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During November, beyond the anticipation of the holidays, we also observe National Adopt a Senior Pet Month.
Throughout the US, many older pets are overlooked in animal shelters. Statistics from sites detailing animal shelter populations show that senior pets only have about a 25% adoption rate while younger animals, especially puppies and kittens, are adopted out at rates higher than 60%. Sadly, many prospective pet lovers feel that these older pets are "too set in their ways" and there is certainly concern that you "can't teach on old dog new tricks".
The reality is that many older or senior pets may make ideal companions for any family. Having a pet who is already "full-grown" avoids the surprises that often occur when that Lab-mix or Shepherd-mix puppy ends up being much larger than anticipated. Other positive factors for considering a senior pet include the fact that most are already house-trained (no accidents in the house) and many have outgrown the need to chew up the stuffed toys you have so kindly provided. In general, many senior pets have a calmer demeanor and this is certainly appreciated by a wide range of pet lovers.
Of course, some older pets may have issues associated with being older, such as obesity, osteoarthritis, or kidney injury. Certainly, many of them may have some "lumps and bumps" that need to be evaluated and most will suffer from some degree of dental disease. But, all in all, most of these health issues with senior pets are definitely manageable. Your veterinarian and his/her team can help answer specific questions and help you make the best healthcare choices for your new senior friend.
With so many pets needing to find their "furever" home, why not consider helping an older pet feel loved during the golden years of their life? Tell us your stories . . . what older pet made an impact on your home, your family, and your life?
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