5 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Dog
Most veterinarians classify dogs as ‘seniors’ when they turn 7 years old, although this also depends on the breed and size of the dog. But we know seniors all have a playful pup inside them and just need some TLC to enjoy their life in a home where they can get the undivided attention they deserve.
Thanks to improvement in healthcare, nutrition and animal welfare, dogs are living longer and happier lives - but when it comes to adoption, senior dogs are often overlooked for puppies and younger dogs.
OSCAS is home to lots of senior dogs, and we see the benefits of them every day. Below are 5 reasons why you should consider adopting a senior dog.
Oreo is around 9 years young and like his namesake is very sweet
They are a helpful stress relief and bundle of love: Whether you are a working couple and don't have time to train a puppy, or have elderly parents at home who need a companion while you are out working, a senior dog will center your family with unconditional love, loyalty and companionship once it has been given the time to settle and integrate into your family. Research has shown that the stress relief one gets when greeted by a happy dog on returning home is unmatched - in one study, patients who spent a short amount of time with a dog before an upcoming operation experienced reduction in their anxiety levels, perhaps because the animal's presence helped distract them from their concerns.
You know what you are getting: Being senior dogs they are fully grown so what you see is what you get. Health issues can occur at any age of a dog's life depending on how well they are taken care of, but for a senior dog you will know already if there are any major issues to deal with or not, so you can be sure of what will be needed to give your senior the best care they deserve.
Senior dogs are calmer than younger dogs: Adopting a senior dog is special because they’ve outgrown their disobedient and chewing puppy phase, and have matured into loving, calm adults. Many of OSCAS’ senior dogs are still playful, but they also know when to relax with you and take a nap. Having lived in a shelter most dogs do not get the daily exercise they need, but once in a home they can remain fit and healthier via daily walks and keep you the same way too! You’ll both love each other the more for it!
You can teach an old dog new tricks: Dogs love to learn, and age is not a barrier. Just because a dog isn’t 2 years old doesn’t mean that he can’t learn anything. Spending time with your dog and teaching them new tricks or commands improves their mental stimulation, making them happy and keeping them active.
You will find a friend in each other, giving them life and saving a life too: All a senior dog wants is a loving family and a safe environment. They will hang out with you, enjoy leisurely walks with you and become one of your best buddies. They will love and adore you as much as you do them. Being a Senior Dog, you could be saving their life as they will get the undivided attention they deserve in a home and so remain in a better and more comfortable state of health. Giving a Senior Dog the opportunity to live a happy, healthy and less stressful life on a daily basis not only lets them actually enjoy life as a dog should but you will get to experience the joy in this too! ”We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill . Most importantly to save one life is to save many. It means one less dog in the shelter, which means those that remain can get a little more of the attention they need. Never underestimate the importance of TLC and companionship, this in itself will save a dogs life
Dodi is around 10 years old, he’d love a home he can enjoy walks, perhaps some water time fun and a snooze in the sun
So what are you waiting for? Come and visit our senior friends - we promise you’ll fall in love.
From left, Ginny, Gypsy and Raisin are all around 10 years old and would make the most chilled companions as seniors. Learn more about them in our dog gallery: https://www.oscas.sg/ourdogs
A few of our senior dogs seen here. now enjoy life as they should after spending most of their lives in the shelter. Woody (a rescued Chained dog, top left and bottom right), Camper (now residing in Belgium, top right) and Beau (bottom left) were all adopted as Senior Dogs and fitted right into their homes like an old comfy slipper. Their health got better and they keep their families healthy too with daily walks and fun times shared!
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