When it comes to dog adoption, most people think of adopting a puppy, usually because the puppy can “grow” with the family and be taught from scratch. And besides, puppies are super cute – right?
Sadly, older or senior dogs are the lowest on the list of dogs that get adopted.
Many senior dogs live out their days at shelters or are humanely euthanized when they no longer have a quality life. Few people have the heart to adopt an older dog. But those sad and wisened eyes, gray muzzle, and forlorn stare can be changed to a happy dog once more with love and care if you decide to give them love in their last days.
People often ask me what exactly makes a dog a senior, whether they should consider adopting a senior dog, and what its benefits are. I love my oldies, and I can’t imagine life without them, and I’m sure with the right senior dog in your home, you won’t be able to either.
What Defines a Senior Dog
A senior dog is no longer a puppy or a young dog. Most often, it’s a dog older than 7 years and has begun to show a decline in health due to age. Some senior dogs are still healthy, able to run and play and have a full range of movement, but they require gentle care and understanding.
Dogs that have been injured in their younger years may become seniors much sooner in life. So, a senior dog can also be a dog that’s suffered health decline despite being younger than 7.
Benefits to Senior Dogs to Be Rehomed
But let’s get right into it: Why would someone choose to adopt a senior dog or accept a dog that’s no longer a youngster as a rehoming dog?
Firstly, it’s an act of love. An older dog has moved beyond the “new” potential that a young puppy offers. They’ve been around the block, and they bring some history with them. But they are still ready to love and want to live.
When a senior dog gets adopted, they:
- Have a chance at life beyond the kennel again.
- Can bond with a new family and love that family as their own.
- Feel like they belong and like they haven’t been abandoned.
- Get more exercise, which can help their health improve.
- Find a family who is willing to take care of them and tend to their needs.
- Feel safe and like they matter again.
- Are allowed to live longer, to the end of their days, or until it’s necessary to help them across the rainbow bridge if their health is failing.
Benefits to People When Adopting a Senior Dog
Now for the brave souls who adopt senior dogs. Anyone can adopt a senior dog, but many people don’t want the cost or care that comes with one. Some people love older dogs, but they believe it’s too sad to know that a senior dog is not going to live as long as a puppy.
However, there are many benefits to adopting a senior dog, and here’s why you should consider that golden oldie lying in the far kennel before giving your heart to a new puppy.
Your heart overflows with love
Adopting an older dog is sure to flood you with love. Caring, expressing such an act of charity and kindness, and committing to another grateful soul are sure to produce oxytocin, which will help you feel better.
Mental health is such a pertinent consideration in our busy world, so a simple treatment could be to love an older dog. Far from being boisterous like a puppy, an older dog has settled down, and it wants to be right next to you all the time, which is precisely what the doctor may have ordered if you are battling depression or anxiety.
Older dogs are usually better trained
Want a dog but just can’t imagine going through the puppy phase or chewing, peeing, and requiring hours of exercise? Well, an older dog is perfect for you then as they have already played to their heart’s content, and aside from the occasional romp, an older dog will love lazing with you on the sofa or hanging with a pupp-corn and some Netflix.
Additionally, if you choose an older dog with good foundational training, you will find a well-mannered bestie to join your life.
You know what you are getting into
When you adopt an older dog, you probably know their temperament, which you may not always see clearly in a puppy. A young dog still has to grow into who they will become, while an older or senior dog already has a clear idea of themselves.
It’s much easier to see if you fit with an older dog than a puppy. Senior dogs have also shown their health issues by this time, so you know you have to bargain on specific medications to help manage pain, inflammation, and more.
You also know exactly how big the dog will be, as an older dog has finished growing, while you can seriously misjudge a puppy. My friend adopted a puppy as a lap dog only to have the dog grow much too big for her lap!
Do your bit for society
Let’s face it: animal shelters are bursting out of the seams across the world. Puppies are easily adopted out, but senior dogs, especially those with health conditions, hang around and live a life of misery. While the shelter provides food and shelter, it’s not possible for limited staff to love and spoil all the dogs.
By adopting an older dog, you are alleviating the pressure on shelters and doing your bit to help reduce the prevalence of puppy mills, which overbreed their dogs to get as many puppies to sell as possible.
Issues with Adopting a Senior Dog
Is adopting a senior dog a match made in heaven? Not always.
Senior dogs have already formed a strong personality, and if you’re not used to interacting with a mature dog (that you haven’t raised from birth), you may find this a real challenge.
Here are a few honest issues you may pick up with adopting a senior dog, but I’ve also included some solutions to help you manage:
Poor training
Older dogs don’t necessarily have the best training. It may be up to you to retrain your new bestie, which can be challenging if they are wary or aggressive. Don’t hesitate to get a pro to help you train your senior dog.
Unlike a puppy that will only snap at you, an older dog may bite you quite seriously if you push them too hard in training. But with love and patience, you can do it.
Incontinence issues
Senior dogs often struggle with incontinence, whether that’s a full-blown need for dog diapers or an over-excited dribble that happens. It can be overwhelming if you’ve never worked with a dog that has incontinence needs before – just like caring for an aging parent with incontinence needs may be.
Get help. Look up care associations that can help you and advise you on the costs, time investment, and methods of caring for a dog with special needs. Caring for an aging pet can be rewarding and a deep bonding experience. Check our article on how to naturally relieve the symptoms of incontinence in elderly dogs.
Health needs
If you adopt a senior pet, they may be at the later end of life, and this could mean they need special care for arthritis, hip dysplasia, blindness, and lack of mobility. Some issues may be due to neglect in their previous home, and with time and effort, you can restore some health to your pet.
However, their health will never be like that of a puppy. You should prepare yourself for their needs and have realistic expectations of what you and your fur baby can accomplish together in their golden years.
End of life
It’s one of the hardest things to do to decide to have a beloved dog humanely euthanized if they are in too much pain and you’ve exhausted all medical options. Some people can’t make the call, and they’d rather give up their dog for adoption than face that choice themselves. This is often how elderly pets get into the adoption system.
When adopting a senior pet, remember that you’re not likely to get the 12-20-year lifespan a puppy has. You may need to say goodbye to your new friend much sooner—in a matter of months or even years.
More Jack’s Dacks Articles
- Tips For a Young Dog and a Senior Dog
- 5 Dog Hiking Backpacks for Trail Buddies—Leave No Dog Behind
- 18 Signs of Aging in Dogs and What to Do in Each Case
Final Adoptions
Adopting a senior dog isn’t for everyone, but it’s something that we should start normalizing so these beloved golden oldies can have a last shot at life instead of facing the final walk in a shelter.
If you love a dog very much and it is getting on in years, it’s so important to continue loving it, even if you don’t think you can face losing it. Never give up, and never surrender your beloved dog as long as you can meet its health needs and ensure a quality of life.
Should your heart be big enough, consider opening your doors to an oldie in need and sharing the last of their days with your family as you love them and wrap them in joy.