Why Adopting Senior Pets is the Perfect Choice

Both of my dogs are now seniors, but they continue to give me joy and love despite advancing age.  I know that my time with them is quite limited, but I intend to enjoy every minute I can with both of them.  My oldest is 15 years old and he has a heart condition.  My second is 14 years and she suffered pancreatitis not too long ago and almost died. 

So, believe me when I say, I understand the hesitancy of adopting senior pets. However, I also know the pleasure and love you receive from these older, more experienced pets.  Despite possible health conditions (most of which are treatable) an older pet still has love to give away and will do so willingly.

If you stop to think about it, the cost of adopting a senior pet is comparable to that of a puppy; but what you get is a developed personality who is already trained and able to live in your home without all the shenanigans that a puppy may bring.

A senior dog will not chew up all the things on the floor. They also are usually already house trained to potty outdoors.  They already understand many words and movements so communicating with them is easier. They are normally calm and can interact with small children without harming them.  They will be loyal to a fault because they appreciate having a home.

Think about what you must spend on a puppy.  Puppy shots, deworming, food, beds, toys, crate, chews, treats; then also consider the cost of replacing items that end up being chewed up or torn apart. Puppies end up being a costly choice.

When you get a senior, there are usually medical issues to consider, but current veterinary treatments can normally take care of most of those.  With a senior, you will probably need to get a bed, treats, chews if their teeth are good, special diet food, maybe medicine to treat them.  They also will require the same regular vet visits as a puppy would.  

When considered by cost, senior pets seem to be the best investment for your money.  Your return on investment is large in that you get a pet that fits right into your family without any drama and loves you unconditionally.

This post is all about the reasons to consider an older pet when you are looking to add to your family:

The Perks of Adopting Senior Pets

While puppies and kittens may be adorable, there are many reasons to consider adopting a senior pet instead. Not only will you give an older animal a second chance at happiness, but you'll also gain a wonderful companion who is already trained and full of affection.

Senior pets have so much love to give, and they often make the best companions. Unlike younger animals who require constant attention and training, senior pets are typically calmer and more laidback.

They have already developed their personality and know what they like - whether it's lounging on the couch or going for leisurely walks around the block. Plus, senior pets are often grateful for any attention or affection they receive, making them incredibly loyal and loving companions.

Why Adopt a Senior Pet?

One of the most significant advantages of adopting an older pet is their calm demeanor. Senior pets have usually lived with humans before, and they have already become accustomed to household routines, which means that they are less likely to be anxious or nervous in a new environment.

Furthermore, senior pets mostly sleep for more extended periods than young animals, which makes them great for those who want a relaxed lifestyle. They typically don't require as much exercise as younger animals, making them perfect for those with busy schedules.

The Importance of Giving Older Pets a Loving Home

Most people tend to overlook senior pets when it comes to adoption. In many cases, these animals have been surrendered by their previous owners due to age-related health issues or changes in lifestyle. As a result, senior pets often spend more extended periods in shelters without receiving adequate love and care.

Senior pets tend to settle quickly into new homes because they crave attention and affection from their owners. If you adopt an older pet, you'll provide them with the love and care they deserve while experiencing all the benefits that come with pet ownership.

What to Consider Before Adopting a Senior Pet

Adopting a senior pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not only will you be giving an older animal a second chance at love, but you will also be rewarded with the companionship and joy that comes with taking care of a pet. However, before bringing home an older animal, it is important to take some time to think about your lifestyle and living situation in order to determine if adopting a senior pet is right for you.

10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet

Assess Your Lifestyle

The first thing you should consider when thinking about adopting a senior pet is your lifestyle. Do you work long hours? Are you frequently away from home? If so, adopting an older pet may not be the best choice for you.

Senior pets may require extra attention and care, especially if they have medical issues or mobility problems. If you are unable to provide this type of care on a regular basis, then it may be better to adopt a younger animal instead.

Determine Energy Level and Medical Needs

Another important factor to consider before adopting a senior pet is their energy level and medical needs. Some older pets may still have plenty of energy and enjoy going on walks or playing fetch, while others may prefer quieter activities such as napping or cuddling on the couch. It's important to determine what type of energy level will fit into your lifestyle before bringing home a senior pet.

