Pets: The Miraculous Medicine for Seniors

The positive effects of owning a pet

Having any pet around deters the senior’s negative thoughts. Elderly can also better interact with other owners, since their little darlings are perfect conversation starters. It’s also important to note that dogs have a guardian instinct, which not only means that they double as a security measure, but they keep elders company while they are gardening, cooking etc. Speaking of “little” dogs, it’s recommended for the aging residents to look for medium or small sized dogs. Maltese, corgi, spaniels and pugs are all among the top choices of breeds. Interestingly, some elderly vote for retired greyhounds, because after retiring from the racing tracks, greyhounds prefer a more relaxed lifestyle, and they don’t require much grooming.

The right pet for the right owner

Despite the positive effects a pet may have on its owner life, seniors must be aware of the fact that not every animal may fit their needs. For example, dogs might stimulate a home stuck elderly to be more active, but for those who are physically challenged, a cat might be the better option. Cats are perfect for therapy purposes, and require less care. It’s also advisable to avoid adopting puppies or kittens. They are cute, no doubt about it, but also demand full attention, and an aging person won’t be able to keep up the pace with them. We recommend choosing a cat or dog that has went through some training, so they know how to behave around an elderly. There are several foundations that specialize in helping seniors adopt pets. They not only guarantee that the animals are healthy and well behaving, but also assist the aging owners in the choice, providing them all the advice and help they need.