It's impossible not to feel a pang of emotion when you look into the wistful eyes of an old dog with a grey muzzle. Senior dogs are at the heart of everything we do here at VetzPetz, and many members of the team have a senior dog in their family.
So why adopt an older dog? Will he fit into your family? Does he need special care, and what should you consider when adopting an older dog?
When is a dog considered an older dog?
According to a study published in Nature, the average lifespan of a dog is 11 years. However, so many factors influence this figure that it's difficult to define it precisely for each individual dog. Breed, weight, health, and lifestyle are all important factors influencing a dog's lifespan. But if we categorize dogs by size, small dogs are considered older at around 11 years, medium-sized dogs at around 9 years, and large dogs at around 7 years.
In most cases, however, the needs of dogs change at a younger age than this, which is why many dog food manufacturers recommend switching to "senior food" at around 7 years of age.
Are older dogs adopted less often?
Approximately 20% of British dogs are adopted from animal shelters, but it can take three times longer for them to find a new home compared to puppies and young dogs.
5 reasons to adopt an older dog
Do you still need some more convincing that adding an older dog to your family is a good idea? Here are 5 reasons why adopting a senior dog is a great decision.
#1 – You know what you're getting into
These dogs are already fully grown, so you won't be surprised that they end up bigger than you expected. The shelter will have assessed them and may even have their full history from previous owners. Their health will also have been checked. You'll have a good idea of what to expect in terms of behavior, temperament, and even health. Of course, it will take some time for them to settle in with you and develop confidence and personality, but it's a great starting point.
#2 – Clean floors and carpets – no home workouts
Unless they've been strays their whole lives, most shelter dogs will already be partially house-trained – in many cases, they're fully house-trained. No more ravaged carpets or constant floor cleaning after accidents. They'll likely have also undergone basic training and understand simple commands.
#3 – They are less demanding
Puppies are DEMANDING. They're full of energy and constantly demand your attention. Older dogs live at a more relaxed pace. Of course, they'll have their amazing moments, and certain breeds will be more lively than others, but generally, older dogs will have a lower energy level. They prefer cuddles, and oh boy, can older dogs cuddle!
#4 – Old dogs CAN learn new tricks
The old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," is nonsense! Of course it's possible. And an older dog will love the challenge of learning something new. Sign up for training classes or even try a dog sport like flyball or agility to keep their mind and body active.
#5 – You still have so much love to give
Just because they're older doesn't mean they won't have much time left. No matter how much time they have left, every dog deserves the chance to love someone. Once you've earned their trust, you'll find they're overflowing with love and loyalty. Their favorite place in the world will be by your side.
How to keep your older dog healthy
● Regular veterinary check-ups
Make sure your older dog is vaccinated and treated for parasites to keep him healthy. Your veterinarian will also examine his teeth and joints. They may even perform blood tests to check his overall health and give you advice on how to support his long-term well-being.
● The right diet
When a dog reaches 7 years of age, its nutritional needs begin to change, and you should consider a senior dog food specifically formulated to support its needs as it ages. Look for a food with high-quality proteins, rich in antioxidants, with controlled mineral levels and added omega fatty acids to support its long-term health.
● Support his joints
Over 80% of dogs aged 8 and older would benefit from joint support. Caring for your senior dog's joints is crucial to ensuring they can live an active, happy life. By incorporating a high-quality, scientifically proven supplement into their daily routine, you'll support lifelong joint health and quality of life. Give them a boost.
● Pamper him
As dogs age, it becomes more difficult for them to groom themselves. So treat your dog to regular grooming appointments, brush them thoroughly, or bathe them regularly to keep them looking and feeling fabulous.
● Simplify everything
Jumping into the car and zooming around on hard floors can be challenging for older dogs. Make it easy for them with a dog ramp. No more big jumps! If you have hard floors, consider a rug or some runners. Slippery floors are difficult for dogs of all ages to navigate, but you want to support your older dog's mobility as much as possible, so covering slippery surfaces helps prevent slipping and sliding.
Where can I adopt an older dog?
If you have room in your home and heart for an older dog, contact your local animal shelter. They will be delighted to introduce you to some of their senior residents who are looking for love.
The adoption fee varies, but you can expect to pay around £200. This supports the work of your local adoption center, which is dedicated to protecting dogs and cats in your community. They keep them safe, healthy, and off the streets until someone like you comes along.
We at VetzPetz support the older dogs and cats in the care of FindUS . Why not check if any of the dogs in their care are looking for a new home?
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