According to the vet charity the PDSA, 27% of UK adults have a dog with an estimated population of 10.2 million pet dogs.
It’s easy to see why this is the case – a dog is always happy to see you, and loves to snuggle up beside you and keep you company. Aside from the more obvious reasons to get a dog, they can even be beneficial for your health, especially for retirees.
While they are great pets, dogs are a big commitment, and there are some key things you should consider before you head down to your local rescue. So, read on to discover some of the amazing benefits of owning a dog in retirement, and some key things to think about first.
The benefits of getting a dog in retirement
They can help reduce stress levels
Research has shown that your four-legged friend can improve your health as well as keep you company. Indeed, a study reported by the National Library of Medicine found that interacting with dogs can reduce anxiety and improve your general mood over time.
This goes both ways, as petting your dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol, and increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, for both you and your furry friend.
In fact, research from John Hopkins Medicine shows that 84% of post-traumatic stress disorder patients that were paired with a service or therapy dog reported a reduction in their symptoms, with 40% even being able to reduce their medication.
They can reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol levels
As well as reducing your stress levels, studies have shown that petting your dog can go as far as lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Research from the Cleveland Heart Lab shows that, in a study of 240 married couples, those with a cat or dog had lower heart rate and blood pressure levels than those without pets. Also, those with pets experienced smaller rises in heart rate and blood pressure levels during times of high stress.
They encourage exercise
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of owning a dog is that they encourage you to get out and walk them. By only walking your dog a few times a week, you can:
- Improve your cardiovascular fitness
- Lower your blood pressure
- Boost the strength of your muscles and bones
- Reduce stress levels.
Often, the hardest part of regular exercise is the willpower needed to get off the couch and start moving. Although, it’s hard to turn down a walk when your four-legged friend is giving you puppy dog eyes!
They provide companionship
Dogs provide the perfect companionship and can help combat feelings of loneliness or isolation. They are always pleased to see you, and many breeds are more than happy to lounge on the couch with you and keep you company.
Better yet, if you are still taking your dog out for regular walks, it could offer the perfect ice breaker to meet other dog owners. After all, it’s often tricky to approach new people and strike up a conversation.
Luckily, your dog doesn’t obey social norms, and will happily saunter up to new people, giving you the perfect opportunity to form new friendships. In fact, a study from Harvard reveals that being a pet owner was the third-most common way that people meet others in their neighbourhood.
Things you should consider before you get a dog in retirement
They are a long-term commitment
The phrase “dogs are for life, not just for Christmas” is reiterated for good reason – they are a very long-term commitment and deserve a lot of your attention.
When you adopt or purchase a dog, you are solely responsible for its health, exercise, and happiness for the rest of its life. If you get a younger dog, you’ll likely need to have it trained, which can be even more effort and expense.
Before getting a dog, you should ask yourself: do I really have enough time to look after another living being? After all, dogs are social animals that demand lots of attention.
They can prove messy
It’s in a dog’s nature to be on the messy side. They shed their fur, eat their food messily, drool on your furniture, and love nothing more than rolling in mud and interesting smells.
While this is just your dog being itself, it could spell bad news for the cleanliness of your home. If you do want a dog and are worried about the mess, it may be worth designating them their own space inside your home. Then, you’ll only have the one area to worry about.
They could result in additional costs
One of the key issues to consider before adopting a dog is the additional costs you may incur. This can be anything from food, insurance and vet bills to toys and more. These costs can quickly add up.
In fact, research from the PDSA shows that, throughout their lives, dogs cost:
- Anywhere between £5,000 and £9,600 for small breeds
- Between £6,600 and £10,4000 for medium breeds
- Between £5,400 and £12,200 for larger breeds.
The estimated costs above don’t factor in vet bills, so if you chose an older dog, there’s a chance you could face even higher expense.
They often create a tie
If you’re dreaming of travelling the world during retirement, a dog could limit your ambitions. While you could always book your furry friend into a kennel while you travel, they will miss you, and the ordeal can be stressful for them.
Of course, certain holidays, like road trips, will be suitable for dogs – although additional challenges and preparations must be considered before you can take them along with you.
Some of the best breeds for retirees
First and foremost, you should ideally always consider getting a dog from a shelter before buying from a breeder. Doing so can help eradicate unethical puppy farms, and you’ll be saving a life that would otherwise waste away in a cramped kennel.
If you do decide to get a dog from a shelter, it may be worth considering an older dog. They can make the perfect companion for retirees with mobility issues, as they tend to be less energetic and are happy to nap with you all day.
For the same reason, you should properly research the traits of different breeds to ensure that they would fit in with your current situation.
If you have mobility issues, a dog with lower energy levels may be a wise choice. Dogs such as Boston terriers, pugs, and French bulldogs much prefer lazing in the warmth of your home than going for long, exhausting walks.
The size of the dog is also an important consideration – after all, you don’t want to be dragged along when you take them out for a walk.
Smaller dogs, such as the bichon frise, shih tzu, and Havanese, are all on the petite side. And, better yet, they won’t be able to drag you along behind them if they spot a squirrel while you walk them.
Get in touch
At KBA, we love dogs, and would take great delight in seeing any photos of your new (or old) furry friends.
To enlist our help managing your personal finances, please email us at contactme@kbafinancial.com or call us on 01942 889 883 to find out more.
