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What Are the Best Companion Dogs for the Elderly?

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Finding the right dog can make a positive difference in a senior's life. According to different studies, dogs can help their owners need fewer physician visits and boost life expectancies. People easing into their golden years will enjoy the benefits of owning a dog, including companionship, emotional support and encouragement to stay physically active. When you're searching for your companion, it's important to factor in your health and lifestyle to determine what breed of dog will fit in best in your home. Your well-being also plays a role in whether you can care for the animal. Before you get a dog, learn about the remarkable breeds that make great friends for older adults.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Companion dogs for the elderly are often easy to care for. The primary responsibilities of owning a dog include grooming, bathing, walking and setting up veterinary appointments. For some older adults, the tasks may be more challenging, particularly if they experience mobility decline, memory loss and other age-related issues. However, online platforms like Rover, Wag! and TaskRabbit offer services to help take care of dogs.

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Through Rover, you can hire people to walk or dog-sit. Wag! provides similar services as well as dog training, socialization and virtual veterinary care. You can also post an ad with specific duties on TaskRabbit for people to accept and complete. If you need pet food and supplies, apps and websites like Amazon, Costco, Target and other stores can deliver them. These helpful services make it easier for older adults to own dogs and take great care of them. Now, let's review some dog breeds that make excellent furry companions for senior citizens.

Pugs Are Quiet Indoor Dogs

If you're searching for a dog that's quiet, rarely needs grooming and loves the indoors, a pug is perfect for you. This small dog prefers sitting in an armchair with its owner much more than exploring the outdoors. These animals are silly, loyal and loving toward their keepers, making them great emotional support dogs for the elderly.

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Pugs only need light play sessions and walks, so they don't require much exercise. Although they rarely bark, they have a habit of snoring while snoozing. Taking naps is one of their favorite activities.

It's also important to note that pugs are sensitive to extreme heat and cold conditions. Another issue is that the animals are prone to obesity, so make sure to go easy on the treats.

Poodles Enjoy Affection and Daily Walks

Poodles are highly intelligent, gentle and loving — great qualities if you're searching for an emotional support dog. Poodles are also ideal for seniors who want to exercise more, as these animals require daily walks to stay happy and healthy. Best of all, there are three different sizes of poodles you can choose from — toy, miniature and standard.

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Caring for poodles is quite easy, but they need to be brushed daily to prevent their coats from matting. Many owners keep these dogs' coats trimmed by clipping the fur themselves or visiting a licensed groomer every month or two.

Greyhounds Are Obedient and Gentle

Known as a racing dog breed, greyhounds have become popular among older adults. These animals can help seniors boost their activity levels without overexerting themselves. Greyhounds only need to run for a short amount of time, so you don't need to worry about spending too much time outside.

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When these dogs are indoors, they're couch potatoes that like to relax for most of the day. Many owners love that their greyhounds are calm, quiet, obedient and quick learners. When it comes to grooming, greyhounds need very little care, too.

As a large dog breed, greyhounds weigh between 65 and 70 pounds. That sounds heavy, right? Surprisingly, greyhounds are easy to handle and train. Compared to other breeds, these big dogs need higher-calorie food, so make sure to feed them high-quality dog food.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Love Cuddles and Learning

Looking for an affectionate and adaptable dog? The Cavalier is a small dog that enjoys snuggling, making them ideal emotional support dogs for seniors. They also get along with adults, children and other pets. The breed is simple to train thanks to its high intelligence and eagerness to learn.

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Weighing between 13 and 18 pounds, these pets are easy to carry around. Caring for the Cavalier's fur is also not a problem, as it just needs daily brushing and a bath once in a while. There are many positives about Cavaliers, but be aware that this breed tends to chase things. When the dog goes outdoors, it will need a leash.

Labrador Retrievers Provide Comfort and Opportunities to Exercise

Due to their highly trainable nature, Labrador retrievers make great companions. Their warm and outgoing personalities also help comfort the elderly and allow these dogs to bond easily with the whole family and other pets. In addition, these obedient animals are one of the best dog breeds for owners with anxiety.

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Although Labradors are easygoing, they're super active and require a lot of physical exercise, like running and fetching. They make the best companions for seniors who are also energetic. In addition, Labs shed a great deal of fur, so be ready to vacuum and clean up after them.