Adopt a senior pet this month

May is National Pet Month, and one of the key areas that this special month looks to draw awareness and attention to is pet adoption. While there is a large need to adopt pets of all ages, shapes and sizes, a senior pet brings something special to a home. They are mellow, wise, already trained old souls who take life one day at a time – and bring so much love and appreciation.  They deserve to finish out their final days with a family to care for them and love them back. If you are one of the kind and lucky people who will welcome a senior pet into your home this month, here are a few important tips to keep in mind from Petcurean:

• Keep them active: Exercise helps a senior pet maintain a healthy body weight, and it helps slow the degeneration of joints from arthritis. Walking is excellent exercise. Swimming in a heated pool is also an excellent way to maintain joint mobility.
• Ensure they get proper nutrition: As older pets are less active, they need fewer calories. A high quality, limited ingredient diet is a great way to maintain weight in a senior pet, while addressing and sensitivities and ensuring they get the nutrition they need, like Petcurean’s Go! Limited Ingredient Duck Recipe for dogs. Dogs with joint problems may benefit from supplementation with glucosamine or fish oils.
• Practice good dental hygiene: Dental care is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Dental disease is painful and may make eating difficult for your senior pet. If your dog won’t tolerate you brushing its teeth, consider dental treats, or dental toys designed to help keep the teeth clean and healthy. Teeth cleaning by your veterinarian will also help to maintain oral health.
• Provide an accessible home: Older dogs may develop arthritis or other joint problems, which can make it harder for them to get around. You can help by providing ramps to help them navigate around the house, get up on the bed, or get outside.  Orthopedic pet beds may help keep your pet comfortable and relieve pressure on the joints.
• Love them up: Nothing tells your senior pet that you love them like a good belly rub or ear scratch. As your pet ages, physical contact is more important than ever. Every moment you have together is precious, and increasing the physical connection between you will strengthen your bond immeasurably. Maximize every opportunity for bonding with your pet – you will both be glad you did.

With recent advances in veterinary science and nutrition, dogs are living much longer and healthier lives, so a dog aged 9-10 can still have many good years left to enrich your life. As with any living being, age can bring its problems, but maintaining good health starts with common sense, regular exercise, good nutrition, and regular visits to the vet. Adopting an older pet can be so rewarding, and you can take pleasure in the knowledge that you have saved the life of a deserving and sweet old soul. And of course, young or old, rescuing any pet will fill your home with more love – watch and share this beautiful rescue poem to enjoy a video and poem that captures the beauty of pet adoption!