Dogs for the elderly – Breeds, requirements

How should the dog’s behavior be for an elderly person? Are there specific guidelines that we should follow when we select the puppy for a retired person? There is no unique answer to these questions, each owner expects something different from his pet, so it is good to adapt it to his preferences, but there are some significant aspects you have to be careful of. This is especially true when it comes to a dog for the elderly and their pets.

If you wonder what kind of dog is ideal for an elderly person, you will discover the answers to all your questions in the next article!

What qualities should the dog have for elderly people?

First of all, three aspects should be noted:

• The duration of the time we can dedicate – As we know, the dog requires a lot of attention and the elderly often has less strength to run or walk. Therefore, dogs for the elderly depend on the conditions and health of the owner.
• The target life of the dog – The size of the dog is important, large breeds require more dog food and usually more movement. It can be difficult for an elderly person to keep a great German shepherd on a leash while walking, nor buy several kilograms of dog food, even if an online petshop arrives here that comes to help and brings his food to the door. Most of the time the small -sized dog breeds for pensioners are recommended.
• The lifestyle of the dog – The safest is to choose a particular breed with certain features. Unfortunately, if you choose a Metis, then it’s less safe on the dog’s character. If an elderly person is looking for the perfect companion, he will have to satisfy the needs of the dog with his lifestyle.

Is it suitable for a puppy for retirees?

Is the purchase of a puppy for a pensioner a good solution? It all depends on the preferences of the new owner, but it is worth considering that in the first months of the life of the animal we must pay much more attention to an adult dog. The fact that you learn to pee, bite the furniture and is quite active during the day can be a problem for a pensioner. Therefore, if you have already decided to take a puppy, do not forget to buy absorbent rugs, which are very useful in the first moments in the new place.

Raids of dogs for the elderly

For some people, the accommodation of the dog can be too tiring, therefore, in such situations, it is advisable to adopt a puppy from a refuge; This dog will already be sterilized, vaccinated and trained on the basic behavior.

However, if you are interested in pure breed dogs, find a list of some famous small dogs suitable for the elderly here:

• Mops He is an ideal companion for an elderly man, he is very sociable, he is quickly accommodating in new places. It does not need much activity, the walks of the day are fully enough for this. The only disadvantage is its predisposition to numerous diseases related to the respiratory system.
• Poodle He is an extremely intelligent dog and a fidel partner. It has a delicate arrangement and therefore will not have aggressive or dominant behavior. Physical activity is indicated, but it is not necessary to run on long distances: the poodle must also have mental exercises. The care of this breed is specific. It requires a regular haircut and the use of shampoo for specialized dogs, adapted for this type of fur. The long care of a dog can be an advantage for an elderly person, because it offers employment and a little activity, for example, combing.
• Yorkshire Terrier It is another miniature race for which they opt for many elderly people. Yorkie is extremely sociable and faithful to their master. In addition, this breed is extremely agile, lively and quickly learns new tricks, for an elderly person who has a lot of free time, learning orders will be an excellent activity. Yorkies require regular fur care, such as its haircut and, moreover, Yorkies does not have important growth requirements.
• Shih TzuA miniature breed that represents an ideal option for the elderly, thanks to its lazy lifestyle. This kind of dog is extremely sociable and loyal. They have no problems of being left alone in the house, because they sleep for most of the day. Therefore, if the elderly person has often disappeared or does not have the power to take daily walks, Shih Tzu will take care of himself. This is a race that feels good in apartments or housing blocks. We just have to pay attention to dog education and establish specific limits, sometimes Shih Tzu can show dominant behavior.
• Miniature spit It is extremely sociable and quickly adapts to new places. Dogs destined for the elderly must be without problems and playful to make their lives more fun. The miniature spit is part of this group, the only thing we have to pay more attention is to take care of its fur, which must be cut regularly.

The dog for the elderly is often their only partner and partner, so it is useful to think carefully before making a final decision and choosing a suitable race for daily activities.

What is the alternative to the dog for the elderly?

The elderly do not always have the opportunity to buy a dog for health or financial reasons, but if they need the presence of a quadruped, they can opt for volunteering. This option is becoming increasingly popular among elderly people. The activity in a refuge where you have daily contact with dogs is often a kind of therapy for some, the dog that replaces another human being for the elderly. In addition, volunteering in the refuge gives you the feeling that, despite the years, you still take care of someone, and this aspect in the life of the elderly is particularly necessary for them.

A second option is to find canine therapy courses, in which the elderly person has the opportunity to play a dog together, to know his behavior, observe and comfort him. All of these have a positive effect on the health of the elderly: the motive to move, laughs, encourages to speak with other members of cinematographic therapy and allow them to forget daily concerns. Consolterapy is generally organized by private organizations, but it is possible to find free courses in large cities.

Lida Pettine

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