November is National Adopt a Senior Dog Month! Senior dogs, especially greyhounds, are sweet souls who need just a little special pampering to stay comfortable in their golden years. Here are a few quick tips to help your senior pup stay comfy:

1. Generally, vets consider dogs over seven to be "senior." Like humans, a dog's senior years can bring more rapid health changes. Therefore, many vets recommend routine examinations every six months for seniors. 
2. Many seniors develop arthritis and other pain issues. Help them sleep more comfortably by giving them a soft, orthopedic bed and a blankie to keep them snuggly warm.
3. If you have hard floors, consider placing inexpensive bathroom mats along key travel areas and by beds to help your senior maintain traction.
4. Exercise is important to keep seniors in shape and limber. But you might need to make adjustments to the exercise routine as your baby gets older. Shorter walks more frequently might be ideal, and you might need to go at a slower pace.
5. Review your senior's diet with your vet and consider adding supplements such as glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for digestion. The Greyhound Gang offers a free 30 day supply of glucosamine as a gift for those adopting a senior. Fill out their on-line form here to take advantage of the offer.  
6. Seniors love their routines! Keep a routine schedule for them and make necessary adjustments as gradually as possible.
7. Many seniors need more time to get up and prefer to be undisturbed by youngster shenanigans.  If you have boisterous younger dogs (or children), consider using an ex pen to give your senior some safe space. Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to leave a side open so your senior can come and go as he pleases. 
8. Keep your eye on the temperature. Many seniors overheat or get cold more easily. Adjusting the thermostat by a degree or two can help a lot. Also consider cooling coats for summer and warm snuggly jammies for winter. 
9. Be supportive of your senior's emotional needs. Dogs with difficulty getting around or who aren't feeling as well as they used to can be prone to anxiety and insecurity. Consider a thunder shirt, aroma therapy or soft music while away.

If you're considering adopting, please consider adopting one of GALT's wonderful seniors. Click here to see who is available today!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK              

Adorable Angela steals the spotlight with those adorable Dobby or Yoda ears and her senior gal sugar face! Seniors are the best! Angela's mom shared her picture with GALT on Facebook as an exemplar chatterer. If you would like to share a picture of your hound with us, please email it to socialmedia@galtx.org.