9 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

It's Dog Or Nothing - fur, slobber, and dirty floors

August has been chosen as Adopt a Senior Pet month by BlogPaws, so I thought I would share some of the pawsome reasons to adopt a senior!

Vets typically say that dogs are considered seniors at the age of 7.

However, this varies greatly between breeds. A small dog is probably still middle aged at 7, but a giant breed might be in their last years. According to the ASCPA, only 35% of dogs that enter shelters are adopted.

So here are my 9 reasons to adopt a senior dog.

1. More likely to have manners.  Senior dogs probably have experienced some sort of training in their previous home. They may already know basic commands and house training. Remember, it can take a few weeks for a new dog to settle in, so don’t be surprised if ‘accidents’ occur.
2. Less destructive. Senior dogs are usually past the chewing puppy/adolescent phase.
3. No surprises. When you adopt a puppy from a shelter, you aren’t usually able to know what both of the parents look like. A senior dog will have finished growing and maturing. No uncertainty about their adult appearance!
4. Purebreds can be found. Have your heart set on a specific breed? Many people do and that’s okay! Breed specific rescues can be found for almost any breed.
5. Enjoy some relaxation. Do you have trouble keeping up with a puppy or simply don’t want to? Seniors tend to be past their endless energy, need stimulation 24/7 phase.
6. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Seniors have a longer attention span than puppies. That makes training much simpler!
7. More love to give. Senior dogs seem to have a special understanding that they have been saved. They shower their new owner with unwavering devotion.
8. Wisdom. Look into any senior dog’s eyes. So much wisdom can be found.
9. Make a statement. Adopting a senior shows that all lives have value. Dogs of every age deserve to be pampered, regardless of how much time they have left.

Would you adopt a senior pet? What are some other pawsome reasons to adopt and older pet?

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