7 Tips For Seniors Who Want To Adopt An Older Dog
Guest post by Holly, contributor for Dog Breeds 911 and Pet Friendly Senior Living.
Let’s admit it.
The huge possibility of loneliness might hit when you get older. It becomes gradually difficult to leave the house and partake in once-loved activities when you realize that some of our loved ones and friends move or pass away. Hence, staying positive as we age will turn to be our kind of luxury where the presence and simple pleasures in life will start to matter most.
However, there is one source of ease through choosing a loyal companion that will stay with you unconditionally. Luckily, most Assisted Living Communities allow pets as they believe that it has a good impact on the health and mood of the owner. That comfort will surely benefit seniors in countless ways. We all deserve wonderful pets.
Here are 7 tips for seniors who want to adopt an older dog.
1. Understanding Energy Levels Before Adopting
Knowing your own energy levels will help you choose what dog is best matched for your routine. It’s significant to think long term with age since your energy level might be high now, you may slow down throughout the years while dogs have long life spans.
2. Introduce New People & Pets at One Time
Senior dogs will commonly adjust to the household around them. However, if you want him to get into his new home comfortably, you must not overdo things.
Here’s a second tip for seniors who want to adopt an older dog. Before moving in with you, you must visit him/her at the shelter so that he can get to know you in a familiar place.
On his first day, feel free to introduce him/her to all of the members of your family (furred and un-furred), but try to do it one at a time so he/she has time to adapt without feeling dazed.
3. Training an Old Dog
Your individual dog’s behavior and skills can help guide you towards finding out what proper training is needed. Trainers endorse taking a slow training approach with senior adoptees compared to a younger dog.
It is recommended to allow older dogs a longer period to adapt to their new home. If they are lively and enthusiastic to do training games, go for it. However, if they are relaxed and just want to sit down in the sun all day, allow them.
4. Make Sure They Are Somewhere Safe To Retreat
Provide a bed or some other area for your dog. Whether it is a crate or cushion, be certain that there is a dedicated area that can be considered as his/her own space. There needs to be a space where your dog can be left alone when he/she creeps into it.
Don’t worry if he/she discerns you from a distance at first. Most senior dogs will adapt and will bond in family fun swiftly, but some will choose to get to know the routine from a distance first.
5. Be Considerate of Physical Needs
A fifth tip for seniors who want to adopt an older dog is to consider your dog may have mobility concerns. That is something that should be kept in mind. Mobility issues impact their daily routine in your home. Past injuries or age-related arthritis may require that you support them with getting into vehicles, going upstairs, or navigating doorways.
For your mobility-challenged new older dog, make sure water bowls and beds are easily accessible. Consider fixing ramps where possible to make life convenient for them.
6. Introduce a Healthy & Natural Diet Gradually
The healthiest diet for dogs and the vast mainstream of dogs should be on an all-meat diet. Raw meats are more preferable as a diet for several wide-ranging reasons. This diet gives them loads of nourishment and will go a long way for them to have a happier, healthier and longer life.
However, if you wanted to pick a dog where every food choice will never go wrong, then you must pick Pekingese. The Pekingese could settle on high-quality dog food, whether commercially made or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s direction and consent. Any diet should be suitable for this dog’s age.
Making the best choice for your older dog within your budget is important. Do the best you can to help ensure your companion has optimal quality of life with quality nutrition.
7. Preparing for the unexpected/Final arrangements
As we age, there is no question that our lives change. Dogs have an essential ability to refresh us and make us feel young again although mobility can oftentimes be weightier and health subjects develop bigger risks.
Another important tip for seniors who want to adopt an older dog is to prepare yourself for the worst case scenario. Make sure to have an appointed caregiver set up ahead of time so if you become ill or unable to offer care for your pup they will be cared for in the identical way you would care for him.
An additional consideration is cost. If you are retired you are likely on a budget. You need to work within your means. Make sure to evaluate your budget and the typical costs of getting a dog to safeguard that you can still live comfortably while taking care of a dog.
Final thoughts.
A dog can be a great companion when you are looking for a little extra love in your life, especially if you are a senior. You will value the love they express to you every day, and they’ll appreciate the affection and care that you can provide for them.
Dogs will always love you and that goes without saying.
Did you enjoy these 7 tips for seniors who want to adopt an older dog? Which tip did you find most helpful? Be sure to pin this post, share and leave a comment below.
Author Bio: Holly is a pet lover who owns a dog and loves to write about everything related to pets. She is a frequent writer and contributor to top online pet publications and blogs, including Dog Breeds 911 and Pet Friendly Senior Living. You can read more of Holly’s featured content here.
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