Senior dogs are often house-trained and full of personality. They are often playful at times, yet low-key and easy to hang out with. They provide all the benefits of a dog without all the training of a puppy. Of course, while senior dogs make wonderful pets, that doesn’t mean they don’t come with challenges.

We’ll dive into both the benefits of adopting a senior dog and what you should know before you add an older dog to your family.

Senior Dog Adoption Statistics

Despite rave reviews from pet parents, many older dogs have difficulty getting adopted due to their age. In addition to breeds like Pit Bulls or Chihuahuas, older dogs are one of the most overlooked demographics at shelters. The ASPCA reports that senior dogs have a 25 percent adoption rate compared to the 60 percent adoption rate of younger dogs and puppies. 

So why are younger dogs adopted at higher rates than older dogs? Many potential adopters state they fear the risk of getting attached to a dog they may lose in a few years. But most senior dog pet owners say the benefits far outweigh the risks. 

What Age is a Dog a Senior?

Not every dog ages at the same rate. Many factors – such as breed, genetics, and environment – contribute to when a dog becomes a senior. Most scientists agree that the biggest factor affecting the timing of senior status is a dog’s size. 

In general, large or giant breeds become seniors between 5-7 years of age while smaller dogs become seniors closer to 8-11 years of age. Most experts agree that a dog is a senior dog in the last 25-30 percent of their life, though this is not an exact science.

Benefits of Senior Dog Adoption

When you ask pet parents about the benefits of adopting a senior dog, be prepared to listen to hours of stories! Here are some common reasons that many people love older dogs.

They’re semi-trained. Though not always the case, many senior pets are already house-trained and have some degree of general training. A lot of senior dogs also know basic commands such as sit and lay down. This can make integrating an older dog into your home a lot easier than a puppy who needs lots of training and supervision.

They’re laid back. For many pet parents, one of the best things about a senior dog is their laid-back vibe. They will often be low-key but still have spunk and personality! The reality of puppies and younger dogs is that they require a lot of time, consistency, and physical and mental energy. Many senior dogs will already understand human routines and habits. They will be more relaxed and less needy.

They have interesting personalities. A really fun part of adopting a senior dog is discovering their unique personalities. Many older dogs have established personalities and know what they like and don’t like. You feel like you’re constantly learning something new about them, from their dinnertime dances, to their disdain for broccoli, to their love of leaf piles. Every day feels like a pursuit of finding their favorite things, and for many people, seniors are full of surprises and funny habits!

They have a lovable nature. The truth is that many older adopted dogs used to have a human that was their best friend. Losing that person and ending up at a rescue or shelter can be really disconcerting for senior dogs. As with many shelter animals, they seem exceedingly grateful once placed in a new home. More than anything, they’re waiting for someone to come along and love them again.

It feels good to help a pet in need. There’s something to be said about the feel-good nature of providing a dog both comfort and happiness near the end of their life. Some of them were given up due to unfortunate circumstances or in bad situations and were not cared for in the way they deserved. Stepping up and providing an old dog with a safe, happy home can be a genuine act of kindness. 

8 Things You Should Know Before Adopting a Senior Dog

Now that we’ve covered some of the amazing benefits of adopting an old dog, here are a few things that should also be considered. 

Higher chance of medical conditions. Just like older humans, older dogs are prone to more chronic diseases than their younger counterparts. Nearly every senior dog will have dental disease and arthritis as they get older. Keeping up with their health will require establishing a relationship with a local veterinarian. If your senior dog has a known disease, it’s also important to work with your veterinarian to create a plan for managing, monitoring, and treating it. 

More frequent vet visits. Because dogs age at faster rates, most veterinarians recommend that senior dogs go to the vet for their wellness visits every 6 months and as needed for any signs of illness. Changes can happen at faster rates in older dogs, so being prepared for more frequent vet visits will help you accommodate better.

Financial preparation. At some point, many senior dogs will require special medications or diets. Getting financially prepared with something like pet insurance as soon as you adopt your senior dog can be highly beneficial, allowing you to make choices based on their quality of life and needs, rather than finances. An alternative is having a saved budget estimating your senior dog’s needs prior to adopting them.

Potty accidents. While most senior dogs are house-trained (a big benefit), they can sometimes have trouble controlling their bathroom habits as they approach their geriatric years or end of life. Ways to support this are with pee pads (which many senior dogs can be trained to use), belly bands, diapers, more frequent outings, and veterinary care to see if the problem is fixable.

Adjustment period. When adopting most senior dogs (or any dog, really), expect to have an adjustment period as they get used to your home. Depending on the dog, it could be a day, or it could be weeks or even a few months until you both find a routine that works for you. Many senior dogs have varied histories, so try to be patient with them as you learn each other’s needs. 

