5 things to consider before getting a dog later in life

Owning a dog can add structure, purpose and companionship to our lives as we age – not to mention giving us some additional love and affection

As well as providing unmatched friendship throughout your retirement, dogs have been shown to boost your physical and mental health. They’re also great company during any retirement hobbies.

It’s not just you who will be enjoying the benefits – your dog will love it too. Rather than rushing off to work, retirees may have a more flexible schedule, which means more time with your beloved pet.

When thinking about getting a dog in retirement, there is a lot to consider.

Here are some things to consider to help make your decision easier when it comes to picking a breed.

1. Size of the dog

When thinking about getting a dog and choosing the right breed, the size of the dog is always one of the most important things to consider – and even more so in retirement. You need to think about the surroundings and space in your property – for example, if you live in an apartment or bungalow, a small dog might be the best option for you.

Although space is important to consider when deciding on size, it’s also worth considering the strength of the dog. Small dogs are a lot easier to keep under control and won’t have much power if they pull on their lead compared to big dogs.

Despite being easier to handle physically, small dog breeds sometimes have a lot of energy, which can mean a lot of barking. On the other hand, large and medium-sized dogs can be incredibly gentle and well-mannered.

2. Age of the dog

Age is another important thing to consider when looking to get a dog. There are a few reasons why you might want to consider an adult dog over a puppy in later life.

Most importantly, adult dogs tend to be house-trained, which means you don’t have to worry about getting on the floor to clean up lots of mess.

If you’re considering an adult dog, adoption is the only option unless you have friends or a family member who is giving a dog away. Puppies are always the most sought-after dogs, so choosing an adult dog is a great way to give a pooch a second chance.

It’s also worth considering adopting an older or ‘senior’ dog, which is usually considered any dog over the age of six or seven. Senior dogs sometimes struggle to find a home, but they can make extremely loving gentle pets.

3. Energy and disposition

Choosing a dog with the right energy levels and disposition for you and your lifestyle is important. For example, if you’ve got reduced mobility or a fairly sedentary lifestyle, you won’t want a dog that needs miles and miles of walking every day.

If you are fairly active, you might be able to handle a dog that needs lots of walks and playtime, but it’s also worth thinking about the way your activity levels might decrease as you get older.

4. Grooming

Easily forgotten but worth considering when choosing a dog is the grooming. Some dog breeds need to be bathed, trimmed and clipped regularly to keep them comfortable and happy, while others just need a quick brush and the odd bath.

Make sure you choose a dog whose needs you can manage – whether that’s by yourself, or with the help of a family member or a professional groomer.

5. Financial costs

Owning an animal is a financial commitment, and even if you’re adopting an older dog, there are always going to be costs involved. Vet bills can quickly skyrocket when you least expect it, and there’s no telling what kind of trouble your pet could get into and when.

Essentials like bedding, collars, toys, food, grooming and pet insurance can also add up each month. It’s worth researching different dog breeds to consider what their individual needs are. For example, whilst larger breeds typically need more food, other smaller breeds with long coats will require regular grooming.

Make sure you have researched and considered all financial aspects before deciding to get a dog.

You can find out more in our guide to the best dog breeds for people over 50.