Best Companion Dogs for Seniors
The best companion dogs you can choose as a senior should result in a good match that keeps you safe and provides your new dog with the best home possible which means you may need to eliminate breeds like Newfoundland’s or Great Danes simply because they could knock you over… and even worse you could trip over a hyperactive dog like a Jack Russell Terrier when all you really want is a companion dog to keep you company and not be the cause of a terrible accident or injury.
This dog health article gives you 10 loyal breeds to choose from as a companion dog for a senior. I hope after you’ve read this article you’ll be able to select the right dog.
10 Best Companion Dogs for seniors
You may already know that an adult dog from a shelter is a good place to start when you look for a companion dog.
An adult dog is usually house trained, requires less exercise and may be better suited to live with you than a puppy who is more active and needs lots of attention.
You can choose from these 10 breeds of adult dogs for the best companion dog.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – A small loyal companion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be a good match. This gentle breed is affectionate, doesn’t require a lot of exercise and loves being a couch potato.
- Shih Tzu – This Chinese toy breed is a perfect lapdog, will worship you as her owner and is one of the best companion dogs for seniors. Shih Tzus tend to be friendly towards strangers, children and other animals. You’ll also be able to easily care for this short-haired breed.
- Pekingese – Another toy breed from China, the Pekingese, could be a perfect choice as your companion dog. Pekingese dogs can be trained to use puppy pads instead of going outside to piddle and poop. This means you won’t need to walk this breed every day for elimination of urine and bowel movements.
- Yorkshire Terrier – The Yorkshire Terrier, small enough to carry in your purse, was specifically bred as a lapdog and continues to be one of the best companion dogs. This breed will enjoy being at home with you and loves to lay around for hours.
- Lhasa Apso – Kept by Tibetan Buddhist monks in monasteries, the Lhasa Apso makes a great watchdog and will alert you when strangers are on your property. Lhasa Apsos are another great breed for you because they love to lounge around and take naps.
- Toy Poodle – This popular tiny breed might be a good option because Toy Poodles don’t shed. You do need to handle toy poodles with care, however, since they are fragile and their bones can break easily.
- Maltese – Another small breed who sheds very little is the Maltese who can either be long-haired or clipped short. Like the Bichon Frise and Havanese, the Maltese breed was developed to be on the list of the best companion dogs.
- Pugs– Playful and attentive, Pug can be a fun dog. Pugs crave attention which makes them a great lapdog and companion for all ages.
- Chihuahua – This tiny dog tends to thrive on a single owner household and will be extremely loyal and protective. Chihuahuas love to snuggle so they will stay by your side as a great companion.
- Pomeranian – Give a Pomeranian dog a few toys and some Best treats and he’ll be your friend forever. The Pomeranian is another fun dog who loves attention and will make a great companion.
5 Useful Tips for seniors with Dogs
As a senior, you may not be able to take your dog out for walks in bad weather or if you have health issues like arthritis, early signs of dementia or feel like you have a cold. Even the best companion dogs need to be cared for when you can’t do it yourself.
- Puppy Pads – You can train your adult dog to use puppy pads for elimination indoors which will save you from daily walks in bad weather or when you don’t feel well.
- Dog Walkers – Arrange for 2 or 3 dog walkers to pitch in when you can’t take your dog out for walks. This way, your dog will get exercise and fresh air.
- Diet – Make sure you have plenty of healthy food for your dog and you don’t overdo it with treats and table food that could result in your dog’s health problems, obesity or diabetes.
- Grooming – Make monthly appointments with your local groomer if you can’t brush your dog or clip her nails.
- Veterinarian – Set up annual wellness visits with your local veterinarian to keep your companion dog healthy.
Now you’ve read about 10 of the best breeds to choose as a companion dog. There are many other breeds that could be a great match as long as your safety takes priority.
Share this article on pica in dogs with your friends and family so they are aware of this behavior problem and have the information they need to take better care of their dog. You can always depend on the best dog health strategies from echantingpets.