Given the responsibility of pet ownership, the question is whether it is a good idea for a senior to take that step. On the positive side, owning a pet can offer a sense of well-being and independence, helping to prevent stress, depression, and loneliness.
Being responsible for another living creature can add new meaning and purpose to a senior’s life. Caring for a pet with activities such as feeding, grooming, and walking helps people stay active, both mentally and physically, and thus enhances and increases the quality and quantity of his or her life.
On the other hand, before getting a dog, it is important to make sure a senior is healthy enough and able to properly care for the animal. If a senior relies on home care, and the caregiver checks in once in a while on both the senior and the animal, it can be a positive move, and a dog can be a great idea.
Pet can Improve Physical Activity
Generally speaking, owning a pet can improve physical activity among seniors in the process of grooming and playing with the pet. Dogs help seniors get more exercise by taking them for walks around the neighborhood. Medically, interacting with a pet tends to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Just having an animal for which the senior is responsible can help solidify a routine. Being accountable for their four-legged friend can help a senior feel like there is something worth living for every day.
But the question then becomes which breed is best suited for an older person? Here are a few suggestions of breeds that may be better suited for seniors.
Pug
For seniors who want to relax on the couch with their furry companion may find a Pug is a good choice. Pugs like to spend time inside, relaxing and playing. In fact, some weather conditions can have an impact on a Pug’s flat face and narrow nostrils and create adverse effects on its respiration. This is, however, a smaller breed that is perfect for seniors who don’t have a lot of space. They have a loving temperament, and they are very loyal.
Poodle
The Poodle is a great dog for elderly people because of its intelligence and the ease with which it can be trained. Poodles will keep a senior active with its need to burn off energy with regular exercise. Exercise also keeps both the dog and the owner in great spirits. Poodles are bred in three sizes ranging from Toy to Miniature to Standard. Seniors generally do better with the smaller varieties. One added benefit is that poodles tend not to shed hair as much as other breeds. On the other hand, they do require some grooming to maintain their traditional look.
Miniature Schnauzer
The Miniature Schnauzer is one of the best dogs for seniors as they are dedicated and loyal to their owners. Miniature Schnauzers are great with youngsters and seniors alike — in case young grandchildren come visiting. Schnauzers are patient and like playing. Dogs of this breed are bold, gregarious, and sociable. Miniature Schnauzers are excellent house dogs because they are family-focused and fiercely protective of their human family. On top of all that, these cuddly companions take instructions well and learn new things quickly.
Dog lovers are intensely loyal to the breeds they own. Any article such as this will raise all sorts of opinions about which breed is best.
In any case, owning a pet is often a good move for a senior healthy enough to keep up with the exuberance of a furry friend who in turn will keep his owner healthier, too.