No matter which phase of life we are going through, having an excited and friendly pup by our side can make everything better. That’s why everyone dotes over their dogs and prefers spending as much time with them as possible.
It’s no surprise to see that their excellent companionship and undivided attention makes dogs amazing pets for the elderly as well.
Getting a pet dog with the tasks to take them for a walk, to care for their everyday needs, and to spend some joyous time with them can significantly improve the everyday routine of a senior citizen.
That’s why it’s a great idea for seniors to adopt a bundle of unconditional love in the form of a dog. This also holds true if you want to get a pup for your senior family member to fill their days with unbridled joy.
Picking the Right Breed Matters
By their mere presence and need for physical activity, dogs can make sure that their senior humans don’t feel lonely or out of place while living on their own. According to research, dog owners have comparatively low blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, and overall better health than those who don’t have a pup of their own.
But before you go out and adopt a dog, it is essential to know which dog breeds are suitable for the lifestyle of a senior citizen. Otherwise, you may end up overwhelming yourself as well as the dog you bring home.
Here, one of the biggest factors at play is choosing the ideal dog breed for seniors. As a rule of thumb, you should make your pick from dog breeds that are not overly active, don’t require excessive grooming, and aren’t difficult to handle.
This makes it easier to take care of your dog while managing other aspects related to senior life.
Some of the dog breeds that fit these requirements perfectly include:
- French Bulldog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Poodle
- Pomeranian
- Greyhound
This doesn’t mean that you cannot adopt a Golden Retriever or a German Shepherd. If your lifestyle can support their needs for physical activity and grooming, then you can most certainly welcome such a dog to your home.
Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind
Speaking of supporting the needs of your future pet, it is essential that you consider your specific lifestyle and its capability to offer as a support system for your new dog. This also applies if you are adopting a dog for your grandma or grandpa and need to make sure they can take good care of it.
Some senior citizens with underlying conditions cannot fulfill the needs of walking a dog every day. Similarly, some may have regular medical commitments that may need someone to watch the dog while they are away. If such factors exist, it is important that you have people to ask or hire for help during these times.
Other requirements relate to having some physical playtime with your dog, visiting the park with them, and taking them to vet and grooming appointments. If your current lifestyle doesn’t have room for these activities, then it’s important that you clear up your schedule before opening your doors to a dog in need of a home.
It is also important to note that adopting a younger dog or a puppy comes with more responsibility and daily activity. That’s why, it’s suitable for most seniors to adopt a fully mature or senior dog, who is used to a sedentary lifestyle and actually takes joy in resting and relaxing most of the time.
This ensures that you are not biting off more than you can chew. This allows you to offer the dog the wholesome life it deserves while also steering clear of any strain on yourself.
Look Into Special Needs
It is safe to say that most seniors in need of companionship are empty nesters. This means that they are struggling to keep up with life changes after seeing their children leave home for college or to start a new life altogether.
Whereas, other seniors have simply lived a life full of accomplishments besides their children. After their retirement, they are looking forward to having some time to themselves. But it can also be a daunting experience to adjust to this new lifestyle.
This means that some older adults may have certain emotional needs that require them to rely on additional support. In some cases, they may also have a physical disability that asks for them to have extensive support through their everyday life.
In such cases, these needs could be better met by a support dog. As service animals, these dogs are trained to support their owners through emotional, intellectual, and physical disabilities. Since these dogs specialize in catering to special needs, they can be the perfect companions for seniors going through additional challenges.
In order to qualify for such a dog, you will reach out to relevant medical professionals. They can assess your requirements and refer you to a facility that could provide you with such a service animal.
Welcome Your New Companion With the Utmost Support
While dogs offer all the support that a senior citizen needs to feel fulfilled, these innocent animals also need plenty of love and affection. That’s why, you should make sure to welcome them with open arms and a warm heart, so they can find the safe place that they deserve in this world.
As long as you keep these points in mind, you can easily enhance the outlook of your golden years with the help of your new companion.
