Retired? It’s Time to Adopt a Dog

by Kristopher Samuels Writer

Loyal, caring, and cute, man’s best friend has been at our side for thousands of years. That shared history makes a dog one of the best pets to have, especially if you’re retired. But a furry friend is more than a cuddling companion in retirement. They have a profound effect on your health and mental well-being.

Want to learn more? Keep scrolling to uncover the benefits of adopting a dog.

A Dog is a Great Addition to Your Retirement Plans

In retirement, you have a lot more time to devote to a furry friend, but that barely scratches the surface. Welcoming a dog into your home is a great idea from a health standpoint, too.

A Dog Keeps You Active

A perfect day in a dog’s life is exploring the trails in a nearby park, coming home to circle the neighbourhood before playing fetch in the backyard. All this energy rubs off in a way that improves your health.

Meeting your dog’s daily fitness needs gets you moving, whether it’s to explore the neighbourhood or play fetch in the dog park. Walking is a great way for seniors to stay active, and it comes with serious health benefits. Seniors who walk regularly reduce their risk of the following health concerns:

Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Stroke

Keeping up with your dog is also a great way to keep Father Time at bay. Regular exercise improves your bone density and flexibility as you age.

They Ease Loneliness

On the one hand, retirement can be a freeing experience. After decades of dreaming, you no longer have to work. But on the other hand, it can be an isolating experience. You have to say goodbye to the day-to-day social aspect of your job at a time when your kids have flown the coop.

Having a dog in the house helps to dispel these feelings of loneliness. Studies show pets improve their owners’ mental health; you’ll have a reason to get up in the morning, and a friend to cuddle at night.

Caring for your furry friend adds routine to your day, and the certainty of a routine can help combat stress and form healthier habits.

It also encourages you to go out and meet people. Pet lovers will stop you on the street to talk about your dog, and you’ll naturally strike up a conversation at a dog park.

Challenges to Caring for Pets

As you age, limited mobility and your living arrangement may be holding you back from adopting, but these aren’t good reasons to give up on your dreams. Even if you aren’t as active as you used to be, you can be a great pet owner at any age. Let’s take a look at those solutions below.

Finding the Right Home

It’s not always easy bringing home a new pet. If you live in a condominium or apartment, you may have signed a lease agreeing you won’t have pets. While it may be illegal for landlords to ban animals in some places, it’s perfectly aboveboard in others.

The same goes for retirement homes. Some may prohibit animals while other active senior housing communities welcome a furry friend with open arms. Take, for example, an All Seniors Care living centre with pet-friendly suites. They understand how important animals are in seniors’ lives, so they encourage residents to move in with their pets at no extra charge.

Finding the Right Dog

Dogs up for adoption run the gamut of behavioural and physical needs. Humane societies and rescues share these needs to prospective adopters, so they can match up dogs with owners who have the right capabilities and lifestyle to care for their new pet.

Smaller dogs on this list are a perfect fit for a retiree worried about walking. They’re easier to control and less likely to take you off your feet than powerful, large breeds. Senior dogs also make great companions in retirement, as they don’t have the boundless energy of a puppy.

But don’t overlook leash training. A well-behaved dog that follows your commands will walk calmly by your side, regardless of age, energy levels, or size.

Life is Better with a Dog

A furry friend gets you out of the house and your blood pumping. They’ll brighten your day with their crazy antics, and they might even help you find new human friends in your retirement community. But don’t take our word for it. Speak with a trusted animal rescue or charity to learn more about adoption.