This month, the whole month, we celebrate senior pets with Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we hope that many senior pets will find forever-loving homes.
The shelters are full of senior pets that were either homeless their whole lives or were left there by their owners because they did not know how to handle them once they reached their golden age.
And that is very sad because adopting senior pets means adopting a canine that requires more loving than young ones, and they have so much love to offer. Young animals need so much patience and training, that the senior pets don’t need from you. They just need love and daily walking.
About Adopt a Senior Pet Month
A lot of our seniors have grown up with a dog, and sometimes these dogs are the seniors we love. Through this senior dog month, we want to raise awareness for the relationships that senior pets build with their owners, so we encourage people to adopt elderly dogs or cats in need. Why do we care about raising awareness for elderly pets?
Although dogs and cats have shorter life expectancies than some other species, older pets bring a lot to the table. They teach us lessons and we learn from them in ways that are both big and small, including the following:
Older pets can offer adjunct lessons on understanding death. Pets can teach us about death in a number of ways. Most people know that some animals grieve when their owners die, but some animals also exhibit signs of grief.
In studies with dogs and cats, a team of professors found that animals grieved in various ways when they were separated from their owners.
The grief exhibited by these animals is similar to the way people grieve. Older pets may teach us how to deal with our own feelings about death and grieving.
The Implications of Adopting a Senior Pet
Yes, many senior pets have illnesses, but so do old people and we don’t give up on them. This means that owning a senior pet will not be cheap because they will require more veterinary visits and wellness checkups. But all the love they will give is priceless. This should not deter you from adopting a senior pet from a shelter and give it all the love you have.
Welcoming a new furry friend to your family is not easy to do, but there are a few things you should be aware of before you officially take on the responsibility.
Whether you adopt from an animal shelter or rescue, it is important that the pet had been well-socialized and has had good experiences with other people and animals. Additionally, adoption agencies typically require that pets be spayed or neutered before leaving their care.
If your new pet is an adult, bring them to a veterinarian for a checkup within the first few weeks. The vet will make sure they received all necessary vaccinations, and confirm that your pup or kitty has been spayed or neutered. They will also be able to detect signs of health issues, such as dental problems or parasites. It is best to treat the pet’s medical needs while still in the shelter environment so that they won’t scare off prospective adoptees.
Seniors have special needs, too. Make sure you are up for the challenge. Pets can live a long time (15+ years), so make sure you’re prepared to care for the pet for a long time to come.
Adopted senior pets are more grateful and all adopters say that they haven’t regretted it. Be part of the change we want to make an adoption. Adopt a senior pet today and make a little Fido happy. You will never regret it.
Reasons to Adopt This Adopt a Senior Pet Month
There are several reasons to adopt a senior dog:
- Senior dogs are often already trained: Many senior dogs have already been house-trained and have basic obedience training, which can make the transition to their new home easier.
- Senior dogs have a calmer demeanor: Older dogs are generally less active and more settled than puppies, which can make them ideal companions for seniors or families with young children.
- You know what you’re getting: With a senior dog, you already know their personality, size, and temperament, which can help you choose a dog that is a good fit for your lifestyle.
- You can save a life: Senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters and have a harder time finding homes than younger dogs. By adopting a senior dog, you are giving them a second chance at a happy life.
- Senior dogs are less demanding: Older dogs don’t require as much exercise as puppies or younger dogs, which can make them a great option for people with busy schedules or those who may not be able to handle the demands of a high-energy dog.
- Senior dogs make great companions: Adopting older pets, such as senior dogs, are often more affectionate and grateful for love and attention, and they can make wonderful, loyal companions for their new families.
Overall, adopting a senior dog can be a rewarding experience for both the dog and the adopter, and can provide a loving home for a dog in their golden years.
Contact your local animal shelter about their respective senior pet adoption programs.
Happy Adopt a Senior Pet Month!
As Adopt a Senior Pet Month comes to a close, we hope that our blog has inspired you to consider adopting an older pet. Senior pets have so much love and companionship to offer, and they often have a harder time finding homes than their younger counterparts.
By adopting a senior pet, this Adopt a Senior Pet Month, you can provide them with a second chance at a happy life, and you can enjoy the benefits of a loyal, affectionate companion. Remember, there are many senior pets waiting for their forever homes in shelters and rescues across the country.
If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, we encourage you to visit your local shelter or rescue and meet some of the wonderful senior pets who are waiting for their second chance. Thank you for taking the time to read our blog, and we wish you all the best in your search for the perfect pet!
If you liked this article, read “Caring for Senior Pets” on our blog.
