Is Adopting a Senior Pet a Good Idea?
Many potential adopters often overlook adopting a senior dog, opting instead to seek puppies and younger dogs. But for Neda Torabi, founder of Houndstone pet brand, she has always had a soft spot in her heart and home for senior pups.
Neda has been active in the animal rescue community for nearly two decades, before deciding to develop a clean and cruelty free dog, organic dog shampoo safe for her beloved rescues. After her beloved Jack Russell Terrier “Al Capone” entered his senior years, her bond with him seemed to grow even stronger. “Al Capone was such a deep soul, his senior years were incredibly special and precious and we made sure to make the most of our time with him.” Not long after Al Capone’s passing she realized the importance of fostering and adopting seniors.
Puppies and younger dogs are generally more sought after when it comes to adoptions, but adopting a senior dog is an incredible opportunity that many are missing out on.
What are the Benefits of Adopting Senior Dogs?
Adopting a new pet is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Various factors must be considered, such as the cost of medical expenses and whether you are able to commit to taking care of them for the entirety of their lives.
The benefit of adopting a senior, is that their personalities are already developed. You are more likely to know what you are getting when you take a senior pup home, such as their activity level, health needs, and social needs. This makes it easier to determine if they are a good fit for your family and lifestyle.
Senior dogs tend to have lower exercise requirements. They are already mature and enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle. However, they will still require walks to keep their joints mobile. The activity level of seniors, just like any other dog or breed, will vary. But learning your senior’s activity level and exercise needs will be much easier and less than those required for a puppy.
Another benefit of adopting a senior is that they are more likely to be trained. Potty training is always a task that must be undertaken with puppies, but with senior dogs they generally have already been trained or are much faster at learning the rules around where and when to potty.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Senior Dog
With all the benefits that come along with adopting a senior, there are certainly some factors to consider. Senior dogs are older and will generally have a shorter lifespan. This is often difficult, as having less time with a loved one is never easy. Additionally, older dogs may have increased health or medical needs. Just as with humans, with age comes more medical issues. Having the financial means to care for a senior should certainly be taken into consideration when adopting a dog.
Houndstone’s commitment to Rescuing and Adopting Senior Dogs
The Houndstone cruelty free, organic dog shampoo was developed out of our founder’s desire to ensure her own growing family of senior rescues were kept as healthy as possible. The company’s hypoallergenic dog shampoo was inspired by Al Capone, who passed away at 17.5 years old following a battle with lymphoma. Following his passing, she decided to develop a cruelty free, hypoallergenic, and organic dog shampoo that was free from toxins. What began as a project to bring a toxin free hypoallergenic dog shampoo to the market, has now lead to Houndstone developing an entire line of eco-friendly products to add comfort and luxury to any pup's life.
The company also donates 10% of profits to animal rescues. Neda ensures that there is nothing in Houndstone's products that she wouldn't feel safe using on her own babies. Houndstone is dedicated to keeping dogs healthy, helping improve the lives of animals in the shelter system, and building a sanctuary for senior dogs where they will live their final days surrounded by love.