Canine Companionship

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms”
-George Eliot

Caring for a pet, especially a dog, can make a big impact on the overall health and well-being of senior citizens.  Studies have shown that pet owners have significantly lower blood pressure and cope better with stress than their pet-less counterparts.  

Just as I sat down to begin writing this piece,  I could hear my little dog downstair barking at what I correctly guessed was her empty water bowl.  She won’t stop until I get up, run down the stairs and fill the bowl.

So it is with older people who own dogs.  They have to get up and care for the needs of the pet.  A dog must be taken outside and hopefully for a walk as well.  Not only is this providing exercise but an opportunity to interact with the community.

Dogs are an excellent ice-breaker for people.  I cannot tell you how many times a conversation has been struck up with a neighbour because of their dog or mine.  I have noticed several older people in my subdivision that walk their dogs daily,  and they love talking about their experiences.  It is a subject that bridges all ages, genders and backgrounds.

More and more, dogs are being used as service pets.  Not only for the sight or hearing impaired but also as companions for people with emotional and psychological issues.
Nursing homes often have a visiting dog program where the elderly can benefit from the calming presence of a dog.  They may spark memories of past pets and lead to an interaction and discussion that might never have taken place otherwise.  Dog visits have been demonstrated to decrease depression, improve vigour and reduce tension, according to a long-term nursing home study in Brisbane.

Dogs don’t care how you look or what disability you may have.  They live in the present, where life is good because they have a loving hand petting them or offering them a treat.  And in return they are always happy to see you, ready to curl up beside you and just be in the moment.    A lesson we can all learn from our canine companions.

When looking for a dog for a senior, make sure they are part of the process and indeed want and can care for a pet.  Adopting a more mature dog may make sense to avoid the crazed, puppy and potty training stages.  

For more information on therapy dog visitation, check out the Therapeutic Paws of Canada Therapy Dog Visitation Program at www.programsforelderly.com .  Additionally, Elder Dog, a program set up in Halifax helps seniors care for their pets.  Find out more at www.elderdog.ca.