Every dog at the shelter is of course looking for a forever home, but our seniors often wait longer than others... or find themselves becoming almost permanent residents at the Oahu SPCA. We believe that there is a perfect home out there for every animal, even the seniors, and it is just a matter of time before the right family comes along. To help facilitate this matchmaking we are offering a "Seniors for Sixty" special during the month of July.For senior dogs, living in a home can add not only length, but quality to their lives. They may need a little extra attention, but they will repay you for your efforts in tons of love and happiness!
Oahu SPCA vet technician, Jessica, suggests a quick list of things that seniors may need:
- Bedding that is low to the ground, yet still thick enough to comfort aging bones and joints
- Supplements specifically for seniors, including multivitamins for joint and bone support
- A less active lifestyle, with short walks and more breaks during exercise (without too much pressure to continue on so they avoid overdoing it!)
- Quiet atmosphere as they are less active
- A safe spot to retreat to (an area specifically for them that will be respected by any guests or even a separate room) when surroundings are too overwhelming (such as small children or puppies who do not understand a senior dog can suffer from joint pain and may try to poke, prod, or induce strenuous activity, or the dog may simply be overwhelmed by the noise/activity level)
- Weight management or diet food to compensate for the decrease in activity level
- A home in which they do not have to travel up and down stairs constantly, a task that may be incredibly difficult for a senior
- Annual to semi-annual blood profiles to observe and monitor the pet’s organ functioning and to check for diseases more likely to be found in aging pets, such as Diabetes or Cushing’s
There are several senior dogs at the shelter waiting to meet you today! Please ask our shelter staff to introduce you to some of our sensational seniors and ask what you can do to make their remaining years the best of their lives!
We adopted Kojak in 2009 and he's about 7 years old. He is so loving and easy and all he wants is some one to love him. Senior dogs are sweet and laid back. They just want some walks and interactions with people and dogs. Everyone that meets him comments on how different he is from most dogs. They also tell us how beautiful he is!!
ReplyDeleteWe love the OAHU SPCA! You are amazing and you work so hard. Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!!