Should I Adopt a Senior Dog?

Should I Adopt a Senior Dog?

Many of you have expressed your desire to adopt a dog recently, and many of you have over the last year. I hear this question a lot asking if someone should adopt a senior baby rather than a young dog or a puppy. There are plus points for both of those, but for today I am going to share with you the reasons why you should consider adopting a senior dog!

Now first, what constitutes a senior dog in age? In the Dog Aging Project, they say that while we can recognize an aging dog it is more intricate to truly define aging. They said that the term “senior” can be described as an aging pet, but the number of years considered to be “senior” varies and a significant factor is based on size. Other identifiers like species, breed, and the state of their organs can also help determine if a dog has reached old age. Here's what researchers had to say: small breeds ranging between 2 and 20 pounds and medium breeds between 21 and 50 pounds are considered seniors at 7 – 10 years old. Large breeds from 51 to 90 pounds are considered seniors at 5 to 8 years old. Giant breeds from ninety plus pounds are considered seniors at 5 years old.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) published Senior Care Guidelines recommending that we approach senior status when the dogs are in the last 25% of their expected lifespan. There are additional physical, behavioral, and cognitive signs that help determine if our dog is in senior status. The takeaway here is that you can adopt a “senior” dog and have MANY years left to spend with them! Here are some great reasons why you should go out and adopt one right now, or two!

One, senior dogs are already housebroken so they understand routines. If there are a few missteps, they notice routines very well once they’ve had time to decompress and acclimate to your home. If you do have a more pressing issue, it could be that your new friend has a medical hiccup or is having challenges adjusting. Both, medical and behavioral can be readily checked out and worked through though so please do not let that deter you. These dogs are so smart and will be a model family member in no time.

Two, an older dog has already gone through puppyhood, so this means they are usually calmer or more laid back. Sure, they will still run figure eights around you in the park at times from excitement or joy but often they are calmer. They also know the routines of car trips or vet visits and are easy to travel with actually!

Three, you also know what their personality is like by this point. Puppies grow into their personalities, and it takes some time to see just what their temperament is like and who they really end up being. So, all those points about taking the best care of your puppies and bringing them up with love comes into play here. With a senior dog you know what they really love to do, and what they need to feel secure and happy. Plus, they communicate well. If you find they need some top up training they are smart enough to keep learning and absolutely can. Do not think they can’t keep learning.

Four, Senior dogs may be more affectionate. A lot of people love to have the type of dog who will curl up at their feet or share their bed at night or take walks with them. Senior dogs fit that bill! Few things are better in the day than coming home to a precious soul ready to love on you and hear all your stories from the day.

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