Pets and the Elderly Make A Winning Team

  Posted on March 18, 2012  by Joy of Living  No comments

Dogs provide great benefits for seniors.  Here are some ways in which pets provide health benefits to the elderly:

• Reduce blood pressure
• Reduce cholesterol levels
• Enhance social activities.  (Grandpa can go to the dog park and pick up some cute Grandma!)
• Ease the pain when a loved one dies
• Provide affection and unconditional love
• Encourage increased activity in seniors
• Decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness

When deciding what type of breed to get for an older person, take into consideration where he or she lives, his or her physical condition, strength, and health status and compare this to the temperament of the dog.  The person needs to be able to handle the dog well.  Among some good choices of breeds for seniors include Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Havanese, Italian Greyhound, Japanese Chin, Llasa Apso, Maltese, Miniature Poodle, Pug, and Shih Tzu.