The joys of owning a senior pet

Each year, there are a number of senior cats and dogs that are brought into shelters for a variety of reasons, maybe they have failed to adapt to a younger pet, their owners have moved, or maybe their owner became sick.  For whatever reason, there are a large number of senior pets that sit unadopted, and unfortunately for a lot of these sweet souls adoption is their last chance.

November is designated as adopt a senior pet month, with a focus on finding these great pets forever homes.

Benefits of Owning a Senior Pet

• Senior pets are already fully developed, their personalities are apparent, their size is known and the amount of grooming required is already known.
• Senior pets are easier to train; they are more calm and focused and thus respond to training better than a younger pet.
• Senior pets are more self-sufficient, for anyone who has owned a puppy, you know that when you first get your bundle of furry love, you are awakened numerous times in the night for potty breaks, your daytime schedule is often disrupted or you have to invest in doggie daycare. For most senior dogs, after the initial adjustment period they are able to be left alone for longer periods of time.
• Senior pets are no longer teething and in many cases will be less destructive than their younger versions
• In most cases, older dogs have an easier time fitting in as one of the family. The adjustment time to get along with other family members and pets is often much shorter.
• Senior pets are often the most loving, devoted and loyal pets you can have.

Caring for You Senior Pet
With all the benefits of getting a senior pet, we hope that you will consider giving one of the wonderful pets a forever home. Before adopting a senior pet, we think that it is important to talk about how to care for your new family member in the coming years.

Depending on their breed, and their expected lifespan, pets can reach the senior years as early as six years of age, although most are considered seniors by the time they are eight years old.

For senior pets health concerns are often similar to what we as humans experience, achy joints, failing eyesight, and dental issues. Regular visits to your veterinarian are critical to address any of these issues in your older pet may have and whenever possible prevent issues from becoming costly emergencies.

The American Animal Hospital Association recommends that healthy senior dogs and cats visit the veterinarian every six months for a complete exam and laboratory testing. Keep in mind that every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to 5–7 human years. To stay current with your senior pet’s health care, twice-a-year exams are strongly advised.

Laboratory testing for senior pets will typically include the following:

• Urinalysis
• Complete blood count
• Blood-chemistry panel
• Parasite testing

Other tests may be required, especially if your dog or cat is displaying signs of illness or discomfort.

In honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month National Spay Allliance is offering month long specials for all owners of senior pets*. If you have adopted a  senior pet in the last 30 days, come in for a free wellness check (you will need to bring your adoption papers to the appointment) . If you are a current owner of a senior pet we are offering wellness checks. We can run a comprehensive blood screen at the discounted price of $50.  For more information stop in or give us a call at 706-370-7594. This offer is valid through December 31, 2016.

*This promotion applies to pets age 8 and older.

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