Adopt a Senior Pet Month is celebrated in November. Throughout the month, animal lovers are encouraged to consider adopting or fostering a senior animal. While many individuals are interested in bringing home a puppy, there are numerous benefits to becoming a pup parent to a senior dog. For one, they are usually already housebroken and know a few tricks. Older dogs are also quite a bit calmer than their younger counterparts. This means senior dogs are ideal for those who enjoy nothing more than curling up on the couch and binge-watching a Netflix series or two. 

It is worth noting that dogs are considered seniors by the time they are eight years old. This means you’ll have plenty of years with your furry friend, especially if they are a smaller breed. 

If you do decide to adopt a senior dog, you should prepare yourself accordingly. 

Here are a few of our tips and tricks on what to do before giving an older dog her forever home. 

Purchase Items For Your Senior Dog

Before bringing home your senior dog, you’ll want to have purchased some necessities, such as a bed, toys, food, treats, bowls, a harness, and a leash. 

You’ll also want to make sure that you have items like a ramp that could assist with any potential mobility issues, as some senior pups have arthritis. 

Hardwood floors can also be difficult for your senior dog to walk on. One solution for this is to invest in some non-slip rugs. 

Make Sure Your Canine Companion Gets Exercise

As previously mentioned, senior dogs are usually not super active. That being said, your pup should still get some exercise, like an easy 20-minute walk or a few games of fetch per day. 

“Muscles support joints. Without good muscle tone, mobility decreases drastically. This is why pet physical therapy has become so commonly used. Joints in motion stay limber; joints not in motion get stiff,” explained Dr. Judy Morgan of Clayton Veterinary Associates and Churchtown Veterinary Associates to Pet Central. 

 Watch Your Dog’s Diet

To avoid any digestive issues, consult with your vet about what type of food is most suitable for your senior dog. You can also ask the workers at the rescue about Fido’s food and feeding schedule. 

Visit The Vet Every Six Months

Speaking of vets, you’ll have to schedule physicals for your senior pup at least twice a year. While regularly taking your senior dog to the vet may cause your furry friend to resent you a little, it’s necessary so that he can have the best quality of life possible. 

Brush Your Pup’s Teeth Often

Unfortunately, older dogs have a more likely chance than their younger counterparts to have issues with their oral health. To prevent this from occurring, be sure to set time out of your day to brush your canine companion’s pearly whites.