Pop and Go: Dog Walking for Seniors
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
Not to be confused with walking senior dogs, although we can do that. This blog will highlight the new service we provide senior citizens who have dogs.
If you haven’t heard of our Pop and Go program, check out some information here. It’s a new service where we help elderly people in our community for various needs:
Bathing
Medication management
Accompanying to Doctor’s visits
… Dog walking.
We offer a lot more, but today we want to discuss why we help walk our aging loved one’s darling four-legged friends.
Hint: we may be suckers for those furry pets. Who isn’t?
Let’s specify this service a little more.
There are times your senior in need may not be available to walk their own dog. They could be away, at a hospital, have recently had surgery, or came down with an illness. Perhaps, you are interested in having a caregiver by your parent’s side when they’re walking their own dog, to ensure no one falls or gets hurt.
Either way, everyone benefits.
The Benefits of Dog Walking for Seniors
Physical Exercise. Whether your senior is joining our caregiver or the caregiver is going solo on this route, every dog needs some physical activity. Dogs need cardiovascular strength, as well as strong muscles and bones to support a healthy and long life.
Routine and Structure. Many dogs need a job and have an incredible internal clock. Your senior is the same. Routines and structure help keep stress levels and anxiety at bay and stimulate a calm and positive experience at home. Having a calmer dog can help keep your senior relaxed and can help prevent falls should their dog get antsy. We’ve all seen zoomies.
Social Interaction. There’s hardly a dog who doesn’t like to meet a new person or make a new friend. Having a caregiver involved with your senior’s dog can help keep their puppers happy, excited, and socially stimulated. This is great to combat depression and bitterness toward strangers in the long run.
Outdoor Exposure. Dogs, like people and other animals, need to breathe in some fresh open air. Allowing your senior’s dog to go out for a stroll is better than hanging out in the backyard. Dogs need to see long stretches of land and have their world opened up more. It’s always exciting for them to see what else is out there, smells, people, and yes, squirrels.
While it’s great for your senior’s dog to go for a walk, bear in mind that the purpose of this dog in the home is to support your aging parent’s quality of life and overall well being.
Giving their pet the care and attention it needs when your senior or yourself cannot is crucial to keeping that particular dog around longer.
A happy pet is a happy owner.
The same goes for health.
If your senior sees that their dog is not getting such care, love or attention outside of the home or as much as usual, this can take away a sense of purpose. A lack of purpose can greatly increase depression and a poor outlook on life… for both the senior and dog.
Even if you get the help of a caregiver temporarily, once a day for 25 minutes, whatever you may need, do it. Having someone else help with your senior’s dog can keep the sense of purpose, love, nurturing, and quality of life all around.
Your senior will know their loving dog is getting positive attention.
That just sounds cozy!
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need your senior’s dog walked. To find out more or to book this service now, visit here.
We’re here to help!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about helping the elderly with dog walking and is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
