Looking for a new canine companion? The Dogs Trust is urging people to adopt senior dogs following an influx in the number waiting to be re-homed.
Despite older dogs needing less training and exercise, the animal welfare charity says they are among some of the hardest to re-home because puppies always get chosen first. Whether you're already a pet parent or want to adopt a new dog, don't forget that elderly pups are just as rewarding as younger dogs.
Some of the benefits of adopting an older dog include:
- They don't need as much exercise as puppies do
- OAPs tend to be fully house trained and experts at basic commands
- They tend to enjoy snoozing
- It's a win-win for the dog and their owner
- What you see is what you get – there aren't any surprises
Over in Shoreham, West Sussex, The Dogs Trust currently has six older dogs looking for retirement homes, including a playful 12-year-old Jack Russell Terrier who loves a game of fetch outside, Shih Tzu Billy, aged 15, and a ten-year-old Lurcher named Sully.
"Not only can adopters of older dogs enjoy all the wonderful moments their canine companion brings, knowing that they have given a senior dog a peaceful and loving home for their later years is a heart-warming feeling which can't be matched," Dogs Trust Shoreham Manager, Adel Burnett, says.
If you are looking to adopt an older dog, the Blue Cross recommends that elderly pups should be exercised little and often. They may be slowing down, but senior dogs still need regular movement and mental stimulation. As well as this, it's also important to keep up with their grooming routine, trim their nails and pay close attention to their joints.
"They should have close access to the garden as your older pet's toilet habits may change with age and they might have to go more often," Korina Stephens, RVN from Nutravet, previously told Country Living."For smaller dogs make sure they have extra bedding during winter months to keep them warm and extra bedding can be used as padding for their joints."
To find out more about adopting a senior dog, please visit dogstrust.org.uk.
12 dog winter coats to keep your pups cosy
Keep your pup snug and secure with this thick quilted dog jacket from H&M. Perfect for a winter's walk, it has quilted seams, a stand-up collar with an open front, and a belt with a hook and loop fastening at the back.
Designed to resist whatever the weather throws at you, this waterproof dog coat is ideal for older pups with joint problems or less fur and has a particularly warm inner lining.
Keeping warm and snug just got a whole lot easier thanks to this gorgeous waxed coat from Joules. In olive green, it has a tweed lining and beautiful bee prints.
In a gorgeous white, this pocket-detail faux shearling dog jacket has been designed to add an extra layer of warmth during those cold winter days. It has two small holes for their legs, as well as a zipped pocket on the back.
This thermal dog coat is excellent for winter walks, thanks to its self-heating technology.
"Our reflective technology lining, combined with a hollow fibre core maximises the dog coats thermal properties," say petslovescruffs.com. "The thermal dog coat has a fleece collar and chest pad to provide greater comfort, improved fitment and allow unrestricted movement."
A warm pet coat is great to ward off the chill during winter. Not sure which one to pick up? We love this technical dog parka, which has been specially developed for short-haired dogs and dogs without an undercoat.
In olive green, this luxurious Barbour coat is ideal for dogs who like the finer things in life.
On the hunt for a warm knit jumper? To keep your furry friend extra cosy, why not pick up this Barbour jumper. Boasting a unique design with a roll neck for elite comfort, it's perfect for them to wear on a Christmas Day walk.
READ MORE: The Barbour Christmas advert 2021 stars Paddington Bear and his heart-warming family
Made from super-soft fleece fabric, this blue fluffy coat has teddy bear ears attached to keep your dog warm and cosy. It also has a stretch jersey fabric, making it easy to pull on and off.
William Morris fans will love this adorable reversible dog coat in the brand's classic print. With a water-resistant, waxed cotton outer fabric, it also helps to keep rain off.
OVER GLAM Medium faux leather sleeveless dog jacket
This sleeveless dog jacket looks so cosy! It has small holes for their legs and black poppers to keep them cosy.
In vibrant blue, this microfibre dog coat is light and absorbent to offer protection from getting cold. It has a click fastener on the back and openings for legs and tail.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
