Helpful Links For Caring for a Senior Dog
Senior dogs are over looked much of the time in shelters/rescues. There are many misconceptions about them which aren’t true. I’ve compiled a lists of links to help educate prospective senior dog adopters. Hopefully, the information here will encourage others to adopt a senior dog. I never regretted making that decision with Paulie. I tried to select articles that are informative based off my experience with a senior dog. As always, your vet is also a great resource if you don't find your answers here. Every dog is different so please check with your vet on what's best for your dog.
I will update the lists below as needed.
Pet First Aid/CPR Certification
I enrolled in this course twice and it was the best thing that I did for my pets. www.catanddogfirstaid.com
Another course would be with: www.redcross.org
At the bottom of this page there's a Pet's First Aid Checklist that you can download for free.
What is a Pet Advocate?
There's many ways you can advocate for the senior dogs. One way to start is to volunteer at a shelter or rescue. Another is to be a foster. Due to supply and demand, fosters and adopters are in great need. Many pets are being euthanized for lack of space.
https://caringforaseniordog.com/how-to-be-an-advocate-for-old-dogs/
A Sound Beginning Program (For Reactive Dogs)
This is a great program on how to handle a reactive dog. We used this for Paulie and the DVD of relaxing music really helped him. It has come a long way from when we received the book/DVD back in 2014.
Fear Free Happy Homes
I took the shelter training course when I volunteering. They also have a wealth of information for the pet owner.
Search for a Senior Dog
https://www.adoptaseniorpet.com
Caring for a Senior Dog
https://www.thesprucepets.com/aging-pet-care-awareness-3384785
Training a Reactive, Senior Dog
This is a great resource even though it's from a service dog site. One thing I would like to add is bark and prong collars shouldn't be used. It was recommended to us by this professional dog trainer to use these products. They didn't work.
https://www.servicedogtrainingschool.org/blog/training-a-reactive-dog