medical situation perfectly updated: one less worry!

• Provide a balanced diet and a clean, peaceful home environment.

Source of the main image: Ritmó