Dogs are generally considered "senior" at seven years of age, even if they haven't started to slow down, or show any signs of aging. Many "seniors" still have years of play left, some as many as another eight years. Unfortunately the "senior" tag will put off a lot of people who aren't familiar with more mature dogs. Senior dogs are a wonderful addition to most dog homes. Don't let their age stop you, there are many advantages to adopting an older dog.
Changes you may notice in the senior dog:
Graying around the face and muzzle. Most dogs commonly show a bit of gray starting at middle age (5-6 years).
They lay around and sleep most of the day
They may have cloudy or bluish colored eyes. As they age, dog's eyes often show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis.
Senior dogs are often the first to be killed in area shelters. They are often passed over for cute and cuddly puppies. They are killed to make space for more puppies. If you are considering pet adoption, think about saving a life…and adopt a senior dog!
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