4 Myths About Senior Pets

#1 Adopting a Senior Pet: Older Dogs Aren't As Good As Younger Dogs
Many people believe that they should only adopt puppies or young dogs.  The truth is, many middle age and senior animals need homes, too.  My last two adoptions were older dogs, adopted at age 5 and age 8.  The eight year old was not housebroken, so I am training him just like I would if he was a puppy.  In my house, the oldest dog has more moments of wild puppy, and runs all over the house and yard - often still going when the 3 year old is tired out.  Don't discount a dog just because he or she is older.  Often (but not always), they are already house trained, leash trained, and know basic commands.  

#2 Symptoms Don't Need To Be Checked Out Because It's Just Old Age
Older dogs can be more susceptible for serious and progressive diseases like cancer, arthritis, mental decline, diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver.  Early signs are often attributed by pet owners to "old age", but many of these issues can be treated when caught early.  Some of these signs include reduced activity levels, weight loss or gain, changes in appetite (decrease or increase), increased drinking and/or urination, limping or stiffness, decreased vision (sometimes manifests as dogs running into objects or refusing to go outside in the dark), or periods of disorientation/confusion (such as a dog "forgets" where the door to go outside is located, or "forgets" where they sleep.)

#3 Senior Pets Only Need Yearly Checkups
As your dog ages, she will need to see the vet more often.  It may be twice a year or more.  This is because for every human year, a dog ages 4-10 "dog" years.  A lot can happen in that time, and diseases that weren't present six months ago can be caught and treated.  Older dogs often also need additional blood work done to test for conditions or to provide a baseline so the vet can tell when changes are happening.

#4 Nothing Can Be Done To Help Older Pets
When caught early, many conditions are treatable, and some can be reversed or cured!  Pain management is available for dogs, and it's not that expensive to give your pet relief.  Just like with human arthritis, the condition can be managed in dogs.  There is treatment for cancer, as well as heart conditions, and so many other conditions.  Your pet doesn't have to suffer!