Dog for the elderly
The most suitable pets for seniors are faithful companion dogs. They do not require much from their owners: just a little attention, activity and love. Not only do they make great friends, but they are also known to significantly affect the health of their owners. According to a study published in the journal Circulation, pets help reduce high blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and increase physical activity.
Old people who live alone and have little contact with friends or family are usually looking for a partner to share their lives with. The union of a dog and an elderly person has a lot of advantages for both. A person gets a companion, a pet in need of love and care, and a dog gets a new pack leader who will love her forever.
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Why Dogs Make Great Companions for Seniors
There are many reasons why an older person might be looking for a pet. Dogs, in particular, make excellent partners. They quickly show their love, and the connection between the pet and the owner is established almost instantly. If your dog understands that you are the new leader of the pack, it helps to form a strong bond between you.
It is often easier for an older person to maintain a relationship with a pet than to seek new connections with people. Why? The answer is simple: you don’t need to build the same relationship with a dog as with a person. Friendly contacts between people are built on the basis of strong communication skills, common interests and trust built over time. All a dog needs from a companion is food, exercise, and affection. They listen attentively to their beloved master and, what is even more beautiful, they do not object in return. Anyway, most of the time.
Having a pet also helps older people feel needed again if they happen to lose that feeling. Many of them have already experienced the departure of children into independent living and retirement and spend most of their time at home. At the same time, they, as a rule, want to bear some responsibility, as before. They are pleased to take care of someone again, and the dog really appreciates this attention.
Understanding the required energy level before getting a pet
Are you leading an extremely active life in old age or are you slowing down? By being aware of and properly evaluating your own energy level, you will be able to choose the dog that best suits your lifestyle. If you enjoy long walks and hikes, look for a dog that will enjoy walking with you outdoors. If movement is a problem for you, a more house pet will be a good companion for you. If you travel a lot, choose a dog that will enthusiastically accompany you on trips and will be well-behaved in a car or plane.
However, with age, it is important to think in the long term. Dogs have a fairly long lifespan, and while your energy levels may be high at the moment, the pace may slow down as the years go by. If your pet needs more exercise than you can provide, consider taking him to a dog club or playgroup in the park.
Character traits to look out for when choosing a companion dog
Which dog breed is suitable for seniors? Do not believe those who say that older people can only get certain breeds. An ideal companion can be a dog of any breed. In addition, size should not be the determining factor when choosing a dog. Although conventional wisdom says that it is better to choose a small dog as a companion, large, calm dogs can also be an excellent choice. It is better for an elderly person to have an animal with a balanced character. To ensure a perfect match, you need to analyze everything before you bring the dog into the house. Consider training if there are any behaviors that need to be corrected. A little love, attention and constancy – and the dog will become your ideal trusted companion.
You should figure out exactly what you are looking for in a new friend before you go to a local shelter. Do you want a cute dog to sit on your lap? Then, perhaps, the Great Dane will not be the best choice for you; the same can be said if you drive a two-seater. If you’re looking for a dog that will help you move more and stay active, one of the many great choices is the Golden Retriever. Also, think about whether you are willing to devote time to training a puppy or if you would rather take a trained puppy. But above all, seek to establish a connection. An instant bond with a dog while still at the shelter is usually a sure sign that you’ve found your new best friend.
Prepare for old age
It’s no secret that our lives change as we get older. Movement often becomes more energizing and health problems become more real, but dogs have an innate ability to spice up our lives and make us feel young again. However, while hoping for the best, you should still prepare for the worst. If you become ill or unable to care for your pet, be sure to appoint a guardian in advance who will take care of your dog as well as you yourself. Consider including the person who will take care of the animal in your will – be sure to talk to this person beforehand to make sure they are willing to take on this responsibility.
Another important point is the costs. If you are retired, then you most likely have a fairly thrifty budget. Be sure to evaluate its size and the average costs associated with keeping a pet to make sure that the introduction of a dog into your home will not interfere financially with your comfortable life.
If you are an older person and want a little more love in your life, a dog can be a great companion for you. You will appreciate the love that they will give you every day, and they will appreciate your care and affection no less.
