There is no denying the draw of a cute puppy or kitten. Baby animals have a way of stealing our hearts with their clumsy ways and silly antics. But, at some point, those babies grow up and become senior pets whose needs will change. Dogs and cats are generally considered “senior” around the age of 6 or 7, depending on the breed. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, advanced age can lead to a host of health problems such as cancer, diabetes, senility, and heart disease. Just like humans, our pets may need more medical care as they age. It’s important to speak to your veterinarian about the changing health needs and to budget for more frequent visits, new medications, possible special diets, and additional health tests.

The changes our pets experience as they age are not always purely physical. Animals can become more irritable due to changes in hearing or eyesight; become more anxious; develop changes in sleep patterns; and develop problems with bladder and bowel control. Understanding your pet’s physical condition can help ease the frustrations dealing with these and other difficult situations. Additionally, being on the lookout for changes in behavior can tip you off to pain indicative of joint disorders, tumors, and several other possible health problems.

Senior pets are notoriously difficult to adopt out of shelters. Many people are afraid of dealing with the health issues mentioned above, or are afraid of becoming attached to an animal who may be living the last years of life. However, senior pets can be an amazing choice for many reasons. First, many senior dogs are already house trained, which can save time, money, and flooring. They also tend to be more mellow than their young counterparts, meaning less interruption to the lives of their new humans. Senior pets have also already developed their personalities so it can be easier to determine if your new friend will fit with your family and lifestyle. Finally, when you adopt a senior pet, you can feel good knowing you’ve provided love and safety to an animal who may have had a difficult life and who just wants to live his or her twilight years in the comfort of a loving home. If you are considering pet adoption, consider all the options. Adopting any animal is sure to enrich your life but adopting a senior pet may provide you with more love and joy than you expect.