You will be too old when you are dead.

For some their dog (or cat) is the only lifeline they have in regard to company, friendship, and love...Don't let the people questioning your decision spoil your enjoyment, tell them to mind their own business and enjoy your new little buddy who will love you back unconditionally and bring you much joy...

There should not be an age as I see it if you are alone an animal is companionship. It's your dog your life people shouldn't be questioning you. If you can't walk the dog get someone else to walk the dog and spend time inside with it.

Susan, I wish for you and that puppy to grow old together.... 68 is NOT old.... my mom just turned 89 this past Friday, still kicking butt and taking names, she is... you do the same!! :)

when you can't take care of them anymore, try to get someone to adopt the pet,,but keep them as long as possible, they help keep us alive 😊

When they start to trip over them

Ii am in my early 60's and have two young, large dogs. I am still fit enough to walk them 10km per day and have room in my yard to throw a stick or a ball for them. However, I have already decided that my next dog/s will be smaller breeds with lower fitness requirements, and depending on my health, maybe a senior dog as well. I have had dogs all my life and can not bear to think about not having one. We do not have cats, not because we don't like them, but because we live in an area with lots of endangered native birds. I have planned for my dogs in my will, after consulting with my family, so they don't become another person's problem, should I meet my end earlier than I anticipate.

As long as the dogs can be well looked after and there is a backup from family and friends why should there be an age limit on having dogs. Puppies can be more demanding but you could adopt a rescue dog. Cats are good companions too but they still require their litter tray cleaning every day. Life for me would not be the same without my dogs. They are my companions and therapy. Two wonderful greyhounds adopted me ❤️🐾🐾❤️

Pets are great company, as long as there is no risk to the person or the animal there is no age limit!

sometimes pets are the only way the elderly receive affection. I too am 68 and more then capable of having a dog. If I were to get one I guess I would choose a smaller breed. Mainly because throwing a ball in a yard would provide plenty of exercise. Animals don't ask for much and give so much. Tell your friends its nothing to do with them.

My friends Mum passed away two yrs ago at 104. She had her little dog till she was 99. Also had her license till 99. Tell your friend to mind her own business..

Age should never determine whether we should have pets dogs are the best for loyalty small dogs are my pick they are easier to walk and do not cost to much to feed my pick is the corgi loyal /dependendable/and do not bark to much

I think people should mind their own business. Age has nothing to do with anything and anyone who thinks so, needs to check what their motives are.

Dogs are good company they are loyal and loving, and they understand their owner and in some cases have saved their life. There are people that are dog walkers so if you are elderly and find it hard to walk a dog walker can help. All people need pets whether old or young

Definitely it’s not others business, dogs don’t necessarily need to be walked, I took taxis with my Dalmation to the dog park where he had the most wonderful time & I was early 80s.

As long as you can look after yourself you can look after a pet

There shouldn't be any age restriction, because many pets keep the seniors active & they become their companion. May be the big dogs like German Shephard, Huskies etc to stay away from as these big working dogs do need there exercise unless you have a massive yard or a treadmill for them. Up to each individual & there circumstances. Many pets give more joy to many people than humans do, as many humans don't care for one another. People need interaction & love of some sort.

Go Girl. There is a way around everything. Use your walker, keep yourself and your dog active for as long as you can. They tell us to keep moving and be as active as we possibly can without injury. Do your best and ignore the rest.

I think it is good for an older person to have a dog. walking them gives them a reason to get out and do things. If they are in their own home why not? their yard is fenced in? they can just let the dog out and let it run free if they have to, they don't have to walk it all the time. Pets are good for people they decrease high blood pressure. For people who live alone like many seniors do they are good company. I think you are never too old to have a life time friend.

I don’t thing she is a problem We have many ways of keeping a dog My blind friend has a guide did and he is 79 without his dog he would be house bound

every one is different choices should always be there

I dont think there is any age you should not have a pet if they make you happy and are more a freind than a pet you should do what makes you happy if you find its to hard then give your pet upEdited 04-Jul-24 07:24am

I think it is up to the individual because we all age differently. My dad has a dog and at 93 the dog and him are doing fine.

