Studies show that having a pet can bring both emotional and health benefits to the elderly. But selecting a companion pet for an elderly person requires careful thought. Rather than making impulse decisions when purchasing a dog or a cat, older persons should consider several criteria.

Dr. William Fortney, a Kansas State University assistant professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology, says the criteria for choosing a pet should include the pet’s size when it is an adult and the pet’s activity level, behavior, exercise requirements, routine grooming demands, and interaction with children or health care providers.

In addition to considering a pet’s characteristics, it’s important to compare the potential elderly owner’s residence, health and physical strength with the pet’s physical traits, personality, and routine care needs.

“Unfortunately, what started out as a cute, cuddly puppy rescued from euthanasia at the shelter could grow up to be a huge, ill-tempered beast that doesn’t like children, requires a mandatory 30-minute daily walk, and sheds large clumps of fur,” Fortney said. “Now that pet has become a burden and a nuisance instead of the companion it was intended to be.”

The time needed to bathe and groom a pet should also be considered. Dogs such as collies, Yorkshire terriers, and Pekingese require intense daily grooming, while dogs like golden retrievers, toy poodles and spaniels require only a moderate amount of grooming.

Cats are lower-maintenance pets than dogs, Fortney says. Cats don’t need to go outside to relieve themselves, don’t have exercise needs, can live in small places and are easy to train to a litter box.

“Dogs are creatures of habit and require scheduled daily activities,” Fortney said. “Unless paper trained, dogs must go outside to eliminate three to four times daily, and many dogs require some daily exercise. Certain dogs can be very vocal, especially when strangers approach the residence.”

Fortney recommends the following as pets for the elderly:

Cat breeds – domestic shorthair cats.

Dog breeds – Boston terrier, cairn terrier, Dachshund, golden retriever, greyhound, miniature schnauzer, toy poodle, pug, saluki, Shetland sheepdog, shih tzu and West Highland white terrier.

For additional information, consult your doctor or veterinarian.