Senior Dog Comfort & Care

It can be tempting to rush introductions between a new dog and your current dog. But hold your horses! It’s best to keep introductions low-key and go at a slower pace to ensure that both your resident dog and your new addition are comfortable.

Ideally, start with a parallel leashed walk in a neutral area. This helps prevent territorial aggression. Walk at a distance from one another, slowly getting closer if each dog remains calm and polite. As they get used to the other’s presence, you can allow them to greet for a few seconds at a time to get some sniffs in.

Senior dogs may not be as accepting of puppies or younger whippersnappers as they used to be. If you’re bringing home an energetic new furball, make sure to provide your senior dog with a separate safe space. Supervise and manage the younger dog so they don’t overwhelm or pester your older dog — even if they are doing well and playing, you don’t want the senior dog accidentally injured from rough play.

It may take a few days or more for a dog to get used to the idea of a new “sibling.” Go at their pace, and don’t force it. If they’re still having trouble after a couple of weeks, connect with a certified dog trainer for help.