Having a dog helps our elderly

As children we all have the illusion of having a furry companion who accompanies us on all our adventures. For many of us, our parents grant us that wish and we share our lives with a dog. As the illusion prevails, but we think more about the cost or damage to our furniture that this being can cause. Despite everything, things change as you get older.

We live much longer sitting down and in many cases alone. For this reason, a dog is one of the best solutions , as long as the person can afford it and has the time for it.

So let's reflect on the reasons why having a dog can be advantageous for an elderly person.

Benefits of dogs in the elderly

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends that a person over the age of 65 should perform a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. This is approximately 22 minutes of walking per day. The reality is that many older people do less than recommended.

But there is an exception: those who have a dog do almost double the physical activity. Between playing and walking the dog, they end up doing 20 minutes more than what the WHO tells us. Even in bad weather! And it is that bad weather always has a good face when it comes to the well-being of our best friend.

This is demonstrated by a study conducted by the Epidemiology and Community Health Journal in 2017. Conducted in the United Kingdom with a sample of over 3,000 people, it was concluded that having a dog makes them more active when older. This especially helps improve cardiovascular and joint functioning.

It's not just about exercise, but also therapy that helps them fight loneliness or depression. They are the ones who know how to give the most affection, they never judge and are the unconditional fans of their owners. They give a feeling of usefulness, a purpose, since it is an animal that needs care and affection, as well as companionship.

The best breeds for seniors

• Yorkshire: a fearless little dog, but a bully. They are nervous and lively and being small, very easy to handle for the elderly. Always affectionate, even if they require correct socialization as puppies.

• Pug: his beauty is certainly particular, but those who like him love him. Affectionate and lazy, they love to sleep and are perfect since they don't need an excessively long walk.

• Bichon: Maltese, Friesian, Havanese… There are many types of bichons, but they are all adorable. Always very nice and helpful, they need a lot of affection. They are smart with what they suit their owner, and if it goes slow, so are they.

• Pomeranian: They are small and have a very silky coat that needs to be maintained, giving older ones a daily activity that they are sure to love. An adorable and loyal dog who loves to walk.

• Golden Retriever or Labrador: Although they are large dogs, they are perfect for seniors. They need a little more exercise, but they're so smart, they're even Once's dogs. They always adapt to what their owner needs and never stray.

• Half-Breeds: We can't forget half-breeds. Although the small size is advisable, there are many that may surprise us. Of course, it is important to know their story from the beginning, since depending on it, it may or may not be best for the person.

If you've thought of a particular person in this article who could use a furry friend in their life, it's important to consider whether they really need one. There are many seniors who simply cannot care for a puppy.

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