Caring for Senior Rescue Dogs: Giving Love When They Need It Most

Everyone loves puppies! However, many see senior dogs as someone else’s responsibility. It's a tough reality, but at ROLDA, we are used to dealing with harsh truths.

Many of our residents are senior dogs, who are less likely to be adopted. These kind souls will probably spend their remaining days in our care. It saddens us that only a few will ever experience the love of a family and the joy of having a forever home. Of course, they will forever have a loving family and home at ROLDA, but it’s not the same as having one family to themselves.

Being cared for in our shelter ensures they will never have to struggle or suffer on the streets again at their age. For some, this is the main benefit.

However, the problem persists that senior dogs are the most likely to be abandoned and rarely chosen for adoption. Let's explore this issue more closely.

Why are there so many senior dogs in our shelter?

Senior dogs are often the most abandoned, and many people might be surprised at how easily this occurs.

Owners Pass Away

Sometimes, elderly pet owners pass away without any family members willing to care for their senior animals for the rest of their lives. This is a common situation, and it deeply saddens us when a pet, just having experienced the traumatic loss of a loved human, must face the reality of being alone in the world.

Some cases are truly heartbreaking, with pets trapped in their former homes where only a few kind neighbors occasionally leave food and water. Others end up on the streets when new owners take over the property.

Imagine having lived an entire life in one place, knowing nothing but love from your family and the comfort of your home, only to be alone and uprooted in the most vulnerable stage of your life. It’s devastating.

Financial Hardship

Money problems can occur unexpectedly and may impact even long-time pet-owning families. Elderly dogs often require extra care as they age, such as specialized diets and increased veterinary costs. As these expenses rise, some owners find it difficult to afford to keep their pets, leading to abandonment.

Would these people face the same harsh judgment for neglecting their pets or depriving them of necessary medical care? Probably. However, they would still have shelter and someone to advocate for them and seek assistance on their behalf.

Illness in the Family

Right up there with financial hardship, a severe illness in the family can take more or less the same toll. Resources are depleted—not only financial resources, but also the physical and emotional capacity of family members to care for others.

A sick family member at home who consumes most resources will deplete all available energy, as everyone focuses on caring for them. This is only natural. However, in smaller families with elderly, weak, or already tired and ill members, energy becomes very limited. The family dog may receive only scraps, if it remains in the house at all.

Relocation

Sometimes, when families have to move away, their senior pets no longer fit in the new narrative of their lives. Either the new home is not a good place for the animal, the rental contract does not allow pets, or the owners want a fresh start and wrongfully mark their senior pets as things to be left behind.

Sure, not all families are willing to abandon their pets and will seek suitable solutions. We also recognize that some situations are complex and not easily resolved. The case of senior dogs being left behind exemplifies this difficulty.

Plain Abandonment

The saddest thing of all is that people don’t need so many reasons to give up on an older pet. Maybe they always saw the animal’s worth in its utility. Whether the animal is no longer puppy-cute or doesn’t have as much energy left to guard the property, they see no other reason to keep it in their care. Abandonment is still seen as an option for some people, and they don’t even think twice about it. Just like that.

Senior Dogs Still Make Amazing Companions

People who are open to challenging the most common misconceptions about adopting senior dogs discover many wonderful benefits.

Firstly, senior dogs have calmer personalities and are better suited for people who would otherwise find puppies too challenging. They are patient and kind, even with first-time owners who are still learning to care for them properly.

Another category of people who would benefit from adopting a senior dog is those who cannot or will not adopt a too active lifestyle. Not to say they wouldn’t want to take a nice walk around the block every day, but maybe not have to chase a young dog around to make sure it gets its exercise. People who are more selective about the level of physical activity do great with senior dogs.

Another clear advantage of adopting a senior dog is that most likely, many of them have already been house-trained. This reduces a lot of the effort new owners need to put in when first bringing home a small dog. A senior dog would simply have to adjust to a new home and new people, but it wouldn’t have to learn how to do things from scratch.

Not to mention that there is a lot less damage control you need to do when bringing a senior dog home. Young pups are more destructive and are difficult to leave alone. Senior dogs are already accustomed to the items in the house, know not to chew on furniture or destroy household items, and are less likely to go on a gnawing spree just because they have been left alone for two hours.

And we have saved the best for last. The emotional bond you have with a senior dog is amazing. These dogs are grateful for the comfort of your home, for your companionship, and for all your loving care. They are grateful, good, and kind.

Unique Needs of Senior Dogs

If adopting a senior dog is starting to sound good to you, here are some things you still need to consider regarding their care. Just like puppies and adult dogs, senior dogs have specific needs.

First up on the list are more frequent veterinary check-ups. The sooner you learn to spot potential problems, the faster you can step in and make things comfortable for your new companion. Some of these issues are degenerative, such as arthritis or joint pain, meaning they will worsen as the dog ages. But treating them early will give your friends a bit more time to feel comfortable and be pain-free.

Dental care is also important because keeping their teeth healthy will help them savor their food and the treats they enjoy getting from you. No point in being a good boy if you don’t get the good treats, right?

Since we are on the topic, weight management is also important, as being overweight and having brittle bones don’t go well together. Also, senior dogs are not as active, so getting rid of a little surplus would be very challenging. Exercise must be kept up regularly, but must be gentle.

Be diligent in dispensing medication and make sure any special dietary needs are addressed to keep the dog thriving even in old age.

Adopting a senior dog isn’t as difficult as some think. Ultimately, all pet owners share some level of responsibility. The key difference is that senior dogs may require a slower pace, which suits those who are already patient and steady. This approach can be a perfect match for such individuals.