Understandably, after losing the home they knew and being in a shelter or rescue, an older dog may have anxiety and difficulty relaxing until they understand that your home is their forever home. Talking to your veterinarian about calming medications or supplements can be helpful. 

Mobility issues. As we mentioned, the majority of senior dogs have arthritis. Learning how to help keep them comfortable with veterinarian-recommended supplements and medications can make a huge difference. Using non-slip rugs in the areas of the house they frequent most can also be helpful, along with utilizing dog ramps or stairs as needed.

Less time. Because they are in the later part of their life, senior dogs will likely not be part of your family for as long as a new puppy would be. Though we are not guaranteed any amount of time with any pet we own, it’s helpful to try to cherish the time that you do have and provide the best life and care for your senior pet.

End-of-life decisions. Learning how to say goodbye to a pet is hard no matter how long you’ve had them. For many senior pet owners, having an understanding of end-of-life decisions and quality of life is really important. Be sure to work with your veterinarian to gauge these needs so you can be as prepared as possible. 

Where to Find Senior Dogs for Adoption

Wondering where to adopt a senior dog? The good news is that senior dogs can be found pretty much everywhere. Local shelters and rescues will often have senior dogs ready and available for adoption.  

There are even senior dog-focused rescue groups all over the country, like Muttville, Susie’s Senior Dogs, Camp Golden Years, and many more. And if you need to rehome a senior pet, be sure to reach out to a senior dog rescue for more information. 

How to Prepare Your Home for a Senior Dog

Prepping for your new senior dog is exciting, and there are several things you can do in advance to help get your home ready for them. 

Most senior dogs will need a soft place to lie, so an orthopedic bed can be key. Keep in mind that many senior dogs (if allowed) love to relax on a couch or bed as an alternative, so having a sturdy ramp or stairs to help them get up and down can make it easier on their joints.

Consider getting non-slip rugs or mats for wooden or tile floors. Senior dogs tend to have less muscle mass, which makes it more difficult to navigate these slippery areas. Putting their food and water bowls on top of a yoga mat or non-slip rug can also help ensure that they don’t lose their grip. 

Lastly, prepare to bring your senior dog to the veterinarian within the first week of adoption. They’ll assess your pup’s health and discuss a good plan for supplements and diet moving forward. Consider starting your senior dog on pet insurance at this visit so you have coverage for any new conditions moving forward. 

For even more information on preparing for a senior dog, check out our Senior Dog Adoption Checklist.

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Just like for humans, sleep is vital to the overall health and happiness of dogs as they age. Dogs are similar to people in that many important activities take place at the cellular level when they sleep, allowing their bodies to “recharge” for their awake daytime hours. Many senior dogs are dealing with ailments like arthritis or age-related conditions like heart or kidney disease. The extra stress of these diseases will cause them to feel like they need even more sleep to adequately feel rested and energetic for those awake hours.  

Changes in sleep patterns can actually be one of the first signs of health issues in some pets and can even contribute to them. Paying close attention to the amount of sleep or quality of sleep your dog gets can be helpful in picking up on illnesses and abnormalities sooner. Let’s discuss some important facts about sleep when it comes to our senior canine companions.

How Much Do Dogs Sleep?

Most people recognize that their dog sleeps a lot compared to them. From sleeping at random periods throughout the day to sleeping throughout the night, the amount of time that dogs sleep is significant.

Research has shown that the amount of time a dog will sleep per day ranges from about 7.7 to 16 hours, with the average being about 10 hours [1]. Dogs of different health levels and ages need different amounts of sleep. 

The amount of time a dog spends sleeping depends a lot on their age. Research has also shown that older dogs are a lot less active than younger dogs. So if you notice that an older dog sleeps a lot more than its younger counterpart, that is likely normal. Other factors that can influence how long a dog sleeps include size and sex.  

My Senior Dog Sleeps All Day: Should I Worry?

The exact amount of time a senior dog will sleep per day can vary greatly — even among senior dogs themselves. Here are a few things to look out for if you feel like your senior dog is sleeping a little too much.

Take Note Of Your Dog’s Sleep Schedule  

Understanding what a normal sleep schedule for your dog looks like as they get older is important to help alert you to when your pet is not feeling well. Abrupt changes in sleep schedules can be a sign that something is not right and may be an indicator that you need to see your veterinarian.  

When it comes to senior dogs, sleeping a lot is not generally a concern if it’s within reason for that dog. Extra sleep is usually OK for a senior dog if they are acting bright and normal during their awake hours.  

