Adopting An Older Dog

This page is about the rescue and adoption of older dogs. When you think of getting a dog to add to your family do you think of a puppy or would you , could you consider adopting or rescuing an older dog?

Often overlooked these oldie dogs also need loving homes. What if you could make a senior dogs day by taking him/her home with you ?

Many people have worries that if they take on an older dog, they will not have the dog for very long before it dies, or that there will be expensive vet bills. These are certainly very valid concerns, however, vet bills can come along at any time during a dogs life and a young age is no guarentee of good health or longevity.

Older rescue dogs have a lot to offer and can be a good choice for many people.

Some people will want or require a puppy and that is lovely too, but if you are looking for a companion and don't need a pup, could you consider an older rescue dog

Older rescue dogs make lovely pets

An Older dog

Is past the chewing stage

Is likely to be housetrained

You will know how big he/she is going to to grow!

Is steadier and less likely to be rambunctious and tearing around the house.

Has known likes and dislikes so you can chose him /her to fit into your family

Has a known temperament.

Has often learnt how to be a good dog in the house

May already have learnt how to be left alone for a few hours while you go out.

Often already knows some obediance and commands.

If from a rescue may already be vaccinated, microchipped and neutered=saving you a lot of money.

If from a rescue will be less expensive, a lot less than many puppies.

If from a rescue you will know if he/she is Ok with children

If from a rescue you will know if he/she is good wiht other dogs/other animals.

Give your older dog a touch -or more- of luxury in his or her life. Older bones and bodies need an extra bit of comfort. These dog beds are so soft, so comfortable I could sleep in some of them myself! Whether its memory foam or soft cushions or anything else your dog likes do browse these choices and click through any of them to reach a wider selection on Amazon.

Very comfortable and supportive dog bed especially for dogs with joint stiffness or arthritis but lovely for any dog.

The outer cover is machine washable in denim cloth and the inner cover is waterproof and made of soft fabric.

If your dog is restless when trying to sleep he or she may be uncomfortable or even getting soem discomfort so it may be worth looking into to a bed like this for them.

This pet bed has several features that could be useful fro an older dog.

It has a non slid bottom which will mean you r pet is less likely to lose footing or slip up when getting in or out.

It has a self warming material which radiates heat back to you rdog which could be very beneficial especially if your pet has a think coat or feels the cold easily. No electricity is required.

It is easily washed in case of little accidents or just the usual need to wash the dog bedding regularly.

This is a matter that is debated. When thinking about age in dogs it depends to some extent on the breed and size and overall health of the dog.

In general smaller dogs may live longer than giant breeds , and cross breeds may live longer than purebred, but it is a huge generalisation.

Usually in many rescues I have talked with a dog is classed as adult or old anything past 5 or 6 years and is really a senior past around 10 years.

My Goldie was 10 and a half years old when he passed but my friends collie is now 16 years old and still enjoying life. My labrador was 18 when she died-though I do think she was a bit unusual for a Lab!

People often see "Oldies" as 10 years plus and can be very rewarding dogs to have in your life.

Often the most difficult dogs to place seem to be those between 5 and 8- not really senior oldies who have a cuteness all of their own but not young pups. However these are very rewarding dogs to take on as still lots to give and willing to learn.

There is much debate on how to age a dog and I am not an expert so you will need to make your own decisions. Here are some I have come across.

A rough guide ( and it is rough)

0-1 puppy

1-3 adolescent

3-5 adult

5-8 older adult

8+ Oldie/Senior.

OR

After year one, a dog is equivalent to 16 years old.

At two years, they are equivalent to 24 year old

At three years a 30 year old

For each year after that add 5 human years.

A home that is suitable for a dog is usually suitable for an older dog. Dogs come in all shapres sizes, temperaments and personalities. It is really about finding a good match for you and the dog.

Dont forget that even if we buy a puppy, one day it will be old so these considerations will come all too quickly anyway and you will need to take care of your friend until the end.

If the dog has mobility or health issues of course you will need to take those into account as well , practically and financially.

Answer these questions about your home and your lifestyle then you will be ready to approach the rescue organisations.

Why do you want a dog?

Where will the dog live?

How long will the dog be left alone?

What is your lifestyle like ie active lots of walking/hiking or prefer short walks/ relaxing.

Is your household very lively and active or quiet and calm?

What is your home like ie one level, lots of stairs?

Do you have children or visiting children? If so what are their ages?

Do you have other pets? (Some older dogs are better living alone , others need the company of another dog)

What do you intend to do with the dog when you go on holiday? Ie kennels, homesitter service, friends etc

Can you give a lifelong comittment to your dog-even when they are old?

You may not feel that your health or age is up to the rigours of a young dog but you can still go walking and offer a dog loving companionship.

You may be thinking of travelling in a few years time. A young dog could be a committment for around 12 -18 years whereas an older dog, while still a big committment will be a shorter timeframe which may fit better into your plans.

You maybe considering a dog now but intend to go back to work full time when the children start school in 4 or 5 years. Full time working may not be compatible with owning a dog especially a young one in its prime

You may be a first time dog owner and an oldie can be a good, more gentle introduction to dog ownership.

As dogs get older ans especially the larger breeds many of them seem to have more difficulty jumping in and out of the car. With a larger dog its not so easy to pick them up or help them into a car. I had great difficulty with a labrador then a Golden retriever. Some dogs re just too big to lift safely or do not enjoy the experience of being lifted or may have painful joints that hurt when you lift them so just avoid all that hassle. These dog ramps, once your dog gets used to them make life so much easier. You don't want you and your dog to miss out on those car journeys and outings so employing this simple solution will help you both.

How old is he/she?

Does he/she have any health issues, if so how are they treated? (Some rescue organisations may be able help towards or pay the cost of any ongoing treatments in their senior dogs. Some cannot so you need to factor in any ongoing health cost)

Is he/she good with chldren/dogs/cats/otheranimals-dependant on what is important to you

How much exercise does he/she need. Some dogs will be happy with a short walk and comfort, others will need several hours of activity. Not all older dogs are couch potatoes!!

What is her/his temperament?

Where did he/she come from/-older dogs may come in when their owners die, go into hospital, go into care homes and cannot take their dog, are abandoned just because they are old, family circumstances have changed and can no longer keep the dog/afford the dog, eviction, homelessness etc....

Your older dog may feel the cold more so a nice coat may be a good investment to keep him/her comfortable.

A lovely warm coat that covers most of the dogs body is the best idea especially for the winter time.

Thinking of adopting an older dog?

What is the Oldies Club?

the Senior Dogs Project:

(1) promotes the adoption of older dogs;

(2) provides current information on the special care that older dogs need so that they and their human companions may fully enjoy their golden years;

(3) documents the strong, loving bonds that people have with their older dogs.

I would love to know your love of older dogs. I would like to hear your stories of your own older dogs that you may have had since puppy hood or any that you have adopted later in their lives.

Please note commercial links are not permitted.

Thank you :)