Best Small Dog For Seniors (2024 Update)

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Finding the right small dog for seniors can be a challenging task. With so many breeds to choose from, it’s important to consider a few key points before making a decision. Here are five key points to consider when looking for the best small dog for seniors:

1. Size: Small dogs are easier to manage and handle than larger breeds. They require less space, food, and exercise and can fit into a smaller living space.

2. Temperament: Not all small dogs are good with seniors. Some breeds may be too active or require more attention than a senior can provide. It’s important to look for a breed that is calm and affectionate.

3. Health: Some small dogs can have health issues which can be difficult for seniors to manage. It’s important to research the breed and make sure to get a puppy from a reputable breeder to reduce the risk of health problems.

4. Exercise: Some small dogs require more exercise than others. It’s important to look for a breed that doesn’t need too much exercise and can adapt to a senior’s lifestyle.

5. Cost: Small dogs can be expensive to purchase and maintain. It’s important to consider the cost of a breed before making a decision.

For seniors looking for a small dog, it’s important to consider these key points. Doing research on the breed and looking for a reputable breeder can help ensure a senior is getting the best small dog for their lifestyle. With the right breed, seniors can enjoy many years of companionship with their furry friend.

10 Best Small Dog For Seniors

1. Purina Pro Plan Senior Wet Dog Food, Turkey & Rice Entree, 13 Oz (12 Pack)

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs is an ideal choice for adult dogs ages 7 and older. This premium dog food is formulated with real turkey and is free of corn, soy, and wheat – making it an excellent choice for any senior pup. The high protein content in this dog food helps to ensure that your pet maintains a healthy body condition.

Each can contains 13 ounces of wet dog food, which is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support your dog's daily health. Additionally, this wet dog food provides your pup with a delicious, nutrient-packed meal that they'll love. The easily digestible ingredients make it a great choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs is an excellent choice for pet owners who are looking for a premium diet for their pet. It offers a delicious taste, high protein content, and nutrient-rich ingredients – all of which work together to support your pup's health and well-being. With twelve cans in each pack, you can rest easy knowing that your senior pup will have a tasty meal every day.

2. Deluxe Long Handled Shoe Horn 27" – Nickel Plated Handle

The FootFitter Deluxe Long Handled Shoe Horn 27” is the perfect tool for those who need help putting on their shoes. This shoehorn is made from top quality materials in Italy, featuring a nickel plated handle, solid beech wood stem, and a smooth acetate cellulose spoon. It also has a built-in strap for a more secure grip when in use, and can be hung after usage.

The handle comes in a variety of styles, including a Bald Eagle, Cane, Dog Head, Duck, Golf Driver, Horse, and an Owl. This long handle shoehorn measures at about 26-27” (overall length) depending on the chosen handle. The spoon has rounded edges and a contoured shape to fit the heel’s natural shape, providing you with a smooth slide when in use.

This shoehorn is perfect for seniors who have a harder time putting on their shoes, as it is long enough to be used with ease while sitting or standing. Additionally, using any type of shoehorn (long or short) is beneficial for your shoes, as it protects the structured back of your shoe’s heel when used to insert your feet into.

The FootFitter Deluxe Long Handled Shoe Horn 27” is the perfect tool for those who need a little extra help putting on their shoes. This shoehorn is made from top quality materials, and its long handle design makes it versatile enough to be used while sitting or standing. The spoon is contoured for a smooth slide, and the built-in strap provides a secure grip when in use. It’s the perfect solution for seniors and anyone else who needs a little help getting their shoes on.

3. Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food, 3 Oz Pouches 12-Count

Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food is specifically designed to meet the needs of small breed dogs 12 years and older weighing up to 22 lb. This wet dog food is an optimal source of nutrition for aging dogs, containing an exclusive blend of antioxidants to support vitality and healthy aging. It is also formulated with an adapted phosphorus content to support kidney health, as well as precise levels of EPA and DHA to promote healthy skin and coat. Furthermore, this wet dog food is easy to serve and pairs perfectly with Royal Canin Small Aging 12 plus Dry Dog Food. The food is available in convenient 3 oz pouches, which are easy to open and serve.

Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food is a complete and balanced meal designed to help small breed dogs 12 years and older maintain their health and vitality. It is packed with essential nutrients, such as an exclusive blend of antioxidants to support vitality and healthy aging, as well as adapted phosphorus content to support kidney health. This wet dog food also contains precise levels of EPA and DHA to promote healthy skin and coat. Additionally, this wet dog food is easy to serve and pairs perfectly with Royal Canin Small Aging 12 plus Dry Dog Food. It comes in convenient 3 oz pouches that are easy to open and serve.

Royal Canin Small Aging Wet Dog Food is a nutritionally complete and balanced meal ideal for small breed dogs 12 years and older. It is formulated with an exclusive blend of antioxidants to support vitality and healthy aging, as well as adapted phosphorus content to support kidney health. Additionally, this wet dog food contains precise levels of EPA and DHA to promote healthy skin and coat. The food is available in convenient 3 oz pouches and pairs perfectly with Royal Canin Small Aging 12 plus Dry Dog Food. It is easy to open and serve, making it an ideal meal for aging small breed dogs.