Keep An Eye On Your Dog While Awake

Paying attention to what a senior dog is doing during their normal waking hours can be helpful in assessing if their sleep behavior is a concern. In general, we want senior dogs to have normal appetites, water intake, exercise, and participation in family events that is reasonable for their age. A gradual decline in activity and energy levels over time is to be expected, but your pup should still appear happy and excited when awake. An abrupt shift or a pet that seems uncomfortable or uninterested in their normal activities should be considered a concerning change.

A departure from their normal sleep pattern could also indicate a change worth noting. This can include waking up during nighttime hours, restlessness, and a significant difference in duration/depth of sleep. If your dog is sleeping a lot and acting unwell when awake, it’s definitely a concern and reason to visit the veterinarian.  

Take Hearing Loss Into Consideration

Many senior dogs will seem to sleep “deeper” than they used to. This can be partially because a lot of senior dogs experience age-related hearing loss as they get older, which can make their sleep seem deeper because they’re not picking up on all of the noises that they used to. They may be harder to rouse from sleep but should appear normal after a brief period of adjustment once awake. If they cannot be woken from sleep or appear to be acting mentally dull or abnormal when they do wake up, this may be a concerning change.

Check Your Dog’s Breathing Rate

Normal dogs, regardless of age, will have a breathing rate that is less than 30 breaths per minute when they are asleep. It is important to let your veterinarian know if your dog has a sleeping respiratory rate above that, especially if they are older and have a history of heart or lung disease. When counting the sleeping respiratory rate in your dog, make sure they are fully asleep or have been resting inside in a cool environment for a period of time.

Sundown Syndrome in Dogs

It is estimated that greater than 60 percent of senior dogs over the age of 11 will have at least one sign of sundown syndrome, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). One of the first signs of sundown syndrome in dogs is changes in their sleeping pattern. The classic versions of this disease are either a dog who becomes active at night and sleeps all day, or a dog who appears confused and restless before bed. For many dogs, this may look like an older dog who wakes up randomly at night and tries to engage in normal daytime behaviors. 

It’s important to understand that this is different than an older dog who wakes up to use the bathroom or drink water, then goes back to sleep. That can be considered normal in an older dog, depending on the circumstances. In a dog with sundown syndrome, their nighttime activity develops into a pattern of pacing, restlessness, and appearing lost or concerned that is not remedied after providing a simple solution like a bathroom break or drink of water.

If you notice a change in your dog’s sleep pattern, it’s best to turn to a professional. Even though CCD is not a disease that can be cured, the sooner you alert your veterinarian, the sooner you can begin to intervene and manage the disease to improve quality of life for your senior dog. Your veterinarian will help you come up with a plan to help your dog sleep better at night and allow their brain to rest.

Restlessness at night can also be seen in older dogs with chronic pain. In one study, dogs with chronic pain related to arthritis had more restlessness at night, which improved once the pain was managed with medications [2].

How to Support Your Senior Dog’s Sleep Needs

Supporting your senior dog’s sleep needs is important in order to allow proper rest and recovery for their older bodies. To start, make sure your senior dog has a place to rest where they are comfortable and will not be disturbed. Many orthopedic dog beds have extra padding to help with arthritic joint comfort. 

When placing a dog bed in the home for a senior dog, make sure it is in a location that is easily accessible (especially for arthritic dogs) and consider having multiples if your pup seems to enjoy different areas of your house. The best dog bed is one that your pet will use. More padding is typically better, but keep in mind that climbing onto a larger bed can be more difficult for some older dogs. Consider adding rugs or extra traction around the bed to make it easier to get on and off.

Allowing a senior dog to have uninterrupted time to sleep is also important. If you have children or guests, let them know that your dog should not be bothered while sleeping. 

And again, pay attention to their sleep schedule and note any changes in it. If your senior dog seems restless or is getting up at night, let your veterinarian know so that they can screen for possible causes.  

Though doggy dementia does not have any one test to diagnose it, your veterinarian can help by ruling out other diseases that might influence your dog’s sleep schedule, such as diseases of chronic pain or metabolic disease. These conditions can also cause discomfort in older dogs. Your veterinarian may give your senior dog medication that could help them sleep at night or provide some comfort for arthritis.

Keeping your senior dog on a schedule can be beneficial, too. Having set times for walks, food, and “lights out” can help them understand what to expect and keep their sleep schedules regular. Just like people, senior dogs need appropriate exercise and mental stimulation every day to help encourage restful sleep at night.  

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In general, cats tend to be more prone to anemia than dogs, partially because they have a smaller blood volume in their bodies and their red blood cells also do not ‘live’ as long in their bodies. This means that depletion of the red blood cell count can cause cats to show signs of anemia more quickly.

