The Best Dogs for Seniors

As we journey into our senior years, the companionship of a loyal canine can be both comforting and invigorating. For seniors, the right dog can offer not only affection but also numerous health benefits, including reduced stress, increased physical activity, and improved mental well-being. 

However, the key lies in selecting the right breed that aligns with a senior's lifestyle, energy levels, and living situation. Here we'll explore the top dog breeds that are particularly suited for seniors, emphasizing why they make such excellent companions.

It is important to note that anytime you get a dog, you need to include the plan to do some training to make living together agreeable for you both.  Dogs need to learn what you want from them and you need to understand your dog. To accomplish this, you might want to look into dog training, either online or at a store.  Here is a link to an online training that uses positive reinforcement and games to teach your dog how to behave at home (this is an affiliate link, but will not cost you any extra money).

1.Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Why they're ideal for seniors: Their gentle nature and moderate energy levels make them perfect companions for seniors. They thrive on human interaction and are incredibly affectionate.

Care required: Regular grooming and daily walks.

Drawbacks: 

• - Prone to certain health issues like mitral valve disease and hip dysplasia.
• - Their affectionate nature means they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods.

2.Bichon Frise

Why they're ideal for seniors: Bichons are cheerful, adaptable, and known for their friendly disposition. Their small size makes them manageable for most seniors.

Care required: Frequent grooming and moderate exercise.

Drawbacks:

• - Their white coat can stain easily, requiring frequent cleaning.
• - Prone to dental issues, so regular dental care is essential.

3.Poodle (Toy & Miniature)

Why they're ideal for seniors: Poodles are intelligent and hypoallergenic, making them great for seniors with allergies. Their eager-to-please nature makes them easy to train.

Care required: Regular grooming and mental stimulation.

Drawbacks:

• - Can be stubborn and require consistent training.
• - Prone to certain genetic health issues, including hip dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy.

4. Shih Tzu

Why they're ideal for

seniors: Shih Tzus are calm, affectionate, and thrive in apartment settings, making them perfect for seniors living in smaller spaces.

Care required: Daily grooming and short walks.

Drawbacks: 

• - Their long coat requires daily grooming to prevent matting.
• - Can be stubborn during training sessions.

5. Maltese

Why they're ideal for seniors: Maltese dogs are gentle and love to be pampered, making them great lap dogs for seniors looking for a close companion.

Care required: Daily grooming and indoor play.

Drawbacks:

• - Their fine hair can mat easily if not groomed regularly.
• - Can be vocal and bark at unfamiliar sounds or strangers.

 6. Pug

Why they're ideal for seniors: Pugs are low-energy, affectionate, and have a charming, playful demeanor that can bring joy to any senior's day.

Care required: Minimal grooming and short daily walks.

Drawbacks:

• - Prone to breathing difficulties due to their flat faces.
• - Susceptible to obesity, so diet and exercise need to be monitored

7. Chihuahua

Why they're ideal for seniors: Chihuahuas are tiny, low-maintenance, and often form deep bonds with their owners, making them great companions for seniors.

Care required: Occasional grooming and indoor play.

Drawbacks:

• - Can be territorial and might not get along with other pets or children.
• - Their small size makes them fragile, so they can be injured easily.

8. Boston Terrier

Why they're ideal for seniors: Boston Terriers are friendly, adaptable, and require minimal grooming, making them easy to care for.

Care required: Moderate exercise and occasional grooming.

Drawbacks:

• - Also prone to breathing issues because of their short snouts.
• - Can be quite energetic, requiring regular play sessions.

9. Lhasa Apso

Why they're ideal for seniors: Lhasa Apsos are loyal, alert, and make excellent companions, especially for seniors who prefer a dog with a bit of independence.

Care required: Regular grooming and daily walks.

Drawbacks:

• - Can be wary of strangers and might take time to warm up to new people.
• - Their long coat requires consistent grooming.

10. West Highland White
Terrier

Why they're ideal for seniors: Westies are lively, friendly, and make excellent watchdogs, ensuring that seniors feel both entertained and secure.

Care required: Regular grooming and moderate exercise.

Drawbacks:

• - Prone to skin issues, so regular check-ups and grooming are essential.
• - Can be stubborn and might require a firm hand during training.

For seniors, the journey to find the perfect canine companion can be both exciting and rewarding. The breeds listed above are particularly suited for seniors due to their temperament, size, and care requirements. 

While each of these breeds offers numerous benefits for seniors, it's essential to be aware of potential drawbacks. By understanding both the pros and cons, seniors can make an informed decision about which breed aligns best with their lifestyle and capabilities.

OMG!!!! Who could be so seriously cruel and hateful?

Here is a blog post I found at Dandelion Arts that just stopped me cold.  I was dumbfounded and my heart was broken.  I absolutely cannot understand this behavior.  I am so grateful for the person who found and rescued this little boy.  He certainly has not experienced any kernel of kindness from humans in his life it seems.  Maybe, now, he can see that people don't have to be horrible and he can feel love.

This is just not acceptable behavior in a civilized nation.  This needs to be investigated and prosecuted.

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Helping poor little Prince Babe get to rescue...

I'll be helping this poor little urchin get to rescue next week. His name is PRINCE BABE, an approximately 5-year old Chihuahua that was found in a box near an apartment complex. Here is what the foster mom wrote about Babe:

As you can see he is quite pitiful. However, he looks tremendously better than when I got him on 1/4/10. When they first saw him at Whitfield Animal Hospital on 12/30/09, he weighed 4 lbs. He now is 5 lbs. and 11 ounces. He has also had several medicated baths which help with the peeling skin - a by-product of bad nutrition and a bacterial infection. He is taking antibiotics, prednisone, and soloxine. The first few days I had him, he just slept. I woke him up to eat after which he would go potty (he uses puppy pads.) I didn't think that was healthy so I took him to Dalton Animal Care where they put him on the medications and advised the medicated baths. They also clipped his nails, cleaned his ears, etc. It didn't take but a day on the meds before he actually became alive. He still doesn't play - don't think he knows how, but he does get up and roam around the house and eats like a horse. He also loves to be held and petted.

Such a sad little guy. I hope after our "transport train" gets him to his destination that he will be loved and cherished, instead of abandoned in a box suffering from disease and malnutrition. I don't understand this behavior.

Life with Satchmo is always interesting!

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Yesterday, I went outside to take the little man to do his "business" and we were immediately attached by a chihuahua running loose in the parking lot of the apartment complex.  Why am I writing about this you ask?
Well, I would not be except this is becoming a real issue for me.  It's like we have become the dog magnet in this area.  Three times before this, we have gone outside only to be attached by a stray dog.  Two were chihuahas and one was a pit bull puppy.  I do try to capture and return these dogs whenever they have collars and tags, but that is not always the case.  One of the chihuahuas simply came in the house with my dogs before I could stop it.  This little boy was so cute and I found him a good home because he had no tag or collar and was starving. The pit puppy was so fearful that she ran away from me every time I tried to touch her collar.  I called the apartment maintenence crew and they found her and took her back home.  The other chihuahua simply would not let me near him and to this day is still running loose. 

This happens all the time so I wonder if there is a sign on my door that only dogs can see that alerts them to a friendly place. 

I really hate people that just let their dogs run.  I believe that owning a pet is a responsibility that you take on and it is non-refundable.

Oh, and about the chihuahua yesterday--he came home and came into the house.  I was able then to take him back to his home.  His mom and dad were so happy to see him and thanked me profusely.  That's what I like to see.  So, all is again right with the world at my house.