{"id":11661,"date":"2023-11-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hartz-v2.local7\/advantages-adopting-senior-pet\/"},"modified":"2023-11-07T19:07:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T19:07:18","slug":"advantages-adopting-senior-pet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hartz.com\/en-ca\/advantages-adopting-senior-pet\/","title":{"rendered":"The Advantages of Adopting a Senior Pet"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Adopting

Adopting a senior pet shows compassion and how one values life at all ages.<\/p><\/div>\n

Older companion animals are often overlooked, and prove to be the most difficult shelter pets to place in a new home, despite their great qualities. November is National Adopt a Senior Pet Month. If you\u2019re considering growing your household by four paws, here\u2019s what it means to consider a senior cat or a senior dog.<\/p>\n

Age is Just a Number<\/h3>\n

There are many great reasons for opening your heart and adopting a senior pet over a younger one, but perhaps the greatest aspect is the statement it makes about compassion and the value of life at all ages.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. They\u2019re calmer and less energetic.<\/strong> Senior pets have graduated from puppy and adulthood. They have an established temperament, making it easier to determine if they will fit into your family\u2019s expectations. Because senior cats and dogs have a lower energy level, they\u2019re less likely to become destructive and make better, gentler playmates for children. They\u2019ve also been socialized and have already learned what it takes to fit in with people and other pets.<\/li>\n
  2. You CAN teach them new tricks.<\/strong> Dogs are trainable<\/a> at any age, but those with a few more experience years under their collars have a greater attention span, which makes them easier to train if they don\u2019t already know basic obedience and house manners.<\/li>\n
  3. They\u2019ve mastered bathroom etiquette.<\/strong> Some adopters might not realize just how much hard work and dedication it takes to housetrain a kitten or puppy. Most older shelter pets once lived in a home, so they usually know the drill on do\u2019s and don\u2019ts when it comes to number 1 and number 2.<\/li>\n
  4. What you see is what you get.<\/strong> Senior pets take the guesswork out of how big a kitten or puppy will become, and what type of personality they\u2019ll have. While younger animals are still growing physically and developing their personalities, with older pets, you\u2019ll know right away whether they love to cuddle or are more independent.<\/li>\n
  5. You\u2019re saving a life.<\/strong> By adopting an older pet, you\u2019ll gain a loyal friend and provide them with a warm, loving home. There\u2019s a misconception that senior cats and dogs in shelters have behavioral problems, but the truth is most end up there due to their owners being unable to keep them for various reasons: death, allergies, financial hardship<\/a>, relocation and other lifestyle changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    \"Adopting

    A senior cat or a senior dog can have many happy and healthy years ahead of them.<\/p><\/div>\n

    How Old are Senior Pets?<\/h3>\n

    Most pet lovers understand that cats and dogs of varying breeds and sizes age at different rates, In recent years feline and canine life stages have been redefined.<\/p>\n

    Veterinary professionals consider dogs to be senior in age when they reach 5-7 years old. Cats become senior at about 9 years old.<\/p>\n

    Preparing to Adopt a Senior Cat or a Senior Dog<\/h3>\n

    Adopting a senior pet can present some challenges. While veterinary care is needed at all life stages, it can be more costly for an advanced age pet.<\/p>\n

    Before adopting a senior cat or a senior dog,<\/a> it\u2019s wise to get a health report from a veterinarian. If it is discovered that the animal has more health concerns than anticipated, you can adequately assess whether you will be able to fulfill the financial commitment of caring for a senior pet before making the emotional one.<\/p>\n

    Otherwise, older pets require all the things younger ones do \u2013 good nutrition<\/a>, exercise<\/a>, and regular health checkups<\/a>. Depending on the breed, lifestyle and any existing conditions, a senior cat or a senior dog can still have many happy and healthy years ahead of them.<\/p>\n

    Have you previously or are you currently planning on adopting a senior pet in honor of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month? We\u2019d love to hear your story! Connect with us on social media<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n

    \n\t\t \n
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tView Product<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\t \n
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Oinkies\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tHartz\u00ae Oinkies\u00ae Real Meaty Chews\u2122 Tender Twists\u2122 - 18 Pack\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\tView Product<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\t <\/div>\n\t\n