The Best Pets For Seniors

There are a lot of benefits to owning a pet, especially for seniors. Pets provide companionship and love. And owning a dog that needs to be walked every day is the perfect reason for seniors to be more active. Home care assistance may be required to help seniors care for their pets but that’s a small price to pay for the many benefits that pets give seniors. But what are the best pets for seniors to have? Some dog breeds are not a good choice for seniors because they are very high energy and need a lot of vigorous exercise. Seniors should consider these pets instead of hunting or working dog breeds that are going to very high maintenance:

Senior Cats

Rescues and shelters are overflowing with sweet senior cats. It’s true that senior cats, which are cats that are over nine years old, may take a little more time than younger cats to adjust to a new home. And they need to get regular vet care and may be prone to illnesses as they get older but that’s why they are the perfect senior companions. Like seniors they are not as energetic or active as they used to be. And like seniors they love a good nap. Senior cats don’t have the chaotic energy that kittens have and they are usually happy to just sleep on a soft bed or chair most of the time. Senior cats are the ideal pet for seniors that want a quiet and loving companion that will watch TV with them and listen to them.

Small Breed Dogs

Smaller dogs are a good option for seniors because they are easier to walk and there is less risk that they will pull a senior off their feet or knock them over when the seniors is walking them. However, some small breed dogs do have a lot of energy so that needs to be considered when choosing a breed. Small breeds were historically bred to be companion dogs and they are excellent companions for seniors.

Fish

Usually when people think of pets they think of cats and dogs but fish can also be great pets for seniors. Fish are very soothing to watch and can help seniors manage their stress while making your senior loved one’s home more relaxing. Placing a fish tank in the bedroom can provide just the right amount of background noise and light to help seniors sleep. While fish may not be as cuddly as a cat or a dog they a good choice for seniors that would like a pet but have allergies to cats and dogs or want a pet that is very easy to take care of. Getting a tank set up and maintaining the chemical makeup of the tank may be tough for some seniors but home care assistance providers can do the work of keeping the tank in good shape and making sure it’s clean and running well so that seniors can just enjoy the fish.

Sources:
https://www.petsfortheelderly.org/our-work/research.php
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-reasons-seniors-should-consider-getting-a-pet-2019-04-03