Are West Highland White Terriers Good For Older People

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This great post was posted on the Crazy About Westies forum. I just wanted to share this with you.

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Hi

Do you think a Westie is a good dog for a elderly women who lives alone?

Thanks

LaDonna

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In the reading I have been doing, it could depend on the age of the person.

From what I have read so far you wouldnt want a lively dog with an elderly person, as it would tire the person out.

Perhaps a more shy dog, would be appropriate??

But still that dog would need plenty of excersise.

I stand corrected if I am wrong

Dave
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Hi LaDonna,
In order to find the answer to your question, I think I would have to ask a few other questions: 1) How old is the older person and have age issues been considered in the decision; 2) How mobile is the person and are they still active enough to care for and provide exercise for the dog; 3)Is the person able to take the dog to the vet as needed; and 4) Can he/she afford a dog?

First, we all know that regardless of age, any of us could pass away (heaven forbid) and leave our dog(s). In the case of the elderly–especially those living alone, I always hope that if an 80-something year old master is considering a puppy with a life expectancy of 14-16 years that prior arrangements are considered and discussed as to where the dog willgo should the master pre-decease the dog.

We often see dogs in shelters here that are the product of a home where the only master dies and nobody in the family is willing to take the dog. This situation also arises often when the elderly must move to a care home and must surrender the pet. Such a sad situation.

Secondly, westie puppies, or any puppies as we all know, can be a handful for any age person. We refer to our Katy as “High Octane Puppy” and thus she needs lots of play and exercise in order to avoid channeling all that energy into bad behaviors. Despite training, puppies still require mobility to manage.

I think Westies have the potential to be wonderful companions for the elderly as long as they are aware of the energy involved in taking proper care of a puppy. After the first year, most Westies just need a good walk and a little play time every day to stay healthy and happy. The full-time companionship of the retired elderly could be fabulous for a Westie as long as the dog is fully cared for as well.

Another consideration is transportation to the vet and market. If the person is no longer able to drive, is there someone around who can perform these duties when it’s time for canine’s annual check-up and vaccinations or when they run out of dog food?

Is the elderly person on a fixed-pension and if so, is the amount sufficient to cover necessary medical expenses, spaying or neutering and the extra food and toys?

If an older person is barely able to get around him/herself, a westie or any breed might not be such a great idea unless, of course, that elderly person has a care assistant who would be able to take over the duties other than play and companionship.

If there is no care assistant to help with a dog, I would recommend finding someone with a Westie who would be willing to bring the pet for visits and occasional stay-over rather than getting the elderly person his/her own dog.

Finally, some of these questions could be addressed by finding a westie to re-home that is past the puppy stages. Of course, some of the issues are relevant regardless of the age of the puppy.

Hope I’ve provided some food for thought. I do think pets are a great joy for most older people and in many cases provide incentives for their human companions to take care of themselves and stay healthier than they might otherwise, for their canine friends.

Good luck…
Carol
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