Elderly dogs are one of the so-called “invisible animals” , animals that go unnoticed by most future adopters in animal protection centers. Most prefer a puppy or a young dog, an inexhaustible companion of fatigue with whom to share trips, walks, experiences…
We must disassociate the idea of old age as a synonym of disease. The coexistence of a senior dog has a countless number of advantages:
1. We know your health status
Senior dogs may have some health problems due to age (osteoarthritis, heart, kidney…) which are now very well controlled thanks to advances in veterinary medicine . Our dogs are living longer and with better quality! great life! Also any genetic problem will have possibly already given its face. It won’t give us too many surprises…
Adopting a young dog does not guarantee a perfect state of health. A puppy “faces” some health problems, such as parvovirus , and the different pathologies and accidents that may appear or suffer throughout his life.
2. They are calm
These ” grandparents ” are usually animals with a very calm lifestyle and spend many hours sleeping . After adapting to the new home, we can be away from home for a few hours without the fear of finding the sofa chewed up or that the neighbors call our attention by their continuous barking.
We must take into account if they have any mobility problem due to their age, such as osteoarthritis, so that we can assess their accessibility, especially if they have to undertake “changes of level” (stairs, get on the sofa), and incorporate, if necessary , some element that allows you to move safely (ramps, steps…).
They are also the ideal companions for people who like to travel , since their serenity will calm nervousness in the face of new stimuli, such as those suffered during the transfer and in the accommodation.
3. They already have acquired habits
Forget about the desperation that your dog urinates when he enters the door of the house despite having spent three hours walking around the street with him without doing anything. The ” yayos ” already have the hygienic habits learned.
You will only have to adjust to their needs to adapt the outputs. The factor of age or the administration of some drugs, if they take them, can increase their willingness to urinate, but it is not necessary to show them the right place to do so, they already know that it is in the street!
4. They don’t require as much exercise
As we mentioned before, we all imagine that energetic dog that brings us the ball over and over again in the park as the ideal companion. But this indefatigable activity may not be so attractive on cold and rainy days or the day you come home exhausted after a hard day’s work.
Walks with an elderly dog are just as essential for its physical and emotional health as for a young dog, but they should not necessarily be as active or long.
We can also enjoy a lot of fun with them. They will appreciate games at home, especially those that stimulate them mentally, such as interactive or olfactory games.
5. Ideal companions for other pets
His lower energy level makes him the perfect new “sibling” if we already have adult pets to live with. Puppies and young dogs can become uncomfortable with their games and curiosity , border on impertinence, and even be insecure, with other pets.
If, for example, we have a cat that has never lived with dogs, adopting a senior cat is a great way to start getting to know dogs.
6. It is an act of humanity
It is not fair that no animal spends the last days of its life without knowing what the love of a family is. Dogs not only make us an unconditional company, but also thanks to them we are healthier and better people.
There is no reason to subject a “man’s best friend” to social isolation simply because he is elderly.
