Dogs are wonderful companions for people of all ages—and they're especially great for those in their golden years! In addition to providing unmatched friendship, raising a dog can even help boost a senior's physical and mental health.
For seniors in their late 70s or 80s, Rappaport says middle-aged dogs are more appropriate than senior dogs. “Super-senior dogs have many of the same health issues as humans,” she says. “Their eyes and ears may start to fail, and they can have diseases that can be overwhelming for both the pet and the person.
Truly, there's no need to imagine yourself without a best friend as you age. 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.
As a senior looking for a dog, it is generally best to look for an easy-going breed that can adapt to your living situation and space. This often means having a small dog like the Shih Tzu, French Bulldog, and the Yorkshire Terrier – these breeds enjoy moderate exercise and simply enjoy being in your company.
Golden Retrievers are excellent companions, and they're wonderfully loyal. If you want a medium-sized dog and are elderly, this is our pick.
Small dogs are considered senior citizens of the canine community when they reach 11-12 years of age. Their medium-sized friends become seniors at 10 years of age. Their larger-sized colleagues are seniors at 8 years of age. And, finally, their giant-breed counterparts are seniors at 7 years old.
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.
Cats. Cats make wonderful companions for senior citizens who don't necessarily have the strength or energy to take a dog on a walk but still want a companion. Short-haired cats make great pet options for many seniors. They are typically very independent, clean themselves, and are quieter than a dog.
Older adults may fear they are too old to get a dog, but with careful planning and strategic choices, seniors can enjoy the many benefits of dog ownership.
Female dogs tend to be easier to housebreak, easier to train, and more connected with their owners—but in certain circumstances they can be more demanding of attention. Aggression can be a problem in any dog of any breed, however it is usually more apparent in non-neutered males.
It can vary a bit based on each dog, but your puppy likely will hit “adolescence” around 7-10 months, with 8-9 months being the peak described by most owners.
Having a dog is one of the best things in the world, but it isn't without its downsides. One of the worst aspects of having a dog as a family member is watching them age relatively quickly. Most dogs enter their senior years at around 7 years old, a little sooner for larger dog breeds.
Large dogs may age faster, becoming seniors as early as 6 or 7, while smaller dogs may not start showing signs of age until they are 9 or 10. One of the most common concerns in senior dogs is arthritis, which can cause a dog to move stiffly and slowly and sometimes also gain weight because of decreased activity.
Best Large Dogs for Seniors
Lastly, we have our gentle giants: Retrievers, Greyhounds, and Goldendoodles. These fantastic breeds are magnificent creatures—and although they're certainly big, they're still happy to hang out and chill.
Factors like genes and previous health issues can contribute to your dog developing dementia, but it's usually down to old age. One study revealed that smaller breeds - like Chihuahua, Miniature Pinscher and Papillion - that are less active are more likely to develop the condition than their larger counterparts.
Golden retrievers are one of the best dogs for seniors who enjoy lots of activity — so if you're looking for a breed that will keep you busy, active, and entertained, goldies may be up your alley.
Pets in the Lives of Older Adults
More than half of older adults (55%) reported having a pet. Among pet owners, the majority (68%) had dogs, 48% had cats, and 16% had a small pet such as a bird, fish, or hamster. More than half of pet owners (55%) reported having multiple pets.
A European study found that while older dogs may take a bit longer to learn new things, they actually perform better at “logic” tasks, and they retain their lessons just as well as younger dogs. You'll likely find an older dog has a longer attention span, so training time might be more efficient.
Pain and Mobility
Signs of pain in dogs tend to be very subtle. It usually starts as reluctance to do what they have done easily in the past, like jumping up on furniture or in the car, that then progresses to inability to do these things at all. Walks become shorter, or their gait changes during the walks.
Some signs of aging can be seen from the outside: Your hair turns gray, and wrinkles and age spots appear on your skin. Our bodies are less able to store fluid in older age, so our spinal discs shrink and lose elasticity, for instance. As a result, people get smaller as they grow older.
Many frustrated pet parents observe their pet's ability to remember to go outside deteriorating as they get older, but it's typically not disobedience on the part of the dog. Senior dogs typically need a bathroom break every 4-6 hours.
Most dogs' sleep patterns usually begin to change between five and seven years old. As dogs get older, their energy level starts to decrease. They need more sleep to recharge and be at their best during the day. For this reason, it is normal for a senior dog to sleep up to 20 hours a day.
The lifespan of your furry friend depends on size and breed says Nicole Savageau, a veterinarian with The Vets. Small dogs, like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Maltese or Shih Tzus typically live between 14-16 years. Medium-sized dogs, including golden retrievers, French bulldogs and cocker spaniels, live closer to 10-12 years.