Seniors benefit from adopting a dog in many ways. It gives them a loving companion and something to look after. Adopt the right dog for your senior parents!
Dogs are wonderful pets for people of all ages and make great company. As mom and dad get up in age, they may get lonely, and forming friendships as we get older may become more difficult. This is one of the ways how seniors can benefit from adopting a dog. So long as you do your research and adopt the right dog, your parent or parents will have the perfect companion.
It Gives Them a Friend
Leaving the house isn’t easy for everyone, but when you’re inside all day, you may feel trapped. After a while, this can also lead to feelings of loneliness, especially if you’re by yourself or have little interaction with others. A dog keeps seniors company by ensuring there’s always someone at home with them.
They’ll Feel Secure
A dog can create feelings of security for several reasons. One of the most important examples of how dogs do this relates to service animals. Some seniors that live alone worry about what would happen if they fell or otherwise needed help. There are many types of specialized dog training programs, with two of the most prominent being service and emotional support training. With the right qualifications and training, both these kinds can assist elderly parents living alone.
In the instance of a senior falling down, you could train the dog to bark which will likely alert neighbors to the problem. Emotional support training is also important since you can teach the dog to cuddle mom and dad when they’re displaying signs of anxiety or depression.
They Get Out More
If your parents have no physical impairments, then a dog could be just what they need to take a short walk down the street or around the block. In doing this, they get a breath of fresh air and move their body. Physical activity is one of many ways to increase mood. But dogs also give seniors a reason to socialize since they’ll bump into other people as they walk their furry companion.
Tips On Finding the Right Dog
While there are many ways how seniors benefit from adopting a dog, everyone isn’t able to care for a dog, and all dogs aren’t the same. Some breeds have high energy, and others don’t. Likewise, some are more trainable than others. As you think about the perfect dog for your parents, evaluate the circumstances. Specifically, consider:
- Activity levels: Dogs with high energy could be hard to control or manage.
- Trainability: You may be able to train the dog to help carry out daily tasks.
- Temperament: The dog should have an even or relaxed temper.
Think about all of this and more before adopting. What’s most important is that the dog is a perfect match for your parents. You may need to adopt a trained service dog if your parents have a physical disability, since these canines help get things done around the house. You can also train service dogs to retrieve medication bottles or alert others if there’s an emergency.
Disclaimer: The material in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace, nor does it replace, consulting with a physician, lawyer, accountant, financial planner or other qualified professional.