Anemia in our cats can range from mild to severe. Many different causes of anemia exist and how we treat anemia in cats depends primarily on the cause.

Let’s take a deeper look at feline anemia, including possible causes, symptoms, and how to get cats care if they become anemic.

What is Feline Anemia?

Anemia in cats refers to a lack of red blood cells through either loss, destruction of those cells, or being unable to produce those cells normally.

Red blood cells have a critical role in a cat’s body. They are responsible for carrying oxygen to vital organs and tissues. Tissues need oxygen to function. A low red blood cell count may mean that less oxygen gets to a cat’s important organs, which can cause organ dysfunction and in severe cases, death.

We often see very different forms of anemia in cats based on their age.

Causes of Anemia in Cats

Anemia in adult cats can have a variety of causes. Decreased red blood cells in the body can be caused by your cat’s body not producing red blood cells, the destruction of red blood cells, or blood loss.

Some causes have an acute, or sudden, onset while others have a slower and more chronic onset.

Some causes of anemia in cats include:

• Parasitic infections (such as flea bite anemia)
• Infectious viruses (such as FIV/FeLV)
• Chronic diseases (such as chronic kidney disease)
• Bone marrow diseases
• Toxins
• Blood loss (from trauma, cancer, etc.)
• Inflammatory diseases
• Nutrient deficiencies

Finding out the exact cause of your cat’s anemia often requires testing and diagnostics by your veterinarian.

Causes of Anemia in Kittens

Anemia in kittens can be particularly severe due to their smaller size and developing immune systems.

There are several common causes of anemia in kittens but the most common is flea-induced anemia. For a kitten to have flea-induced anemia, they have to have had a severe flea infestation.

Clues that a kitten has fleas may be black specks of flea dirt (which is flea excrement), scabs and lesions throughout their skin, and active fleas or known fleas in the environment. Fleas tend to also carry with them blood-borne parasites which can further sicken a weak flea-bitten kitten.

Other causes of anemia in kittens include:

• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)
• Intestinal parasites
• Traumatic blood loss
• Toxins

Signs of Anemia in Cats

Signs of anemia in cats vary depending upon the severity of anemia. Cat parents will often notice pale gums, overall lethargy, and an increase in breathing rate.

Other symptoms of anemia in cats include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the gums, eyes, or skin)
• Decreased appetite
• Red blood or dark tarry blood in stool
• Blood in vomit or urine
• Increased drinking and urination

Diagnosing Anemia in Cats

Bloodwork is the most basic test to diagnose anemia in cats. Simply identifying anemia through blood tests can be relatively easy, even if determining the cause may be much more involved.

Some anemias are more straightforward to diagnose while others require several rounds of testing or more invasive procedures like bone marrow aspirates, a procedure that tests the liquid part of the soft tissue inside a cat’s bones.

To diagnose the cause of anemia in cats, your veterinarian may also recommend FIV/FeLV testing, urine tests, radiographs (X-rays), or an abdominal ultrasound.

How to Treat Anemia in Cats

Treatment of anemia in cats depends on the cause. For some cats with flea-bite anemia, it may be as simple as getting them on reliable, veterinarian-recommended flea prevention.

Other times, particularly with kittens with flea-induced anemia, the red blood cell levels may be so low that they need blood transfusions and hospitalized care. The overall outcome for these kittens can still be good.

Sometimes, a cat with mild anemia may only display subtle differences in behavior. This is often the case in cats with slowly developing anemia due to conditions such as early kidney disease. In these cases, your veterinarian may work on treating the underlying disease with a dietary change or gastrointestinal support.

If a cat is showing symptoms and is noticeably unwell due to anemia or other underlying diseases or infections occurring with anemia, treatments may include hospitalization and blood transfusions.

Severe anemias that occur can lead to organ dysfunction, lethargy, susceptibility to other diseases, seizures, and even death. Working with your vet to get your cat appropriate supportive care can be invaluable in determining an appropriate treatment plan, prognosis, and quality of life for a cat with anemia.

How to Prevent Anemia in Cats

Not all types of anemias can be prevented in cats, however keeping up with monthly flea prevention as recommended by your veterinarian and keeping cats indoors are two good practices to put in place.

Cats that are on consistent monthly flea prevention are unlikely to develop flea infestations or flea-bite anemia as a result. Indoor cats are less likely to be exposed to trauma such as getting hit by cars and wildlife attacks, which could lead to blood loss and more severe injuries.

Keeping up with annual veterinary visits and blood work can also be helpful in monitoring your pet’s blood levels.

Related Conditions

• Kidney disease
• FIV

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