SubscribeBest Pets for Old People: Enhancing Senior Lives with Furry Companions
Pets and elderly people can be a great combination. But caution is urged. Senior citizens face daily responsibilities when caring for a pet.
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- Pets improve seniors’ quality of life: Companionship from animals helps reduce loneliness and encourages physical activity.
- Choosing the right pet is important: Seniors should select pets that match their energy levels, mobility, and living space.
- There are challenges to consider: Pet ownership involves costs, physical care, and safety responsibilities.
- Support systems help maintain care: Family, friends, or pet services can assist with walks, grooming, and vet visits.
- Low-maintenance pets can be ideal: Cats, birds, and smaller animals often provide affection with less daily effort.
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Benefits and Challenges of Pets for Old People
I see all kinds of patients: kitties, pups, rabbits, iguanas! Rats, ferrets, you name it. And they are owned by all kinds of folks: young, old, newlyweds, young families, and the old to very old, ill, or debilitated.
Pets can be a great morale booster for the elderly, yet they can also pose a serious challenge.
Benefits of Pets for Old People:
- Provide companionship and reduce loneliness
- Encourage physical activity through walks and playtime
- Offer a sense of purpose and routine
Challenges of Pets for Old People:
- Physical demands of pet care
- Financial costs of pet ownership
- Potential for trips and falls due to pets
If you’re a caregiver for an older person, or older yourself, and considering getting a pet or already have a pet, keep reading.
Pets can significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals, but it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against the challenges to ensure a harmonious relationship.
Choosing the Right Pets for Old People
The benefits of pet ownership for an older person, whose world may be getting a little smaller every day, are fabulous. Companionship, affection, stimulation, joy! Not to mention true health benefits such as lowering stress, and blood pressure, and increasing mental acuity. However owning a pet carries daily chores and responsibilities, and the elderly person has to be up for it.
Health Benefits of Pets for Old People:
- Lower stress levels
- Reduce blood pressure
- Increase mental acuity
Dogs, I believe, can give a great deal to an older owner, probably more than any other pet, but also pose the biggest challenges. And before your 80-year-old dad tells you “he’s not a cat person,” let’s explore the issue before getting him a rescue German Shepherd.
Daily Responsibilities of Owning a Dog for Elderly People
Walking and Exercise:
- Regular walks and exercise for the dog
- Ensuring access to the outside
Maybe Aunt Belle still wants to take Sprite for a walk at 75, but will she be doing this at 85 when Sprite is still spry?
Health Concerns:
- Feeding a healthy pet
- Administering medicine can be a challenge. Tips on administering medicine
Interactions with neighbors, neighbor’s pets, and caregivers can also pose challenges.
Grooming:
- Brushing and bathing
- Transport to groomers
Expense:
- Buying food and supplies
- Flea products, heartworm preventive, and vet visits
An elderly fixed income is one thing, but what if Mrs. Biddle is suddenly widowed? There goes a Social Security check as well as all the caregiving that Mr. Bids had been doing. Read more on the health benefits of pets.
Future Planning:
- Who will take the dog if the owner passes away or has to leave their home?
- Discussing these concerns with family members can provide a sense of relief and ensure a plan is in place.
Real-life Challenges of Pets for Older Owners
A 75-year-old-plus woman adopted a 65-pound dog-aggressive dog from a “reputable” shelter. The owner’s mental faculties as well as strength began to falter within three years. The dog killed a neighbor’s toy breed dog while both on leash. The owner still does not want to give the dog up. The family doesn’t want the dog.
Another older person adopted a Bichon from another rescue. The rescue lied about the dog’s age and health status. “Wendy II” was already a geriatric dog when the woman adopted her. Within a few months, the conscientious dog owner had great difficulties giving Wendy II medications and brought her back to me for constant problems. This was a terrible adoption.
