Houston Senior Care: Pet Companionship
A lovable and loyal pet is one of the best companions a person can have. Aging seniors in Houston can benefit from having a pet as a friend, some of the Houston Senior Care service providers, consider these animals are a suitable option for affection and companionship. Some of the old folk who have pets have shown better health with enhanced mental focus and lower blood pressure.
However, such benefits can only be realized if the senior patient is partnered with the right pet; this then calls for considerations of various factors when deciding which is the right animal for your loved one.
Choosing A Dog
Dogs are often the suitable pet for most seniors. Every dog has a unique personality which plays a role in defining its purpose. Years of training and domestication of dogs has seen some breeds become the ideal pet that can do everything – they can be a hunting dog, lap dogs, sniffers, or retrievers. As such, looking into the various qualities of the breed of dog is an essential part of making the right choice of pet for senior care.
Not every German shepherd, bulldog, or spitz is the same. Therefore, it is essential to see how the dog accepts and relates to its owner and other family members. Is it overly active and difficult to train or does it have a calm and docile demeanor? These are some of the factors worth considering.
Pet Adoption Centers, Animal Shelters, And Pounds
Knowing the dog’s history is essential if you are thinking of getting a pet for your aging loved one. You should know if the animal was abused or had any major medical issues. Some of the easiest places to find the perfect pet for the senior family member are animal shelters and pound as well as pet adoption centers. However, some of the animals there were given up for adoption by individuals who couldn’t care for them.
As such, it is essential to know the dog’s history to avoid any significant behavioral issues that may arise when living with the pet.
Exercising With The Pet
Exercising is vital for the health and well-being of seniors and the same applies to their pet dogs. As such, both the pet and its owner can benefit from having good company when exercising. It, however, is necessary to ensure that the senior will have the stamina to care for the pet and himself or herself. Evening walks in the park or jogging slowly along the neighborhood pathways is good for the senior and the pet.
Adopting A Cat
Food, water, and a litter box, these are the essentials of caring for any domestic cat. Grooming the animals is also important. Cats are naturally independent; the love solitude, lazing around, and the occasional playfulness with their owners. They require less energy than dogs and most of them are friendly. However, some cats can be moody and with a tendency to pounce and scratch when touched.
Cats love having claws and declawing them should start while they are still young kittens to help them adapt to it. It will be havoc dealing with an ill-tempered cat that has sharp claws. Since adopting a kitten for the senior person is not the most suitable option, it would be wise to ensure that the older cat you choose is well-tempered, well-behaved and trained as a house cat.
Consider Parakeets And Cockatiels
Having a small bird such as a parakeet can be a fun addition to the family and a fun companion for the elderly loved one. The senior can teach the bird how to speak and whistle. You will need to get a water bottle and a suitable cage for the bird and have enough bird feed. Ensure the cockatiel or parakeet you get your aging family member has a mild and lovable temperament.
Pets Are An Investment
When looking for the right animal companions, the Houston Senior Care provider should consider the pet as an investment. The animal is there to offer companionship and affection, and it requires good grooming, food, and taking care of in return.
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