Battersea Dogs home launches special adoption drive for old age pooches

These old age pooches celebrated in style with a lavish birthday bash - as a rescue charity looks to find them loving new homes for their twilight years.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home threw a fun bash for their furry charges on Friday [August 1st] making their oldest residents VIPs (very important pooches).

The heartwarming celebration was hosted by Mars to mark DOGust - the universal birthday for shelter dogs.

The party saw spritely Sue, Battersea's nine-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, mark her special day surrounded by treats, decorations, friends and tail wags.

Keeping golden oldie Sue company was fellow senior pup Gioia, a 10-year-old Maltese, who brought an extra touch of senior sparkle.

The party served as a joyful reminder of the love senior pets can give, often overlooked by would-be rescue owners in favour of puppies and kittens.

A recent Mars Global Pet Parent Study of more than 20,000 people revealed that only 16% of dogs and cats acquired globally are over the age of one.

But great things come with age as highlighted in new research commissioned by Mars.

It revealed UK adults are most likely to associate senior dogs with loyalty (50%) and a loving nature (41%).

Meanwhile, a third believe senior dogs to be gentle (33%) and trusting (32%).

A whopping 80% of UK adults who have sadly lost a pet believe that the emotional bond with their pet grew stronger over time.

Another 64% believe that their pet understood them better as they aged - with almost half (47%) considering adopting a senior pet.

Nick Foster, General Manager for Mars Pet Nutrition UK, Ireland and Nordics, said: "For 90 years we've championed the wellbeing of pets - from cats and dogs to horses and even fish.

"As we reflect on nine decades of nourished bellies and wagging tails and mark DOGust, it felt only natural to work with our long-term partners at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

"We're proud to feed all the cats and dogs in Battersea's care and together, on Mars' 90th anniversary in pet care, we're shining a light on our shared mission.

"This is helping pets of all ages find their forever homes and celebrating the companionship, joy and wellbeing they bring to people's lives."

A Mars project revealed that nearly one in three cats and dogs are homeless, so is continuing its works with Battersea, and other shelters, to raise awareness and end pet homelessness.

Jay McGuinness, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea, said: "Despite their age, senior dogs still have a lot of love and affection to give.

"Battersea works to find suitable homes for their twilight years.

"That's why we're delighted to celebrate Mars' 90th anniversary as a pet care company by honouring these golden oldies and raising awareness of just how wonderful older pets can be - and all the love they have to give.

"Our partnership with Mars, now in its 17th year, has been instrumental.

"Not only providing animals in our care with the nutrition and care they need, but also through shared initiatives that help more pets find the loving homes they deserve."

Dr Tammie King, animal behaviour scientist at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, part of the Petcare business at Mars, said: "Senior pets are often overlooked but make excellent companions.

"They just need a few adjustments to thrive - regular vet check-ups, tailored nutrition, regular, gentle exercise, and above all, lots of care and understanding. They have so much to give."

Dr Tammie King has shared her top five tips for helping senior pets thrive:

1. Adapt diets throughout life stages: Growing puppies, fully grown adults and senior dogs all have differing nutritional needs to stay as healthy as possible. In older dogs, research by Waltham found that one of the most common conditions was joint issues (osteoarthritis) so looking for foods high in protein, such as meat or fish, is key in supporting muscle mass.

2. Old dogs can, and should, learn new tricks: Just like humans, as our pets age they can show age-related cognitive impairment - affecting memory, learning ability, perception and awareness. But regular training and games can help keep their minds sharp through frequent memory reinforcement. Just remember to adapt how you reward senior pets, as high-energy games like ball chasing or tough-to-chew treats should be switched out for gentler rewards like pats, grooming opportunities to sniff or favourite toys.

3. Let's get physical: Exercise is crucial for senior dogs' physical and mental wellbeing. Regular low intensity walks can be a great way to help manage weight, maintain muscle mass, and reduce the risk of behavioural problems associated with boredom. While your senior pup may be a little slower on walks, they'll still want to sniff and explore so keep things interesting and take them to new places. Be it a new route home, visiting new parks or a car ride further afield, this can support both physical health and cognitive function.

4. Don't overlook dental care: Older dogs are more prone to dental issues, which can affect how much and how they eat and how they feel. To ensure they continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet, the shape, size and hardness of their kibble should be taken into consideration. Pair this with regular tooth brushing, appropriate dental chews and being cautious of allowing your pet to chew bones, antlers or hard plastics which could fracture teeth and cause damage to gums.

5. Enjoy the little moments: It's normal for a dog to gradually slow down with age. They may become more cautious, slow down on their walks or just need extra space and patience but they're still fantastic companions with lots of love to give. Everyday moments we spend with our pets, be it resting and watching TV or daily chats and pats, all generate a stronger bond between pet and owner. Take the time to enjoy their company, celebrate their quirks and appreciate the deep bond that can grow even stronger with age.