Do you or an elderly at home have plans to move into an aged care facility? If so, surely you would want to keep a furry friend as a constant companion. Nowadays, assisted living communities and home cares areencouraging residents to care for pets as this has dozens of benefits.
With its many positive health outcomes, dog ownership has become more popular in seniors than ever before. Dogs provide a lasting relationship in the later part of a person’s life.
However, you must know which canine breeds are suitable for such living arrangement. Whether you or a loved one is in a retirement home or under temporary respite care, the following will reveal how dog ownership will benefit you greatly.
What Good Do Seniors Get from Owning a Dog?
It has been known that dog ownership can significantly affect an elderly person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As many would say, pets are good for your soul.
Dogs, particularly, are great for socialisation, physical activity, and everyday companionship. Once you have a furry companion, you will have to bring it out for its daily walks. Also, you need to watch over it whilst playing indoors. Although these may sound exhausting to do, you will have enough activity to do that is enjoyable.
Owning a pet can be therapeutic as this promotes the release of happy hormones throughout your body. Consequently, this results in lower stress and blood pressure levels, as well as improved heart rate.
Evidently, this lowers the risk for stroke, depression, and heart disease.
What to Consider When Getting a Dog?
However, not all dog breeds are suitable for aged care living. There are a few things that you need to consider before settling on which type of canine you are getting.
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- Breed
Having a hyperactive dog may not be a good idea. Choose a breed based on its grooming needs, trainability, and behaviour. Watch out for noisy types.
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- Age
An elderly human might find an elderly dog as a good companion. If you would like, adopting one may be a good choice. However, life expectancy and health condition should be taken into consideration.
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- Temperament
This may vary in individual dogs. Whether you are buying from pet shops or adopting from dog shelters, getting to know the dog first is important.
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- Medical state
Put into careful consideration your own physical limitations and health condition. Do you have mobility issues? Playful puppies may not be for you, but assistance dogs are great!
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- Resources for care
Do you have enough money for grooming, supplies, veterinary visits, and even pet sitting? Taking note of your resources for care may also help you with deciding which pup is suitable for you.
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- Community requirements
The homes for age care Melbourne has today may have varied regulations regarding pet ownership. Know what the size limitations are and whether you need to have it pre-approved before moving in.
Choicest Dog Breeds for Seniors Living in Aged Care
To help you make the selection process easier, here are the best dog breeds for elderly people who are living in assisted living communities. These are arranged alphabetically.
- Beagle
- Boston Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Cocker Spaniel
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Pug
- Schnauzer
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
German shepherds, St. Bernard’s, and other large, heavyset dogs are not really recommended for seniors. As they require a lot of activity and care. However, smaller breeds are great for those living in retirement communities.Now that you have an idea how to get a suitable dog for you or your loved ones’ living arrangement, you can begin your search as soon as possible!
