Will your older dog care if you bring a puppy home? What if your older dog is ill? This is a concern one of our Dog Mom readers brought to our attention. She wrote:
I have a 12-year-old dog with lymphoma and we are thinking about getting a new puppy. Has anyone done something similar before? Do I need to worry about my current dog feeling like he’s being replaced or pushed away? Any tips? Any advice? Anyone suggesting I don’t do this?
I feel it is a very valid concern! Our dogs are part of our family, and we know they have feelings just like the rest of us. Moms of small humans often get concerned that their older kids will feel left out when the baby comes. Why wouldn’t a Dog Mom have the same concerns?
Will Your Older Dog Care If You Bring A Puppy Home?
Having a dog who is ill and getting up there in age can take a toll on everyone’s emotions, even his. Our dogs often feed off of our own emotions as well. Are you sitting around the house now, not doing anything with your dog that you used to do because he might not have the energy to do all the things he used to love doing? If you are thinking of bringing a puppy home and worried about your older dog’s feelings, I think he might actually enjoy it!
A puppy may put a little spring in your old dog’s step!
Puppies bring lots of energy to a home! While your older dog might not have the same level of energy, a puppy could be good for him. Your new puppy will want to play with your older dog, and while your older dog might want nothing to do with him at first, just sit back and watch the bond grow. You might witness some great moments between them when they think you aren’t looking!
Your older dog might, at first, look at your new puppy, full of energy, a little strange and might wonder what you were thinking, but ultimately, he will probably enjoy having a little buddy. Dog’s can be like four-legged kids; be sure to give him enough attention as well on his own, so he doesn’t feel like he is being pushed away by this bouncing ball of energy.
If you and your family are wanting to add a puppy to your family, I say do it! You and I both know you aren’t going to ‘forget’ about your older dog. He will get attention like he always does and he might even be a little more playful than you see him now!
