20 Year Old Dachshund Needs Home: How to Find (or Adopt) a Senior Soul.
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Introduction
Let’s take a breath. Just reading the phrase "20 year old dachshund needs home" tugs at the heartstrings, doesn't it?
Maybe you stumbled upon a social media post about a super-senior left at a shelter. Or perhaps you are in the heartbreaking position of having to rehome an elderly family dog due to life circumstances that are out of your control.
Whatever brought you here, I want you to know one thing: There is hope.
Twenty years is an incredible age for a dog. It’s the dog equivalent of being 100 years old! Finding a home for a dog this age isn't just about adoption; it's about hospice care, love, and dignity. It takes a special kind of human to open their heart to a dog that might only have months—or weeks—left.
But let me tell you from experience: Loving a senior dog is the most rewarding thing you will ever do. They don't need marathon walks; they need soft blankets and gentle hands.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything. Whether you are looking to adopt a super-senior or you are trying to find a home for one, this is your roadmap. We’ll cover specialized rescues, the reality of caring for a 20-year-old Doxie, and how to make their twilight days their best days.
Grab a tissue (just in case), and let’s get started.
The Reality of a 20-Year-Old Dachshund
Before we talk about finding homes, we need to understand who this dog is.
A 20 year old dachshund is a miracle. The average lifespan of a Dachshund is 12-16 years. Reaching 20 is rare and special.
At this age, the dog is likely:
- Sleeping 20+ hours a day: They are professional nappers.
- Sensory Impaired: They are probably deaf and have limited vision (cataracts).
- Mobility Challenged: Arthritis is almost guaranteed. They might need help getting up or going outside.
- Incontinent: Accidents happen. Diapers and pee pads become part of the furniture.
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Why Do They Need Homes?
It breaks my heart, but usually, a 20 year old dachshund needs home because their elderly owner has passed away or moved into a nursing facility that doesn't allow pets. Rarely is it because the dog was "bad." They are usually confused, grieving, and just want a warm lap.
If You Want to Adopt a Super-Senior (Bless You!)
If you are reading this thinking, "I have a soft pillow and a warm heart, I want to help," then you are an angel. Seriously.
Adopting a hospice dog is not for the faint of heart, but it is an act of pure love. Here is where to look.
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1. Specialized Senior Rescues
Don't just look at the city pound. Look for rescues that specialize in old dogs. They have the resources and foster networks to support these fragile souls.
- The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs: Groups like Muttville (San Francisco) or Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary (Tennessee) are famous for this.
- Dachshund-Specific Rescues: Search for "Dachshund Rescue [Your State]." Groups like Dachshund Rescue of North America (DRNA) often have a "Seniors for Seniors" program.
2. Social Media is Powerful
Search Facebook and Instagram for hashtags like:
- #SeniorDogAdoption
- #HospiceFoster
- #DachshundRescue
3. Ask Vet Clinics
Vets often know of elderly clients who have passed away leaving a dog behind. Leaving your name with local vets as someone willing to take a 20 year old dachshund can save a life before it even hits the shelter system.
Lisa’s Pro Tip: When you contact a rescue, use the word "Fospice." This stands for "Foster Hospice." Many rescues will cover the medical bills for the rest of the dog's life if you provide the loving home. It’s a win-win!
If You Need to Rehome a 20-Year-Old Dachshund
If you are on the other side of this equation—trying to find a home for an elderly dog—I know you are stressed. You are terrified they will be euthanized in a shelter.
Please, do NOT take a 20-year-old dog to a generic open-intake shelter. The stress of the kennel environment alone can kill a dog of that age within days.
Steps to Rehome Safely:
- Contact Breed-Specific Rescues First: Reach out to every Dachshund rescue in your state and neighboring states. Explain the situation. Send photos. They will often move mountains to keep a 20-year-old out of a shelter.
- Reach Out to "The frosty faces" Groups: There are national networks dedicated solely to senior dogs.
- Offer a "Dowry": If you can, offer to sponsor the dog. Saying, "I will pay for his food and meds for the rest of his life if you can find him a home" makes it much easier for a rescue to say yes.
