5 Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog and How You Can Fight the Effects of Aging #hillstransforminglives

I love my Lady and am so glad she welcomed me into the pack. I was just a youngin' at only 6-months-old when I needed a home, but these days, I am pushin' bein' a senior WOOF! Since I was adopted years ago, my Lady has also adopted more of us pups into the pack, including a couple senior dogs. Then, of course, Sallie has been with my Lady for years. Well, did y'all know that November was adopt a senior pet month? My Lady says there are many Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog and we wanted to tell ya 'bout em and discuss how you can fight the effects of aging.

My sister Sallie is gonna see her 14th birthday this month! That seems ancient to me WOOF! She may be old, but she is still goin' strong. And, gosh darn it - my Lady is always a fawnin' over how sweet and lovable she is! It makes me down right jealous! Lemme fetch my Lady to tell ya more about why you should consider adopting a senior pet and how to keep em healthy and happy!

Here's what my Lady says about Adopting a Senior Dog

I will be the first to admit that puppies, and puppy breath, are amazing and who can resist them?! On the other hand, senior dogs rate right up there with them! There is something to be said about the love of an old dog! Puppies are cute and adorable, but goodness are they a lot of work! An older dog, or especially senior dogs, have many benefits that should be considered.

I'll be honest and tell you that years ago I use to think that I needed a puppy so they would bond with me. Over the years and through adopting multiple dogs of different ages, I have learned differently. Older dogs and seniors are a blessing in disguise! You get to skip the terrible two's, the hyperactivity, the chewing stages, and most are already potty trained. You get to relax and just enjoy their great personalities. Adopting a senior dog is one of the best things you can do! They have so much love to give and will lavish you with unconditional love and joy!

5 Benefits of Adopting a Senior Dog

1. Energy Levels

One of the many benefits of adopting a senior dog is their energy level. Senior dogs still love to go for walks and play fetch, but they no longer have that frantic puppy energy that gets them into trouble and wears you out. It is much easier for busy families to manage their exercise requirements. Of course, they love their naps and that is alright. To be honest, I love mine too!

2. Easier to Train

You may be surprised when adopting a senior pet at how smart and possibly already trained they are! Senior dogs end up for adoption for a lot of reasons. Some of those reasons include unforeseen family circumstances. You may find that senior dogs are already housetrained and know basic commands. They are also easier to train to new things because they are calmer and have longer attention spans. Don't listen to the "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" saying because it just isn't true! Senior dogs love to learn!

3. Personality

There is nothing sweeter than a senior dog! One of the best benefits of adopting a senior dog is their personality. They have had time to mellow out. You also have a chance to know their individual personality before adopting them! Another benefit of their personality is they have learned that being snappy isn't the route to go. It is because of a senior dog's personality that makes them great companions for children, seniors, and younger dogs.

4. Experience

Along with basic commands and house training, most senior dogs have already learned not to chew and destroy things. Being creatures of habit, they also understand daily schedules and are easily adapted to yours. On the other hand,  puppies are on the extreme end of the spectrum with potty training and teaching them the coffee table is not a chew toy!

5. Save a Life by Adopting a Senior

Anytime you adopt a dog, you are saving a life. Actually, you are saving two lives - theirs and the space it creates for another dog in the shelter! Seniors get passed over on a routine basis by those looking for puppies. Seniors are often the first on the dreaded euthanasia when there is overcrowding or they will live out their lives in a cage in a no-kill shelter. By giving a senior a chance, you're giving a dog, whose only fault is age, a chance to live out the rest of their life happily with you!

Fight the Effects of Aging for Healthy, Happy Lives

Senior dogs can continue to live a happy, healthy life with proper nutrition and regular veterinary care. However, as dogs grow older they require different nutritional needs than their younger friends. By feeding senior pets a specially formulated food like Hill's® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality you can help them to live their life to the fullest. Visit Hill's Science Diet to learn more about their nutrition.

Hill's® Science Diet® Youthful Vitality is the Perfect Choice!

Hill's Science Diet Youthful Vitality is the perfect choice for senior pets! It can help fight the effects of aging in pets aged 7 and older.

You will love the unique formula of Hill's Science Diet Youthful Vitality! It is specifically for older pets and incorporates nutrients and ingredients that help support:

• Brain function, helps support the desire for family interaction
• Energy and vitality to help a pet get moving and have an interest in activity and playing
• Healthy immune system
• Healthy digestive system
• Luxurious coat with increased shininess and softness

Your senior will love the great taste and you can feel good about giving them a delicious meal specifically formulated for their nutrition requirements.

My senior girl loves her Youthful Vitality from Science Diet! She even barks at the dog on the package to let him know she isn't about to share her tasty meal! 🙂

"Mission Adoptable" - the New MUST-SEE Web Series!

We are also excited to share with you that Science Diet and Animal Planet are launching a web series "Mission Adoptable"!

"Mission Adoptable" is filmed in collaboration with the SPCA of Texas in Dallas and focuses on the plight of older shelter pets that face a difficult time getting adopted because of changes in their appearance or behavior due to the aging process. Viewers follow the journey of each senior pet, as their lives and prospects for adoption are transformed through the power of the right nutrition and loving shelter care. Each episode ends in high drama, as two families vie for the privilege of welcoming their new family member home.

Be sure and watch the 'Mission Adoptable' webisodes and we hope you will be inspired to visit a local shelter and consider adopting a senior pet during Adopt a Senior Pet Month! We also hope you will try Hill's Science Diet Youthful Vitality and help your seniors fight the effects of aging!