Many senior citizens like the idea of having a dog but know they physically can't handle an active, large pet. This is why small dogs, such as a cavalier King Charles spaniel, Shih Tzu, or Maltese, make great companions for seniors.
For elderly pet owners, who often live alone or in group facilities, pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction and physical activity and help them learn. Supports health benefits of owning a pet. Pet ownership may be a factor in improved health of the elderly.
They Make You Healthier
Studies show that dog-owning seniors have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol than their petless peers. Having a dog also reduces the risk of heart attack — and boosts your chances of long-term survival if you have one.
With some careful choices and a little planning, you can and should have a dog at any time in your life. As it turns out, when you are not a kid any longer, that may be when you want a dog most.
Puppies Boost Senior Health
Studies have shown that older adults who have pets enjoy many health benefits. According to Mayo Clinic, owning a pet, especially a dog, can improve heart health, mood, and diet for seniors.
Whether you prefer furry friends like hamsters and Guinea Pigs, or reptiles such as snakes, Leopard Geckos and turtles. Below, we are sharing some of the most low-maintenance animals that also make great pets.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Stage 5: Adolescence (6 – 18 months) This can be the most difficult time during a puppy's development – adolescence. Your cute little puppy is becoming a teenager and will start producing hormones which may result in changes in behaviour.
The Pit Bull is the most common dog breed (along with pit bull breed mixes) found in shelters in the United States. They are also the most abused, neglected, and the most euthanized.
Bichon Frise
This breed is ideal for people with allergies, as the coat is low-allergen to most. Grooming is a must for this breed to prevent any mats, since their hair will continually grow but not shed. This is a naturally friendly, playful breed, and a perfect dog for a first-time owner.
Benefits of Having a Dog as a Senior
There are several key ways seniors can benefit from sharing their homes with dogs. Dogs keep you fit. One study found older adults with dogs were more active, ate better and had better blood sugar levels than people without dogs. Dogs help create structure in your life.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Think Ahead. The benefits of pet ownership for an older person, whose world may be getting a little smaller every day, are fabulous. Companionship, affection, stimulation, joy! Not to mention true health benefits such as lowering stress, blood pressure and increasing mental acuity.
Although dogs can also make great pets for some seniors and provide the same benefits as cat ownership, careful consideration should be given to the care, training and exercise requirements of a dog. Many older owners simply can't keep up with a dog's needs, which makes adopting a cat a much better choice.
As a quick rule of thumb, we can consider dogs 'senior' at the following ages: 5-8 years of age for very large / giant dogs. 7-10 years of age for medium-sized dogs. 9-12 years of age for small dogs.
Physical Benefits
Studies show that in addition to providing friendship, security, and companionship to seniors living on their own, having a companion animal can actually improve a person's mental and physical health in a plethora of ways.