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DOG BREEDS PERFECT FOR SENIORS


Dogs are capable of helping their human friends in several ways. Some canine breeds are trained to sniff out bombs and drugs at airports, while other breeds can detect the onset of an epileptic seizure moments before it happens. Rescue dogs enter dangerous locations to find and extract victims of natural disasters. During a recent Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel segment on HBO, a reporter described how a few select canines help visually impaired outdoor enthusiasts rediscover the joy of long-distance running.

For seniors living in Kirkland, Washington, dogs provide other benefits that enhance the quality of life. Canines provide seniors with a sense of safety and security, which becomes a major issue as we enter the golden years. Dogs are loving companions that accompany seniors all over town. They reduce stress and anxiety, which correlates with a significant decline in blood pressure. Our furry best friends also help their senior companions retain balance and coordination while they exercise.

The question is not whether a senior should enjoy the companionship of a dog, but the question is which dog breeds are the perfect breeds for older adults.

What Are the Best Dog Breeds for Seniors?

Smaller dog breeds that require minimal maintenance represent the best dog breeds for seniors. They also help older adults meet their exercise needs, while at the same time living a low-key lifestyle in a home or apartment. The best senior dog breeds retain vigorous health well into their teens.

Here are the best dog breeds for seniors in Kirkland, WA.

Beagle

As the dog breed that Snoopy made famous, Beagles are the ideal companion for seniors. This medium-sized dog is highly sociable, while displaying an easy-to-manage level of energy. Beagles retain good health longer than most other types of canine breeds, as well as are easy to groom. One of the greatest benefits enjoyed by living with a Beagle is this dog breed does not suffer from separation anxiety.

Bichon Frise

If affection is one of the most important criteria that you seek in a canine companion, then you cannot go wrong living with a Bichon Frise. This highly affectionate dog breed requires moderate exercise to burn off energy. At between seven and 12 pounds, a Bichon Frise is easy to handle, which might be an important criterion for seniors that do not possess the same degree of mobility that they used to possess.

French Bulldog

As one of the most cheerful of all dog breeds, the French Bulldog makes it impossible for a senior to feel sad. Although muscular canines, French Bulldogs are easy to manage due to their easy-going dispositions. Although demonstrating plenty of energy, this canine breed does not have much endurance. This means just a little exercise daily is enough to meet the French Bulldog’s activity needs. 

You also do not need to groom this breed often.

At the MorningStar senior housing facility in Kirkland, Washington, our mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest” is what separates us from other senior housing communities in the area. Our operating foundation embraces honoring God, while providing customized lifestyle options to meet the needs of every resident. MorningStar is renowned for its memory care services, which help older adults manage their lives with the assistance of a highly-trained and personable team of assisted living professionals.Schedule a tour today to discover why MorningStar senior housing is the right choice for your loved one.
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