Column: ‘Golden years’ for your dog or cat start earlier than you may think
(Left) Seven-year-old Pear (A517526) is as sweet as the fruit that shares his name. Although he may seem shy at first, he’s a huge fan of sweet-talking and squeezy treats and will quickly emerge from his cozy den to get head scratches (and the aforementioned treats). Pear and you might make quite the pair! Pasadena Humane is waiving the adoption fee for all pets 5 years and older during Adopt a Senior Pet Month in November. Learn more about adopting at pasadenahumane.org/adopt. (Right) Rocky (A499594) is a gentle 13-year-old dog who’s looking for a new place to call home. He’s got a super sweet disposition with an eagerness to bond. He’s all about relaxing and soaking up the good life. Rocky is ready to find a cozy spot where he can enjoy plenty of naps and love. Pasadena Humane is waiving the adoption fee for all pets 5 years and older during Adopt a Senior Pet Month in November. Learn more about adopting at pasadenahumane.org/adopt.
It’s hard to believe our little dog Sueshi is having her 9th birthday this month. She was about 3 months old when we adopted her in February of 2016. She still acts like a puppy, although by dog standards she’s what many would consider a senior.
According to our friends at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, size and breed factor in heavily for determining when a dog will reach his or her golden years. Larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller pups, who can easily live into their late teens.
Cats are considered full-fledged seniors at 11 years old, but many felines begin to show physical signs of aging around seven.
This November in honor of Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Pasadena Humane is celebrating our more distinguished adoptable companions by waiving the fees for all animals 5 years and older.
Of course, we recognize that 5 is hardly an advanced age for most dogs and cats. But we are happy to draw attention to both middle-aged and more mature animals looking for a new home.
Like all pets, seniors provide positive benefits for their owners such as companionship, stress relief, and a sense of purpose. Adopting an older pet is a great option since they tend to transition to their new homes more calmly than younger pups and kittens.
Another advantage of adopting an older pet is that they probably have had some training, making it more likely they are housebroken and know the rules of living with a family.
On the flip side, there are a few things any adopter should consider before bringing home a pet in their golden years.
Senior pets benefit from bi-yearly vet checkups. Like humans, as pets age, they are more likely to experience medical issues. Visiting the vet twice a year can help catch and treat issues early on.
As pets grow older, they may experience mobility issues. Much like you would puppy-proof your home, you may need to make some changes around the house to make things easier for your pet.
Ramps can help your cat climb up to their favorite window perch or help your pup to easily get on the couch. Invest in non-slip carpet runners on hardwood or other slippery floor surfaces, especially on stairs.
For cats, make sure they can easily access their litter boxes. You may need to find a box with a low entrance. Place one on each floor of your home, along with food and water.
Make sure your pet has plenty of comfy and supportive places to snooze. Senior pets need more sleep, but they still need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
For dog walks, just stick to a shorter route at a slower pace. And don’t forget that regular playtime with dogs and cats of all ages remains essential to their well-being and your relationship.
If you are thinking about adding an older pet to your family, I sincerely thank you. Middle-aged and senior pets are often overlooked in shelters. By adopting a senior pet, you are truly giving an animal in need a second chance.
To learn about our adoption process and view all pets for adoption, visit pasadenahumane.org/adopt
Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on November 8, 2024.
