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What to Know Before Adopting a Senior Dog

Bless your heart for adopting an older dog. Before you take your dog home, here's what to know before adopting a senior dog.

By Jacqueline HanikehPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Adopting dogs in general is one of the more exciting events in life. You're basically bringing in another member to your lovable family! Dogs are the greatest (sorry, cat lovers), because they're literally your best friend and will almost always find moments to cuddle with you. Nothing beats coming home from a long day and seeing your dog jumping in joy behind the window at the sight of you. And once you walk in, it's all hugs and kisses — this beats any greeting, ever.

But what really warms our hearts are those who adopt senior dogs. Yes, older and much wiser dogs, who some of them, are a bit lazier and more slow moving. It's seen that they're more calm than younger dogs, because they don't have the same amount of energy they had when they were younger (so cute, my heart hurts).

Even though adopting an older dog is very exciting, there are tips and advice that you should definitely acknowledge. So, here is what to know before adopting a senior dog — and once you got everything down, loving your old mutt will be a better experience.

They’re calmer than younger dogs.

When it comes to what to know before adopting a senior dog, your dog is most likely much more calm than younger dogs. Yes, most of us know that dogs in general are just one big energetic ball of fur, but you have to acknowledge that not all dogs are like that — including your older dog.

Your dog might not always want to play fetch or chase you or other animals like squirrels, your dog is much cooler than that. He'll probably want to lay down most of the time during the day and even nap. Since they're older, the energy they once had has drained out of them, leaving them as lazy, but cuddly and lovable dogs.

Give your senior dog a comfortable stay.

Like I said before, senior dogs will almost always lay down and nap throughout the day. Therefore, you should always give him/her a comfortable stay.

Provide your old one with a soft dog bed, pillows, or even allow him to chill on your own bed — the more room, the better. So, know what to buy before you bring him home. Also, your dog is fragile at their age, so never be too rough on them, no matter how much you want to play with your senior mutt. But cuddling is OK... cuddling is always good.

They’re probably well trained.

Since senior dogs lived longer lives than younger pups, they're most likely trained fairly well. They probably know how to eat and drink properly, and also use the bathroom like a pro. Who knows, if you tell your older one to sit, she might even sit! It's possible that they learned a few tricks back in the day, but they might not have the energy to pull them off like a pro, anymore.

Just something to acknowledge from what to know before adopting a senior dog. All of the training ideas you intended on giving your senior dog might all be covered already!

Check if your old dog has health problems.

Just like humans, older dogs can deal with health problems the older they get — totally normal. So, don't be bummed out if he has vision or hearing loss or if she has arthritis, it's common for older dogs to possess these health issues.

So, before adopting your dog, ask about any health problems that your dog might have. They'll usually provide you with any if he's suffering with a few, but ask if they don't. It's crucial to know what your old dog has and doesn't have when it comes to what to know before adopting a senior dog.

It will have more medical expenses.

If you're old, cuddling canine is suffering with health problems, they will most likely take medications to manage them. So, from what to know before adopting a senior dog, in this case, you're going to have to know to buy the medications if you want to keep your old one happy and healthy.

But know that aging dogs are expensive. You might have to take him to the vet quite often for any rectal exams, fecal tests, blood tests, and other check ups to see how your dog is doing. There is also a chance that your dog might need to go under surgical procedures for a health issue. But once they're back on their feet, they'll be happier!

Remember, your dog is much older.

From what to know before adopting a senior dog, your dog isn't like younger dogs, something to always keep in mind. Therefore, each and every single day for however many months, or possibly years you spend with your old one, you should spend them with the most care and gentle love. As sad as it sounds, you'll never know how long your dog will go for, so always make your moments together the best and most memorable!

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About the Creator

Jacqueline Hanikeh

Reading good literature plays a huge role in my life — and so does online shopping and wine.

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