Pets are an important part of the lives of many people. They offer unconditional love and companionship. In addition, they offer many health benefits, including decreasing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and helping people to be more physically active. If your aging relative lives alone and is lonely, a dog may be an excellent way of relieving loneliness, depression, and increasing their opportunities to interact with other people through their dog. But, what is the best kind of dog for an older adult? The world of dogs is incredibly diverse, so there are a lot of choices. The best one for your older family member depends on their lifestyle and personal preferences.
Purebred Dogs
Dogs have been bred to come in all shapes, sizes, and with different personality traits. If you’re looking for specific things in a dog, getting a purebred dog can give you a little more control over those things since you’ll know the dog’s adult size and the general traits of the breed. Some options that are considered good breeds for seniors are:
- Shih Tzu: Shih tzus are big dog personalities contained in a small, affectionate body. Their sturdy little dogs that are happy to take a daily walk if the older adult is up for it. But, when they’re not, a shih tzu is happy to sit in their lap for a snuggle session. Their long, flowing fur makes grooming a must, but many owners choose to keep their hair shorter to prevent matting. Just be sure to factor grooming costs into the cost of owning this dog.
- Poodle: Poodles are famous for their intelligence, which makes them easy to train. They come in three sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. They don’t shed much and are considered better options for people with pet allergies. In fact, that’s why they are a popular dog to mix with other breeds, creating mixes like the popular labradoodle. Poodles are another breed that needs regular grooming.
- Pug: Pugs tend to be quiet and laid back, but they’re also up for a play session and are social creatures. They’re full of personality, so their amusing antics are sure to keep seniors entertained. Pugs are a good option for people who want to avoid grooming costs since they have short fur that requires only the occasional bath and brushing.
- Greyhound: Although greyhounds are well-known for their speed, they are great pets for older adults because they are quiet in nature and like nothing better than spending a day on the couch. In fact, they have a reputation for being “couch potatoes.”
If you’re interested in getting a purebred dog, you can purchase one by looking for a reputable breeder. Or, you can contact a breed-specific rescue organization.
Mixed Breeds
Mixed breeds make just as good of pets as purebred dogs. Of course, when you get a puppy of unknown origins, there’s a bit of a gamble involved in its eventual size and personality traits, like energy level. However, by adopting an adult dog, you can reduce some of those variables.
If you’re concerned about your aging relative being able to care for a dog on their own, senior care can help with basic pet care. Senior care providers can assist them with feeding and watering the dog. A senior care provider can also go for walks with them and the dog to make sure the older adult stays safe. Senior care providers can also offer transportation to the groomer or the veterinarian.
Sources
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2019/best-dogs-empty-nesters.html
https://www.rover.com/blog/best-dog-breeds-for-seniors/
https://www.nylabone.com/dog101/10-best-dog-breeds-for-seniors
https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html
If you are considering hiring senior care in Huntsville, UT, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Ogden, UT. Call today 801-821-4535.