You can’t help but melt when you look into the doleful eyes of a grey-muzzled old dog. Senior pets are at the heart of all we do here at VetzPetz, and many of the team have an older dog in their family.

So what is so good about adopting an older dog? Will they fit into your family? Do they need any extra care, and what should you consider when thinking about adopting a senior dog?

When is a dog a senior dog?

The average life expectancy of a dog is 11 years, according to research published in Nature. However, there are so many factors that impact that number that it’s difficult to define for each dog. Breed, weight, health condition and lifestyle are all major players in a dog’s life expectancy. But if we lump dogs into size groups, then small dogs are senior at around 11, medium at about 9 and large dogs at about 7.

However, in most cases, dogs' needs change at a younger age than this, hence why many dog foods recommend changing to a “senior diet” at around 7 years old.

Are older dogs less likely to be adopted?

Around 200,000 dogs enter shelters in Australia every year. Sadly, senior dogs tend to get overlooked and are much harder to rehome than puppies and young dogs. So that’s a lot of gorgeous dogs just waiting for someone to love them.

5 reasons to adopt a senior dog

Need some more convincing that adding an older dog to your family is a good idea? Here are 5 reasons that adopting a senior dog is a great decision.

 

#1 - You know what you’re getting

They’re already fully grown, so you won’t be surprised by them growing bigger than you expected. The shelter will have assessed them fully and may even have their full history from previous owners. They’ll also have had a health check. You’ll have a good idea of what to expect from them in terms of behaviour, temperament and even health. Of course, it will take time for them to settle with you and grow in confidence and personality, but it’s a good starting point.

#2 - Clean floors and carpets - no potty training

Unless they have been a lifelong stray, most shelter dogs will already have at least some toiler training—in many cases, they’ll be fully potty trained. No carpets destroyed, or constant cleaning of floors when they have accidents. They'll also likely have some basic training and understand simple obedience commands.

#3 - They’re less demanding

Puppies are FULL ON. They’re full of energy, bounding about and demanding your attention constantly. Older dogs live life at a more relaxed pace. Of course, they’ll have their moments of madness, and certain breeds will be livelier than others—but as a general rule, older dogs will have lower energy levels. They'll be happier to settle down for a snuggle, and boy, can senior dogs cuddle!

#4 - Old dogs CAN learn new tricks

The old adage, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, is garbage. Of course, you can. And a senior dog will love the challenge of learning something new. Sign up for training classes, or even try a canine sport like dock diving or agility to keep their mind and body active.

#5 - They have plenty of love left to give

Just because they’re older doesn’t mean they’re on their way out. However long they have, every dog deserves a chance to love someone. Once you’ve built their trust, you’ll find they are brimming over with love and loyalty. Their favourite place in the world will be by your side.

 

How to keep your senior dog healthy

• Regular vet checks

Keep on top of your elderly dog’s vaccinations and parasite treatment to keep them in the best health. Your veterinarian will also check their teeth and joints. They may even run blood tests to check their overall health and give you advice to support their long-term health.

• The right diet

When a dog hits 7, their nutritional needs begin to change, and you should consider a senior dog diet that is specially formulated to support them as they age. Look for a diet containing high-quality protein that's packed with antioxidants, has controlled mineral levels, and has added omegas to support their long-term health.

• Support their joints

1 in 5 adult dogs and over 80% of dogs aged 8 and up have signs of arthritis. Looking after your senior dog’s joints is vital to ensuring they can live an active, happy life. Adding a high-quality, science-backed supplement to their daily regime will support their lifelong joint health and quality of life. Keep a spring in their step for years to come!

• Pamper them 

As dogs age, stiffer joints can make grooming themselves more difficult. So treat them to regular sessions at the salon, or give them a good brush and regular bath to keep them looking and feeling fabulous.

• Make things easy

Jumping into the car and zooming around on hard floors can be challenging for older dogs. Make things easy for them with a dog ramp into the car. No more huge leaps. If you have hard floors, consider carpeting or putting down some rugs. Slippery floors are hard for dogs of all ages to manage, but you want to protect your older dog’s mobility as much as possible, so covering slippery surfaces will help prevent slips and slides.

 

Where can I adopt a senior dog?

If you have space in your home and heart for an older dog, visit your local animal shelters. They will be very excited to introduce you to some more elderly residents looking for love.

Adoption fees vary, but you’ll likely find they’re much lower for a senior dog. The RSPCA suggests a puppy’s adoption fee can range from $500 to $3000, but often, there is no fee at all for a senior dog. Think how many toys and treats you could buy them instead!!  

Visithttps://www.rspca.org.au/adopt/ to find your new senior furry friend.

Support your senior dog's joint health with Antinol Plus—a high-quality, science-backed joint supplement that keeps happiness in motion. Get your 60-day risk-free trial here.