The 7 Mental and Emotional Benefits of Dogs for Seniors
There is something truly special about the love and shared dependence between a senior and their dog. Dogs understand when somebody loves them, and they return that love with energy and devotion. Dogs can help a senior who likes to maintain their independence also avoid the risks of senior isolation, and the dog's natural desire for an active daily life will keep their senior best friend active and healthy as well.
Many families have seen a transformation in the happiness and engagement of senior relatives when the single addition of a loving dog is added to the household. Even if pet care may add a few extra chores - not all of which the senior may be able to do on their own - a well-behaved dog can even make these tasks enjoyable for the family members or caregivers who help with feeding, brushing, bathing, and the occasional trip to the vet.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Dogs for Seniors
Companionship and preventing emotional isolation
- A dog is a living, empathic creature who emotionally bonds with their owner. This can help seniors avoid feelings of isolation and enjoy companionship when family and caregivers have gone home.
Daily engagement in a healthy routine
- Responsibility for a dog's health also helps seniors remember and stay motivated to take care of themselves.
A companion for daily walks and motivation to stay active and mobile
- Mobile seniors can stay mobile by taking their dogs for daily walks, and the dog's joy acts as its own motivation.
A cuddle buddy for widowed seniors
- Seniors who outlive their spouses are often very lonely. A dog can fill that role and spot on the couch with warmth and love.
A guardian against depression and apathy
- A dog can help seniors avoid slipping into apathy because each day is fresh and new to the dog who doesn't understand boredom or depression.
A potential rescuer in emergencies
- Dogs can be trained to alert if their senior is in distress by pressing a call button or barking for help. Even untrained dogs are known to seek help if their owners fall or become sick.
A playmate for visiting grandchildren
- Lastly, a dog is a wonderful family member for grandparents who can't get on the floor with children anymore, but still love to see their grandchildren play. A dog can make sure "Grandma/pa's house" is always a fun place to visit, making visits more frequent and warm for the whole family.
Would My Senior Relative Benefit from Getting a Dog?
Is a dog the right gift for the senior in your life? First, decide if your loved one is a "dog person" or a "cat person"., While we've been extolling the virtues of dogs, a companion cat can also be a valuable member of the family - if a little less inclined toward neighborhood walks.
Seniors who seem lonely and in need of more visits than the family can schedule benefit from companion care home services and from having a pet to keep them company at home. Talk about the idea with your senior loved one and see if they might enjoy bringing a pet into their life. Offer to help dog-proof the home and make plans for the dog's care.
If you think it's a good idea but your senior loved one isn't sure, consider introducing them to the dog before they commit to taking it home.
What Kind of Dog is Best as a Senior's Companion?
Choosing the right dog as a senior's companion is important. For most seniors, it's best to choose a dog that is more than a year old and may already be trained with good house manners. Puppies are inadvisable and untrained dogs can be run through lessons with a trainer to ensure they are ready for good behavior with your senior loved one.
Dogs with calm dispositions who are good at holding still on the couch for hours are a plus, and older dogs that are less appealing to young professionals and families with children may be the perfect match for your older family member in wisdom, personality, and energy level.
Choosing a Dog for an Active Senior
Active seniors benefit from dogs who like to go for walks once or twice a day but are not so rambunctious that they'll pull the leash. When you visit the shelter, look for dogs who are intelligent and calm. Medium-sized dogs who seem to understand when you speak and respond to simple gestures with gentleness - yet also have energy for play - are likely to be a good match.
Choosing a Dog for a Senior with Limited Mobility?
For seniors with limited mobility, a very calm dog or a well-behaved and very independent dog may be preferable. Dogs who can handle their own routine with a pet door to the backyard and maybe an automated food bowl will be easy to take care of and provide attentive companionship. However, older dogs who also have manageable health problems like a bum hip or bad eyes may bond very closely with seniors who feel a kinship in shared senior experiences.
Bring Your Loved One to the Animal Shelter
The best way to choose the right dog, however, is the old-fashioned way. Bring your senior relative to the shelter to find out which dog they bond with. Which dog sniffs their hand, responds to their call, and makes that special eye-contact connection that each pet owner has known?
Dog Care Tips for Seniors and Caregivers
Last but not least, make plans for the dog's care. Seniors often benefit more from the companionship of a dog than they can fully keep up with its needs. Fortunately, an intelligent and well-behaved dog will make caring for them easy.
If the family lives close enough, you might task grandchildren to take turns playing with, feeding, brushing, and washing their grandparent's dog. You can hire groomers and pet sitters if this solution is best for you.
Of course, many families simply find a senior home caregiver who loves dogs and doesn't mind keeping a feeding area clean and swept as part of their daily routine with the senior and their furry best friend. To find your Baltimore caregiver and dog-lover to help care for your favorite senior and their dog, contact Senior Helpers Baltimore today for an initial consultation.