Tips for Adopting a Senior Pet

November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month! If you’re considering giving that one lucky dog or cat a great retirement home, you definitely have our support. Older dogs and cats make absolutely wonderful pets. They’re typically very calm and gentle, and often have super sweet personalities. In this article, a local Tipp City, OH vet lists offers some ‘pawesome’ advice on adopting a dog or cat in their golden years. 

Adopting a pet is always a big commitment. However, this goes double when it comes to adopting older animals. Dogs and cats get very attached to their humans, and they are often quite traumatized by major changes, like going to a shelter or changing owners. Don’t move forward unless you are ready to care for Fido and Fluffy for the rest of their life!

One of the first things you’ll want to do is bring your furry buddy in for a thorough, nose-to-tail exam. You’ll also want to make sure your four-legged pal is fixed, microchipped, and current on vaccines and parasite control. This is a great time to get some specific feedback on your new buddy’s diet and care needs! 

Have everything ready and waiting when you get home. Keep your furry retiree’s age in mind when shopping. Comfy beds, raised dishes, night lights, non-stick mats, and pet ramps and stairs will help keep your new four-legged friend comfortable and happy. Dogs with thin fur will also need sweaters or jackets. Ask your vet for recommendations.

If you love animals, you may wish that you could help more of them. However, while no one person can save every homeless pet, even giving one lucky dog or cat a happy tomorrow is a wonderful thing to do. Many people often remark that the pets they have saved have, in turn, saved them. This makes perfect sense to us! An animal’s friendship and devotion are both very special gifts, and are wonderful rewards for your kindness. Of course, purrs and tail wags are also pretty great rewards in and of themselves. It really does feel great to know that you’ve helped an animal in need!

As your local Tipp City, OH vet clinic, we are dedicated to offering great veterinary care. Please contact us if ever we can be of assistance.