4. Advanced Brain Health Soft Chews For Dogs – Omega 3 Dha, Ashwagandha & Alpha Gpc – Senior Dog Support – 90 Count.

Zesty Paws Advanced Cognition Soft Chews for Dogs are the perfect way to help keep your four-legged friend feeling sharp and focused. These chewables are specially formulated with premium ingredients, such as DHAgold and Sensoril, to support your dog’s cognitive function, stress, clarity and focus.

DHAgold is an algae-derived source of Omega-3 fatty acid that provides 300mg of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) per chew, which is essential for healthy brain function. Sensoril, a clinically studied form of Ashwagandha, works to reduce stress and promote relaxation. In addition, AlphaPrime and UltraCog are premium forms of Alpha-GPC and Phosphatidylserine, which help to support memory, nervous system function and learning.

This delicious supplement is perfect for senior dogs who need a little extra care for their brain function, composure and alertness. The chews are chicken flavored, making them a tasty treat your pup will love! Plus, each bottle contains 90 chews, so you can be sure your pup gets the best nourishment for their brain health.

With Zesty Paws Advanced Cognition Soft Chews for Dogs, you can give your pup the best brain health and nervous system support to keep them feeling sharp and focused. Your senior pup will enjoy the delicious taste and you can rest assured that their brain health is in good hands.

5. Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food, Real Chicken And Sweet Potato Grain Free Dog Food Recipe – 22 Lb. Bag

Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food is a grain-free recipe specially formulated to meet the needs of aging dogs. It contains real deboned chicken as its main ingredient, providing your dog with an optimal combination of protein and healthy fats to help them maintain their weight and energy. This high-protein dog food also contains omega fatty acids to help keep their skin and coat healthy, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain their hips and joints.

This natural dog food recipe contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains real, whole foods sourced from trusted farmers, so you can be sure your pet is getting the nutrition they need.

This 22-pound bag of Merrick Senior Dry Dog Food helps senior dogs maintain a healthy weight with fewer calories and fat, as well as L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism. It’s an ideal solution for owners looking to provide their aging dogs with beneficial nutrition without sacrificing taste. Plus, with this grain-free recipe, your pet can enjoy the same great taste and nutrition they’ve come to expect from Merrick.

6. Probiotic For Dogs – Digestive Enzymes, Prebiotics, Pumpkin – Diarrhea, Upset Stomach, Gas, Constipation, Allergies, Immune, Hot Spots (Senior/advanced, 90 Count)

Zesty Paws Advanced Probiotic Bites are a perfect solution for pet parents looking to help their canine companions with digestive issues. Each chew contains PreforPro Prebiotic, a clinically proven ingredient that helps to support healthy gut bacteria and the growth of Probiotic species. In addition, DE111 Probiotic is also included in this formula, which is a spore-forming Probiotic that assists in gut micro flora and digestion for all pets, regardless of age.

These chewable treats also boast a Digestive Enzyme blend to help your pup break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from their food, thereby supporting the digestive process. Pumpkin and Bromelain, two powerhouse ingredients, have properties that help to regulate regularity and overall digestive health.

The chicken-flavored, soft chews are easy to administer and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Each 90 count bottle of Zesty Paws Advanced Probiotic Bites is ideal for dogs with tummy troubles, diarrhea, upset stomachs, gas, constipation, allergies, and even hot spots. With consistent use, this supplement can work to provide your pup with the necessary digestive and immune support for a healthy gut.

7. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 13 Lb. Bag

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 13 lb. Bag is the perfect choice for senior dogs aged seven and older. The delicious kibble is made with real chicken as the #1 ingredient, and contains no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy* and is made with non-GMO ingredients*.

High-quality protein from chicken is the main source of the dry kibble, and helps to support strong bones and joints with calcium. It also provides essential antioxidants to help support your senior dog’s aging immune system, and natural fiber for healthy digestion.

The kibble is cooked in our USA facilities using the finest ingredients from around the world. Nutro NATURAL CHOICE Senior Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble, 13 lb. Bag is the perfect choice to help support your senior dog’s health and well-being. With its delicious taste, your senior dog is sure to love it.

8. Advanced Allergy Support For Dogs – Omega 3 + Prebiotics & Probiotics – 90 Ct.

Zesty Paws Advanced Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs is the ultimate solution for managing skin, seasonal, and environmental allergy issues in your pup. Formulated with a holistic blend of vitamins, proteins, minerals, and antioxidants, this supplement helps to keep your pup’s immune system, gut health, and histamines in check.

The advanced ingredient, EpiCor, is clinically proven to support natural immune defenses and contains vitamins, protein, fiber, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Furthermore, Colostrum, Quercetin, Vitamin C, Apple Cider Vinegar, Yucca, and Organic Licorice Root are all included to help with allergies, immune function, and digestion.

To improve your pup’s skin health, each chewable also contains a Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil that provides Omega 3 fatty acids EPA & DHA. This provides skin and immune support for dogs with allergies that cause itchy skin and hot spots.

