We think these strategies from one of our favorite holistic veterinarians, Dr. Karen Becker, will be super helpful for those of you contemplating the addition of a younger family member to your pet household. It doesn't have to be a super young pup or tiny kitten—these tips are meant to address any significantly younger animal who is more energetic or playful than your senior pet.
Parental Unit has made such introductions both ways: First, she introduced Ms. Bella as a two month old kitten to her then 13 year old doggie, Carson. Since Carson had always been the only pet in the household, she was afraid of hurting his feelings or making him feel displaced. She needn't have worried—Bella just wanted to snuggle up (and occasionally jump over the old man), and Carson seemed to enjoy the companionship.
After Carson passed away, and I came into the picture, Bella is still the snuggler, although we have a nightly bit of rough and tumble play...typically just as Parental Unit is sitting down to dinner. As you might recall from all of our previous photos together, Bella quite literally never lets me alone!
So I turned the table on her, so to speak.
To us, the most important tips are to put the senior pets needs first, as much as possible, feed each pet in a separate area, and supervise their time together until you are absolutely sure they get along. We'd love to hear your experiences with these type of introductions, so please do tell!
Parental Unit has made such introductions both ways: First, she introduced Ms. Bella as a two month old kitten to her then 13 year old doggie, Carson. Since Carson had always been the only pet in the household, she was afraid of hurting his feelings or making him feel displaced. She needn't have worried—Bella just wanted to snuggle up (and occasionally jump over the old man), and Carson seemed to enjoy the companionship.
After Carson passed away, and I came into the picture, Bella is still the snuggler, although we have a nightly bit of rough and tumble play...typically just as Parental Unit is sitting down to dinner. As you might recall from all of our previous photos together, Bella quite literally never lets me alone!
I'm kinda feeling used in this photo...
So I turned the table on her, so to speak.
To us, the most important tips are to put the senior pets needs first, as much as possible, feed each pet in a separate area, and supervise their time together until you are absolutely sure they get along. We'd love to hear your experiences with these type of introductions, so please do tell!