For the dogs sake 60

I would say age 90-ish. My mum is 95 now, and lost her Cavalier about 10 years ago - they were inseparable. She decided not to have another dog because of her age, but no longer goes for those walks that the dog demanded. Sure, only consider smaller dogs after 75, but they can help the elderly in ways that others just cannot understand

NO

hi Teri tyvm

another asinine ?

Let's leave that up to the person. I know a lot of seniors who have dogs for companionship after a spouse dies, or when they retire and finally have the time a dog requires. I waited until after I'd retired and I love her SO much. She's definitely good for me in a lot of ways and I give her a happy, loving, too many toys, proper pet care and grooming home:) It's totally up to the person whether or not they want a dog. My only concerns were me dying and she won't bond with anyone else. Already not a problem; she will do very well with my youngest son. I also didn't want a big dog pulling away and me not able to catch or chase her down and she refues to come back to me. She does really well on a leash and I'm stronger than I thought anyway. It's working very well.

ANY AGE

A better solution would be to ban dogs completely and only allow them to live out in the countryside. Then the whole neighbourhood would not have to listen to their incessant barking day and night.Edited 04-Jul-24 06:01am

there should be no age barrier as pets keep you young

When they get to heavens gates

Can't put a number on it. It depends on the person.

no age limit

First off,what an ageist question. It totally depends on how capable one is and nothing to do with age. There are a lot of young people who shouldn't have a pet if any kind.

This topic should have my name right on it because I am in this situation now. I don't get around the best, and I have a risk of falling. However, I live alone, and I love dogs! I have depression and anxiety and sometimes can't leave the house, but I would be able to leave the dog out, but winter would be a challenge for me to not fall. Living in a mobile home court, there is no fenced-in area, and I can't afford to put up a fence. There are times that I sleep almost all day, but perhaps having a dog would change that! How do I know? The expense is also a problem. Luckily for me, I have a housekeeper who comes in twice weekly to help me and to run errands. She got a puppy that I absolutely love to the moon and back. She brings her, and I love on her for the two hours that she is here! Occassonally, she leaves the dog with me if she has to go somewhere from here rather than take the dog back home. I love my time with her so it solves my predicament of having my own dog. This woman is a saint, and she says the dog belongs to both of us. How wonderful that she shares her with me Now for the bad part! The company that this lady works for does NOT allow her to bring a pet with her! She could lose her job which is ridiculous. I am not the usual elderly (72) person. My main need is psychological because of my anxiety and depression. This wonderful pup keeps me going! She brings me so much happiness and love. I have no family other than four nephews that ignore me for the most part. I don't even want to think about not spending time with that dog. It would break my heart! She is the best well-behaved dog that I have ever seen. She is so loving and such a joy--perhaps the only joy I have! The Office of the Aging needs to recognize that our needs aren't just physical. They allow people to bring pets to the nursing homes for the residents so why not in my own home if I'm willing to take the risk and not sue them if anything would happen? I would gladly sign a release leaving this company harmless if anything should happen! Shouldn't that be enough? I'm so lonely that I even talk to that pup when she's not here! Sad, right? I have loved dogs since I was born, I think! We always had a dog when I was kid, but we lived on a big farm back a lane away from everyone so the dog could run. We rarely kept them inside, but I was outside a lot spending time with the dog. Also, I like to take drives on back roads, but I'm always alone. I could take a dog with me easily, and it would be so much fun. I'm to the point that I hate having no one to depend on to do anything with. I never even watch TV with anyone! I need some medical procedures performed, but have no one to drive me home. All my friends are too old or working full-time. My caregiver isn't allowed to take me anywhere either! She can run errands, but only go shopping at one store/week, and she isn't allowed to pick up my prescriptions. Luckily, I still drive and can do some things for myself. What happens when I can't? Sorry, I'm off the subject. I just want to make the point that the elderly healthcare needs a lot of fixing! They say it is an issue of funding. They recently cut her hours after about two years because she doesn't bathe me! I've told them from day one that I can bathe myself! Now, She is cut from 3 hours/day to 2 hours/day. You can't do a lot in two hours!

TY Pamela G..!!!

My answer would be the age of 80 years young . The reason being , is because handling a k - 9 would become difficult .

hello Writerrochelle, have a nice day..

Pets at any age is a healthy thing.

