Pros and Cons of Having Pets for Seniors

Currently, I have no pets. But I visit with my neighbor who has a dog. I get to pet him daily, he greets me warmly. My kids have pets at their houses, so I enjoy them elsewhere than my home. I did have 3 beautiful Cotons, small, fluffy white dogs. They all lived to ripe old ages, then I decided no more. I miss not having a pet however. Having pets for us seniors can bring us many benefits but also comes with some challenges. I'm going to do my own pros and cons list, for you.

a loving companion.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

Pets do provide companionship and some emotional support, by reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among seniors. In addition, You need to walk your dog, if you lean towards dogs. The physical activities like walking, help maintain mobility and overall health. Obviously many other pets don't require walking, but still offer less feelings of loneliness.

A daily routine of caring for your pet, can give you a sense of purpose and certainly responsibility. They want consistency, for their feedings, and walks. I wanted mine to have regular grooming appointments, which was good and bad, three dogs every 6 to 8 weeks added up in the finance department.

Interacting with pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The act of petting an animal can release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and relaxation. A loving pet, is the best. They appreciate the attention, and this benefits outweighs the others. They don't judge, they just love !

cats are good company too.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

Pets can be a social as well, encouraging seniors to engage with other people, whether through pet-related activities or just casual conversations with other pet owners. We would go to the dog park regularly. My dogs never fought with others and they usually just peed on every tree. But I met wonderful people at the park.

Some pets, like dogs, can provide a sense of safety and security, both emotionally and physically. Not my dogs though. They would graciously give my car keys to anyone. The most they barked would be when they saw other dogs on TV commercials. Certainly no security benefits from my dogs. At my daughters, no one would dare to enter with the sound of her big dogs. The good news is, once they realized it was " gramma" they put on their love too.

Reasons maybe not:

No way could I handle my daughters 120 lb dogs. They are way to big and strong for me to walk, especially if a squirrel scampered by! Caring for a pet, especially a larger or more active animal, can be physically demanding. We seniors with mobility issues or chronic pain might find it challenging to meet a pet's needs.

big dogs, and a little fluffball.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

Here's another consideration, pets can be expensive to care for, with costs for food, grooming, veterinary care, and potential emergency expenses. This can be a big burden for us on a fixed income. Vet bills can add up very quickly.

Pets can pose certain health risks, such as allergies, falls, or injuries from bites or scratches. I was biten severely once, and required surgery for the big wound. I ended up with a large scar on my lower leg. Seniors with compromised immune systems or certain medical conditions might be at greater risk.

Pets, particularly those with long lifespans, require a long-term commitment. Seniors might worry about what will happen to their pets if they can no longer care for them. Do you feel that you can share the next several years with a pet? This was my biggest reason not to adopt another loving dog.

sweet senior dogs are very lovable, but can be sickly, just like us.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

The loss of a pet can be devastating, particularly for seniors who may be dealing with other changes or losses. The grief associated with a pet's death can be profound. I had my dogs creamated and still like to see their vases situated on the mantle together. Brings back good memories.

Unfortunately, owning a pet can make it more difficult for seniors to travel or have spontaneous outings, as they need to arrange care for their pets. I have flown with my dogs and driven them also when I travel, but it was never very easy. I had to plan ahead to find suitable lodging that will take dogs, and flying is never fun.

Overall, pets can greatly help seniors to enjoy life, provide companionship, keep them physically activity, and offer good emotional support. However, it's also important to carefully consider the physical, financial, and emotional demands of pet ownership. Choosing the right type of pet that fits the senior's lifestyle and health condition is crucial to ensure a positive experience. Pet rocks maybe?