Pets provide great companionship to seniors while also offering other benefits such as healing and giving purpose. If you are a senior, consider the follow benefits:
Living life in the now – Pets are very much about the here and now. As a senior, caring for a pet can give you a sense of purpose for each day. You can focus on something other than physical problems and negative preoccupations about loss or aging. Thus, this can help relieve the stress that you feel about what might happen tomorrow.
Encourages socialization – A dog loves to be social and this can rub off on you by helping you to get outside of your home or apartment to socialize with friends and neighbors. It is amazing how having a dog around creates the positive energy that helps you and those around you smile and laugh.
Reducing feelings of loneliness – Depression is a common concern among senior citizens. Since you may be retired, you might find yourself alone more often than you want to be. The upside is that you have plenty of time to devote to a pet.
While there are some great benefits for you, as a senior, to have a pet, not every pet is the right fit. Research should be done in advance to help you determine the best pet and breed for your circumstance. Also, understand that there will be changes to your daily routine, the pet may require training, and there will be expenses for food, vaccinations, health care, etc.
At Conyers Animal Hospital and Social Circle Veterinary Hospital, we love senior adults and senior animals. We treat both like family. We are committed to making sure you have a pleasant experience with each visit and assist you in any way we can.
Our experienced staff provides complete and compassionate veterinary care at both our Conyers and Social Circle locations. Please come for a visit or call for more information. See our ad for details.