No, how silly to stop people from having pets

NO! I adopted my Toy Poodle from a 92 year old woman who was dying. If a Senior gets where he/she can no longer care for their pet, there is always someone out there waiting to give it a home! I got Sadie when she was 2 years old. She is 12 now, and I am 76, and she is sleeping on a pillow in my lap at the computer as I type this post with one finger! ;-D

As long as they are able to take care of them. My grandmother had one till she was 92 and died

HI Susan, ty...

AS LONG AS ONE CAN TAKE CARE OF A DOG,AGE HAS NO LIMITS,HOW I SEE IT...

I am 75 and would only consider an older desexed female with short hair as she is cleaner and happy to be a mate, go on short walks, easy to care for, listens attentively and happy to have a home

Yes I agree. A walker will do the trick

I think it all depends on the "senior's" means, abilities, needs, choice, agilities- not all "seniors are bed bound in hospitals/nursing homes. Some seniors have been known to care exceptionally for their pets, love to do just that, stay healthy because of that and we could all learn a little from some of them. Yet, I don't really think any elderly person should be gifted with a young demanding puppy, unless it was their first choice. If things work out well- wonderful. Unlike children, puppies can simply be adopted out again if they're not the perfect fit. Training from day 1( and every day) is the best effort to use, no matter the age of the adoptive parent.

No

Don't take any notice of them. I'm almost 81 & hubby 83. & we love our dog. Wouldn't be without her. Work with a rescue group & still help daughter with the ones she gets. At the moment she has 9 puppies she's looking after. Our dog has 2 long walks every day. It's already planned that if we aren't here then she will take our dog to live with her own two dogs. Just do it, it will give you a new lease on life.

there is no age limit on how old you are for a dog

I say go for it - ignore the naysayers. Slightly off topic - but I know a senior citizen - meaning she is at least 70 years old - she is a professional dog walker - in the USA - and makes 14.85 an hour - she works part-time...she only works Holidays, Saturdays, Sundays!Edited 04-Jul-24 06:40am

If u can afford and both physically, why not?

Live within your means

As long as they can nothing better than pet therapy! But when they cannot let the dog out or forget to feed the animal it's time to get family or friends to help.

It depends on the person and how there health is. If they are capable of walking and can take care of themselves then why not. If they have issues with walking then maybe one of those scooters that you see elderly people ride around on and the dog could run along with it on a lead. Dogs are great companions to have.

if they can afford the dog and are able to take care of it, i think it is a great idea. i think the older dogs ( over 2) would be the beast. they are a little calmer and dont destroy as much

I don't advocate older people getting young dogs as it can be difficult to manage. However an older dog whose owner has passed away would be much more suitable as they would already be toilet trained and trained in other ways. Every Wednesday morning after my daughter and I have dropped her 3 children off at school and we head to the shops, we see a beautiful sight. An elderly man who can hardly walk has beside him on a lead a very elderly dog. They slowly walk around the block even when it's cold (like it was this morning at 4°C), the man recently started using a walking frame, so I don't think he plans on giving up anytime soon.Edited 04-Jul-24 00:46am

You are only a spring chicken...go for it it will keep you happy. healthy and company.

If you are capable of giving a dog fresh water, good food and love then go for it. Most of us oldies are still able to walk. I think a large dog would not be wise as they can pull us off our feet but a smaller breed would be best. I am 75 and have had dogs all my life. I walk my dog every 2-3 hours daily and she is now 14. The past 18 months there has been a large financial cost to me as age creeps up on her and now she has cataracts and having difficulty seeing so I have to talk all the time to let her know I am around. I suppose if I had money I could get them operated on but alas it is beyond my purse strings and it is breaking my heart as she is the loveliest of dogs. She will be my last dog due to my age as I would not like a dog to pine for me if I leave this earth first.

It can be a problem if a person has to go into care. I know an elderly lady who had to go into care.Her daughter was single and had to work but she took her dog which had seen her and her dog every day, the lady's dog fretted, refused to be even hand fed with her favourite food,treats and drink at all that she became very ill and had to be "put to sleep". Vet treatment had been tried.

I don't think getting a puppy when you are older is a good idea as it's like having a baby. There are plenty of older and senior dogs that need homes and happy to sit around all day.