A Story of a Pet Owned by an Elderly Person
This little guy has a geriatric, handicapped owner with home health aides who visit. He often comes to my hospital with his nails curled around almost touching his pads. Yesterday, his eye hair was so matted it took 30 minutes to carefully soak and trim. He feels much better now!
We only ask for $50 per month from his owner, as that’s what she can afford. I just wish someone would bring him to us sooner so we can help more effectively.
Preventive Measures for Pets Owned by Elderly People
An Ounce of Prevention: If the older owner already owns a pet, try to put a support system in place before something bad happens. Family members may be able to find volunteers, neighbors, or pet sitters/walkers for a small fee to help out. Local groups and Councils on Aging may also be helpful. In New York City, Citymeals-on-Wheels discovered the elderly were feeding some of their meals to their pets, leading to under-nourishment for both. A partnership was announced with Paws NY in March to add pet food and pet-care assistance. What a great service!
Choosing the Right Dog: If you are searching for a dog for an older person, the natural idea would be to find a trained, toy, or small breed dog. Breed lists are available, but be cautious of these. They are only suggestions. After all, every poodle is not the same docile lap dog, just as all pit bulls are certainly not aggressive.
Beware of Smaller Breeds:
- Many smaller breeds can be yappy, hard to housetrain, and need lots of exercise.
- They can also be difficult to medicate. Learn about the Chihuahua.
Some middle-sized and larger dogs may be calm and well-tempered, even if not suited for the lap. Temperament testing is key in this situation. Check out these tiny dogs that stay small.
Exploring Alternatives: Maybe Not a Dog?
Considering Cats and Birds: I believe a cat or a bird can be a fantastic addition to an elderly household, particularly if the person has good, previous experience with these pets. Feline companionship can be intensely rewarding, requiring less energy and time than owning a dog. Cleaning a litter box and choosing a nice-tempered cat are key to a pleasant relationship.
Advantages of Cats:
- Less energy and time-consuming
- Easier to manage than dogs
Precautions for Elderly Cat Owners:
- Avoid scratches if they have fragile skin or compromised immune systems
- Medication can be challenging for aging owners
One of our hospital cats, Tut, lives with us because his elderly owner couldn’t pick up on his signals and got hurt badly. Other aging owners may have similar difficulties.
Birds as Companions:
- Tamed parakeets or cockatiels can be delightful additions
- They are less demanding than large birds, which can live for decades
A tamed parakeet or cockatiel can liven up a quiet house. My 81-year-old Aunt Joan has a 14-year-old cockatiel that speaks to her constantly, particularly while she follows her baby eagles on the computer. The cockatiel has a large vocabulary, and all of my aunt’s neighbors can hear him in their houses as well!
For more information, read about whether a large bird is right for you.
Recommended Pet Tech and Essentials for Modern Pet Parents
Keeping your pets healthy, safe, and well cared for is easier than ever with today’s smart and practical products.
- Smart health tracking: Devices like the Maven Pet Smart Collar monitor your pet’s activity, rest, and wellness data in real time.
- Hands-free litter management: The Litter-Robot 4 offers automatic cleaning and odor control for a cleaner, low-maintenance home.
- Automatic feeders for convenience: Smart pet feeders ensure your pets are fed on schedule, even when you’re away.
- Comprehensive pet protection: MetLife Pet Insurance helps manage unexpected vet bills, ensuring peace of mind for pet parents.
Learn more about these products in our full editorial spotlights on Maven Pet, Litter-Robot, and MetLife Pet Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best pet for elderly people?
The best pet for elderly people is often a cat or a small, well-tempered dog due to their manageable care requirements and companionship.
Is owning a pet good for the elderly?
Yes, owning a pet can provide elderly individuals with companionship, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
Should a 90 year old have a dog?
A 90-year-old can have a dog if they are able to manage the care requirements or have a strong support system in place.
What is the most low maintenance pet?
The most low-maintenance pet is typically a fish or a small caged bird, as they require minimal daily care and interaction.
