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EASEL News: June 2021

Selecting the Right Dog or Cat for Seniors

By Emery Copolla

Pets are often as much a part of a family
as any other member, including sibling
and older relatives. A concern of some
people who are considering pet adoption
is how the prospective new pet may affect
an elderly family member. It is a legitimate
question: one should always realistically
assess important practical considerations
to ensure that adopting a pet is appropri-
ate for all family members, and that a good
match is made. Not only are there physi-
cal considerations, but family members
who care for an elderly relative struggling
with dementia may be concerned that the
introduction of a pet into the family might
upset the person accustomed to routine.
Of course, as any local gym will show,
there are many seniors of advanced age
who are physically and mentally fit, living Kuva with his loving senior companion.
active independent lives. Even for these
seniors, and people of any age for that now, and it tends to rub off on people. ” the owner, requiring less attention and
matter, there are still basic questions that My elderly mother was initially opposed exercise, “making them easier for seniors
should always be considered prior to to the idea of sharing our home with a to keep up with.” Still, even adult cats ex-
adopting any pet. They include whether new dog. Despite having pets much of hibit a wide range of personalities, ranging
the person has the time and space to her life, she feared that a new dog would from aloof to affectionate, and one should
properly accommodate the pet of choice, be a handful and would disrupt her tran- always select one with a personality that
physical limitations that constrain options quil life. Admittedly, the breed I had in best matches the needs and temperament
(for example, a very large active dog can mind was a Kuvasz, a very large dog, but of the older family member.
be a handful for many if not most people, renowned for their patience, devotion, For seniors who live alone, there is also
regardless of age), financial considerations, and protectiveness of those they love. He the sad but very real concern of what
as food and veterinarian visits add up, and turned out to be a perfect choice as his will happen to the pet if the person is no
temperament. presence brought joy and comfort to my longer able to care for it. Ideally, there is a
A cat generally requires less patience mom. To my surprise, she remarked one younger family member or friend willing
and care than a high energy dog that has day that she loved having him in our home to adopt the pet should the need arise. Of
a tendency to bark. On the other hand, as “he makes me feel very safe.” To say that course, this can happen to anyone of any
some seniors find joy in an exuberant ball he protectively watched over us would age, so even younger people should have
of energy or comfort in an ever-vigilant qualify as the most truthful statement of a plan in place for their beloved pet should
watchdog. the year. something unexpectedly happen that
For older owners or family members, Although dogs provide a more extreme prevents them for caring for their furry
there are many known benefits to own- example of physical characteristics that companion.
ing a dog or cat, beyond the all-important must be considered prior to pet adoption, But once the right match is made, there
benefit of reducing loneliness and social cats also pose their own questions regard- are other often unforeseeable benefits.
isolation. As reported in the on-line article ing suitability for the family or individual. Psychologist Penny B. Donnenfeld re-
“The Healing Power of Pets for Seniors,” For both dogs and cats, the age of the pet ported.
Animals can help reduce stress, lower is an extremely important consideration, “I’ve seen those with memory loss in-
blood pressure, and increase social inter- whether the older person lives alone or teract with an animal and regain access to
action and physical activity. Pets provide with a family. memories from long ago.”
other intangibles, too. As the Humane Society notes , people My dear friend Theresa’s elderly mother
“Dogs and cats live very much in the often make the mistake of assuming was introduced to my dog Kuva, a Hungar-
present,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New that a kitten or puppy “will help keep ian breed renowned for their protection
Jersey-based psychotherapist. “They don’t them young, when in reality, puppies of livestock. Her mother and father fled
worry about tomorrow, which can be a and kittens often provide seniors with
very scary concept for an older person. An more stress than enjoyment.” An older Continued on page 5
animal embodies that sense of here and pet generally imposes fewer demands on

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