Adopting a pet can be a great addition as you begin your retirement. The increased exercise you engage in with your pet contributes to better cognitive function and more socialization opportunities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, having pets is linked to decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and anxiety. To help you better determine if having a dog when moving into senior citizen homes in Houston, TX is the right choice for you, here are five things to consider.
Lifestyle Fit
The main consideration is if a pet fits with your lifestyle, especially when it comes to physical activity. Dogs minimally need one to two walks per day, so assess if you can afford the time and energy towards your new pet’s exercise and outdoor routine. As a start, you could choose a dog breed that is not too high-energy or see if the apartment you move into has sufficient outdoor space. Our community features landscaped gardens and outdoor terraces where you can spend time with your dog and socialize with other residents. You could also take your pet to any of the four dog parks located near the community.
Experience Handling Pets
Raising a dog without prior experience can be rather overwhelming as pets require a lot of care and attention. Your prior experiences with dog handling serve as a good indicator of the most suitable breeds for you. Before adopting a dog, it is advisable to do proper research into their diet, exercise needs and temperament so that you can better manage expectations.
Your Retirement Home’s Rules Surrounding Pets
While most retirement communities are pet-friendly, there would be regulations in place to protect the health and safety of all residents. Some of these include proof of vaccinations, weight limits or restrictions on certain dog breeds. You should also check if there are any veterinary clinics near the community and if transport can be arranged to bring you there in case of emergencies.
Costs
Owning a pet can get expensive, factoring in the initial cost of adopting the dog and ongoing costs of food, general upkeep and medical care. As you plan out your retirement finances, budget out the different expenses you have and see if adding a dog to the mix would put a strain on you.
Best Dog Breeds for Seniors
You should generally look towards adopting a dog that is suited for indoor living, has an easy-to-maintain coat and has a smart and sociable personality. Some breeds you could start looking at are pugs, shih tzus, poodles and beagles.
Our retirement community is very pet-friendly and many of our staff and caregivers are also big dog lovers themselves. We always recommend speaking to one of our representatives for more details on the restrictions on certain breeds and sizes, so you can be assured your furry companion is suitable for the community. Schedule a tour with us today!
