Many seniors look forward to owning a dog in the golden years of their life. A dog not only gives them company but also makes them feel loved, happy, and responsible. Though nothing can beat the joy and lively environment a puppy brings into life, a puppy can be quite demanding. Depending on health situations, some older adults might live a less active lifestyle. In such conditions, an older dog would be an ideal choice for seniors.
If you are planning to get a dog, do remember that every dog breed or type might not suit your lifestyle. Before getting a dog, it’s advisable to do a thorough study of various kinds of dogs and select one that suits your requirements.
Below we have covered some of the advantages of becoming a pet owner of an older dog.
1. Older Dogs Require Less Exercise
Just like us, with growing age, even dogs tend to become less active. The daily exercise requirement of an older dog is much less as compared to a puppy or a young dog. A regular exercise of a few minutes is more than sufficient for the older dogs. This makes older dogs a perfect choice for older adults who, due to health issues, cannot afford to exert themselves.
2. Teach New Tricks
Most of the older dogs are already through with their basic training, including potty training, no chewing of socks and shoes, etc. Hence, an older dog can easily understand your no’s, as well as what you want them to do. Thus, you can save a lot of your time, which you otherwise would be spending on training your dog. However, you can still enjoy the fun of teaching new tricks to your older dog. This would not only allow you to spend more quality time with your dog but would also help in forming a bond with your new pet.
You can always start with simple tricks like stay and sit. After this, you can move to roll, fetch, etc. Just don’t forget to reward your dog once it has learned a new trick.
3. Calm & Reasonably Active
Most of the older dogs are a lot calmer as compared to puppies or younger dogs. With age, dogs also mellow down as far as their energy levels are concerned. This gives another reason why older dogs are ideal for older adults who are looking for a companion with lesser physical demands.
Well, just because your dog is old and calm, this doesn’t imply that he/she would be low on an energy level. Older dogs of some types of dog remain reasonably energetic even after they are full-grown. Many smaller mixed breeds are highly loyal, playful, and active. Seniors who live in assisted living facilities that welcome pets may consider getting a this type of dog, small enough for pet friendly senior communities to accept.
4. More Patient
With growing age, many seniors face a lot of physical, emotional, and other brain-related disorders. In such cases, getting an older dog would be more appropriate as young puppies require a lot of initial work and energy that older people may not possess.
Older dogs tend to be much more patient. In most cases, older dogs have lesser physical activity requirements. They adjust to the given environment in a much better way. Older dogs are more independent. Many dogs just want to be around their owner. Their demands are only limited to their owner’s love and attention. Having a calmer dog around brings calmness and positivity in the life of the owner.
5. Less Demanding
The physical, grooming, and dietary needs of dogs differ from breed to breed; however, one thing that is common in all dogs is their thrive for their owner’s love and attention. Another thing that is common among all dog breeds is that in most dog breeds, older dogs tend to be less demanding as compared to untrained and hyperactive puppies.
Most older dogs are independent and do not need regular monitoring. This further makes them an ideal choice for seniors.
Is an older dog right for you, as an older person?
An older dog can be a good companion in your later stages of life. Before getting an older dog, it’s advisable to do thorough research about the type that you are planning to get. This will help you in understanding the fundamentals and other requirements of your dog. As a result, you will be more prepared to give a friendly environment to the new member of your family.
Please note that I am unable to answer veterinary questions in comments. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health it is always better to contact your vet.