Growing into seniority (age 65 and older) is one of the hardest transitions in life, and it’s not just because of the bodily changes that happen around these ages. As in Erickson’s 8thPsychosocial stage, Ego Integrity versus Despair, acclimating to the golden ages depends on how satisfied they are with the life they have led. This includes personal relationships and acceptance of their limitations.

The elderly are burdened with the dilemma of wanting to be independent, but ultimately realizing that they cannot physically do so. This is why elderly care includes a holistic approach to answering an elderly person’s needs. This includes companionship that can be achieved through pet therapy.

Pet therapy or animal-assisted therapy, is a research-based method of relieving stress for the elderly. Service dog for elderly are some of the most common companions for seniors, and they provide positive health outcomes in the mental physical, and emotional functions of the elderly.

Top 03 Benefits of Having a Service Dog for elderly

Even though there are some common myths of service cockers, Senior citizens are found to be generally happy when conferred with a furry companion. Here are some benefits of service dogs to senior citizens:

• Emotional Benefits. Service dogs first and foremost offer companionship, which in turn increases the self-esteem of the elderly and decreases their loneliness. An improved emotional function also enables the seniors to increase their social interaction, expanding their comfort level and reducing depression and anxiety.
• Mental Benefits. Pet therapy benefits the elder cognitively, because caring for a pet entails planning their care, and ensuring that they are ready for any shifts in the pet’s needs. This will also enable them to interact with the pet handler to discuss the details of pet therapy. Service dogs keep their owner’s minds constantly running, which is a good form of brain exercise. Service dogs  are a great for Autistic people as well.
• Physical Benefits. Depending on the level of pet care practice the senior citizen can perform, physical benefits may vary from one therapy to another. For example, if the elder can walk their dog, they are also increasing their exercise. Pet grooming helps to boost activity levels in older people. For instance, grooming a Cocker Spaniels enables them to increase mobility, which enhances their physical capabilities. Since service dogs for seniors are stress-relieving, some positive effects such as reduced anxiety and depression, and lowered blood pressure, are noted.

Therapy Dog for Elderly: How Pet Therapy Works

Any pet can be a potential companion for the elderly, but a service dog is taught to meet the needs of the elderly. These dogs are highly trained to have a sustainable interaction with seniors, specifically those who are using mobility aids such as crutches or wheelchairs. They have basic obedience training, and are well-adapted to socialization, as they might be expected to frequently meet new people.

Choosing The Right Service Dog For The Elderly

So, What Are The Best Service Dog Breeds For Seniors? There are a lot of dog breeds that can provide excellent companionship for the senior citizen, such as the friendly ones like the Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, and the Cocker Spaniel. When choosing the right puppy as a service dog, for example, Cockers, are highly adaptable and very friendly.

They are also affectionate towards their owner, which is a very desirable quality for any senior citizen who feels quite lonely. Cockers can also be energetic and would be good for elders who need exercise. They can perform a variety of service tasks which is a great help for elderly people.

There are some specific characteristics of a service dog. They need to perform special traits before becoming a service dog. Cocker Spaniel is found very much friendly, calm, and composed even before strangers.

Dogs are sensational choices for pet therapy, and this is because they can be loyal, charming, and affectionate, which are good to have for senior citizens. The service dog for elderly loves their owner unconditionally and remains faithful as long as they are also well-taken care of.