This November we're celebrating the importance of adopting pets from shelters and not just any pet but those that are "old". To put it into context, what is the definition of an "old dog"?
According to VCA, old age in dogs varies on the size and breed of a dog. Small dogs are senior citizens when they reach 11 to 12 years old. Their medium-sized counterparts become seniors at 10 years of age. And their much larger-sized or giant-breed elders are in their golden age at 7 to 8 years old.
For many, old age in dogs can show as a surprise that pet owners aren't prepared to tackle. An AKC article suggests that dogs can show physical signs of aging like bad breath, slowing down, skin lumps, weight gain, and incontinence. Similarly, dogs can also exhibit behavioral signs often caused by physical discomfort manifested by a dog's frequent barking, waking in the night, and forgetting commands. These behaviors are puzzling as they become increasingly frequent resulting in many pet owners becoming frustrated and knowing few available resources to find helpful advice.
The years of caring for our pets when they were little and providing them the needed veterinary care during their active and fun-filled years still hold even in their golden years. Senior dogs need the proper veterinary care to determine the underlying medical causes of the behavioral issues that owners find to be problematic.
There are situations, however, in that senior dogs do end up in shelters but being old doesn't always mean that there's little hope for these dogs to live long happy lives. Instead, these seniors often have so much to offer. They can be just as healthy, friendly, and loving as any puppy you'll find in shelters.
Let's give those senior dogs living in shelters another reason to hope and share what they've always done best - to bring joy and be a forever loyal companion for as long as life takes them. Adopt a Senior Pet this month of November from a local pet shelter near you!