What Every Senior
Needs to Know Before Getting a Dog
photo
credit: Unsplash
on Pixabay
The benefits of pet
ownership are immeasurable. The act of just holding a pet can help to
lower blood pressure, relieve depression and even help offer support
during recovery from an addiction. Finding the right match as far as
the breed can go a long way, and the following factors will help
seniors choose the best breed of dog for their household.
Type of breed
The ideal fit as far
as
size
for any given breed would depend on the physical abilities of the
senior owner to be. While a small dog breed may be good for someone
who wants to be able to pick up their dog, a toy breed that is
underfoot may be a tripping hazard. Some bigger breeds like
greyhounds are great companions for owners looking for a calm breed
that will not be underfoot.
Keep in mind that
some breeds require more exercise
than others. Most dogs will need to be walked at least once a day,
but some of the more energetic or active breeds require a lot more
owner-led exercise. Active seniors may enjoy a walking partner like a
hound or herding breed. Less active seniors would be challenged by a
dog that needs a lot of exercise, but would be well matched with a
toy breed who doesn't need as much. Before you take the leap into dog
ownership, consider de-cluttering your home inside and out and moving
some items to storage to make room for your new furry friend to play
and run about. With all the added toys that are sure to be scattered
about, you’ll appreciate the extra space too.
Medical
conditions of the senior
When picking a dog
breed, it is important to consider if the senior has any
medical
conditions that may impact the type of dog they have
in the home. An owner with breathing issues or allergies would be
best suited for owning a poodle because they are technically
hypoallergenic. An owner that has limited vision would be better
suited for a dog like a golden retriever and not a toy breed that
would be harder to navigate. For those who have been told they need
to exercise more due to heart disease or diabetes, a more active
breed is better than a dog that sleeps a lot.
Pet, Emotional
Support or Service Animal
Having a dog in the
home can serve a few different purposes. You can have a dog that is
strictly a pet, a dog that is trained enough to serve as an emotional
support animal out in the community or even a fully-trained service
animal that performs specific tasks. While most breeds can become
pets, some are not trainable at a high enough level to become service
animals. Service animals are often specially bred and raised from
birth to be service dogs.
Cost of pet
upkeep
While some costs of
being a pet owner may be pretty consistent like getting the dogs
shots every year, things like the amount of dog food you buy can vary
based on the breed. A small toy breed is going to require much less
food than a big dog. Some breeds may be prone to certain medical
conditions that require more vet visits. It is important to consider
the actual cost to support the breed of choice to make sure it is
doable.
Making the choice to
get a dog can add so much to the life of a senior. It can make the
difference between someone being lonely and not, but the wrong dog
can become a nightmare. Take special care to do some research to pick
the best breed for the household.
Author: Jessica
Brody
