Opt to Adopt a Senior Dog

While many families often decide to adopt a puppy, many senior dogs stay in shelters awaiting loving homes.

Ending up in a shelter may not have been the older dog’s fault, says Brent Hinton, former Kentucky Humane Society director and current CEO of PetFirst Healthcare. “Most end up in shelters because their previous owner’s lifestyle changed, not because the animal has medical or behavioral problems.”

In honor of the final day of Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month in November, here are several of the many reasons why senior dogs make excellent canine companions.

• They are already housetrained.
• They understand “no.”
• They settle in easily and become instant companions.
• They are loving and grateful to have been given a second chance.
• They are accustomed to schedules and do not need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

However, advanced age does often require more medical supervision. Heed the following recommendations to ensure a healthy life for your older dog.

• Establish a relationship with your veterinarian and maintain regular visits.
• Research symptoms of conditions common to older pets and alert your vet if any arise.
• Do not overfeed your pet.
• Make sure your pet receives adequate exercise.
• Use regular flea and tick preventives.

For more information on senior dogs, click here.