Highland Animal Shelter
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This is a place where the hungry are fed, the homeless
are sheltered, and the abandoned are given care.
Read about some of our wonderful dogs and cats that are looking for loving homes
Click here to view our adoptable dogs
Click here to view our adoptable cats
Adopting and Caring for Senior Dogs
Sadly, there are many senior dogs in animal shelters across the country today. Often senior dogs and cats arrive at shelters having been dumped at the shelter door, brought in by the police because they have been left to run as strays or surrendered because the family no longer wants them. Can you imagine how these sweet creatures are feeling...the families they loved and adored have put them in a kennel or cage and left them behind. Then, when families come to adopt a pet the seniors are often passed over in favor of puppies or kittens.
The Highland Animal Shelter has been very fortunate in the past several months to have a few of our seniors adopted. Benny, Angela and Arthur all senior dogs adopted to wonderful loving families. Highland Animal Shelter is very lucky to have the community, our membership and our dedicated volunteers supporting our efforts to give all the animals in our care the chance to find that forever home....no matter how long it takes.
Why adopt a Senior Dog?
*Senior dogs are typically calmer, housetrained, obedient, and require less strenuous exercise.
*Senior dogs can be a good match for senior adults and families with older children.
*Senior dogs can live for many years....we have seen many older dogs perk up and regain some of their youthful energy when they are placed in loving homes.
*Senior dogs can absolutely learn new tricks!
Caring for a Senior Dog
Owners should be aware that as their dog advances in age, they should begin more frequent checkups to the veterinarian. For large and giant breeds, visits should begin even sooner. The goal is to catch any signs of disease in the early stages.
- Nutrition - Talk to your veterinarian about choosing a dog food that is tailored to your dog's lifestyle and body condition. Some senior dogs require few calories, while others require more. Owners should also check for dry skin and coat, which could mean a change in diet is necessary.
- Dental Health - Dental disease is a major chronic health problem in senior dogs. The first signs of periodontal disease or bath breath and a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Owners should have their dog's teeth cleaned periodically by their veterinarian.
- Preventative Care - Once a dog reaches age 7, it is recommended they start visiting the veterinarian two times a year to help catch signs of disease before it is too late for treatment to be effective. Owners can take preventative health care steps by checking for lumps and bumps that could indicate the beginning of a tumor.
- Exercise - Experts say that regular exercise can help with arthritic pain. Rather than taking a senior dog with arthritis on a long walk, take them for two 15-minute walks daily. Exercise helps a dog maintain muscle tone, as well as promote overall health and well-being.
Please remember, the Highland Animal Shelter is a NON-PROFIT shelter. We are not subsidized or assisted by any governmental unit or other organization.