This month, we interviewed Mandy Lewis, Founder and President of Albert’s Dog Lounge, for some insight on adopting a senior dog! To date, Albert’s Dog Lounge has touched the lives of nearly 2,000 senior and special needs dogs since its inception in September 2017.
Age is Just a Number
Just as with humans, every dog ages at its own unique rate. Chronological age is not a defining factor in a dog’s health, disposition, or what they are capable of physically. “Many adopters shy away from senior dogs due to misconceptions,” said Mandy.
Mandy points out that it is virtually impossible to pinpoint the precise age of a senior dog on body condition and teeth/eyes alone. For this reason, she encourages potential adopters to take the time to get to know a dog instead of getting hung up on a number. “Often, once a dog is given good food and medical care, we see them age backwards. We have seen dogs where vets start out aging as a senior and months later admit the dog is likely much younger simply due to how much the dog has improved with proper care,” Mandy said.
This is why Albert’s Dog Lounge has gone “age free.” When you scroll their adoptable dogs,
you’ll notice that each pup is now categorized as “young,” “adult,” “senior,” or “geriatric.”
The Unique Benefits of Senior Dogs
Of course, the most amazing benefit is knowing that you’re giving a very special dog the best years of its life – the golden years! Some senior dogs at rescues and shelters have undergone some hard circumstances. This is probably why, as Mandy points out, the dogs tend to be super grateful to their fosters and new owners. Most are just thrilled to have a loving home and family to enjoy!
Another benefit of adopting a senior dog is that you know what you’re actually getting. “Because our dogs are in foster care first, we can share all the dogs’ nuances and needs,” Mandy points out. “By adopting an older dog, you are most often getting a housebroken dog who isn’t going to chew your walls or ruin your furniture.”
Creating a Comfortable Environment
When you first adopt a senior dog, it’s important to have a living environment that caters to
your new best friend’s comfort. This simply means providing them with a soft, supportive bed that’s easy to access. If they have mobility issues, consider using ramps or stairs to help them reach their favorite spots.
Make sure their space is safe by removing hazards that could lead to falls, such as loose rugs. Keep food and water bowls in convenient locations, ensuring they don’t have to strain to access them.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
While senior pets may not have the same energy levels as they did in their youth, regular exercise is still vital for maintaining their health. Consider shorter, more frequent walks or gentle play sessions that cater to their capabilities. Low-impact activities like swimming can also be beneficial for pets with joint issues.
Mental stimulation is equally important! Mandy recommends brain games that can be as simple as “lick mats” with peanut butter or treats wrapped up in a bath towel. She suggests searching “dog brain games” on Amazon for a wide array of different options.
According to Mandy, “Just everyday ‘sniff-aris’ where dogs get outside and are allowed to sniff around at their own pace and leisure have a huge impact on mental stimulation as well. Studies show that doing this alone reduces their blood pressure and helps them relax.”
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Okay, we’re not just saying this because we’re veterinary professionals. Routine veterinary visits are truly crucial for senior pets. While younger pets may only need annual check-ups, our JVC doctors recommend that visits every six months for your senior companions.
During these check-ups, we can conduct thorough examinations, including blood tests and urinalysis, to catch potential health issues early. Not only that, but senior pets don’t always show obvious signs of pain. Sometime subtle changes in their behavior can be important clues, like a decreased appetite, increased hiding, or an atypical reluctance to play.
Visiting us periodically means you can report small observations that could be important indications to your vet team. There are many pharmaceutical and holistic remedies available, so we never want a senior
pet to suffer unnecessarily!
Important: If you notice any more pronounced signs of discomfort—like difficulty climbing stairs, limping, or significant changes in grooming habits—please reach out to us right away. There are many solutions to choose from to keep your best friend comfortable!
What’s New at Albert’s Dog Lounge?
Most recently in 2024, the rescue began a new resource called “Clyde’s Closet.” Clyde’s Closet is a free pet pantry that offers a variety of items to support pets and their devoted owners in times of need. The pantry was created in honor of Clyde, a beloved dog whose journey continues to touch the hearts of many. Watch this video to hear his story!
Founded out of compassion and a deep understanding of the bond between humans and their animal companions, Clyde’s Closet goes beyond traditional food pantries by offering a variety of non-food items that are often unavailable but essential for pets’ well-being. If you’d like to learn how you can donate to this amazing pantry, click here!
Happy Holidays to Albert’s Dog Lounge!
Just in the past year alone, Albert’s Dog Lounge has touched the lives of over 271 pups, many of whom
were older or had disabilities. We think they’re heroes! Let’s help them feel our love and appreciation by overwhelming them with donations from their holiday wish list!
Please drop your items off at our West clinic during business hours, before and we’ll deliver everything to them in January.
