--- title: 5 Reasons Why Having a Dog Can Improve Your Senior Health description: Check Out These 5 Reasons For Why Having A Dog Can Improve Your Senior Health! image: https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/puppy.png --- - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [Contact](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [1.888.257.9468](tel:18882579468) Search [![kendal_collington-crop](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/New%20Brand/kendal_collington-crop.jpg)](https://collington.kendal.org/) Search - Community Life - [Independent Living](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/independent-living/) - [Lifecare](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifecare/) - [Community Overview](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/overview/) - [Gallery & Videos](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/gallery-videos/) - [Wellness](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/wellness-center/) - [Dining](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/dining/) - [Things To Do In Collington](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/local-attractions/) - [Lifelong Learning](https://collington.kendal.org/community-life/lifelong-learning/) - [Resident Stories](https://collington.kendal.org/topic/residentstories/) - Care Services - [Assisted Living](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/assisted-living-personal-care/) - [Memory Support](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/memory-support/) - [Short-Stay Respite](https://collington.kendal.org/care-services/short-stay-respite/) - Values - [Mission & Quaker Info](https://collington.kendal.org/values/mission/) - [Welcoming Diversity](https://collington.kendal.org/values/welcoming-diversity/) - [Sustainability](https://collington.kendal.org/values/sustainability/) - Planning - [Plan a Visit](https://collington.kendal.org/plan-a-visit/) - [Campus](https://collington.kendal.org/plan-a-visit/campus/) - [Floor Plans](https://collington.kendal.org/floor-plans/) - [Pricing Information](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/pricing-information/) - [Resources](https://collington.kendal.org/planning/resources/) - News & Events - [News](https://collington.kendal.org/news/) - [Events](https://collington.kendal.org/events/) - [Blog](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog) - About - [Leadership Team](https://collington.kendal.org/about/leadership-team/) - [Board of Directors](https://collington.kendal.org/about/board-of-directors/) - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [FAQ](https://collington.kendal.org/about/faq/) - [Financial Information & Compliance](https://collington.kendal.org/about/financial-information-compliance/) - [Contact](https://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [Careers](https://collington.kendal.org/about/careers/) - [Giving](https://collington.kendal.org/about/giving/) - [Contact](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/) - [1.888.257.9468](tel:18882579468) - [Home](https://collington.kendal.org/) - [Transforming the experience of aging](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog) - 5 Reasons Why Having a Dog Can Improve Your Senior Health # 5 Reasons Why Having a Dog Can Improve Your Senior Health --- #### ![puppy](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hs-fs/hubfs/puppy.png?width=300&name=puppy.png)One of the many benefits that Collington has to offer Seniors is that they allow pets on campus. The pets must be approved by the Pet Committee which evaluates the pets of new residents to make sure they do not hinder the health and safety of those around them. Friendly pets like Pat Kirkham’s dog, Buddy, have a positive impact on residents that pass him by. No one can walk by him without a smile coming to their face. Take a look at a few ways that having a dog can improve your senior health.   #### Can Help Reduce Risk of Heart Disease According to [Harvard](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/having-a-dog-can-help-your-heart--literally) Health, owning a dog is likely to be associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association also supports that statement by saying, “Pet ownership, particularly dog ownership, may play a casual role in reducing CVD risk” ([AHA Scientific Statement](http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/circulationaha/early/2013/05/09/CIR.0b013e31829201e1.full.pdf)).   #### Improves Exercise Habits It is important to take your pets on a walk every day. Not only do they need exercise, but exercising is crucial to your health too. Pet owners are less likely to be obese due to more physical activity than those without pets. There are also many [psychological benefits](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/minding-the-body/201404/dog-walking-has-psychological-benefits-you) to walking your dog. Collington’s grounds offer hundreds of acres of land for you and your pet to enjoy, so start taking advantage of the land along with this beautiful weather!   Need ideas for other activities around Collington? See [here.](https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/senior-living-made-easy-fun-activities-for-retirees)   #### Reduces Stress There are various benefits to having a dog. Reduced stress is a huge one of them. Coming home to a dog that is ecstatic to see you will always brighten even the darkest of days, even more so than a fellow human could.  Here are some other [benefits](https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html) to having a dog as a way to improve senior health.   #### Lowers Cholesterol Levels Owning a pet has been linked to the decrease in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn [more](https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/pets-can-reduce-stress-cholesterol-obesity/) about how dogs can help reduce stress, obesity, and cholesterol.   #### Helps with Depression Dogs can help you bounce back after the loss of a loved one. They are there for you when you need them most. Dealing with losing someone close to you is never easy, but furry friends can be the medicine you need to start feeling like yourself again. By reducing loneliness, stress, and depression, dogs live up to their name of being man’s best friend.       Share - - - ![Collington](https://collington.kendal.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/05/Collington-Logo-white.png) Together, transforming the experience of aging.® - ![Equal Housing Opportunity](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/eho.png "Equal Housing Opportunity") - ![Handicap Accessible](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/WheelChair.png "Handicap Accessible") - ![Leading Age Member](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/LeadingAgeLogo.png "Leading Age Member") - ![FSA](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2724579/Kendal_March2020/Images/FSA-Alliance-Logo-White-copy.png "FSA") **Collington** 10450 Lottsford Road Mitchellville, Maryland 20721 Sales/Marketing: 1.888.257.9468 General Information: 1.301.560.3601 **[Contact Us](http://collington.kendal.org/about/contact-us/)** **Charitable Giving** Partner with Collington, a Continuing Care Retirement Community and support meaningful initiatives within our community. [Donate Now](https://collington.kendal.org/about/support-us/) © 2026 [The Kendal Corporation](https://www.kendal.org/). All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://collington.kendal.org/privacy-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Collington Care Consultant", "url" : "https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/author/collington-care-consultant" }, "datePublished" : "2018-07-05T18:07:55.000Z", "headline" : "5 Reasons Why Having a Dog Can Improve Your Senior Health", "image" : [ "https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/puppy.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.collington.kendal.org/blog/5-reasons-why-having-a-dog-can-improve-your-senior-health", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.collington.kendal.org/hubfs/Collington-Logo.png" }, "name" : "Collington" } } ```