Guidance and tips
Recommendations for caregivers of a person with dementia
What kind of dog would be suitable for a person with dementia?
- Ari Manor
- 3 תגובות
About a year ago, Ronnie started forgetting. At first it was the names of movie actors he loved, then keys, and finally – even the names of close people. The diagnosis was clear: the beginning of dementia. The house changed – fewer conversations, more silences. An invisible, but constantly felt sense of loss.
His partner, Yael, wanted to bring some light back into the house. She read, consulted, and two weeks later – the dog Mika came in. Not a big dog, but with a huge heart and eyes that understand everything. Calm, sweet, and easy to care for.
At first Ronnie wasn't sure who she was or why she was there, but the dog Mika didn't ask any questions. She just came closer, put her head on Ronnie, and breathed slowly. It wasn't long before they became friends.
Mika doesn't fix the memory. She doesn't bring back the lost words. But she is there. She accompanies Roni when he walks from the room to the living room, she lies down next to him when he forgets what time it is, and she is there when he remembers. And that presence, the warmth, the little routine she brings – are worth it all.
Considering adding a pet for emotional support soon with dementia?
Important points to consider:
- Adaptation to the person's character: It is better to have a calm animal, not jumpy or noisy, and not needing a lot of exercise and stimulation. It is important that the dog is emotionally stable and not adversely affected by the mood swings of dementia.
- Size and ease of handling: It is important to choose an animal that is easy to care for in terms of weight, fur, food, and walks. Would you prefer a small "lap dog" that can sit next to/on the person with dementia, or a larger dog that can rest its head on the person when they are sitting.
- stability: If a person with dementia has stability and weight imbalance problems, a small dog is preferable that will not endanger them and lead to falls.
- Expected routine: An animal that helps establish a regular routine can contribute greatly to a sense of security.
- Involvement of family members: It is important that someone can take care of the animal when the person with dementia is unable to. Make sure that the person with dementia does not live alone, and that there is someone to help them with the dog.
Highly recommended dog breeds
- Labrador Retriever: Smart, calm and loyal. Perfect as a companion dog.
- Golden Retriever: Patient, sweet and loves people – but needs regular brushing.
- Poodle (medium/large): Does not shed hair, is extremely smart and easy to train. But energetic and requires frequent brushing and haircuts.
- Shi-Tzu: Small, calm, loves touch – requires hair care.
- An adult dog from a community: A calm dog, already tamed and looking for a warm home – sometimes this is the most accurate choice.
A pet doesn't cure dementia – but it restores a sense of connection, of routine, of touch. It doesn't ask, it doesn't correct, it doesn't pressure – it's just present. Sometimes, that's exactly what's needed.
We recently purchased a one-year-old Shih Tzu for the reasons described in the article. In retrospect, it was the right decision for my wife who suffers from mild dementia. It has many implications for everyday life. Highly recommended
I would love to buy a dog for my father, who has dementia, how are you progressing with this? Thank you very much Vicky 0526628443
To search for a dog of a specific breed, it is worth starting through the Israeli Kennel Club , which is the umbrella organization of breed clubs in Israel, and then contacting a club of the appropriate dog breed. Their website is: https://www.ikc.org.il
for example:
Golden/Labrador — RoadThe Israeli Retriever Club; Poodle — road The Israeli Poodle Club ; Shih Tzu and other small breeds - through The Israeli Club for Miniature DogsThere you can find out about reputable breeders, dogs with certificates, and sometimes even older dogs that are more suitable for a calm home.
And you can also search on this site: https://www.petfinder.co.il
Another option is to adopt an adult, calm dog from an organization, such as Let Live ( https://www.letlive.org.il ), which has many dogs waiting for a home, and also programs like “Fostering for Life” for older dogs.
It's just important to know : adoption organizations are usually not the main place to look for a pedigree dog with certificates. You can find great dogs there, but you don't always know for sure what their size, character, or needs will be later on — especially if it's a puppy. Therefore, in the case of dementia, it's especially worth asking for an adult, calm dog, whose character you already know.
If necessary, you can consult free of charge with Dafna Golan-Shemesh , a social worker, gerontologist, arts and animal therapist – 052-2423405 . She will conduct a needs assessment and refer you to additional experts if necessary.
A warm recommendation: Before deciding, it's a good idea to introduce Dad to the dog a few times, see how he reacts to it, and make sure there is someone in the family who will take care of the dog regularly. Good luck!
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