Are you an older person? Do you get lonely sometimes? Have you ever considered the advantages associated with getting yourself a lovely dog from the local animal shelter? Here are eight valid reasons why lonely seniors often benefit from owning a dog:
A Loving Companion
There will always be a companion with you when you have a dog. When trained and treated correctly, dogs are full of love. Dogs like nothing better than to please their owners. If you get a dog and show it some love, it will return your sentiment tenfold.
Going for Walks
If you get a dog, you are obliged to take it for a walk. Ideally, a dog should get three walks each day. The recommended walk duration varies according to each dog breed and its distinct exercise needs. However, more walking is guaranteed if you get a dog. Regular walks are very good for your cardiovascular system. Walking frequently also helps with weight management. Thus, getting a dog is very good for your overall physical health. It’s important to realize, however, that some dogs spend a good portion of their walk sniffing anything and everything. In this case, you may be standing and waiting more than walking.
A Sense of Purpose
Dogs need their owners to take care of their needs. For example, dogs require food, walks, grooming, and sometimes a helping hand when they feel unwell. Having a dog gives you something to care about other than yourself. Dogs can, therefore, give you a sense of purpose. When you have a sense of purpose, it improves your mental health.
No Arguments
When you get to a certain age, you can get settled in your ways and feel disinclined to argue with others, preferring to live your life peacefully without unnecessary dramas or toxic situations. Having arguments with others and getting angry raises your blood pressure and accelerates your heart rate. As you get older, you likely hope to avoid a rapid heart rate and hypertension.
Dogs do not argue with their owners using hurtful or abusive words because, of course, they cannot talk. The most a dog will do is bark, whine, or give you a dirty look to express its disgruntlement over being fed or walked later than scheduled. Although dogs appear to sulk occasionally, they forgive quickly, especially if offered a treat.
A Good Alarm
As you get older, you may feel slightly more vulnerable because you know your body is weaker than it once was. Having a dog is useful when you are older because it will bark and warn you if anyone is on or near your property. When your dog barks, it can help to keep you safe.
Picking Up on Vibes
Dogs seem to sense when someone does not have their owner’s best intentions at heart, too. If your dog is generally affectionate with humans but shows a particular dislike of someone, you probably should not ignore it entirely. Acknowledging your dog’s opinion may help to keep you safe from harm.
Naturally, there are exceptions to this rule. Some dogs dislike everybody except their owner. It is still wise to take notice of a friendly dog’s apprehensive reactions to some individuals.
A Conversation Topic
When you have a dog and go for walks, you will run into other senior dog owners and know that you already have something in common with them. You can use your dogs as an excuse to have conversations and perhaps make some new friends. Maybe you can arrange to walk the dogs together each day. The more friends you have in life, the less isolated you feel.
Less Lonely
When you have a dog, you have both a loving canine companion and the opportunity to meet other people on walks. If you are a lonely senior, you are sure to feel less alone and more content with a dog in your life. Getting a dog when you are lonely and in need of love is a wise move at any stage of life.
Are You Interested?
If you are interested in getting yourself a canine friend, consider the merits of adopting one from a local shelter. For instance, adopting a dog from a shelter means you need not get a very young dog. If you think it would be easier for you to manage, you can get a dog that has already passed the awkward puppy stages and calmed down a little bit. Getting an older dog also makes more sense if you’re not sure you’ll live to the end of a younger dog’s life.
Your Life Will Change
Getting a dog will change your life for the better, both physically and mentally. However, like all changes, offering a dog a new home may initially feel strange. Allow yourself a while to get to know your new four-legged friend and develop a lifelong bond. You will be glad you did.