PETS AND THE ELDERLY!!!

What would you do if your primary healthcare provider told you that there was an effective treatment for many older adults that:

• reduced stress,
• helped them deal with grief and loss,
• kept them more active,
• made depression less likely,
• sometimes helped them live longer,
• made them less vulnerable to suicide, and
• often increased their feelings of personal security?

If you're like most people, you'd be pretty interested. Especially if you heard that these findings were supported by many scientific studies. Well, the treatment is available, and you don't even need a prescription. As you've guessed by now, it's called pet ownership. What should you consider when choosing a pet?

One consideration is the level of care required. Dogs tend to be some of the friendliest and most loving animals, but they need a great deal of care and attention. On the other hand, you can take care of a goldfish in a bowl in a couple of minutes, but it won't cuddle up with you. Make sure you have the house and yard space you need for the size pet you choose. Don't forget about your local animal shelters when you're ready to pick out your pet.

Another consideration is cost. Pets can be costly, especially for those on a fixed income. Think about the costs of immunizations, vet bills, neutering or spaying, and food.

Do you have any allergies that you need to consider? Many people who are allergic to dogs or cats find that they are not allergic to animals like hamsters or chinchillas.

Most people find that there is some kind of pet that they enjoy and can afford. A pet of any kind is a serious responsibility. Don't get a pet for an older friend or relative unless you've thought about what you'll do if he or she doesn't want it or can't care for it. In the same way, it's good for people to discuss issues about what might happen to pets if someone ends up in a nursing home or another facility that won't allow pets.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PET OWNERSHIP FOR THE ELDERLY

Throughout history and all over the world, animals have brought love, laughter 

and companionship to the people whose lives they share.  Today, many doctors, 

social workers, and other health care professionals believe that companion 

animals are important in helping many people lead healthy, happy lives, 

especially elderly people.  Here are some of the advantages of owning a dog, 

cat bird, or other pet:

COMPANIONSHIP:

Pets fill many lonely hours for elderly people who live alone or feel isolated 

from friends and family.  Round-the-clock companions, eager to give and 

receive love, pets satisfy the universal human need to be needed.

ACCEPTANCE:

Loyal, devoted, and utterly forgiving, animals accept people as they are.  No 

questions asked.

TOUCH:

Everyone needs to hug and be hugged.  A cat curled in your lap or a dog's 

friendly muzzle thrust in your hand gives reassurance and satisfaction.

SOURCE OF ACTIVITY:

Animals are naturally playful and their antics are fun to watch.  Having a pet 

that requires daily exercise gets the older person out into the fresh air and 

sunshine, too.

RESPONSIBILITY:  

Feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet helps the elderly establish and./or 

maintain their own healthy routine.  A pet's dependence strengthens 

self-esteem and motivation to carry out daily tasks.

SECURITY:

Pets provide their elderly companions with a very important sense of security 

and will alert them when someone comes to the door.

PROMOTES SOCIAL CONTACT:

Animals are great ice-breakers.  They encourage conversation and invite other 

pet owners to share stories.

LINK WITH NATURE:

When society was more rural, farm animals served to remind humans of our 

relationship with the natural world.  In today's largely urban, industrialized 

society, many people are isolated from nature.  Pets help fill the void.

POSITIVE ROLE MODEL:

Animals live for the moment.  They deal with life's little and big obstacles 

and then forget them.  Pets can help the elderly focus on the present and 

enjoy the small pleasures that each day brings.  Animals' innocence and 

unquestioning trust can help the elderly overcome cynicism that often results 

from feeling isolated from the rejected by society.  Animals and people can 

make for a great partnership.  But pet ownership in not for everyone and it is 

important to look honestly at its potential disadvantages before a person 

decides to share his/her home with a pet:

COSTS:

Some elderly people on limited incomes can't afford the costs of feeding, 

grooming, and veterinary care for a pet.

LIMITED MOBILITY:

Pets can hinder travel if satisfactory pet-sitting arrangements aren't 

available.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Some animals require more exercise than their elderly owners can give them.  