You should also consider any medical needs that the animal may have. Senior pets are more likely to have health issues than younger animals, so it's important to make sure that you are able and willing to provide them with appropriate veterinary care if needed.

This can include regular check-ups, medication management, or even specialized diets. By taking these factors into account, you can determine if adopting a senior pet is the right choice for you.

Remember, adopting a pet is a commitment, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. If you are ready to provide an older animal with a loving home and the care they deserve, then adopting a senior pet may be the perfect choice for you.

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Pet 

Adopting a senior pet can bring countless benefits to both the animal and their
new owner. These animals have already spent years being loyal companions to
their previous owners, and they have so much love left to give. Older pets are
typically more relaxed and less demanding than their younger counterparts,
making them ideal for those who may not have as much time or energy to devote
to training or grooming.

Additionally, senior pets often come with fewer surprises in terms of personality and behavior,
as they have already developed their own unique quirks that make them who they are. Adopting
a senior pet can also be incredibly rewarding for the owner. Watching an older animal flourish in a new environment and form a special bond with you can be life-changing. It's hard not to feel good about giving an aging pet the opportunity to experience love and comfort in their golden years.

The Benefits of Opening Your Heart to a Senior Pet

Dental Care for Dogs and Cats

 Today is the day my 15 year old dog, Austen, goes to the Vet for his teeth to be cleaned.  It is way past due and I know he will lose some teeth, but at least he will be getting his teeth cared for properly.  Dental cleanings are truly very expensive in today's economy and many pet owners choose to skip them due to the cost.

Unfortunately, my Austen has a significant heart murmur and takes daily medication to prevent worsening of his heart muscles. Having a pre-existing condition, especially heart condition, makes dental care a top priority as infection in his mouth can travel into his heart and kill him (which I am not prepared to deal with yet).

He is my heart.  I love this dog very much and want to do everything I can do to help him stay healthy and happy for a few more years.  Since he is a small dog (14 lbs.) he should be able to live to 20 years if well cared for.  Not only do I give him daily medications, I also have him on special Veterinary prescribed food and treats.  We walk every day to keep his heart strong. I am doing as much as I can for his physical health and this has to include dental cleanings and care.

He had his pre-surgery lab work done and his labs are even better than my own! That made me happy to know that what we are doing is working.  Good lab results gave the vet a go-ahead for anesthesia during his dental cleaning.  Since he is a heart patient, the vet used anesthesia that is gentle on his heart. 

I followed the pre-op instructions and withheld food that morning, although I did get him to take his medication prior.  We made that short trip to the vet and the tech came out to get him.  As they were walking away, I began to cry.  I just wanted to grab him back and go home because I was so worried about him and this procedure.

I didn't grab him and left instead.  When I got home, I was a basket-case of nerves and anxiety, but I knew he was in very capable and competent hands and he really needed to have his teeth cleaned.

While I fretted, of course I researched online about what was happening to him and what to expect when he came home.  Here are some of the things I found out:
In the article, "Pet Dental Health Facts and Fiction", there is a list of several myths about dental cleaning and dental health for your pets.  Each of these fictions is discussed at length in the article.

1. Fiction: Dental disease is only a problem of older pets.

1. Fiction: It is impossible to effectively brush my pet’s teeth.

1. Fiction: I can save money and get just as good results with non-anesthetic dental cleanings and they are better for my pet because they do not involve risky anesthetics.

1. Fiction: I would know if my pet had a serious dental problem or painful mouth.

1. Fiction: My pet can live with bad teeth, it just gives him/her bad breath.

1. Fiction: I just give my dog bones and chew toys to chew on and that naturally cleans his/her teeth.

In another article, "9 Little-Known Facts About Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats",
the author talks about things you may not know about dental disease in animals. 

One such nugget of information is, "As many as 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease by the time they’re just two years old[1]." This fact blew my mind. I did not know this! The other 8 facts are just a mind-blowing so be sure to read the article.

