How Dogs Can Help the Elderly

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     You may know someone that is up in years and lives alone. That person might be you or someone close to you. Making sure that person is not alone and feeling isolated is an important part of remaining healthy and into living. Check out how dogs can help the elderly and learn what you can do in making it happen.

Every human has a need for socialization. Without being able to talk and express feelings, many unhealthy changes can occur in a persons life. Imagine living alone and only having conversation with another living creature once a week when your kids visit or maybe you or someone on you know does not even have that. This is the perfect time to get a dog. Dogs can provide a lot as far as conversation goes that is both amazing and healthy.

For some older folks, smaller breeds would be the best option. However, there are also some people in their later years that could easily handle a well behaved older dog as well. Taking a trip the local shelter and taking time to get to know some of the dogs up for adoption is a great way to start the fruitful and fortifying companionship that comes with having a dog.

Walking a dog at a certain time each day gives you something to do and to look forward to. Walking is also great cardiovascular exercise and is good especially for the older person that does not get much other types of exercise. Remaining active is vital to good health and positive mental status. With dog ownership, you have many opportunities for being active. Visiting a park is one way to enjoy your pet and to meet new people.

Volunteering at a local animal shelter is another you or an elderly person you know can get out of the house and meet new friends, both human and animal alike. Becoming involved in the lives of homeless animals has special rewards and can help to fill the empty places in an older persons heart. Caring for animals that have been abandoned provides the greatest way to fulfill the nurturing instincts of many older people that have been used to caring for family and children.

Another awesome aspect of volunteering at a shelter is the opportunity to help other older folks receive the love and affection that only a dog can provide. Many shelters are involved in pets for people programs that include taking dogs to local nursing and rehabilitation homes for visits. You would be amazed at how these sheltered and sick folks react to the visit of lovable and furry friends. Many of them have no family and look forward to these visits immensely. Indeed, it is a way to make a difference in someones life.

Choosing an adult dog that has already passed the energized puppy stage is a good idea when you are thinking of a pet for an older person. Older canines may have already been house trained and have more well behaved mannerisms that would be more suitable to someone that might have mobility issues. Visit a local shelter first for finding the new pet you would like to have.

When there is a dog in a persons life, there is also the need to care and love that dog. Through this caring, you would be surprised at the difference that occurs in someones life, especially the one that is used to living alone and being isolated from daily conservation and companionship.