Pets that are not housebroken can soil furniture and carpets.  Uncontrolled 

animals can also cause property damage to neighbors and to the community.

DISEASE (ZOONOSIS):

Although few diseases are transmitted by pets to their owners, some elderly 

people in frail health are more susceptible to such diseases.

CONCERN FOR ANIMAL IF OWNER BECOMES SICK OR DIES:

Many people are reluctant to have a pet because they fear that no one will 

take care of the animal should they become unable to do so.

GRIEF OVER DEATH OF PET:

Many elderly people cherish their pets as beloved companions and members of 

the family.  When the animal dies, its owner may be overwhelmed with a grief 

as strong as if he/she had lost a human companion.  For people who are alone 

in the world, the death of a pet can be an inconsolable loss.

If you are thinking about owning a pet, think carefully about how it will 

affect your life.  Know how you will provide for the animal before you bring 

it home.  Be honest with yourself.  Don't take a pet because someone else 

feels that you should have one.  And don't let well-meaning but overly 

protective friends or relatives convince you that you should not have a pet.  

You know better then anyone else what you want and what your abilities are.  

It's your decision!

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TIPS: CHOOSING COMPANION PETS FOR THE ELDERLY

MANHATTAN -- For years, researchers have known that pets can lift spirits and be a great companion for humans. This is certainly no exception for the elderly.

"There are two categories of dogs that would make good pets for elderly individuals," said William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine pathobiology at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. "Basically, there are the 'big dogs' and 'little dogs' categories. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Usually, it's a choice made either by the owner or dictated by the skilled nursing facility."

Fortney said that big dogs require more care.

"Big dogs need outside exercise and a lot of food," Fortney said. "However, they are sturdy animals, they are great companions and they don't always want to be in the owner's lap or bed. Unfortunately, larger dogs can easily knock an elderly person off balance resulting in a serious injury.

"Small dogs can also be a good companion," Fortney said. "They are close companions, which means they like to be in laps and beds. Some people love that. Also, they are known as good watch dogs. They usually bark when someone comes to the door or the phone rings, but they don't pose a threat. The down side is that small dos are not very sturdy and are easily injured when stepped on or run over by a wheelchair."

When looking for a dog for the elderly, Fortney mentioned some characteristics to be aware of.

"You don't want a dog that is too rambunctious or one that is really high maintenance," Fortney said. "Look for a pet that is calm and has a tolerant demeanor. You're asking for a problem if you have a hyperactive dog in the house. Also, look for a dog that is relatively easy to groom."

When looking for a dog, Fortney mentioned that it might be difficult to tell the temperament of the dog right away.

"If you can, get a dog in a place where you can see the parents," he said. "It's hard to look at a puppy and decide how big it will get or how it is likely to act. If you see the parents, you might have some indication of the characteristics of the puppy."

If it's impossible to meet the parents, Fortney suggested either picking a certain breed or taking a few minutes to get to know the dog. Each breed has certain predictable physical and behavioral characteristics.

"Some people will stick with golden retrievers or labradors or German shepherds. Those are all relatively intelligent, trainable dogs. Also, when you go to pick out the dog, pick out one that walks to you and wants to be petted. You want a dog that is interactive, but not hyperactive."

Fortney said dogs are not the only animals that make good companion pets for the elderly.

"Cats are one of the best companion animals. They're very 'easy-keepers,' or low-maintenance animals. If a person is sick or gone for a day or two, it's much easier to have a neighbor feed the cat or to have the cat boarded than it is for a dog.

"Many elderly people also get a real satisfaction out of caged birds," Fortney said. "They are easy-keepers and are very social animals. Birds don't need a lot of space, so they're easy to have in an apartment and most are very quiet."

In general, Fortney said that it's up to the individual as to what pet to get.

"The pet's behavior toward young children and/or strangers needs to be part of the decision-making process if visiting young children or care-givers will be in the environment," Fortney said. "Some people like different sizes of dogs or different animals. My straight-forward suggestion is to get a pet that's calm, interactive and low-maintenance. The rest is up to the individual."