In another article, "Tips for Better Dental Health in Dogs", the author gives 10

great tips on ways to keep your dog's mouth healthy.  One of the list is an in-depth technique for brushing your pet's teeth at home.  I found this article to be really helpful and I plan to initiate some of these steps when he feels better.

Then I found this article, "What to Expect During Your Pet’s Dental Procedure"

that gives you a very thorough look at what happens during your pet's dental cleaning.  It was good to learn exactly what my baby was going through so I will be better prepared to take care of him afterward.

And finally, in this article, "How to Care for Your Pet After a Dental Procedure"

I learned exactly what I was to do for Austen when I got him back home.  It was really nice to have this information so I would know what was normal and what was not. 

Reading these articles helped me deal with my anxiety and when Austen was ready to come home, I felt I was well prepared.  The vet called and said to come get him around 4pm and I flew to the hospital to pick him up and bring him home.

He lost 7 teeth! That is all my fault and I feel horrid because of it! He was very groggy and all he wanted to do was sleep so I let him sleep in his bed next to me.

  I am so glad that is all over and I will not let it go so long in the future.  Yes, it is expensive, but if done regularly it is less costly.  Now, I have to get this paid for and schedule my other baby, Diva, for her cleaning next.  Pet ownership of elderly dogs is a never ending process of medications, special food and treats, and treatments, but I love my dogs and I am responsible to keep them healthy.

What the Heck is TNR?

 When I lived in an apartment complex in Texas, there were so many feral cats there.  They were not friendly, not pets.  They roamed the complex and made messes when plants were set outside.  It was obvious that this was their home, even though they belonged to no person.  I used to sit on my porch and watch them; soon you get to know each one by their personality.  

When spring came around, there would always be a huge number of kittens roaming with the adult cats.  Unfortunately, they did not understand about living with humans and many of the babies met terrible fates.  About half of them would live to adulthood and go on to have babies of their own.

I was saddened by their plight.  They were not very healthy, they were always hungry, and they fought incessantly over food and territory.  One day, while sitting on my porch, I decided to see what I could do for them because, although I am a dog person, I do love cats as well.

What is TNR?

I researched rescues in the area and was told that feral cats cannot be adopted and are summarily euthanized in shelters.  I was appalled.  These cats should not meet such a terrible fate.  I then found out about TNR at a cat rescue.  

Trap-neuter-return, or TNR, is a humane and effective approach to managing community cat populations. It involves trapping cats, having them spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returning them to their outdoor homes. By sterilizing the cats, TNR helps to reduce the number of kittens born and stabilizes the size of the cat colony over time.

I agreed that this was a great solution to the population problem at my apartment complex. I borrowed a trap from my neighbor and set it with a can of sardines that I punched holes into the top. I placed the trap about 15 feet away from my door and went inside.  In less than 10 minutes, I had trapped my first cat.

How to TNR:

When you are following this program, once you trap your cat, you make an appointment at the SPCA through TNR for a free spay/neuter and exam of the cat.  They also receive a rabies vaccine while under anesthesia.  Another thing that happens while the cat is out is the clipping of one ear tip. Once all this is done, you go pick the cat back up and take it home to recover in a safe, quiet, dark place.  I used a dog crate with a cover in the corner of my living room to recover my cat.  Once I saw the cat up and eating, I took the crate outside and let it go.  

Over the course of the next few months, I probably trapped 60 cats.  I followed the protocol of the TNR and once they were taken care of, I returned them to their homes.  There were fewer and fewer babies roaming the neighborhood, and I was so glad I would not be picking up dead kittens everywhere because people would run over them.

Benefits of TNR

• Reduces cat overpopulation: By preventing cats from reproducing, TNR reduces the number of kittens born each year, which helps to control the size of the cat population.
• Improves cat health: Cats that are spayed or neutered are less likely to roam and fight, which reduces their risk of injury and disease. Vaccinating cats also helps to prevent the spread of diseases.
  
