Dogs and cats are the most popular pets in the world that make people happy and live healthier.
For senior citizens and retirees who are always found living alone, they should have companion animals.
Owning a dog, for example, may not directly extend your life but regular interaction with pets will improve your health as an elderly.
This week, we talked to a dog specialist who’s also a remote writer on this platform on how pets can help the elderly.
A survey was also published to sample the opinion of people about choosing a dog or a cat as a pet.
What benefits can seniors get from owning a dog in their retirement?
When you don’t usually have people around you at home, you’ll talk less, do less exercise, and likely going to eat more food.
Generally, you’ll be less engaged in both physical, mental, and emotional things and you can be less happy.
Getting a low-maintenance pet can help you fix the gap. Studies have revealed that single elderly individuals are happier if they have a dog as a pet than if to have nothing.
Dogs and the elderly are the perfect prescription for companionship, experts opinionated.
You can move around with your dog and thereby perform exercises almost daily.
You will not even get aware that you’re doing exercise or playing around the compound with your pet.
This has several health advantages on your heart, blood circulation, muscles, and mental health.
It also aids your digestion, prevents unnecessary fat and energy reserve, etc
John’s opinion on the benefits of elderly companion Dogs
Dog’s companionship will help to take away boredom and to release pent-up emotions in you.
This is one of the reasons seniors and retirees now adopt a dog as a pet.
When you’re living alone, getting a dog can create a new routine and get you active again.
Preparing their cookies, feeding them, taking them on an exercise routine, and brushing and bathing your dog will get you engaged.
However, there are suitable dog breeds for seniors and retirees, who don’t believe in the best and worst dog breeds things for the elderly.
Having said that, most seniors prefer the breed of dogs that need less exercise and care since some elderly are unable to care for troubled pets.
What are the overall benefits for seniors and Pets?
People now arrange pet visits and other pet therapy programs for their old parents.
Owning a companion dog can improve both your mental, social and emotional health.
Dogs are very creative and your mind will have more positive things to process from her activities.
It’ll take away boredom. You can even go to camps, beaches, hotels, or any recreational centers with your dog and you’ll feel socially connected.
What are the best breeds of dogs for those in retirement who may have mobility issues?
Not being able to move around the house is one issue common to the elderly.
If a senior is having mobility issues and probably using Assistive walking devices, dogs that are not too energetic are good for them.
The following are the dog breeds that will mostly stay with the owner at home and be calm.
- Shih Tzu
- Soft-coated wheaten terrier
- Dalmatian
- Whippet
- Saluki
- Shiba Inu
- Rhodesian ridgeback
Pembroke welsh corgi and Golden retrievers are also good for seniors.
What are the best breeds of dogs for those who might have young grandchildren?
For those who’re retired and have young grandchildren staying with them, small dog breeds will be ideal.
It will be easy for the children to stay with their grandparents while having the dog keep their company altogether.
However, dogs that don’t bark too much will suit this desire, and the following breeds would make good companion.
- Pug
- French Bulldog
- Shiba Inu
- Japanese Chin
- Boston Terrier.
- Italian Greyhound
Where can those in retirement look to get a dog? will rescue dogs be a good option?
I can not suggest that they should get rescue dogs. Most rescue dogs have issues that the original owner could not cope with and decided to abandon them.
The reason is likely going to be the dog’s health issue or stress in managing them.
People in retirement can get puppies from a local breeder.
If you’re let’s say 67 years old, you should rather get a puppy. You’ll be able to inquire about the mother’s traits and health.
Even people at 71 and above still own pups, and there’s no age that’s too old to get a dog.
Getting a pup will make things easy raising it and bonding with it. That makes a good companionship as you live together.
What considerations should a retiree make first before they look to get a dog?
The personality of the dog should be highly considered. If you want to make a new friend, the dog should be able to serve the purpose.
Like some of my clients do ask if they should go for a male or female dog, any of them can make a good pet.
Some male dog breeds are calmer than females while some male dog breeds are more aggressive than female.
What advice can you give/do you have any resources regarding the best ways to care for a dog in your retirement?
Each dog breed has a unique nature. Caring for dogs depends on their hair, masculinity, health, and other factors.
I advise a person in retirement should inquire about what it takes to care for a particular dog he would love to choose.
How can my dog help improve the lives of my friends and family?
As discussed above, a dog can make you feel positive, relaxed, and active.
Getting physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally fit will go a long way in improving your health, and life.
