Five Reasons to Consider Senior Pet Adoption

When it comes to senior pets, there’s a lot to love—just look at those frosted faces! Sure they require a bit of patience (don’t we all?!), but in return, you get that fuzzy feeling inside knowing you gave an innocent animal a second chance at a loving home and the opportunity to live out its life with a family that really cares. Not to mention, you get unconditional love!

But that’s not all you gain. When searching for your next furry family member, there are so many reasons to consider senior pet adoption, and in honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, we’re sharing our top five:

1. They can learn new tricks!
   Believe it or not, you can teach old dogs new tricks. In fact, they’re often just as intelligent as younger pets, if not more, and can be easier to train because they’re typically calmer and have a greater attention span.
2. They’re housebroken.
   When you choose the senior pet adoption route, not only will your new best pal thank you, but so will your carpet…and your furniture…and your shoes—shall we go on? Most often, senior pets will come with manners, and they’re much less destructive than a puppy or kitten. That’s not to say that with their old age, they won’t let out an accidental piddle here and there, but that just comes with the territory! And it’s worth it.
3. They’re laid-back!
   Not only are years of fun, love, and pure entertainment still ahead, but senior pets are often undemanding and require less time and supervision (and fewer overnight potty breaks). Outside of general age-appropriate care, all they need is a cozy couch to potato on and some daily snacks to keep them satisfied. With a new senior friend by your side, your quiet night in only gets better.
4. What you see is what you get.
   And what you see is adorable! That’s because no matter the age, dogs and cats retain their cuteness. Plus, from the start, you know things like their full-grown size, coat and grooming requirements, and unique personality. This greatly helps in your senior dog adoption selection and choosing the right companion—no surprises!
5. They are appreciative of your decision.
   You may not know this, but it’s believed that dogs are aware of how loved they are, and senior dogs who have finally been adopted are aware of just how fortunate they are, and they appreciate this new chance they’re given! From their perspective, life is good; they’ve got a cozy place to call home and extra attention (and treats and pets) they weren’t getting before.

Senior Pet Care

As our pets age, they become less mobile and will need help getting in and out of the car or up and down the stairs, their hearing and vision worsen, and daily exercise becomes more exhausting. While the care that each senior pet requires depends a lot on each animal, there are some general senior pet care guidelines you can follow to keep them happy and healthy. These include:

1. Schedule regular vet visits
2. Continue with daily exercise to keep joints strong
3. Make “senior-friendly” home accommodations
4. Maintain oral health
5. Begin/keep up with vaccination and parasite protection
6. Maintain regular grooming/hygiene
7. Spend some extra quality time together

For a more detailed list of the above senior pet care best practices, visit our recent elder pet care blog. In addition to these few suggestions, when it comes to senior pet care, it’s essential to modify your pet’s diet to age-appropriate food and ensure you’re feeding them only the best senior pet food possible. The greatest way to guarantee this is by consulting your veterinarian following your senior pet adoption to discuss the various brands available that best match your new pet’s treatment plan.

Love truly has no limit, and senior dogs need homes, too! They’re just as loyal, loving, and deserving as any other and should not be passed up just because they’re a little bit older. As we celebrate Adopt a Senior Pet Month and you look to grow your family, we encourage you to remember these few benefits and consider senior pet adoption. We promise it will be just as rewarding for you as it will be for your new four-legged friend.