Grey Matters

This article has been republished for exclusive use by The Grey Muzzle Organization with the permission of original author, Meagan Burrichter. 

If you’re thinking about adding a new canine to your household, imagine adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Although it seems like an unlikely choice, think again. There are so many reasons to consider adopting or even fostering an older dog compared to a younger pup.

Dr. Julie Buzby knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from age three. She knew it was her calling. Fast forward to her senior year in veterinary school when she was in the clinic seeing cases and it hit her - being a veterinarian is just as much about caring for and helping people as it is about caring for and helping animals. As she puts it, “there’s always somebody at the other end of the leash.”

This article has been republished for exclusive use by The Grey Muzzle Organization with the permission of original author, Adam Clark, LSW, AASW. Adam Clark, LSW, AASW is a published writer, educator, and adjunct professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work.

As the annual family vacation draws nearer, there’s one fluffy member of the family that you’ll need to spend extra time thinking about - your senior pooch.

He may have shared many a road trip, and hiking adventure with you - but as he gets on in years, it’s important to remember that his needs can change.

We’re going to take a look at three of the best solutions for combining dog ownership and travel!

1. Leaving Your Older Dog In a Boarding Kennel

Many dog owners fear what will happen if their dogs outlive them, and sometimes even plans made with the best intentions don't work out. Nikki, an 8 year-old Kuvasz, and the family member who inherited her faced insurmountable issues that made her long-term care untenable.

Bathing a dog is quite an adventure for the both of you, but bathing a senior dog, who may have certain health issues, can be a challenge. Added care and planning must be taken into consideration to ensure that bath time is both safe and as enjoyable as possible for the both of you. 

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

The active ingredients in hemp and marijuana are called cannabinoids. The most widely recognized cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These compounds affect the body by binding to receptors in the brain and immune systems. Hemp-based products are the primary source of CBD supplements used by pet-owners, and these supplements lack the higher levels of THC that cause the “high” sensation seen with marijuana use.

This article has been republished for exclusive use by The Grey Muzzle Organization with the permission of original author, Adam Clark, LSW, AASW

I'd been wanting a dog for a while, and I'd pretty much decided on a senior dog for several reasons: 

1.   We have three cats and I thought a younger dog would be too rambunctious for them.
2.   We aren't particularly active people, so something a little more mellow would work better
3.   I knew they were less likely to get adopted
4.   Honestly, I wasn't sure how I would wind up liking the work of a dog, so a two to five year commitment seemed smarter than 15-20.