Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding experience for both pup and owner. It’s an opportunity to give a dog a second chance at happiness, but it can teach you a lot about love, forgiveness, and loyalty. But this rewarding experience doesn’t come without challenges of its own, and there are some things every prospective dog owner should consider before becoming a forever family.

Joe Nutkins, accredited dog trainer, shared a couple of useful tips on how to welcome a rescue dog into your home. First off, when adopting a pooch, you have to get ready to make them feel safe and comfortable in the new environment they are coming into but don’t know anything about yet.

Dogs in rescue centers usually have a well-scheduled routine, where they get used to having their own space for meals and for resting. Nutkins’ advice is to “Ensure that you have provided some areas that will be quiet, secure, and away from busy thoroughfares such as the hallway so that your new shelter dog will be able to have a chance to rest.”

Secondly, it’s important that the dog has a room or a designated space that is ‘theirs’ so that they do not feel overwhelmed by their new home and can retreat there at any time. According to Nutkins, “having too much space can put pressure on a dog to be aware of what is happening in all areas. By closing off doors and giving your new shelter dog just a couple of rooms, they can focus on the smaller environment better, and this can lower their stress.”

And third, as an adoptive dog owner, you have to be patient. Remember that most rescue dogs have gone through more than any other dog in their lives, and some of those experiences have stayed with them. They can be more shy, hesitant, and nervous. Adjusting to the new family is likely to take time, and therefore you shouldn’t expect immediate results, Nutkins explained. No matter how hard the beginning might be, it shouldn’t scare potential dog owners away from rescuing a dog.

Adopting a dog with special needs or an elderly dog may be more tricky. Although older dogs deserve love and care just like younger pets do, many people feel reluctant to adopt a senior woofer for various reasons. They include anything from veterinary costs to the fact that you will have shorter time together than if you would have adopted a puppy.

There are some more things to know about taking care of elderly dogs, so we reached out to Lori Bierbrier, the Senior Medical Director in Community Medicine at ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).

Bierbrier explained that dogs begin to show visible age-related changes at about seven to 12 years of age. “The most common sign that your dog is aging is a decreased activity level. Some of this is part of normal transition from being a young puppy to being an adult. But, it can also be associated with osteoarthritis and other degenerative changes. There are metabolic, immunologic and body composition changes, too.”

According to the senior medical director at ASPCA, some of these may be unavoidable while others can be managed with appropriate diet and exercise. “When feeding your older dog, the main objective should be to maintain health and optimum body weight, slow development of chronic disease and minimize diseases that may already be present.”

Moreover, as your dog ages, health issues may arise, including deterioration of skin and coat, loss of muscle mass, more frequent intestinal problems, arthritis, obesity, dental problems and decreased ability to fight off infection.

“When dogs are growing older, they may not show outward signs that we normally associate with pain like whimpering or crying. Sometimes an animal will continue to eat or drink in spite of pain or disorientation. Some physiological and behavioral signs that your pet might be experiencing pain include excessive panting or gasping for breath, reclusiveness, reluctance to move and food pickiness,” Bierbrier explained.

The most important thing you can do for your elderly pet, just like any adopted pet, really, is to minimize any pain or distress they are experiencing. Bierbrier suggests consulting with your veterinarian and treating any health problems, since undiagnosed issues can cause discomfort and rapid deterioration.

Moreover, you will have to surround your pet with their favorite things, like a warm blanket or special squeaky toy. “Since pressure sores can develop in pets with limited mobility, it’s also essential to provide a warm sleeping spot with plenty of cushioning.”

Another thing to consider before taking a senior dog to your forever home is that some older pets may develop incontinence or the loss of bladder control. Bierbrier reminds owners to be sure to check your furry friend regularly for any wetness or soiling. “If your pet needs help getting up to urinate or defecate, you can purchase a sling or use a large towel to wrap under their body and assist them.”

“It is also important to maintain a consistent diet as older animals are more prone to stomach upset from a change in food. That being said, if your dog needs something extra special in their food to keep them excited to eat, be sure to consult with your veterinarian for recommendations of safe items to add,” she explained.

Animals, just like people, need time to adjust to new routines and changes, especially if their mobility may decrease as they age. Bierbrier argues that you can help your pet by being patient and giving them time to get acquainted with their new normal. “Depending on what challenges your pet might be facing as they age, there are many steps to make your home safer and more comfortable. Remove any wires and other items from the floor that could cause your pet to fall or trip.”

She also suggests moving plants and fragile objects to a safe area that is out of reach for your dog. “Create a safe space in your home for your pet to be away from any additional stressors,” Bierbrier concluded.