Adopting a senior dog is an extremely rewarding experience. You are giving an old guy or gal a second chance at life. And in doing so, you are making a new best friend. It’s really a win-win situation. 

That being said, there are some challenges in bringing home an older pup. To ensure that you are properly equipped to handle the needs of an older dog, here are a few of our tips and tricks. 

Make A Senior Dog Checklist 

Before bringing home your senior dog, you’ll want to have purchased some doggy necessities. A few basics to include are a bed, toys, food, treats, bowls, a harness, and a leash. 

You’ll also want to make sure that you have items that could assist with any potential mobility issues, as some senior pups have arthritis. For this reason, you may want to consider getting a ramp so they can easily get on and off furniture. 

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. 

Be Aware Of How Much Exercise They Need

Senior dogs are usually not super active. I can attest to this, as I currently live with two ten-year-old dogs who enjoy spending their days sprawled out on the couch.

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. 

Keep An Eye On Fido’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. 

Go To The Vet Often 

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 Fido to resent you a little, it’s necessary so that he can have the best quality of life possible. 

Pay Attention To Your Furry Friend’s Teeth

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 furry friend’s pearly whites. 

Woof Republic offers a lot of great content for pet parents bringing home a rescue dog. For more thoughts, check out our feature on Rent.com.