Adopting a senior dog can be quite rewarding. Plus, most senior dogs have some basic training, as they have likely lived in a home earlier. That said, it is important to understand that they might need time to adjust to the new environment. Keeping a few things in mind before adopting a senior dog can help pet parents prepare better and make the transition to a new home smoother for the pet.
1. Learn about its possible physical challenges
Dogs, like humans, slow down as they age, and doing routine activities becomes challenging over time. When adopting a senior dog, pet parents must understand that older dogs may rise slowly and may not greet as energetically as younger dogs do. Besides this, they will spend most of their time sleeping.
Senior dogs may also have pre-existing health problems, such as osteoarthritis, that can affect their mobility, and they may find it difficult to navigate furniture and stairs. This may not be a problem if adopting a senior dog of a smaller breed, since such dogs can be easily carried around when they are unable to move. However, a senior dog of a larger breed living in a house with stairs may find climbing up and down the stairs challenging. This may also pose a problem for the pet parents.
Additionally, older dogs may have vision and hearing issues. So, pet parents must be prepared to manage these challenges before considering adopting a senior dog from a nearby shelter.
2. Consider the family’s lifestyle
Senior dogs are not as active as younger dogs and puppies. Additionally, some may not have too much energy to be playful or ask for attention from their pet parents. Often, they need a space to relax and rest, so homes that are calm and can provide a quiet area for them are more suitable.
On the other hand, if the house’s environment is chaotic with younger pets and children, senior dogs may find it difficult to adapt. But, this often depends on their personality, as some are quite social and nurturing and may actually enjoy the company of younger pets and children. On the contrary, some older dogs may not be as social and may prefer solitude. So, it is critical to consider the house’s environment and bring home a senior dog with a personality that is compatible with the family.
3. Prepare the house for the senior dog
Pet parents must prepare the house for the senior dog they plan to adopt after learning about its health. This means pet-proofing and pet-enabling the house before welcoming it.
Pet proofing involves securing the trash and keeping cleaning supplies and other toxic substances around the house out of the dog’s reach. Aside from this, a pet parent can make a few tweaks and small changes in the house to make it easier for the senior dog to move around. For example, if they are going to allow the dog on the bed or sofa, adding a pet ramp or another object can help to make it easier for it to get on the furniture.
Pet parents should also make the house more accessible by keeping everything that the dog needs in rooms that do not have stairs to get to. If floors are slippery where the dog’s food and water bowls, toys, and other essentials are kept, they should ensure to add floor mats or rugs to make it easier for their pet to walk on.
4. Assess the financial situation
Having a pet at home can be expensive, no matter what their age is. Still, having a senior dog means there is always the possibility of a new health condition developing. Such health issues require constant monitoring and management. Additionally, the costs of health insurance can be quite significant. So, before deciding to adopt a senior dog with chronic health issues or special needs, make sure to decide beforehand how much funds can be set aside for the care of the senior pet.
5. Evaluate how much care can be given
A lot of senior dogs may have pre-existing health problems; plus, they may develop other health issues later on as well. In both situations, they will require a lot of care and attention. Pet parents must be prepared to devote enough time and energy to their pets. For instance, if a senior dog has diabetes along with a renal condition, a pet parent must be able to provide a fairly good quality of life by taking care of their pet’s physical as well as emotional health.
6. Give pets ample time to adjust
Senior dogs have already established personalities and habits, so moving into a new space is a huge transition for them. This is why it is necessary to give them more than enough time to adjust to their new home. Parents should give them lots of love, affection, and support in the beginning as they adjust to the new environment and family. They should also provide them with a safe and quiet space to go to if they feel overwhelmed. It is crucial to make this space comfortable with food and water nearby. Until it is necessary, pet parents should push back stressful activities like visits to the vet.
