Senior Living and the Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

When it comes to unconditional love, no pet fits the bill quite like a dog. Dogs make ideal companions for senior living. These furry friends encourage you to get outside, be active, and something to care for besides yourself. With that said, some dogs are better than others in certain situations, such as senior apartments.

Before you load up on dog toys and other fun stuff, you’ll need to pick out the ideal pooch for your senior living situation and, most importantly, explore the best dog breeds for apartments.

Today’s senior living communities and senior apartments are typically pet-friendly, and many provide special amenities for dog owners. Meadow Lakes in East Windsor, New Jersey, is a great example of a pet-friendly senior living community focused on welcoming four-legged friends.

It’s Never Too Late to Become a Dog Owner

If your health and lifestyle can accommodate the needs of a dog, you should definitely consider having a furry friend –– there’s a dog out there for everyone, regardless of age! Caring for a dog has many well-documented health benefits, both physical and emotional.

Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression and they cope better with stress. Even petting a pup has been shown to lower blood pressure and pet owners over the age of 65 make 30% fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.

A dog encourages more exercise and fresh air, a loyal pup provides companionship that helps fend off feelings of isolation and loneliness. Having a dog gives your life a healthy structure and more purpose, not to mention a happier outlook.

Before You Buy That Leash …

As you explore breeds, keep in mind that some dog breeds need more attention and exercise, than others. There are numerous online resources to browse that can tell you all about the various personalities of different dog breeds, such as the American Kennel Club and Dogtime.com. To find wonderful adoptable dogs by breed, check out Petfinder.com.

These sites can help clarify the ideal characteristics of each breed. You can even drill down your search to look for the best dog breeds for apartments, as well as the best dogs for seniors. 

Here are a few more important things to consider:

• Age: Keep in mind that puppies need a lot of extra care in the early years, which is why older dogs are worth a look. Shelters and breed rescues often have older pets available, and they can make wonderful companions. 
• Breed health: If you decide to get a purebred dog, be sure to browse breed sites to investigate potential known health issues. It’s important to be aware that some breeds are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia or ear infections, which could spell vet bills down the road.
• Energy level: Breed sites can also tell you how much exercise a dog will require daily, whether it’s walks or playtime. Some dogs are quite content napping in your lap all day, while others need more activity or they can become destructive out of boredom.
• Grooming needs: Some dog breeds only need a simple nail clipping now and then; others need full-on grooming from head to tail every six weeks. Again, this is simply a time and financial consideration to keep in mind.
• Breed instincts: Some dogs have a desire to “herd” just about anything, including you. This might mean they get underfoot and could cause you to fall. Other dogs are known barkers and will yap at every noise or activity outside the window. Be sure to read the breed sites to stay informed. 

Best Dog Breeds for Senior Living

At this point in your life, you’re probably looking for a tried-and-true small or medium-sized breed that will thrive in a relatively smaller space and doesn’t need hours outdoors.

The small dogs for seniors listed below are generally easygoing, affectionate, adaptable pups weighing approximately 7–14 pounds:

• • Maltese
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Toy Poodle
  • Chihuahua
  • Bolognese
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Miniature Dachshund
  • Havanese
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Shih Tzu

The medium-sized dogs for seniors listed below are known to be fun-loving, smart, relatively low-maintenance pups weighing approximately 10-19 pounds:

• • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Westie
  • Miniature Poodle
  • Bichon Frise
  • Boston Terrier
  • Italian Greyhound
  • French Bulldog 

Meadow Lakes Welcomes Dog Lovers

We’re all about residents enjoying the companionship of dogs (and cats, too!) in our pet-friendly independent living community and comfortable apartments. You and your pup will adore our 103-acre accredited arboretum for serene morning walks or tossing a ball with plenty of room to run. Our senior living community is also located near pet-friendly attractions like Mercer County Park and Working Dog Winery. If you’d like more information about how your furry friend will fit right into the relaxed, friendly lifestyle here, we’d love to talk more and arrange a tour. To get all the details, contact us today. We look forward to meeting you!