smart-gadgets-for-seniors-who-love-dogs

Smart Devices for Seniors who Love Dogs

I’ve always been a dog person. So if you are a Senior who also happens to love dogs, this post is for you. I actually spend too much time checking out new smart devices for pet owners, devices that not only can make our lives easier but also that can make our dogs’ lives better.

* Although I don’t have a dog right now – I am constantly traveling these past few years – I believe dogs are a perfect companion for seniors who normally have a more stable life and who have more time to take care of them. It’s definitely in my plans to get another dog when I get older. I have had amazing dogs in my life and I just know how important they are.

Should Seniors Have Dogs?

If you love dogs but you don’t have one at the moment AND you are considering getting one, you should!

A dog can be a wonderful companion for seniors. The dog can provide much needed friendship and entertainment for a senior citizen and in turn the senior citizen can provide love and care for the dog.

Besides, dogs appear everywhere as the first companion everyone thinks of when considering a pet (unless you are not fully able to take care of them – it requires quite a bit of commitment, or if you are a cat person).

So if you are a senior really considering getting a dog, just read the possible benefits and challenges you may face.

Benefits of Having Pets (in general) for Seniors

There is a very complete list compiled from the US News & World Report and published in the post “Seniors and pets go hand-in-paw” from the Meadow Ridge website, and I’ve used it as the base of my own research (along with many other articles more targeted on dogs, to be more specifically):

An article posted on SeniorDirectory.com points to physical benefits of pet companionship for older adults, which can include lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rate. The same article also reports that a study found seniors who have pets will frequent the doctor’s office 21% less often, and show decreased signs of depression when aging.

The emotional benefits are easy to understand, given the survey that reveals these behaviors of seniors who have a pet companion:

· 95% talk to their pet
· 82% say their pet helps when they feel sad
· 71% claim their pet helps when they physically feel bad
· 65% report that touching their pet makes them feel better
· 57% admit they confide in their pet

More specific benefits of having pets for seniors

Reduces Stress. Older people with pets show less stress than older people without pets – perhaps because of the many ways pet responsibilities structure daily life, or perhaps because of the constancy and predictability of the companionship.

Taking care of something. It’s deeply satisfying to take care of another living being, and the desire to be useful and of value never relents.

Investing in life. Having a pet means making a promise to be involved in the pet’s life. It’s a life-affirming decision that requires commitment and dedication.

Benefits of Having Dogs for Seniors

Companionship. Reduce isolation by keeping a dog companion nearby. Dogs mold their personalities to their keepers and are constant in their presence. Some make great travel mates, too.

Having a routine. Tending a dog provides the routine around which daily life can be structured.

Exercise. Walking the dog makes exercise a daily event.

Getting out. Those with dogs have a built-in reason to go outdoors often.

Making friends. While it’s hard to meet new people, getting out with dogs and talking about them with people you bump into, make terrific icebreakers.

New interests. Dog owners might feel inspired to clean up the neighborhood park where they walk their canine. Hospitals sometimes seek hospital-friendly pets to visit patients.

Protection. Even small dogs can provide security, as thieves usually avoid homes where there’s a barking dog.

Challenges of Having Dogs for Seniors

You can’t ignore the fact that there may also be some challenges for seniors as well. Some of which may include the following:

Mobility. Seniors need to be sure that they are picking a pet that matches their mobility. Seniors on a walker, for example, probably would not pair well with a large dog.

Income. If a senior is already on a fixed income, vet care, and food bills for the pet could pose additional challenge for their already tight budget.

Housing considerations. If a senior lives in senior housing, public housing, or an apartment, he will have to make sure that the management actually allows pets that are not specifically certified as therapy animals.

Allergies. As people get older, sometimes they develop different allergies. Seniors need to make sure they aren’t allergic to dog hair or dander before helping them connect with their forever furry friend.

Smart Devices for Seniors who Love Dogs

1. PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Pre-Portioned Automatic Food Dispenser

With the PetSafe Healthy Pet Simply Feed Pre-Portioned Automatic Food Dispenser seniors can conveniently schedule up to 12 meals per day for their cats or dogs (best for small to medium sized dogs). The portion ranges from 1/8 cup to 4 cups per meal depending on your pet’s unique needs. Feeder works with dry and semi-moist pet kibble that is up to 3/4 inch in diameter. And for pets who tend to eat too quickly, you can schedule meals larger than 1/8 cup to slowly dispense over 15 minutes. Moreover, the feeder is designed to keep prying paws from sneaking food before scheduled mealtimes.

This is an amazing Amazon Choice product that costs more or less $100.

Check this item on Amazon.

2. PetSafe Stainless Steel Water Fountain

With 128-ounce capacity, the PetSafe Stainless Steel Water Fountain is ideal for cats, dogs and multi-pet households. The filtered free-falling water streams entice pets to drink more and help to prevent urinary and kidney diseases through increased hydration. The constant water circulation and stainless-steel construction help to inhibit bacteria growth. The versatility of this fountain allows you to choose from 1 to 5 free-falling streams, and you can also twist the top to adjust stream flow.

This item is another great Amazon Choice product that costs around $70.

Check this item on Amazon.

3. WOpet Smart Pet Camera:Dog Treat Dispenser, Full HD WiFi Pet Camera with Night Vision for Pet Viewing,Two Way Audio Communication

If seniors need/want to monitor their pet remotely, WOpet Smart Pet Camera is the perfect item to get. It features a Dog treat dispenser, a Full HD WiFi Pet Camera with Night Vision for Pet Viewing,and Two Way Audio Communication.

With this device you can toss a treat to your dogs via the free WOPET/Android app. You can fill it with your dogs’ favorite treats and virtually play a game of catch. Then livestream video can monitor your pet with a wide-angle view, This functions even in pitch black, without disturbing those being monitored. It also features an intelligent system to ensure clear and high-quality images day and night. The built-in advanced microphone and speaker allows you to have a clear two-way audio conversations. It lets you listen, talk and reward your pet’s favorite snack or play and interact with your pet anytime, anywhere, Not only can you see what’s happening at home, but also send voice commands, scare off intruders and talk with loved ones, even when you’re away.

This incredibly smart gadget costs around $130.

Check this item on Amazon.

Link AKC is like a smart phone for your dog and requires service plan connectivity to allow data to be transmitted. The location tracking works nationwide in United States. With this device you know your dog’s location with fast and accurate GPS tracking enabled by the AT&T cellular network (service plan required). Be alerted if your dog leaves designated safe zones. Temperature alerts if your dog’s environment is too hot or cold. Led light on collar with remote turn-on LED light to see and be seen. Activity goals are customized by arc to your dog’s age, breed, and size to allow for accurate daily activity monitoring. Remote turn-on sound to help with training. You can also record, remember, and share special walks, hikes, and other adventures with your dog. Vet Records can be stored in app to make dog ownership easier with a place to store important Records. You are covered for up to 30 minutes in 3ft of water in our lightweight collar that is curved to naturally fit the contours of your dogs neck.

This super smart dog collar costs around $100.

Check this item on Amazon.

5. Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Dog Potty Communication Doorbell

No wires or batteries required for the Mighty Paw Smart Bell 2.0 Dog Potty Communication Doorbell – bell is easily mounted on your door or wall with a 3M adhesive strip, no tools necessary! The bell volume and ring tone can be customized to the style of your choice, with 4 different volumes and 38 different tones to choose from! Activator and receiver communicate as far as 1000 feet from each other when indoors.

You can get this smart gadget for just $30.

Check this item on Amazon.

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