When you adopt a senior dog, you get an overabundance of love, loyalty, and appreciation for years to come. Read on to learn what to expect when adopting a senior dog.
Senior Dog Expenses
Senior dogs can make for loyal, loving companions who live out their golden years with people who love them deeply. However, it’s crucial to consider the expenses that come with a senior dog, especially if they have preexisting health conditions and complications.
Taking them to regular checkups and giving them yearly vaccinations can help maintain their health and prevent illnesses. Prepare to pay additional veterinary bills for joint issues, physical conditions, weight issues, and other age-related health conditions.
Lower Energy Levels
Compared to a puppy, senior dogs tend to have lower energy levels, leaving them to sleep and spend their downtime lying around throughout the day. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve stimulation to keep their day enjoyable.
Consider your dog’s comfort level, mobility, and other capabilities before introducing a new activity. See if they enjoy taking car rides, visiting dog parks, going on walks, playing fetch, and other physical activities. You want to monitor their activity level to prevent hypothermia or overheating.
Monitoring Health Issues
When you adopt a senior dog, you can expect to receive documentation of any health-related issues and complications they’ve had over the years. Monitoring their health ensures they are less likely to experience new illnesses, restrictions, and obstacles as they spend their golden years in your home.
However, older dogs tend to encounter more chronic issues in their later years, including problems with mobility, cancer, and diabetes. So, practicing prevention and diligence can help you maintain your dog’s health for a happy, comfortable life.
Years of Memories
One thing to expect when adopting a senior dog is the years you cherish with them. Senior dogs are all like other dogs; loving, playful, loyal, and full of personality. Senior dogs don’t make for boring dogs; while they have different lifespan expectations, they’re still incredibly expressive and can make for adorable companions.
Senior dogs enjoy the same activities as any other dog: walking, playing, cuddling, and loving their owners unconditionally. By building up trust and being patient as they adjust to your home, you create opportunities for your senior dog’s personality to shine through.
We at Best Friend Mobility understand the requirements of caring for a senior dog who lives with mobility issues. We provide high-quality pet mobility products to help improve their quality of life while reducing pain. Our dog rear wheelchairs allow dogs to live their active, fun lifestyles without hindrances to their mobility. If you have any questions about our products, reach out to us today.