Pets

Should You Adopt A Senior Dog?

There’s no denying that when it comes to dog adoptions, the younger pup and the cuter “more fashionable breeds” will always go over other dogs. Especially senior dogs. When I am asked why I wanted to adopt a senior dog, I always tell people to look at that cute face and tell me why you wouldn’t want to adopt her!

Studies have shown that larger breeds are harder to adopt as many people are intimidated by their size. “Black Dog Syndrome” is also real, with black dogs being adopted least over other colours regardless of breed. And then we come to senior dogs.

Many senior dogs find themselves in shelters due to their owners not being able to care for them due to becoming older too. The reality is these dogs will have likely spent a lot of time with their previous owner and are taking the change in circumstances harder than dogs of a younger age.

When we adopted Tegan, she had just turned 12. We put in our application and were stunned to hear that beagles, especially those of her age, are often overlooked, and they were keen to rehome her as the kennels weren’t her favourite place. But why are older dogs harder to home?

Many rescue centres will find their older dogs will hang around a lot longer, and there is always a push to find them their forever homes for however long they have left. Dogs Trust even has a “golden oldies” home where older dogs live as if they’re in a home as they are unable to be rehomed.

Should You Adopt A Senior Dog?

The thing is, not every person is suited to every breed or age of the dog. And while the cry of adopt, don’t shop is something I wholeheartedly support, this route, much like bringing home a senior dog, isn’t suitable for everyone. For people with younger children, rescue dogs might not be suitable as not all dogs are experienced with kids or accommodating of them (Teegs being one of those dogs). Not everyone can afford potentially increased vet costs due to health conditions caused by breeding, age, etc.

But while senior dogs are more susceptible to health issues and increased vet visits (as is true in our case), there are also many benefits to bringing an older dog into your home if you are looking at a dog from a rescue centre instead of bringing a puppy home.

Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog

House Trained

First and foremost, a senior dog is more likely to be fully house trained, and once they are comfortable in your home, they will be able to let you know when they need to go out. And no house training means fewer nights of unbroken sleep and one less thing to worry about.

Trained

Chances are, if your dog has come from a loving home, it will already have some tricks in its repertoire. All you need to do is to have some fun teaching them a new one or allowing them to show you what they can do. Plus, they will already know the etiquette of living in a home if they have previously been a pet. Of course, this isn’t true of all dogs – Tegan was a breeding dog, and we are unsure of her living situation prior to coming to us. And contrary to the popular saying, you can teach old dogs new tricks. We have successfully managed to train Tegan with some new tricks.

Naps

Senior dogs could be the perfect compromise if a high-energy dog isn’t for you. As dogs age, they will likely need less exercise, meaning you can provide more mental stimulation inside the house via touch, training, and sniffing than physical walks. Tegan will sleep pretty much all day and have her crazy awake hours later on in the day. I swear this girl sleeps 20 hours a day. She needs a 20-minute walk daily, most of which is spent sniffing. Then I use enrichment toys in the house and hard chews to keep her mentally stimulated, along with training when she is in the mood.

Personality

All dogs develop their own personality from a young age, but senior dogs are still full of life and character, and if they’re anything like our mardy beagle, they will be hilariously grumpy most of the time. Lil Miss Diva Dog has perfected the death stare, the exasperated huff when we don’t do what she wants us to, the crazy play bow and howl when I take too long to get out the door for a walk, and my favourite, the nose nudge/pretend lead bite. Again, if I put her harness on for a walk and I take too long locking up, checking I have poop bags etc., she will play bow and then pretend to destroy something by nudging it with her nose, or she will pick up her own lead in her mouth as if she is threatening me. Absolutely adorable, but don’t tell her that! Hurry up, or I will make a mess!

Less Destruction

Many senior dogs will be past the whole furniture-destroying stage, and while they might still steal your items, they will likely do so out of love. Tegan is obsessed with Olivia, and when she comes home, she needs to give her her coat. And Teegles will lie there like the cat that got the cream; all snuggled in her jacket. In fact, the most destruction I have experienced with our old girl is to my bank account. And the loss of my blankets – one of her many nicknames is Tegan 10 blankets, as the girl has so many blankets in her favourite spots.

Perfect Company

There is no love like a dog, and their human and senior dogs are no different. They will want to live a slower, more relaxed lifestyle as they age and enjoy spending time with you and being in your company. I spend many a day with Teegs lying under or trying to lie under my leg as I work on the sofa.

She used to sleep at the end of the bed in her little donut bed. In recent weeks she has moved up the bed to sleep with me too. But now, she has a nest of pillows next to me, and I frequently wake up to find her snuggled next to or with her head next to my head.

Don’t Discard Senior Dogs

If you’re wondering should you adopt a senior dog, then speaking from personal experience, I say yes, do it. Senior dogs are just as capable of being the perfect four-legged friend to you as younger pups. And while the prospect of losing them soon to old age or an illness can be upsetting, it’s worth remembering that even younger dogs can be susceptible to these things too.