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.
Golden Retrievers are excellent companions, and they're wonderfully loyal. If you want a medium-sized dog and are elderly, this is our pick.
Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles make the best canine companions for people over 50, new research has found. Pets can provide a myriad of benefits for older adults, including boosts to emotional, mental and physical health.
70 is the perfect age to get a dog because many dog breeds will not outlive their owners at this age, and dogs can be useful to seniors in many ways. They can be excellent companions that help to ease pain, stave off depression, and keep their owners active.
(CDC), pets “increase opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities, [contribute to] better cognitive function in older adults, and [provide] more opportunities to socialize." Having a pet is also linked to health benefits such as decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels.
Hamsters, dogs, and cats are great examples of pets that have provided love and care for people with dementia. Pug, Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, Chihuahua and Boston Terrier are just a few of the best dog breeds for those living with dementia.
Senior dogs are great for first-time pet owners
“Puppies and adolescent dogs need continual training,” Ortega explains. “Adult dogs tend to have more manageable energy levels, making them a great option for first-time dog owners.”
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.
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. They begin to slow down, they may gain weight more easily, their senses start to dull.
If there's one thing a golden retriever can't go without, it's a task. That's why goldens make great pets for seniors or retirees that are looking for new activities to replace work. Golden retrievers also make great walking companions, especially because they need at least an hour of exercise a day.
Healthiest Longest Living Dog Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the longest living dog ever recorded was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey who lived to the ripe old age of 29.
People with dementia can find caring for an animal to be a source of support and comfort. A person living with dementia can also benefit from the companionship and friendship from keeping a pet, and caring for the pet may also provide a sense of purpose.
Sometimes, dogs can sense the changes happening. They are scared and confused because they don't remember how to follow commands or they keep getting lost around the house. In addition to confusion-anxiety, some senior dogs with dementia may develop noise-based anxiety.
Their very presence can help reduce the effects of dementia—anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression, and loneliness. By their friendliness and non-threatening way, pets can help a dementia patient be more interactive, when sometimes they are not able to do so in social settings with other adults.
Prevents Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is the major cause for vision loss in seniors and figs can help in preventing macular degeneration.
Studies show that just 15 minutes with a dog, cat, or another service animal can increase brain activity and serotonin levels in seniors. Serotonin is known as “the feel-good hormone” and plays a crucial role in bodily function as well as our experiences of positive emotions.
Considering the points listed above, a popular dog breed that often is ideal for seniors is the German Shepherd. This breed of dog is fun and friendly, making it a great option for seniors that live around other seniors, have big families, or have young grandchildren.
Border collies do not like to be left alone during the day and typically crave human companionship more than the companionship of other dogs. Thus, they are well suited for retirees who are home all day.
Dog breeds that can be left alone for long periods include Labrador and Golden Retriever, Beagle, Peekapoo, or Shiba Inu. Naturally, by long-term periods, it's implied that the period is up to 8 hours a day and not more. Of course, you shouldn't forget about adorable mutts.
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.
Like their human counterparts, dogs develop favorite people over time based on positive experiences and positive associations with that person. Some people use tasty treats and other rewards to create strong bonds with pets, but the best way to build a healthy relationship with your dog is through play.