What can you expect from a senior dog and how to take care of one ?
You have decided to give a senior dog a home and fell in love with a grey muzzle.. most shelters offer discounts for senior pets.
The shelter will inform you if your senior dog has health problems as arthritis or dental issues (usually the shelter will take care of all the dental work and all the current needs of the dog).
If they have mobility issues you can install stairs or portable ramps (when it's a big senior dog, the portable ramps will help them to get in and out of the car)
When you bring a senior dog into your home it will need some time to adjust, especially if you rescued them from a noisy shelter.
Keep it calm the first week. (don't invite the whole neighborhood, but give them a few days to get to know you and your family and their new home)
I usually take 3 weeks off so we can get to know each other, but I know this is not possible for everyone. Luckily when looking for a senior dog you can match them to your lifestyle. Most senior dogs are calmer and house trained.
They will need several soft compfy beds, spread around the house, essential for those older bones and maybe some toys and they are good to go.
Double up on love for your senior dog and they will give you love and compagnionship in return.
Tomorrow we talk about the challenges when adopting a senior dog.
signed,
a 'Senior Dog' mom-O-Holic.