Adopting a senior pet can be just as rewarding, if not more, as bringing a puppy or kitten home from your local shelter. There are some great benefits to adopting an aging dog or cat and most health issues surrounding senior pets can be easily overcome.

Recently we sat down with Mike Fry, Executive Director at Animal Ark Shelter in Minneapolis, MN for a Q&A about adopting senior pets. His shelter has several programs to encourage people to take home an older pet. These programs have been very successful and we asked him for input on how to help our customers who are considering adopting another pet. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: What are the reasons that older pets do not get adopted as easily as puppies and kittens?

A: I think, primarily, it is due to misconceptions about older animals.  That old myth “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is part of a greater notion on the part of many people that adult or older animals are set in their ways.  Plus, puppies are just so darn cute that they pull at people’s heart strings very easily. People can fall in love with a puppy simply by seeing its picture.  An older animal may take some time to meet and connect with.  They are, however, well worth the time spent!

Q: What are the benefits to adopting senior pets?

A: Very often these dogs and cats come well trained!  That whole phase of chewing, potty training and terrorizing can be bypassed by adopting older animals.  The older animals require less exercise, less energy, less food, and are generally a LOT easier to ease into a home.  Plus, because an animal’s personality is somewhat determined genetically, and is not fully expressed until adulthood, it is often easier to know what personality a dog will have if an adult dog is adopted. Additionally, senior citizens who adopt senior dogs find they have lifestyles that are more consistent with the needs of senior pets. Adopting a very senior pet does not involve making a 20-year commitment, something some seniors are not prepared to do.  However, they may be able to make a 3 - 6 year commitment. And a senior pet is perfect in that case.

Q: Why do senior dogs and cats make good companions for senior citizens?

A: Research has proven that people with pets live longer, happier lives.  The health benefits of owning pets can extend a person’s life and dramatically increase the quality of life.  I have heard many seniors say that a pet gives them something to do each day, which is important if you are retired, have no kids at home, etc.  They provide love, activity and stimulation.

Q: How does a senior dog’s health play into the situation?

A: As a general rule, I don’t think health is a big problem.  The general ailments of older animals are fairly easy to overcome.  The key is to get people to connect with an older pet.  When they do, the minor ailments of age usually mean little. An animal in pain can, understandably, be more aloof, or downright cranky.  We have observed, therefore, some general personality changes in dogs when we put them on FlexPet with CM8. This helps them to present their “best side” when meeting perspective new families.

There are lots of misconceptions about adopting older animals and since puppies and kittens are so precious, it’s easy to see why people migrate to them. But Mike suggests taking the time to meet older animals and connect with them.  They are well worth the time spent!

For more information on Animal Ark Shelter and the programs they have available, check out their website.

Have you listened to The Doggie Chronicles radio show yet? It is a broadcast radio program geared towards dog enthusiasts and pet lovers alike. Shows include the latest canine news, in-depth interviews, product reviews, and tips from some of the industry’s leading dog experts. The host, Lisa Gorman, speaks with special guests each week for a lively look at all things dog.

Recently our President, Tamer Elsafy, creator of FlexPet with CM8, was interviewed on the show to talk about pet arthritis supplements and natural treatments for dog and cat joint pain. Hear the interesting story behind how FlexPet came to be and learn more about the key ingredient, CM8. He’ll explain how CM8 works to correct the problem of arthritis and joint pain by balancing the immune system and keeping the inflammation down. Check out his full interview and learn more about natural options to treat your pet’s arthritis.

Many times when our pets are in pain, we tend to turn toward medications and remedies that are familiar to us as humans. For instance, aspirin has long been a medication known to relieve minor pain. But over recent years, we’ve learned more and more about the risks involved with aspirin use and these risks relate to our canine and feline companions as well.

Aspirin for dogs with arthritis pain can be used, but this type of treatment is quickly losing popularity. This is because dogs are particularly sensitive to the effects that Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, can have on their gastrointestinal system. Side effects of NSAID’s include pain, bleeding and ulceration. So using aspirin for dogs with arthritis pain should only be done with caution and under the strict supervision of your veterinarian. In addition, according to the Veterinary Drug Handbook, 3rd ed., “aspirin may cause birth defects, so it should not be given to pregnant animals”. Lastly, aspirin has been known to interact with other drugs so it’s important to make sure that your vet is well aware of all medications Fido is taking BEFORE using any aspirin products.

As for cats, they are much more sensitive to aspirin because their bodies cannot break it down as quickly. Therefore, we recommend staying away from aspirin all together with your cats to avoid the possibility of an overdose.

As more and more people are turning away from aspirin products, many of them are turning toward natural arthritis pain relief products. FlexPet with CM8 has been proven to correct the problems and eliminate pet joint pain by reducing the inflammation while lubricating the effected joints. This is mainly because of the main ingredient, CM8 (cetyl myristoleate). In addition to it being an immune system modulator, CM8 delivers special nutrients and herbs to the joints, bones, and surrounding tissue. It alleviates pain, boosts immunity, strengthens the skeletal system, removes harmful toxins and promotes general health and well being.

Everyone loves a cute, active, adorable little puppy…which means they spend very little time in shelters. But that’s not quite the case with older dogs. A senior dog can spend an extended period of time calling a shelter home because they are often overlooked by adoptive families. But there are some big benefits to adopting a senior dog and Elizabeth is here to share those with our FlexPet customers.

Hi, I’m Elizabeth, a 7 year old English Setter. Yes, I am an older gal and may be losing my hearing, which is why I was surrendered. I startle easily because I can’t hear you approaching me. So I would do best with a new mom or dad who moves slowly as well. I’d fit very well into a senior’s home. I consider myself to be great company! I did, however, live with a 12 year old child and was very good, so it’s not out of the question for me to be a good fit in a family with older kids as well. I also have a touch of arthritis and some hip problems, but it’s all under control and I’m feeling much better these days since my friends at Animal Ark shelter started me on a FlexPet with CM8 regimen. The natural anti inflammatory components of FlexPet are working wonders on my joint and hip pain and have allowed me to move more freely without pain. I am a big proponent of natural arthritis remedies because I hate the side effects of other prescription drugs and pain killers. Because of my age, I don’t play much or need much exercise, so I’m low maintenance in those areas. I am cautious around other dogs but have done well with cats. One of the biggest benefits to taking a dog like me home is that I am housebroken, which makes like a lot better for my human friends! I hope you will take a look at my profile on the Animal Ark website or call my friends at (651) 772-8983 to discuss bringing me home.

UPDATE: We are very happy to report that due to the Animal Ark Seniors 4 Seniors adoption drive, Elizabeth has found a new home!

Watch this video about Chupita, the chihuahua, and learn how FlexPet helped her with her canine arthritis in the leg. Chupita, who’s 13, wasn’t expected to make a recovery. She was limping and had a hard time using her back leg. Chupita’s owner came across FlexPet and tried it out. To her surprise it completely stopped the limping and Chupita is enjoying life!

This story ran on WUSA 9, a CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C.