For improved digestive health, Zesty Paws Advanced Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs also includes a Prebiotic & Probiotic Blend with five strains of Probiotics and PreforPro – a premium Prebiotic clinically proven to support healthy gut bacteria and the growth of Probiotic species.

The supplement comes in the form of soft chews, making them easy for your pup to consume. With regular use, your pup can enjoy a healthier immune system and relief from allergy issues. Get your pup on the path to wellness with Zesty Paws Advanced Allergy Immune Supplement for Dogs!

9. Nulo Freestyle Senior Dry Dog Food, 6 Lb (1 Pack)

Nulo Freestyle All Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is a premium, grain-free kibble specifically designed for senior dogs. It contains 74% animal-based protein, providing essential amino acids for a better flavor. The recipe also includes BC30 probiotic to support healthy gut flora and aid digestion, L-Carnitine for weight management and metabolism health, and Glucosamine and Chondroitin for hip and joint support in aging dogs.

This kibble is made with fewer carbs and low glycemic ingredients, and does not contain egg or chicken proteins, both of which are difficult for some dogs to digest. Nulo Freestyle Senior is manufactured in the USA and contains no corn, wheat gluten, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Nulo Freestyle All Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is the perfect option for senior dogs looking to maintain a healthy gut and support hip and joint health. The 6 lb bag is a great option for pet owners looking to provide their senior dog with the nutrition they need and deserve. With Nulo Freestyle Senior, pet owners can rest assured that their senior dog is getting the best nutrition available to help support their health and well-being.

10. Senior Essentials Dog Multivitamin Chews | Advanced Nutrition | Supports Joints, Skin & Coat, Digestion, & Immunity | Bacon Flavor | 120 Count

Doggie Dailies Senior Essentials Multivitamin for Dogs Soft Chews provide advanced nutrition for your senior pup. This comprehensive formula helps target 10 key areas of health and contains a powerful blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help your dog stay in peak condition.

The nutrient-rich chewable vitamins contain ingredients like glucosamine, omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and B complex vitamins, to help maintain strong joints and bones, support cognitive, heart, eye, and liver function, and encourage a healthy skin and coat. Plus, they taste great with a bacon flavor that dogs love!

Doggie Dailies Senior Essentials Multivitamin for Dogs Soft Chews are suitable for all breeds and sizes of dogs, and are made in the U.S.A. at a facility that is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) compliant and Level 3 SQF (Strict Quality and Safety) certified. Every batch of Doggie Dailies is also tested by an independent lab, and carries the National Animal Supplement Council Seal of Quality.

For pet parents who want to keep their senior dog in top shape, Doggie Dailies Senior Essentials Multivitamin for Dogs Soft Chews provide a convenient and effective way to do just that. So, keep your pup healthy and happy with the delicious, bacon-flavor chewable vitamins – your pup will thank you!

Best Small Dog For Seniors FAQs

Should a 70 year old get a dog?

Yes, a 70 year old can get a dog. Owning a pet can provide many benefits to seniors, including companionship, improved physical and mental health, and a sense of purpose. Dogs can help seniors stay active and social, as they require regular walks and playtime. Additionally, having a pet can reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of comfort and security.

When considering a pet, it is important to consider the individual's lifestyle and physical abilities. A 70 year old should choose a breed that is low-maintenance and easy to care for. Smaller breeds may be easier to manage, and some breeds are known for being particularly good with seniors. It is also important to consider the individual's financial situation, as owning a pet can be expensive.

Overall, owning a pet can be a great way for a 70 year old to stay active and social. It is important to consider the individual's lifestyle and abilities when choosing a pet, and to ensure that they are able to provide the necessary care and financial support.

What is the best non shedding dog for seniors?

The best non-shedding dog for seniors is the Bichon Frise. This breed is known for its hypoallergenic coat, which means it produces very little dander and is ideal for those with allergies. Bichon Frise are also known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them a great companion for seniors. They are also relatively low-maintenance, as they require minimal grooming and exercise. Bichon Frise are also small in size, making them easy to manage and transport. All of these qualities make the Bichon Frise an ideal companion for seniors.

What is the easiest dog for seniors?

The best dog for seniors depends on the individual's lifestyle and preferences. Generally, smaller breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Poodle, and Maltese are good choices for seniors because they require less exercise and grooming than larger breeds. These breeds are also known for their gentle and affectionate personalities, making them great companions for seniors. Additionally, some of the more low-maintenance breeds such as the Greyhound, Bulldog, and Chihuahua are also good choices for seniors. These breeds are known for their laid-back personalities and require minimal exercise and grooming. Ultimately, the best dog for seniors is the one that fits their lifestyle and personality the best.

What is the most low-maintenance small dog?

The most low-maintenance small dog is the Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are known for their small size, making them easy to care for and transport. They are also very loyal and affectionate, making them great companions. They require minimal grooming and exercise, and are generally healthy and hardy. Chihuahuas are also very adaptable and can live in a variety of environments, from apartments to larger homes. They are also very intelligent and can be trained easily. All in all, Chihuahuas are an ideal choice for those looking for a low-maintenance small dog.