How to choose the right pet in your senior years

Animal behaviour consultant Dr Jo Righetti discusses the best canine companions for seniors.

Dog or not?

Australians love their pets and dogs are our number one choice of animal companion. As we age, however, owning a dog may seem a daunting prospect. Dogs can make a dent in your budget, your free time and your energy levels. If you have always loved dogs, you shouldn’t let advancing years put you off: there are suitable dogs for every family situation.

Choosing a suitable breed

Lucky for us, dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Do some research, make a short list of breeds, talk to breeders and visit them if possible. Your chosen breed of dog may differ to those you have owned throughout your life.

If you cannot decide on a particular breed, consider a mixed breed. Your local shelter will have many dogs, of all ages and stages as well as surrendered pedigrees, all looking for homes.

In addition to dog breed there are some specific factors to consider when choosing a canine companion:

Energy levels

Consider both your energy levels and that of your potential dog and attempt to find as close of a match as possible. Extremely energetic dogs like Dalmatians, Border Collies, Kelpies, Jack Russells and puppies of most breeds may be less suitable for inactive people than calmer toy breeds or older individuals. An adult Greyhound needs less exercise than you might imagine.

Be realistic about how much exercise you are able to give your dog. Also consider how you may be able to enlist the help of other family members, friends or paid doggy walkers to help you fulfil your dog’s needs for exercise.

If there are days that you simply don’t have energy to walk your dog, then keep them occupied with games and training. More about exercise from your armchair here.

Your home environment

If you are house-proud then you may wish to consider a non-shedding breed of dog such as a Poodle. Bear in mind that you will need to have your dog clipped regularly, a factor that can add considerable expense to your budget.

Dogs enjoy interaction with their owners but also enjoy a bit of outdoor space to romp around. They may continually ask to move from indoors to outdoors so installing a doggy door may help, especially if you find it difficult to move around.

Your finances

Dogs cost a lot, both in everyday expenses and in periodic veterinary care. Food, vaccinations, flea and worming treatments are a regular expense and above this there are medical emergencies and holiday care to consider. It is extremely sad to have to euthanise a beloved pet due to an inability to pay their medical bills, so best be honest with yourself prior to purchase.

Your freedom

One of the joys of becoming a senior is the freedom to travel, to head off for the weekend or simply out for the evening. A dog can be a tie and make a nomadic existence a little less possible. With careful planning, of course, you can travel with your dog or you can arrange holiday care at a kennel or boarding establishment.

These days many small businesses can care for your pet, in your home or theirs, in your absence but most require adequate notice as spaces fill up quickly at holiday times.

Care for the next 12-20 years

Many potential owners of dogs, especially seniors, hesitate to add a dog to their family, as they feel unsure that they will be able to care for their dog for their entire lifespan. This could be up to 20 years in some smaller breeds.

It can help to have family or close friends on stand-by to care for your dog should you need to be admitted to hospital or your health should decline. A neighbour may be happy to step in for a day or two of walking, feeding and cuddling your dog.

Should you depart this world before your pet, it is good to have made provision for your pet in your will. Perhaps a willing family member can adopt your pet but this is best discussed beforehand. Some shelters can look after your beloved pet for the remainder of their natural life. A donation would be highly appreciated in this case.

Do you currently live with a dog? Are you thinking about buying one? Or have you decided that it’s better not to? Share your experience of dog ownership.