The Best Dogs For Seniors: A 2024 Guide

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Dog Age

Dogs can live up to 14 years (some even longer) and are considered seniors at age 7. Smaller dogs typically have longer lifespans than larger dogs.

Puppies are not a great choice for most seniors because they need to be housebroken and can be destructive, requiring continuous monitoring. “Puppies are very energetic, and it can be difficult for an older person who is sedentary or who has health issues to keep up with one,” says Jill Rappaport, a professional animal advocate, network journalist and six-time winner of the Genesis Award from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). “Senior pets would rather sleep on the couch than eat it, so they’re a better match,” she adds.

“My husband and I are seniors, and we just adopted an 8-year-old toy Australian shepherd named Addie, and she has definitely helped improve our mental and physical health,” says Barbara Castleman, a media relations manager for Grey Muzzle, a group that provides grants to organizations that help older dogs. “Like most people who have adopted senior dogs, we’d do it again in a heartbeat. After all, love is ageless.”

For seniors in their late 70s or 80s, Rappaport says middle-aged dogs are more appropriate than senior dogs. “Super-senior dogs have many of the same health issues as humans,” she says. “Their eyes and ears may start to fail, and they can have diseases that can be overwhelming for both the pet and the person. Instead, I recommend a big dog between 5 and 7 years of age for this age group—or a little dog between 8 and 10 years.”

Rappoport says it’s also important to think about the lifespan of a dog when you’re considering adopting one. If you’re in your 80s now and you adopt a young dog, there’s a good chance the dog could outlive you, so it’s important to make arrangements for your pet to be cared for by someone you trust.

Energy Level

Some dogs, such as herding breeds like the border collie and German shepherd and sporting dogs like the Labrador retriever and golden retriever, need to be tired out if you want them to behave well at home. You also need to train your dog to walk properly on a leash and return to you if let off the leash. If you’re not someone who is keen on taking long daily walks with your dog or taking your pet to a dog park to run and play with other dogs, then consider getting a small or more sedentary dog like a bulldog that will be happy staying at home with you.

Size

Small dogs (between 8 and 20 pounds when fully grown) are typically better for seniors, says Rappoport. It can be difficult for older adults to walk a strong older dog on a leash or lift a 50-pound dog if it needs help getting into a car or up a flight of stairs.

Great small breeds to consider include:

• Bichon frise
• Havanese
• Shih tzu
• Pekingese
• Pug
• Maltese
• Chihuahua
• Terriers
• Miniature poodles

Rescue mixes of these breeds and cross-breeding mixes like Cavapoos (Cavalier King Charles spaniel and miniature poodle) and puggles (pug and beagle) are also ideal.

Maintenance

Some dogs like poodles, Yorkshire terriers and “doodles” (mixes of poodles and other breeds) are less likely to shed than others (like Labrador retrievers, which have double coats). These so-called hypoallergenic dogs can reduce the need for frequent vacuuming, as well as allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to dogs. Be aware, though, that many small dogs like Yorkshire terriers and miniature poodles need professional grooming to clip their fur or hair, which is an additional expense to consider.

Temperament

Dogs, in general, are loving and affectionate animals that bond easily with their human companions. But small breeds can be yappy. Terriers are known for not getting along well with other dogs. Some breeds like Doberman pinschers, rottweilers and pit bulls can be aggressive, which seniors should avoid. And other dogs like pugs can be difficult to train.

It’s important to research personality quirks of breeds you’re considering to make sure your dog will have a temperament you enjoy. You can learn more about breed characteristics on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) website.

The Cost of Owning a Dog

The initial cost of acquiring a dog and all the stuff you need to care for them averages around $2,100, according to the AKC. (The cost will likely be quite a bit higher if you purchase a purebred dog from a breeder.) From that point forward, expect to spend about $2,500 a year on vet bills, food, grooming, toys, supplies and fees for pet sitters. Smaller dogs tend to cost a bit less—about $1,831 a year.

Even if you want a purebred dog, know that you may be able to find one at a local shelter or a breed-specific rescue organization, says Rappaport. Avoid pet stores and only buy from reputable breeders that aren’t puppy mills (unethical breeders that overbreed females and raise puppies in unhealthy conditions). Common red flags include a breeder’s hesitance to have you visit their facility and boasting about credentials like USDA approval (which doesn’t exist—you can be USDA licensed but not approved).

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There are several key ways seniors can benefit from sharing their homes with dogs.

• Dogs keep you fit. One study found older adults with dogs were more active, ate better and had better blood sugar levels than people without dogs.
• Dogs help create structure in your life. Dogs require a routine for eating, walking and eliminating, which adds structure and purpose to your life as well.
• Dogs help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Thanks to their joie de vivre, dogs are people magnets. They also help seniors get out in their neighborhoods, oftentimes forging new social connections. Not to mention, simply having a living, breathing pet in your home can make you feel less alone in the world.

Dogs can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Numerous studies show dogs can help improve human cardiovascular health—partially as a result of increased physical activity, but also because they reduce physical and psychological responses to stress, according to the American Heart Association. People who have dogs are also more likely to survive after a heart attack than people without dogs.

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Is Your House Dog-Proof?

Once a dog enters adulthood, you don’t have to be as vigilant about dog-proofing your home as you do for a puppy. In general, you need to keep garbage cans closed so dogs don’t raid the trash and toilet seats down so they don’t drink from the bowl. Also, remove any toxic plants from the dog’s reach.

Can You Afford a Dog?

Make sure your budget will allow for the cost of caring for a dog. Veterinarian Natalie Marks also suggests purchasing pet insurance to cover unexpected illnesses and injuries. “As a vet, I’m incredibly proud of all of the advances we’ve made in caring for pets, but rising costs are an issue,” she says.

Are You Ready for the Commitment?

It can take a couple of weeks (or more) for a dog to settle into a new home, so clear your schedule of any trips until you get a grip on the dog’s behavior and personality. Spring and summer are ideal seasons to adopt because the weather is nice enough in most parts of the country to allow for frequent walks and training for habits you want to encourage.

Health Conditions That Deter You From Getting a Dog

Although dogs can improve seniors’ health, some people may be too frail or ill to manage the care of a dog independently. If you have walking impairments, balance issues or arthritis or are bed-bound, you might not be able to consistently walk your dog. Unless you have a caregiver who can manage those specific dog responsibilities, a cat might be a more suitable companion for you.

Dogs can also meet specific physical and emotional needs for seniors, offering an increase in independence. They can provide a service like guiding someone with diminished eyesight or serving as the ears of someone who is hard of hearing. They can even help people with balance and walking issues to maintain their independence for longer. Emotional support dogs are not considered service animals, but they, too, are well recognized for their value in helping humans manage psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression and loneliness.

Sources

Service dogs, working dogs, therapy dogs, emotional support dogs: What’s the difference? American Kennel Club. Accessed 6/18/2021.

The cost of owning a dog. American Kennel Club. 2014. Accessed 6/18/2021.

How long do dogs live? PetMD. Accessed 6/18/2021.

Horwitz DF, Ciribassi J, Dale S. Decoding Your Dog: The Ultimate Experts Explain Common Dog Behaviors and Reveal How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones. Can Vet J. 2015;56(5):501.

Friedman E, Krause-Parello CA. Companion animals and human health: benefits, challenges, and the road ahead for human-animal interaction. Rev Sci Tech. 2018;37(1):71-82.

Puppy mill doublespeak: What shady puppy producers might tell you—decoded. The Humane Society of the United States. Accessed 6/21/2021.