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These smaller pups are suitable for seniors

Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles make the best canine companions for people over 50, new research has found.

Pets can provide a myriad of benefits for older adults, including boosts to emotional, mental and physical health. According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, 86% of pet owners aged 50 to 80 said their pets made them feel loved, while 88% explained their furry friends helped them enjoy life.

While not all dogs are suitable for seniors, care home company Lottie found that dogs scored highly as the best pets for mental health, with flat-faced pugs coming out on top. Other smaller dogs that were found to be the best for those over 50 include Westies, Shih Tzus and Cavaliers.

"It's well-known that as we age, we tend to look for a quieter life with simple pleasures, such as taking companionship with a four-legged friend in the country," the team at Lottie say. "Our study found that smaller dogs are favoured over larger breeds."

As well as dogs, other animals that are great for later life include indoor birds, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, fishes, domestic fowls and tortoises — thanks to their easy-going nature.

Wanting to get a dog of your own? Take a look at the full list of breeds below...

Does the sound of running water in the bathroom give your dog anxiety? This shampoo uses commonly used aromatherapy scents to help pets relax. It can be used on any breed for a soothing experience, and is enriched with relaxing lavender and mint for a clean, happy, fresh-smelling pet. It's also a great product for older pets, to help soothe away those aches and pains.

FURminator shampoo and conditioner offer ingredients that help reduce and control excessive shedding.

Using this omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, calendula extract and papaya leaf-infused shampoo once a month will leave your dogs coat looking and feeling as good as new.

This product works as a shampoo and a conditioner to give you the best of both worlds without compromising on quality. The ultra-gentle, pH-balanced buttermilk and linseed oil formula will clean your dog and leave their coat feeling soft.

The specially formulated shampoo is ideal for combatting issues that go deeper than just a bad hair day. This product will help relieve skin scaling caused by seborrhea and relieve mange and parasitic infections.

This medicated dog shampoo works fast to relieve symptoms including inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, red skin rashes, bald spots, itch, and flaky skin associated with seborrhea, mange, and parasitic issues.

Are you looking to treat your dog for fleas without damaging his coat or skin? This dog shampoo has a gentle pH balanced formula, based on pro-vitamin B5 and tea tree oil, to ensure it is compatible with all skin types.

This tick remover shampoo also helps eliminate ticks and fleas from the thickest coats, while providing a soothing, calming effect on the irritated, bitten skin.

Pamper your pet with the D.Dog Deodorizing Shampoo. The formula works to deeply cleanse hair of impurities, while fighting against unwanted odours.

A pre and probiotic DoggyBiome system offers protection for your dog’s skin and coat, working to minimise excess sebum and the risk of irritation. A natural Stop-Odor Plex helps to remove odours often caused by dirt, smoke and smog, leaving your dog feeling fresh and clean.

Anicura Dog Shampoo only contains natural and naturally derived ingredients. It gently supports sensitive skin and nourishes the coat at the same time. The mild shampoo is especially suitable for dogs with sensitive skin, dry and itchy skin, or flaky and chapped skin.

Curly Coat is a shampoo specifically designed for curly-coated dogs. Enriched with conditioners, oatmeal and shea butter, it helps to remove knots from your dog's coat and improve overall appearance. It's 100% vegan.

Dirty Dawg is a mild no-rinse dog shampoo spray that helps to effectively remove dirt and odour from your dog's coat. Ideal for use as a 'spot cleaner', the spray is great for use on the go or for a quick clean between washes. Simply spray it on your dog's coat and groom it through.

Formulated with natural ingredients, this shampoo is designed to soothe your dog's skin and clean their coat to ensure it remains soft and silky.

Give your dog’s coat a quick refresh with this no-rinse dog grooming spray. Formulated with chamomile flower extract and glycerin, this freshly-scented formula helps spot clean and deodorize pups on the go.

Is your dog prone to jumping in puddles and rolling in the mud? Maybe it's about time you invest in an industrial size bottle of shampoo.

This vegan-friendly product comes in a 5L bottle so you will be ready for bath-time at the drop of a hat. Plus, it's PH balance makes it suitable for all breeds and coat types from Poodles and Cockapoos to Bulldogs and Labs. You can also use this shampoo on puppies over eight weeks.