Pets, and in particular dogs, offer unconditional love and affection to their owner.  It makes them a joy to be around, whether the dog in question is a lovable Labrador, a pampered Poodle, or a chirpy Chihuahua. They are so much more than just an animal - they become part of our family. They can sit by your side as you play slots online, read a book, or watch TV.

Dogs are the ideal companions to the elderly. The advantages of having a pet by your side later in life are wide-ranging. Studies have found that people with pets are less susceptible to depression. They also have higher levels of dopamine – which is what allows us to feel relaxed and calm. It has also been found that people with dogs make fewer visits to their doctor.

Here are some of the known benefits of having a dog as you get older:

They encourage us to keep active.

Dogs keep us busy, particularly as we reach our older years.  Dogs give us a range of opportunities to get out and enjoy fresh air, keep our blood pumping, and activate our muscles. Numerous studies have shown the advantages of staying fit and having a four-legged friend with whom to have a quick stroll around the park. Dogs are not only perfect for keeping us motivated, but they also keep us in shape.

They help us overcome loneliness.

Feelings of isolation and loneliness often cause depression, but when we have our dog's unconditional love and affection, these emotions can be eased, and a new sense of purpose can be found. If we witness their enthusiasm when we throw a ball at them or feel them breathing as they curl up next to us while we play on a live casino, we can feel our mood lift and endorphins released. These are the same chemicals that can help reduce our blood pressure.

They increase our level of security.

As we get older, we can become frailer, making us feel even more vulnerable, even in areas where we should feel safe, such as our own home.  However, sharing our homes with a furry friend will make us feel more comfortable in our own homes. When a dog barks, it is an effective deterrent to intruders, and recognizing that you have got a companion to depend on bark for support will relieve a great deal of anxiety.

They give us a way to cope with grief.

Sadly, as we get older, we experience grief more often, especially when it comes to losing our husband or wife. While a pet dog can't make these feelings of grief magically disappear, they give us something to focus on - they still need feeding, walking, and taking care of, and that can help to take our mind off things, even temporarily. It also helps us build connections with people in our community - chats with fellow dog walkers and so on, and this can be a helpful way of coping with grief and the ensuing loneliness.

As we head into our later life, it can be quite a challenge. We often experience reduced mobility and have fewer opportunities for social interaction. Dogs can help with that; they can motivate us and encourage us, never faltering from being at our side.