Last Updated on April 9, 2022 by Dogs Vets
Top 8 Friendly Dogs For Elderly People
There are several types of animals that are good choices for senior citizens, but not all are appropriate for every situation.
Here are some tips on how to choose a pet for an elderly person. Bichon frises, Shih tzus, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Poodles, and Russian Blues are all great options.
These breeds are affectionate and have low energy levels. If you’re looking for an animal to adopt, consider one of the following species:
1. Bichon Frises
A Bichon Frise can live to be nearly 14 years old. Their breed has very low energy levels, making them one of the top 10 elderly-friendly pets.
However, Bichons require a lot of grooming and regular dental checkups to ensure good oral health.
A bichon’s eyes are also susceptible to developing entropion, a condition that can cause internal bleeding.
This condition can affect any breed of dog, but Bichons are especially vulnerable.
A Bichon Frise is a small, white dog with curly fur. They are fun, happy and affectionate pet that does not shed. This breed does require regular grooming and needs to be taken for short walks for exercise.
They can get along well with children and other pets. They are gentle dogs, making them a great choice for those with ageing parents or elderly family members.
Because they are a small, playful breed, Bichons are great for seniors. While they do need regular exercise and regular brushing, they are usually easy to train and housebroken.
A Bichon Frise is a great choice if you want a dog that is easy to maintain, has a low energy level and is able to exercise independently.
It’s a great choice for a senior who doesn’t have much time for exercise, but doesn’t mind taking a few walks a day.
2. Shih Tzus
The presence of an elderly dog in the household helps build the human-animal bond and provides social support.
Shih Tzus are considered a great choice for elderly people, since their small size does not make them a nuisance, despite their affectionate nature.
Nonetheless, Shih Tzus have some health problems that can make them unsuitable for senior citizens. Some of these health issues include keratitis, which is inflammation of the cornea, and proptosis, in which the eyelashes rub against the eyeball.
Similarly, the dog can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, which is a degenerative disease of the visual cells in the eye.
Furthermore, dry eye is a common ailment in Shih Tzus. It can cause redness, irritation, and excessive tearing
Shih Tzus are among the top 8 friendly pets for elderly people. They are low-maintenance, and they require daily brushing to keep their coat looking good.
These low-maintenance pets are also low-shedding, making them great for seniors with limited space.
Unlike other small dogs, Shih Tzus do not shed much, so regular brushing will keep their coat in top shape.
#3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the top most popular elderly-friendly pets. This adorable breed is closely related to British history. They combine the gentleness of a toy breed with the athleticism of a sporting spaniel to create a wonderful pet.
Despite the popularity of the Cavalier, the breed is not ideal for older people, especially if the owner lives alone.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a small breed and is prone to being injured. However, their small size makes them ideal lap dogs and therapy dogs.
Cavaliers are also known to be sociable and friendly with other dogs and children. Although it’s difficult to generalize a breed, Cavaliers are extremely affectionate and need constant human contact.
Cavaliers are excellent with elderly people. They love to be close to their owners and are extremely adaptable to living in various environments. They don’t get overly needy and can live in a beach house with a large yard.
Even though they’re not suited for senior households, Cavaliers get along well with other dogs and cats. They also get along well with kids and are generally friendly with seniors.
#4. Poodles
There are many benefits to owning a Poodle. This breed is known for being gentle and tolerant, and is very affectionate. They will also love the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
Senior Poodles can make excellent companions, and are a great choice if you or a loved one is in the later years of life.
Older Poodles will need more attention, but if you provide a good environment for them to grow, your dog will be very happy.
The health benefits of Poodles are many. They are friendly and low-energy, making them excellent choices for senior citizens.
Poodles do not require rigorous exercise, so they can stay inside and cuddle with you all day long.
Poodles are highly intelligent, and they form close bonds with their owners. Even better, they are highly trainable, making them ideal pets for elderly people.
Older Poodles can be especially sensitive to loneliness and separation anxiety. They may become destructive, bark excessively, or even show signs of depression if left alone for long periods of time.
You can combat these symptoms by creating an environment for your Poodle that is safe for both you and the puppy.
A puppy will help your older Poodle cope with loneliness if they are used to living with a dog, but it depends on how well your current Poodle gets along with a new puppy.
#5. Beagles
The Beagle is a low-maintenance dog. It only needs to be brushed a few times a week, but this type of dog can have serious dental problems. Therefore, owners of Beagles should brush their teeth frequently.
Their low-maintenance coat also makes them great pets for elderly people. Beagles are among the top 8 friendly pets for elderly people.
The Beagle is a high-energy and sociable breed. It enjoys playing and long walks. Unlike other types of dogs, they don’t require constant babysitting.
Their low-maintenance coats make them a good choice for senior citizens who don’t have the time to spend training a dog. The Beagle needs a small yard and regular walks.
Beagles are a good choice for elderly people because they’re easy to train and don’t shed.
Although they’re small in size, they’re very easy to train and will not overwhelm their new owner. They can be easily cleaned in the sink, so they’re great for apartment living.
However, because of their small size, Beagles should be kept away from small children.
#6. Greyhounds
Among the many benefits of having a greyhound as a pet is its low maintenance. They don’t shed very much and require only minimal grooming.
Since greyhounds were bred for speed, their coats are very short and do not shed as much as other dog breeds.
While they may still shed occasionally, they do not require daily brushing or bathing.
This large breed of dog is ideal for older people who do not want to deal with the daily grooming of a small dog. This breed needs at least thirty minutes of vigorous exercise every day. Greyhounds may also require a lot of space to sprint.
They might need a sprinting pad once or twice a week. However, owners should be aware of these physical requirements before adopting a greyhound.
A greyhound can be a great pet for an older person because of its gentle and docile personality. Although these large dogs can be up to 70 pounds, they are gentle giants that enjoy belly rubs and getting petted.
Although greyhounds are considered one of the top 10 friendly pets for elderly people, they are still a great choice for a family that is on a budget or needs a pet.
#7. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is the queen’s favourite dog. They require a few short walks a day, and are easy to groom. These dogs are very loyal and protective of their owners. They can also be an excellent choice for family pets.
Listed below are some of the advantages of this breed, as well as some other considerations.
- First of all, this breed is very low-set, and has a low-set body. They do not have long hair, which makes them ideal pets for elderly people.
- Another advantage of this breed is their low-maintenance needs. This breed is not prone to hair loss or flea infestation.
- They are also able to handle colds and allergens very well.
- Although this breed is not particularly high-maintenance, it does require daily exercise and daily brushing.
- While it is not known whether the Pembroke Welsh Corgi has high-maintenance hair, a daily brushing will help reduce the amount of shed hair.
- Daily brushing will also prevent the dog from wallowing in dead hair.
- A Pembroke’s short legs and long back do not allow it to jump on furniture or other things.
Although this breed of dog may be a good option for elderly and disabled people, you should avoid getting a Pembroke Welsh Corgi unless you are sure it will be a good fit.
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