Companionship for Seniors: How Pets Provide Joy, Love, and Well-being

🧠 Mental Health Benefits:

• Pets provide emotional support and offer unconditional love – offering essential companionship for seniors
• Research shows that pet owners experience lower levels of depression and anxiety
• Owning a pet can lessen symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Dog and Cat owners experience better sleep patterns and less stress
• Caring for a pet on a daily basis can improve cognitive function in seniors
• Pet ownership can lessen the risk of seniors developing dementia and promotes a positive outlook on life

🏃 Physical Health Benefits:

Caring for a pet can help seniors stay fit and active, which has a profound effect on physical health including the following:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving cardiovascular health and lowering cholesterol
• Preventing obesity by being more active
• Building stronger bones and muscles, which aids mobility
• Promoting better pain management 
• Mitigating cancer risk

Living Space

A house with ample living space and a backyard is suitable for a dog if the senior in mind is physically capable of caring for a larger breed dog. Some smaller breeds can be perfectly happy in an apartment as long as they can be taken for walks. However, if you or your senior loved one has a living situation that can’t accommodate a dog, or there are other restrictions, a smaller pet such as a cat, bird or small mammal would be more appropriate. Learn more about mobility aids for seniors.

Health Considerations

A senior’s fragile health or mobility issues are important considerations when choosing a pet. Some pets can be quite high-maintenance such as dogs that require grooming and exercise. If the senior is unable to provide the care a dog needs, choosing a smaller pet such as a cat or a bird may be your best option.

Affordability

Pet companionship for seniors comes with financial obligations, depending on the pet you choose. Birds and smaller mammals can be less expensive to feed and maintain, while dogs and cats can cost more. This is especially true of large dogs, which require more food and living space. It’s important to take budget limitations into consideration before deciding on the right pet companionship for seniors.

Pet Ownership Experience

Life experience with previous pets is also a key consideration. Someone who has owned a dog, cat or bird may have fond memories of the emotional support their pet provided. If other factors such as living space and health considerations are aligned with your or your senior loved one’s preferences, choosing a pet that is familiar is ideal.  

🐕 Dog Supplies

• Collar and ID Tag: Even if you are careful to keep your dog at home or on a leash – it’s important to have identifying information on your dog’s collar just in case.
• Leash or Harness: Most communities have leash laws and unless you are in a fenced dog park, your dog needs to be on a leash. Smaller dogs require a harness and leash.
• Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic are easier to clean and sanitize than plastic.
• Toys: Toys provide stimulation for your dog, especially if he is mainly indoors with you. Although, many breeds love to chase and retrieve balls at a dog park or in your yard.
• Doggy Pads: It’s a good idea to keep protective pads around if you are training a puppy or if your dog is going to be left alone for a while. 
• Doggy Waste Bags: Dogs need regular exercise and when you walk your dog, you should have plastic bags with you to clean up their waste. Your neighbors will appreciate it.
• Dog Crate or Bed: Dogs need their own space just like humans, so keeping a comfortable dog crate or a dog bed available is important. 
• Healthy Food and Treats: There are many dog foods on the market and some are designed for specific needs. It’s always a good idea to ask your veterinarian for advice on the best food for your dog’s needs.

🐈 Cat Supplies:

• Collar and ID Tag: Even if your cat is strictly indoors, you should always have a collar and ID tag for it. Cats are very good at slipping outside if given the chance.
• Food and Water Bowls: Likes dogs, cats need water and food bowls.
• Cat Toys: Cats love to play with toys and there are a wide range of cat toys available. 
• Litter Box: Cats are easily trained to use a litter box and there are many types of absorbent litters available. Litter boxes need to be cleaned frequently and new litter added.
• Scratching Post: It’s instinctual for cats to need to sharpen their claws – having a scratching post designed for this purpose can save your furniture.
• Healthy Food and Treats: There are a variety of cat foods available as well as treats. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions if you aren’t sure what to get.
• Cat Carrier: Anytime you transport a cat, you need to use a cat carrier. You can use an inexpensive cardboard carrier or purchase a more permanent plastic type. 

🦜 Bird Supplies:

• Cage: Your bird needs a sturdy cage that is appropriate for its size.
• Cage Stand: Pick a bird stand for the cage that will be stable and not easily tipped.
• Cage Liners and Bedding: The bottom of the cage should have a liner and absorbent bird litter that can trap spills and waste. 
• Cage Cover: Covering the cage at various times allows the bird to enjoy quiet time by reducing outside noise.
• Roosting Perch: Birds need to be able to stand and roost in the cage.
• Hiding Place: This is a small structure in the cage that can accommodate the bird if it gets stressed or frightened.
• Bird Toys: Birds love toys such as bells and swings to keep them occupied.
• Food Dish and Waterer: Birds need a sturdy food dish that won’t tip over and a water bottle that hangs from the cage and is designed for birds.
• Bird Pellets and Seed Mix: Birds like variety in their diets and there are many healthy food options available.