- Be Honest: Don't sugarcoat their health. If the dog has kidney failure or needs diapers, tell them. The right home needs to know what they are signing up for.
Caring for a 20-Year-Old Dachshund: A Checklist
So, you’ve brought the little old sausage home. Now what? Caring for a super-senior is different from caring for a regular senior.
1. The Environment (Safety First)
- No Stairs: A 20-year-old back is fragile. Block off stairs with baby gates.
- Traction: Hardwood floors are lava. Put down yoga mats or area rugs so they don't slip and hurt their hips.
- Warmth: They have thin skin and poor circulation. Heated beds and sweaters are mandatory, not optional!
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2. The Potty Situation
Let’s be real: A 20 year old dachshund likely has zero bladder control.
- Belly Bands (for boys) & Diapers (for girls): These are lifesavers. They keep your house clean and keep the dog from being scolded.
- Washable Pee Pads: Cover their favorite sleeping spots with waterproof blankets.
3. Nutrition and Appetite
At this age, the rules of "healthy eating" go out the window. The goal is just eating.
- Soft Food: Their teeth are likely bad or gone. Wet food or soaked kibble is a must.
- The "Whatever They Want" Diet: If they only want to eat rotisserie chicken and cheese? Let them. At 20 years old, they have earned the right to eat whatever keeps them happy and fed.
The Emotional Toll (and Joy)
I need to be honest with you. Adopting a dog this age means you are signing up for heartbreak sooner rather than later. You might have them for a year, or you might have them for a week.
Why do it? Because you are giving them the greatest gift possible: A dignified exit. Instead of dying alone on a cold concrete floor in a shelter, they pass away in a warm bed, smelling of lavender, feeling a gentle hand stroking their ears, hearing "I love you."
You take on the pain of losing them so they don't have to feel the pain of being alone. That is the ultimate act of love.
Lisa’s "Quality of Life" Scale
When you have a 20 year old dachshund, you will constantly worry: "Are they suffering?"
Use the HHHHHMM Scale (Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, More good days than bad).
- Are they eating?
- Are they in pain that meds can't control?
- Do they still wag their tail when you pet them?
As long as the "Good" outweighs the "Bad," keep loving them. When the bad days take over, the kindest thing you can do is help them cross the rainbow bridge peacefully.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking to adopt or looking to rehome, dealing with a 20 year old dachshund is a unique, emotional journey.
These dogs are living history. They have seen two decades of life. They are fragile, sweet, and deserving of the softest landing possible.
If you bring one into your home, know that you are doing something heroic. You aren't just saving a dog; you are honoring a life.
Do you have a super-senior at home? Or have you adopted a "fospice" dog? Please share your story in the comments. We need to hear more happy endings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a 20-year-old Dachshund survive surgery? Generally, anesthesia is very risky for a dog of this age. Most vets will only recommend life-saving surgery. For things like dental cleaning or lump removal, the risk to the heart and kidneys usually outweighs the benefit. Palliative care (pain management) is often the better route.
2. How much does a 20-year-old Dachshund sleep? A lot. Expect them to sleep 18 to 22 hours a day. They might wake up to eat, go potty, potter around for 10 minutes, and then go back to sleep. This is normal. Let them rest.
3. What do I feed a 20-year-old dog with no teeth? Canned dog food is great, but you can also use freeze-dried raw food rehydrated with warm water (it turns into a mush), or soak their kibble in bone broth until it is soft and spongy. Scrambled eggs are also a great, soft protein source.
4. Is it cruel to rehome a 20-year-old dog? It is heartbreaking, but sometimes unavoidable. It is not cruel if you find them a loving, specialized home or rescue. It is cruel to dump them at a high-kill shelter. Finding a foster-based rescue is the kindest option if you can no longer care for them.
5. How do I know if my senior dog is in pain? Dachshunds are stoic. Signs of pain include: panting when not hot, restlessness/inability to get comfortable, hiding, not wanting to be touched, or a "tight" grimace on their face. If you see this, see a vet for pain medication (like Gabapentin or Galliprant) immediately.