No single person can escape the feelings of loneliness, isolation, or possibly depression when they live on their own, and make no attempt to socialize with their neighbors or people in the community. If any of your loved ones have recently lost a spouse or have had their grown-up children leave the house to start their own family, they may be experiencing an emotional void in their lives. This is where pets as companions for your loved ones should come into the picture!
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of having dogs for seniors and why they will make the perfect pets for your loved ones, especially if they are living on their own. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Dogs Keep You on Your Feet
Even toilet-trained dogs require potty breaks. However, it’s not just the reason why dogs like to go for walks. Like us, these furry buddies like to explore the world that’s filled with different sights, smells, and sounds.
Extended times of boredom at home can lead to undesirable behavior and this can be said for both humans and dogs. Having a dog will spur you to get on your feet and take frequent walks throughout the day. This means you will be able to stay physically active even if you don’t feel like moving much on certain days.
Dogs Aid You in Maintaining Daily Routines
It’s easy to laze in bed all day or sit at your favorite corner in the room if you have no cause to get up. But the commitment of having a dog changes everything! You will have to keep up with the responsibility of ensuring your dog is fed and have enough drinking water in its bowl. You’ll then begin to establish a routine that provides your days with a sense of purpose.
Some dogs may also require more attention compared to others. For seniors who are afraid they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the care for a dog, they can choose to adopt a service dog that has gone through extensive training, and can help seniors with a few household chores.
Dogs Help You to Socialize with Others
Do you know that The Trace is a pet-friendly senior living community? If you’re planning to move into the community, you can bring your pet with you! You’ll then have lots of opportunities to meet other pet owners and strike up conversations about pet care and beyond.
Even if you’re not part of a senior living community at the moment, having a dog will pave the way for you to socialize with fellow park-goers or neighbors you would not have spoken to in your neighborhood.
Dogs Provide Love and Companionship
Dogs are very affectionate pets. They will give you unconditional love and provide you with great companionship. And if you don’t already know, our furry friends have the superpower to read emotions! Each dog has its way of comforting its owner so watch them do their thing and don’t forget to give them lots of belly rubs. While not all seniors feel lonely, we could all do with a little extra love, isn’t it?
Just like raising a child, taking care of a pup or a dog requires a certain amount of responsibility. In fact, this very responsibility is what keeps us physically active. Whether we’re going about our daily routines, or heading out for walks, dogs make the perfect pet and companion for seniors.
