What To Expect When You Adopt a Senior Dog
Senior dogs are really special. They have wisdom and experience, and still exhibit a playful and adoring attitude. Sadly, many senior pets find themselves in need of a new home, and a lot of them are overlooked because of their age. But the truth is seniors still have a lot of life to live and loads of love to give.
There are many benefits that come with adopting a senior dog, so if you’ve been thinking about getting a dog, consider an older pooch. Here’s a bit of what you can generally expect when bringing a senior home.
Senior Dogs Benefit from Exercise, Play, and Training
Just because a dog is a senior doesn’t mean they don’t want to get outside to take in the sights, sounds, and smells, and it doesn’t mean they don’t like to get some daily exercise and play. They can even benefit from training that provides mental stimulation.
Senior dogs may not need as much exercise and play as younger dogs, and this can make them a better match for pet parents who aren’t as physically active or don’t have the time to play with a high-energy pooch. But seniors should still get the chance to be active, whether indoors with toys or outside, every day.
Take walks with your senior dog, even if they’re shorter than they would be with a younger pup. You can also play with them in your backyard to keep them moving. And taking them on little adventures, like trips to the beach, can be loads of fun.
Another nice thing about senior dogs is that they’re usually already housebroken and trained to behave well. But this doesn’t mean they won’t be able to learn new things, including the specific rules of your household and some fun tricks.
In addition to keeping them physically active, you can keep a senior dog mentally active by teaching them tricks and rewarding them as they master new skills. You might even be able to teach your pet to use speech buttons to communicate their needs.
Work with your dog and their condition, as some may need to take more breaks or might only need one session of gentle activity daily. You don’t want them to be too sedentary, but you also don’t want to overdo it. Consult your veterinarian if you aren’t sure what activity level is right for your senior.
Choose Products Geared Toward Senior Dogs
There are products for dogs at every life stage, from puppies to seniors, so check out the many items available to help your dog feel more comfortable at home and on the go.
When out and about, you might opt to use a safe and supportive harness instead of a collar that could harm a dog’s neck. And you can use products like booties to protect their paws from injuries.
Also, seniors might be more sensitive to the cold and heat, so protect them from problems like hypothermia and heatstroke by using items like canine jackets and cooling products, depending on the season.
Indoors, you can use products like steps and ramps to make it easier for your dog to get on and off the couch or bed. Consider options like the PetSafe CozyUp Folding Pet Steps, which are stable and feature side rails and treads for safety.
To make it easier for your senior dog to eat and drink, use a platform to elevate their bowls. A great example is the Neater Pets Deluxe Neater Feeder with Leg Extensions, which holds a food bowl and a water bowl and helps prevent messes while making it possible for your dog to reach the bowls without straining their neck.
Orthopedic pet beds that provide extra support can be beneficial if your dog experiences joint pain that comes with conditions like arthritis.
Always consult your veterinarian about your senior’s specific needs, as they might also need medications, supplements, and other products to support their health if they have a medical condition.
Your Senior Dog’s Personality Will Shine Once They Feel at Home
Your senior dog will likely need time to adjust to their new home, so be patient. Follow the 3-3-3 rule for adopted dogs to help them acclimate to their new environment and family.
Every dog is an individual with a unique past, so they’ll adjust at different speeds—some might be fine in a few days while others might take months to feel at ease. Seniors who spent a lot of time in a shelter, experienced abuse or the passing of their owner, or were abandoned by their humans might have a harder time adjusting.
See things from your pet’s perspective to understand why they might be withdrawn, sad, stressed, or anxious at first. Keep things positive, take things slowly, and show them that you love them and they’re safe.
If you find that they’re really struggling, consider talking to a shelter/rescue expert, veterinarian, or dog behaviorist for advice.
Are You Ready to Adopt a Senior Dog?
Now that you know a little more about what to expect when adopting a senior dog, if you’re ready to open your home to a special pooch in need, check your local shelters to find your new best friend.
Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.
More by Lisa Selvaggio
