Best Dogs For Seniors
For those of us who enjoy the company of dogs, having a canine friend is an enhancement to life. Many studies have shown that having a dog in your life can not only make you feel happier, but it can improve your health and increase your longevity. Dogs are also incredibly good for your mental health. People with dogs feel less stressed and more loved. They feel more purpose and joy in their lives and they feel more motivated to be active, which also leads to greater health benefits.
Determine the Senior’s Abilities for Pet Care
When choosing a dog for a senior, It is important to consider a few factors. First, will the owner be responsible for taking care of the dog themselves? If so, how capable is that person? Can they attend to all of the dog’s needs? Can they feed and water the dog? Can they take him outside if necessary? Can they groom him? It is possible to find a dog that meets the senior’s abilities and needs, no matter how limited they might be, but it is necessary to determine those abilities before getting the dog.
What Breed of Dog to Choose
In general, low maintenance dogs are a good way to go. Puppies are not a good choice as their energy levels and necessary training can be overwhelming. There are many breeds with characteristics that make them particularly good for seniors, but also consider a mixed breed dog. As dogs are bred over time, various health or temperament characteristics can be pronounced. When two or more breeds are mixed, these “negative” characteristics will not appear in the offspring and these pups will turn out to make excellent pets.
Also, consider rescuing a dog. Animal shelters are full of dogs that need a forever home and there are usually plenty of adult dogs there. There are also many specific breed rescues where you will find both purebred dogs and mixed breeds. Just search online to find one near you.
Great Dog Breeds for Seniors
- French Bulldog
French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies” weigh in at between 16-28 pounds. These dogs were bred to be companions. These pups are very food-motivated which means they tend to be easy to train. They love attention and will be happy spending time with you in just about any situation. Grooming is a breeze as their coat is short and smooth. Brushing them every few days with a soft brush or wiping them off with a soft cloth is all they need. They are good-natured and all-around pleasant to spend time with.
- Shih Tzu
Love attention and can frequently be found sitting on the nearest lap. They are friendly and like people as well as other animals. They do require quite a bit of grooming and daily brushing is necessary to keep the tangles out of their long flowing coats.
- Bichon Frise
The bichon is a real people-pleaser. They love children and have silly personalities and they love to entertain their people. They also like to cuddle and will be happy hanging out on the couch, watching TV. They do require frequent grooming to keep their coat clean.
- Pug
Pugs are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have shortened noses. These dogs often snort or snore and can have various abnormalities of the airway due to their breeding. They are gentle and friendly and like to be close to their owners. They have a short coat but tend to shed quite a bit so brushing them regularly is helpful.
- Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Schnauzers are spunky little dogs. They love to play and interact with their people and will often use their voices to try to communicate with you. They require mental stimulation and could get themselves into household trouble if don’t provide it for them. They will need to visit a groomer regularly to keep them looking their best.
- Maltese
These little white fluffy lapdogs are great companions and are content to cozy up next to you on the couch. Although they are friendly with children, they do tend to be fragile, and dropping them can do damage to their limbs, so only allow supervised visits with young children. Maltese do require regular brushing.
- Miniature Poodle
Poodles have been one of the most popular dog breeds throughout the world for centuries and of the three sizes of poodles, the miniature is the general favorite, and with good reason. Miniature poodles are sweet and loving companions who are not yappy, like the Toy Poodle, and not rambunctious like the Standard Poodle. They are smart and enjoy attention. They are also hypoallergenic, so even people who have allergies to other dogs can tolerate them. There are many miniature poodle crosses around, for people who want an allergy-free dog besides a purebred poodle.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels come in three color combinations, white and chestnut, tricolor, or solid ruby. They are sweet and gentle dogs, bred specifically to be lapdogs. They require regular grooming, but their coat does not tend to tangle easily.
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a medium-sized dog at 10 to 12 inches tall and 24 to 30 pounds. They are a friendly, kind, and loyal breed who love children. They are highly intelligent and they do not tend to bark without a cause. They have a double coat and so can tolerate cooler weather, but they also shed. Regular brushing will help to reduce their shedding. These dogs were bred to be herding dogs and will need regular exercise.
- Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers make great pets for seniors or retirees because they are very smart, and they love to please. They are easy to train and will enjoy being anyplace where their people are. Depending on how dense your Golden’s coat is, they require regular brushing. They do require daily exercise, but they love to play fetch, so tossing them a ball for a while can take care of their exercise needs.
This list offers some ideas of dogs that do well for seniors, but these are not the only ones. Breed shouldn't be the deciding factor, but finding the right dog to share and enhance your life. Also, not every dog of a particular breed will have the same temperament or personality. Just like humans, every dog is an individual!
Would you or a loved one like assistance and support in finding and caring for a pet? A professional caregiver can be made available, no matter whether you need someone full-time, or for just a few hours a week. They can help to do household tasks, help with meals, or provide nursing care. Right at Home will work with you to select the perfect, qualified, professional caregiver to make sure that your loved one’s needs are met. Each caregiver is screened and bonded to ensure professionalism. Our unique five-step process will provide just the right fit for your family. Contact us today at 631.352.0022 and ask for a FREE in-home consultation.
