Pets offer something special: consistency. And for people living with dementia even more important. They’re never moody or snappy and give us their unwavering, unconditional love. For many of us, they provide a sense of purpose—a reason to get up, a reason for what we do. Caring for them, grooming them, or simply stroking their fur can be a wonderful way to de-stress.
Even better, our pets often help us connect with others. They give us common ground, spark conversations, and bring joy not just to their owners but to everyone they encounter.
But as dementia brings its own set of challenges, how can we make pet care easier? Here are some tips to ensure both the pet and owner continue to thrive:
Choose the Right Pet: If considering a dog, think about the breed, size, energy level, and age.
How much exercise does it need? Reach out in your community to find someone willing to walk the dog regularly. Often, people who love dogs but can’t commit to owning one enjoy helping in this way.
Dog Daycare Options: Have a backup plan for emergencies. This could be a friend, relative, or a paid dog daycare service.
Automatic Feeders: Consider investing in an automatic pet feeder to make feeding simple and consistent, especially if memory loss is a concern.
Manage Health Routines: Help your loved one keep track of worming and flea treatments. A calendar or diary can make this easier to remember.
What about horses?
Caring for horses takes extra effort, but it’s not impossible. One guest shared a beautiful story of her continued bond with her horse, even as her daughter helps with the day-to-day care. She fondly recalls her rides on Leith Hill and galloping along sandy trails—precious memories that bring her joy to this day.
The Blessing of Pets
Whether it’s a wagging tail, a gentle purr, or the sight of a majestic horse, our pets bring more to our lives than we could ever imagine. They’re a source of love, joy, and purpose—and for that, we are truly blessed.
If it is not practical to have a pet, take a moment to look at Pets As Therapy. PAT is a national charity that enriches people’s health and wellbeing with visits from its volunteers and their pets.
PAT volunteers visit hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, day centres, schools and other settings across the UK.
These visits bring comfort and companionship to people who may feel isolated or lonely.
Maintaining a relationship with a pet is something the charity believes everyone should be able to do, including people living in residential care.
