8 Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog 

The month of November is “Adopt a Senior Dog Month” and the Canna Companion family would like to make sure that our fellow pet parents know some of the benefits to look forward to when adding a furry friend to the family.  We all know that puppies are very cute, fun and may be around a lot longer than an older dog. However, there are several reasons why you should look for a senior dog to adopt rather than a rambunctious energy filled puppy.  An older dog has its own special characteristics and there are benefits in adopting an older pet that we cannot overlook.

1. Temperament: Senior dogs already have established their personality and are less energetic than a puppy. By adopting an older dog you have a good idea of the type of dog you welcome into the family.  Whether you adopt a purebred pup or a mixed breed friend, make sure you consider how well that dog will fit into your family.  

1. Training: Many senior dogs already have some basic training behind them, so very little training is required to get them on the right track and adjust to your home.  Adopting an already-trained dog will save you a lot of time and energy that you’d normally have to dedicate towards training a young dog the basics.

1. Older dogs make instant companions: Unlike a puppy, which requires leash training and time to bond with a human pack, an older dog is ready to accompany you on a long walk and already knows how to integrate with humans.  An adult dog will make a great workout partner, a loyal companion, and a great snuggle buddy.

1. You can teach an old dog new tricks: Dogs can be trained at any age and older dogs are just as smart as younger ones. Older dogs have a greater attention span than a puppy, which make them easier to train, especially with fun tricks.

1. You become an instant hero.  Adopting an older dog may save its life: Many people are quick to adopt puppies and younger dogs, often overlooking dogs over the age of five. Shelters are overcrowded and unfortunately, older dogs are among the first to be euthanized if they aren’t adopted in a timely manner. By adopting a senior dog, you are not only providing it with a better life but are also saving it from being put down.

1. They are independent: Senior dogs love to be by their humans’ sides, but they have also mastered the art of amusing themselves. Unlike puppies, you can trust older dogs to play safely on their own when you are occupied, especially once acclimated to their new home. While puppies get into the trash or shred your newspapers, senior dogs happily chew a bone or find a nice cozy spot for a nap.

1. They Have Lots of Love to Give: Senior dogs may bear a few scars – both physical and emotional – but they don’t let their pasts keep them down, no matter how dark they may have been. Dogs have a way of forgiving, forgetting and living in the present. If you give your love to an old dog, you can be sure he will devote the rest of his life to loving you back.

1. They Never Stop Expressing their Gratitude: When you gaze into the wise and worldly eyes of a rescued senior dog, you will see an animal who knows they have been saved. They don’t care where you live, what you look like or what you do for a living; they will dedicate the remainder of their lives to thanking you. 

If you’ve been considering adding a new member to your family, let that member be a senior dog.  Adopt one from your local shelter this month to celebrate national Adopt a Senior Dog Month.  And if that new friend needs a little help adjusting to their forever home, consider Canna Companion CBD pet supplements.  Contact us today for more information — or to just tell us how wonderful your newly adopted senior dog is getting along!