Recent research underscores the significant physical and emotional benefits offered by dogs for older people, including lower blood pressure and reduced feelings of isolation.
Experts advocate for adopting older dogs, emphasizing the importance of matching pets to individual lifestyles for a fulfilling companionship that enhances the golden years.
Dogs provide health benefits
Besides companionship, dogs provide older people with several physical and emotional benefits.
Medical research has found that having a pet helps lower blood pressure and increases exercise in older people.
Some studies have shown that dogs can even help decelerate cognitive decline, making them great for dementia care. Because of the responsibilities involved in owning a pet, they aid in keeping the person focused on something.
It keeps them sharp because it reinforces their sense of responsibility.
Psychologically, a dog provides a sense of security and encourages social interactions and activities. It also helps ease the feeling of isolation and loneliness.
Everyone wants to feel needed, and older people are no exception. The unconditional love and affection received from a dog and the need to touch and be touched are of immense value for healthier mental well-being.
Choosing a dog by age
Let’s face it: even though having a puppy sounds like a fun idea, it’s a good idea to keep Gramps moving. Is it?
Will Gramps be able to patiently deal with the trials and tribulations of the inevitable issues of excess energy, teething, obedience training, housebreaking, and chewing?
Is someone in the family willing to take the animal, should Gramps reach the point where he has had enough or can no longer care for it?
Here is where it may be a better idea to adopt or rescue an older dog.
Someone else has done all the hard work. That particular dog is likely available because its previous owner was too old to care for it or died.
Don’t think for a minute that the dog doesn’t feel that loss. They, too, need affection, care, and a sense of belonging. Most likely, they were pampered and adored.
Now that it’s agreed that an older dog may be a sound choice, what size and breed would best suit your older person?
Is a small dog sufficient? Or, perhaps they prefer a medium or large breed dog?
Best options for older people
Here is a list of dogs recommended for older people. They come in small, medium, and large sizes—something for everyone.
Give it a lot of thought. Make sure the size decided on is right for the person.
The best small dogs include the Pug, Yorkshire or Silky Terrier, Havanese, West Highland Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Boston Terrier.
Even as older dogs, these little guys still have enough spunk to keep things interesting and entertaining. Yet, they love to snuggle.
They need a minimum amount of exercise daily, and they are good to go! Some need more grooming than others, so consider that when deciding.
Medium breeds include the Cocker Spaniel, Miniature Poodle, or Miniature Schnauzer.
Again, these dogs need enough daily exercise to keep them and Gramps in good shape. They are intelligent and affectionate. All three love to be the center of attention; if adequately trained, they should not be a problem walking.
Older large breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Greyhounds, usually have reached the point where they need oodles of exercise.
Find a well-behaved older large breed, adequately exercise, and continue to train them. The dog will love it.
Remember, all-American mutts come in all sizes, too. An older mixed breed may be the perfect option.
Bottom line on dogs for older people
If there is any question about who will “inherit” the dog, consider getting an older one.
Whatever time and love the older dog and its owner share will be the most precious gift they can ever give each other.
Karen A. Soukiasian owns Good Dog! Dog Training in St. Augustine, Florida. You can follow Karen on Facebook.
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