• Saves taxpayer money: TNR is more cost-effective than traditional animal control methods, such as trapping and euthanizing cats. TNR programs rely on volunteers and donations, which helps to keep costs low.
• Supports a healthier ecosystem: Cats are natural predators and can help to control the population of rodents and other pests. By managing the cat population through TNR, we can maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem.

Why TNR?

While TNR has been criticized by some who believe that cats should not be allowed to roam outdoors, it is important to note that community cats are often too wild to be adopted into homes. TNR provides a humane solution that allows cats to live out their lives in their outdoor homes while also managing their population.

Support TNR in your Community:

If you're interested in supporting TNR efforts in your community, there are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer with a local TNR organization, donate to support their efforts, or advocate for TNR policies with your local government. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of community cats and create healthier, more humane communities for all animals.

How to Read and Communicate with Your Pets

If you own a pet, you probably know that there are ways to communicate with them.  They do talk to us, but we sometimes don't take the time to understand what it is they are telling us.  Here is an interesting article about pet communication, "Yes, We Can Communicate with Animals", that talks about a couple of dogs who learned many words.

Animals in the wild have very developed ways to communicate with each other.  This communication keeps them safe, helps them mate, and maintains their sense of community with each other.  This communication serves to make them feel less anxious and afraid in such a scary environment. Here is an article that explains how this works, "25 Amazing Ways Animals Communicate That You Never Knew About".

Our pets have been with us (humans) for centuries and they have developed a language to help them interact with us that serves them in ways that promote health and safety.  Unfortunately, we don't learn this language in school, so we have to pay attention to our pets to understand what they are saying, just as they must pay attention to what we say to them.  It is a mutual learning situation.

By understanding your pet's body language and vocalizations, you can improve your communication with them. In this blog post, we'll explore how to read and communicate with your pets effectively.

Understanding Your Pet's Body Language

Pets communicate a lot through their body language, and understanding it can help you better understand how they are feeling. Here are some common signs to look out for:

• Tail position: A wagging tail doesn't always mean a happy dog. The position of your dog's tail can tell you a lot about how they are feeling. For example, a tucked tail can indicate fear or anxiety.
• Ears: Your pet's ears can tell you a lot about how they are feeling. If your dog's ears are up and alert, they are likely interested or curious. If their ears are pinned back against their head, they may be feeling scared or anxious.
• Posture: Pay attention to your pet's overall posture. A relaxed, loose stance typically indicates a happy and relaxed pet. Conversely, a stiff, rigid posture can indicate fear or aggression.

Understanding Your Pet's Vocalizations

Just like body language, your pet's vocalizations can also tell you a lot about how they are feeling. Here are some common vocalizations to pay attention to:

• Barking: Dogs bark for a variety of reasons, including to alert their owners to potential danger or to express excitement.
• Meowing: Cats may meow to get your attention or to communicate that they want something, like food or attention.
• Chirping: Some cats will make a chirping noise when they are feeling playful or excited.

Using Positive Reinforcement

We talked a little bit about this in the post, "Potty Training a Puppy: Why It Can Be So Hard" here on the blog, so this is not a new concept.  Positive reinforcement has been around for quite some time.  It is currently being used by parents to help educate and reinforce behaviors in their children; so it is no surprise that it works just as well with pets.

Positive reinforcement is an effective way to communicate with your pet. When you reward your pet for good behavior, they learn to associate that behavior with positive outcomes. Here are some tips for using positive reinforcement:

• Reward your pet immediately after they exhibit the desired behavior.
• Use treats or verbal praise to reward good behavior.
• Be consistent with your rewards to reinforce the behavior.

Avoiding Punishment

Punishing your pet can actually make communication more difficult. Instead of understanding what they did wrong, they may become scared or anxious. Here are some tips for avoiding punishment:

• 
  Instead of punishing your pet, focus on rewarding good behavior.
• If your pet exhibits unwanted behavior, try redirecting their attention to something else.
• Seek the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist if your pet's behavior is causing problems.

So try understanding your pet's body language, vocalizations, and using positive reinforcement  to communicate with your pet. By paying attention to their signals and responding appropriately, you can strengthen your bond with your pet and ensure a happy and healthy relationship.