Will your new puppy and senior dog get along?
Introducing a new puppy to your family is exciting, but it’s crucial to always be mindful of your senior dog’s needs. By making the right considerations, using thoughtful management, and addressing everyone’s overall mental and physical health, you’ll set them up for a smoother transition.
At Petroglyph Animal Hospital, our veterinarians in Rio Rancho can support your dogs during this time by ensuring they remain healthy and cared for. Here are some steps to help introduce your puppy to your senior dog.
Choosing the Right Puppy for Your Family
Before choosing a puppy for your family, you must consider the temperament and needs of your senior dog. Consider how your senior dog’s characteristics would align with the new puppy:
- Size
- Physical fitness
- Medical history
- Personality
Conduct thorough research into different dog breeds assessing temperament and activity levels and how those characteristics would affect your senior dog.
For example, an energetic, large-breed puppy may become overwhelming for a smaller senior dog with substantive health issues. On the other hand, a senior dog that’s still active may benefit from an energetic puppy.
When in doubt, you can always speak to our Rio Rancho veterinarians about what kind of puppy they’d suggest for your senior dog!
Ensuring Everyone’s Health Is in Good Order
It’s best to have your new puppy examined by a veterinarian before introducing them to your senior dog. This keeps any health issues your puppy may have from possibly affecting your older dog.
Both your puppy and senior dog should be fully vaccinated. Your vet will determine when to begin puppy shots, but expect your young addition to receive these core vaccinations:
- Distemper
- Hepatitis (Adenovirus 2)
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus
- Rabies (Given at 12 weeks, boosted at one year)
Depending on where you live and your puppy’s and senior dog’s risks for exposure, your vet may recommend these optional vaccinations:
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme
Placing Your Senior Dog’s Needs First
Your senior dog has developed routines and expectations over the years, and disruptions to these routines and to their environment can cause anxiety. This may result in poor appetite, disrupted sleep, or being quick to snap or bite.
Once your new puppy is home, go slow with the introductions, like you would for any new household members.
Crate train your puppy so that they have a safe, welcoming spot to be confined when your senior dog has had enough puppy time. Keep your puppy away from your senior dog’s favorite resting spot so there’s still a place your senior can go to truly relax without any social pressure from the puppy.
Feed your senior dog and puppy in different rooms or separated by a barrier. Ensure that good things happen for your senior dog – treats or attention – whenever your puppy appears so that the puppy predicts good stuff for your senior – and vice versa!
Play games (and training games) with your puppy so they know they have other sources of amusement besides tormenting your older pup.
These gestures help your older dog feel comfortable and positive around the new addition. At the same time, your puppy will get some good experience with self-control and finding fun things to do on their own that don’t involve your senior dog.
Supervising Their Interactions
Until you know how your older dog and puppy will get along, never leave your puppy loose in the home while you’re away. Crate train your puppy to keep your puppy safe and unable to disturb your older dog.
It may take days to months before the 2 pets can roam freely in your home without supervision. Just remember to be patient and supportive during this transition.
Other situations to supervise until the 2 dogs become comfortable with each other are meal, treat, and play times.
Either dog may guard resources and start fights over anything they find valuable, such as food, treats, toys, beds, or you. Manage these activities closely in the beginning until you know that they will get along during these times. You’ll also be able to identify the problem items that may require lifelong management to enjoy and keep safe.
Our Rio Rancho Veterinarians Will Keep Your Puppy and Senior Dog Healthy and Happy
Whether your furry family needs exams, shots, or guidance, trust that Petroglyph Animal Hospital will be there to help. We’ll ensure your dogs and puppies are cared for in the most compassionate way.
Contact us today to schedule your furry loved one’s appointment with the most experienced veterinarians in Rio Rancho!