5 Things to Know Before Adopting a Senior Dog
There’s no debating that puppies are a popular choice among people deciding to adopt. They’re so tiny and wiggly and cuddly—we certainly get it! On the other hand, many people shy away from the senior dogs, no matter how sweet, cute, and loving they are, for fear of not knowing how to manage the issues they might have, such as decreased mobility. The truth is that these issues are easily manageable with the right knowledge and tools. Plus, senior dogs are bursting with love and are an absolute joy to be around (not to mention already potty trained)! Here are a few things you should know before adopting a senior dog:
1) Arthritis is normal and manageable
How many folks do you know who have arthritis and are still living a happy life? Arthritis is a natural part of the aging process in which the cartilage in our joints starts to wear down, oftentimes resulting in joint stiffness and sometimes pain. There are ways it can be managed, however, ensuring a high quality of life and plenty of happy memories for you and your senior dog to make together. Home modifications, a home strengthening program, and/or supplements can all work to keep your senior dog as active and pain-free as possible.
2) Home modifications might be needed (or: can be easily implemented)
Should your senior dog have any issues with mobility, there are plenty of products out there that can make a huge difference in their ability to get around the house or community. From foldable ramps for boarding or exiting your car, to non-slip mats to make walking on hardwood floors a lot less strenuous, you’ll be able to keep your senior dog on the move.
3) Age is just a number
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you know that “bench-pressing 70-year-old” is not an oxymoron. Age truly is just a number when it comes to being physically fit and capable of independent movement. Keeping your senior dog active is the best way to ensure that they stay active. And if you’re dealing with a face-licker who likes to loaf, you can always start small with shorter walks or games that encourage them to get up off their tail!
4) Mental health is just as important as physical activity
Just like in humans, the biggest risk factor for dementia in canines is age. A combination of regular mental stimulation, a well-balanced diet, nutritional supplements, and physical activity, however, can help to ward off or delay the onset of this condition. One simple way to provide much-needed mental stimulation is to vary the walking path you take together for new sights and smells. Enrichment toys, like feeding puzzles, are another option for engaging your senior dog’s brain to keep them sharp. To learn more about canine dementia and what you can do to help, check out this blog post.
5) Senior dogs are wonderful fur babies
There are few things as rewarding as giving a senior dog a comfortable place to call home. Compared to other dogs, senior dogs wait an average of four times longer to get adopted, if they get adopted at all. People might think the dog has been given up because something is wrong with him or her, but the majority of the time the reason has more to do with changes in the previous owner’s life, like a big move or a new job with new hours. Sadly, many people give up their senior dog due to old age and not knowing how or wanting to care for their dog in the golden years. Perhaps they would hold onto their precious pup if they knew how to give them a high quality of life using the knowledge above!
Featured on this post is Joan from One Tail at a Time. She is a sweet 7-year old senior lady looking for a comfy bed to rest on and a human to love her. She spends most of her time sleeping on her dog bed and snoring loudly but she definitely shows her spunk when she goes our for a walk. She loves to leisurely stroll and put her nose to work on walks, smelling all the smells. She likes to bury her toys and treats in blankets and getting all the head scratches she can get. Check out One Tail at a Time or your local rescue group to find the perfect senior dog looking for a forever home.
~TheK9PT
Dr. Francisco Maia, PT, DPT, CCRT
In collaboration with:
Dr. Aliya Bahjet, PT, DPT
Professional Writer and Physical Therapist