They may be past their prime, but don’t write them off just yet. Senior pets have a few qualities that merit every loving pet owner’s attention, and some of them are outline below.
1. Senior dogs need a home. And they need it fast. Unlike younger, more agile puppies, the time of senior dogs are about to pass. Can you pass up the opportunity of feeling loved by them.
2. You may end up saving their lives. Most senior dogs that are not adopted end up getting euthanized once they hit the age of five. Adopting a senior dog may very well save a life.
7 reasons why you should consider senior dogs for adoption
3. Older dogs are not necessarily “problem dogs” as many tend to think. Senior dogs lose their homes for a variety of reasons, usually having nothing to do with their behavior or temperament, but more due to the fact that their owners are unable to keep them for reasons including: the novelty of owning a dog wearing off, allergies, death of a guardian, a new baby, loss of a job, a move, change in work schedule, and various other lifestyle changes. These dogs need homes just as badly as young adoptees do, and make wonderful household pets.
4. Older dogs usually come trained and understand at least basic commands. Most older dogs are potty-trained and have mastered the basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Adopting an already-trained dog will save you a lot of time and energy that you’d normally have to dedicate towards training a young dog. (Read more here)
5. Older dogs may very well know new tricks. At their ripe age, older dogs are smart enough and have an attention span that make them easier to train.
6. Senior dogs have a calmer disposition. Do you find yourself running out of breath trying to catch up with a puppy? Then a senior dog is probably for you. Their lower energy level means that you don’t have to spend your waking time running after them.
7. Older dogs are great companions. Unlike puppies that will take a while before they warm up to you, adult dogs are loyal in an instant. They are your loyal partner from the start and you will bond with them much faster.
These reasons, and so many more, are exactly why senior dogs are starting to grow on pet owners. If you haven’t considered getting one yet, perhaps it’s time to seriously start thinking of adopting a senior dog.