It's that time of the year agaaaaain.. No, I am not talking about Christmas, I am talking abouth Adopt a Senior Pet Month.
The perfect time to put these lovely oldies in the spotlight and why everyone should at least once in their live adopt a senior (or at least foster one... Then become a foster failure and adopt!”)
Did you know that adopting a senior dog means that you can skip the chewed-up chairs and potty training and go straight to the best parts of having a dog?
Study after study has shown that blood pressure goes down, cholesterol levels improve, and even heart attack risk declines.. just saying..
So if you are looking for the new anti aging medication.. well, senior dogs may be the secret.. Having an older dog encourages you to get out and exercise, even if it’s just a gentle daily walk. But statistics don’t count the warmth, companionship, and pure love that an older dog can bring into a home.
The word “senior” often receives an unfair negative connotation. Yet, a senior dog is simply the term most veterinarians use to describe a dog over the age of about 7 or 8. This age range can change depending on the size and breed of the dog though.
Giant breeds with shorter lifespans, like Great Danes, may be considered senior by the age of 6. Small or toy breeds, like a Chihuahuas or Jack Russell Terriers, might not be referred to as a senior dog until the age of 10-12. While there’s no exact number or set of factors, a senior dog can simply be thought of as a pup who has entered their golden years.
What Do You Get When You Adopt A Senior Pet?
Adopters who add a senior pet to the family often get an entirely different level of satisfaction from the adoption experience. When you adopt a senior, you’re saving a life. In return, you’ll get lots of love from an amazing companion.
You see these seniors coming out of their shell as soon they are adjusted to their new forever home, showing you their true self: "pure love, silly manners and joy" in one tiny (or big) body.
Senior Dogs Are A Better Fit For Many People’s Lifestyles
Adopting a senior dog is also a great idea for people who have less time on their hands for training and care-taking. While an older dog will still need to be active and enjoy walks around the neighborhood, you probably won't need to spend your time trying to burn off that notorious wild puppy energy with sprint drills at the dog park.. you can just sit with your dog on a parkbench and enjoy each other compagnion while enjoying the outdoors "If you've got a less-active lifestyle, [a senior dog] might be a good fit,"
Unfortunately, millions of puppies and young dogs are given up for adoption, re-homed, or abandoned each year due. Why?
People no longer want to take care of them once they become high-energy and destructive. More people adopting older dogs who better suit their lifestyles is one great solution to this issue.
That said, bringing an older pet home from the shelter or rescue can have its own unique challenges. Sometimes, because the pet is at an advanced age, there can be some extra health issues to consider.
It’s not necessarily “cheap” to care for a senior animal. They’ll need regular vet care, preventative care, and dental care to stay in good health.
But that, by no means, should deter someone from adopting a senior pet. Many older dogs are still healthy and active. In fact, depending on the age and breed of your senior dog, you could likely spend five or many more wonderful years with them.
Senior Pet Adopters Don’t Regret It
Once an adopter goes senior, many say they would never go back to adopting a young whippersnapper. Senior pets often make the most grateful adoptees. And as a dogmom of only senior dogs I fully agree with this.
When an adopter takes home an animal in their later years, that pet tends to know that they’re loved and gives even more love in return. They know they’ve been adopted by their hero!
Enjoy the Golden Years
Senior dogs deserve to live their final years in a loving home that's safe and secure.
Unfortunately, many older dogs are abandoned at shelters once they start experiencing signs of age, like health issues, or if their owner can no longer care for them. But noisy, crowded shelters can be physically and emotionally difficult for dogs, especially ones who are used to living inside a home.
Adopting a senior pup allows them to find care and comfort with their forever family—and they show their thanks with love and companionship.
signed,
a 'Senior Dog' mom-O-Holic of 3 oldies