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While dogs for the elderly can be fantastic, helping to alleviate loneliness and boredom and even improve health, choosing the right canine companion can mean the difference between a joyful partnership or a relationship fraught with stress and anxiety - and possibly even injury. Many people immediately think of breed characteristics when selecting a dog and while breed stereotypes can be a guide, there are just as many exceptions to the rule. Terriers, for example, have long been a popular choice due to their small size but many are yappy, nippy, tough, independent, high energy animals that can roam and be difficult to train. Thus, it is better to think of certain factors when choosing a dog for the elderly, rather than any particular breed:

Size - this is one of the key issues, as the elderly can often be fragile, unsteady on their feet or have physical disabilities such as arthritis which may affect their control of a big, powerful dog. Also, if the dog becomes ill, a small dog is easier to carry and transport to the veterinarian. Thus, in general, smaller breeds tend to be more suitable to elderly people. Remember, however, that many of the small breeds - especially the terriers - can be very energetic and so could still be difficult for an elderly owner to handle, not to mention the dangers of tripping over a small, hyperactive dog. Some large breeds, such as greyhounds, can actually be very placid and inactive and thus make great pets.

Energy Levels - unless the owner is an octogenarian tri-athelete, it is usually better to choose a dog with lower exercise requirements. In general, breeds that have been developed to perform high energy tasks such as herding (Border Collie), hunting vermin (Jack Russell Terrier) or running behind carriages (Dalmatian) have naturally higher mental and physical energy levels. Unless their energies are directed into proper channels with extensive training and exercise, these dogs will often develop behavioural problems associated with boredom. Note, however, that many of the toy breeds - while having high energy - do not actually have high exercise requirements as their extremely small size means that they can get all their required exercise from running around an average-sized home.

Noisiness - in modern society, the close proximity of most homes means that tolerance towards noisy barking is very low and neighbours are quick to complain about any noisy dog they hear. An element of this can be controlled by training but certain breeds (and certain dogs within a breed) will be more vocal than others, particularly if left alone for long periods. Again, terriers can be troublesome in this regard but many small poodles, collies, spitz-type breeds and guarding breeds (eg, German Shepherd) can also be very noisy. However, if personal security for an elderly owner living alone is an issue then a noisy, territorial breed might be ideal and this could be one reason why terriers are so popular.

Trainability - even if you have no intention of taking part in Obedience competitions, the inherent willingness of a dog to please can make a huge difference to how easy it is to live with him. Dogs that have been developed to work closely with humans, such as the gundog breeds, often have a higher desire to please their owners than dogs with an independent streak, such as herding breeds and terriers.

With these factors in mind, there are certain breeds which do seem to be more suitable choices although it is important to stress again that the individual dog is more important than the breed type.

Below are some of the more popular choices for elderly owners:

Pug - robust little dog; very playful, outgoing and affectionate but does not require too much exercise.

Cocker Spaniel - affectionate and keen to please, this medium sized dog does require some grooming and can also be quite energetic.

Beagle - lovely dog with a gentle nature; however, being a hound, it can become deaf to all commands when it is on the trail of a scent.

Schnauzer (Miniature or Standard) - sociable and playful although they can be very protective and have strong guarding instincts. Their coat requires professional clipping.

Shih-Tzu - alert, friendly little dogs who live for human companionship; their coat can require some serious grooming, although it can be clipped to make it more manageable.

Pomeranian - looking like a little teddy bear, these perky little dogs will bring a smile to any face, although note that they can be noisy.

Greyhound - although large in size and contrary to popular belief, these gentle, sweet-natured dogs do not require much exercise and are quite content to laze most of the day away. The docile, low-energy adults can make particularly good pets for elderly owners who want a "big" dog.

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Owning a dog provides companionship, but also a reason to get up in the morning, which are both vital to the physical and mental health of a senior citizen.

Health Benefits

Countless studies have shown that having a canine companion in one's life, especially a senior, can help reduce a person's blood pressure.

Other studies have shown that a dog can help increase a person's chances of surviving a heart attack, as well as assist people with Alzheimer's disease.

"Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home," according to Lynette Hart, associate professor at the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Hart also noted that Alzheimer patients who have a pet reported fewer mood disorders. Dogs provide constant companionship for a senior who may have few friends or who may be physically restricted from partaking in regular social activities.

Knowing that one's parent or grandparent has the constant companionship of a loyal canine also helps to reduce the stress other family members or caregivers may feel because they are not available for the senior as much as they may want.

What Dogs are Suitable

When it comes to seniors owning dogs, not all dogs are suitable. The two most important issues to consider when choosing a dog for a senior are the dog's temperament and size. Smaller dogs are the preferred choice for most seniors as they are small enough to be carried around, which is important for veterinary visits, but these 'lap dogs' also love being lavished with attention all day long. You must also remember that not every small breed will have the appropriate easy-going temperament that seniors require. Some small breeds also require a lot more grooming then others, which may be of concern for a senior who is on a limited income and can't afford to take the dog to a professional groomer on a regular basis or who is not physically capable of regularly grooming the dog him/herself.

When deciding to get a dog, seniors should avoid puppies, as they require a lot of work in terms of housebreaking and obedience training, and can challenge the quickest of people. A puppy's small size and quickness can trip up a slower senior and cause the person serious injury.

Dogs that are six months and older are generally good choices for seniors, as some of the puppy energy has dissipated. As well, the dog may already be housebroken and obedience trained, which makes life that much easier for the senior.

If the senior is comfortable with, and capable of, handling a larger dog, he or she should, again, consider one that is older and much calmer than a puppy. A dog that is one or two years old will still require regular exercise - like a walk around the block, but he will be more apt to go at the senior's pace, versus the owner being pulled around the neighbourhood by the puppy because the owner is walking too slow.

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Click here to visit the Pet Love Shack: 

http://www.petloveshack.com/Elderly.html

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I am sure you have heard the old adage that a dog is man’s best friend, but did you know that a pet could be an elderly person’s lifeline? Having a pet provides different advantages to different people. Companionship is at the top of the list. To an elderly person this extends much more than one can sometimes imagine. Many older people live by themselves. Many more live away from family and friends. Isolation is one of the worst downfalls of getting older in our society. Bringing a pet into the household sounds like a simple way to fix much of this, almost too simple. A word of caution though: Never force a pet on someone. Make sure they want and can care for the pet. The pet will need daily support in feeding, cleaning, keeping healthy, and even playing. The facts do tend to support that no matter how easy it sounds it does work. Pets are very much like children. Whether the pet is a dog, cat, or even a smaller variety such as a bird, they all need the person they belong too, which in turn makes each of their lives more fulfilling.

Housing will Affect Choice of Pet

Where they live will help determine what type of pet they can have. As many elderly people lose a spouse and find they have no need for the large home that they have occupied for years, they find themselves living in much smaller quarters. This means an apartment much of the time, where rules on having pets is determined by the apartment owner. For cases like this, I always suggest a bird or even a small animal like a guinea pig that will not mind spending part of their day in the confines of a cage. These are also excellent choices for the most elderly that may require help caring for the pet, but have still displayed an interest in having a pet in their household. If space is not a consideration, choose a cat or dog, or any animal that they would like to have.

Horses? Dogs? Cats?

Lets look at an example of one older person I had the opportunity to know. ‘John’ was seventy-nine the first time I met him. Every morning he would get up at dawn to feed his two horses, three cats, two dogs, and numerous other assorted animals, including a flock of wild turkeys that visited his yard every morning. Several years later I ran into him in the grocery store, and when I mentioned how good he looked, he instantly responded that he had no time to grow old, as he had too many animals to worry about! While this is an extreme, it does demonstrate that mind over matter is a fact. If people have things to do, someone to care for, they literally have less time to grow old.

Cats seem to be a favorite choice. They are quite adaptable to day to day changes in amounts of exercise. Do not assume cats do not like to go for walks though. A cat that is introduced early on to a leash and harness will discover the joys of the outdoors and learn to look forward to a daily walk around the block or even a stroll in the garden. A woman I knew who had not gardened in years, planted a small garden the year after acquiring her cat. When I asked her that after many years of no garden, did she suddenly start one again, she said she read somewhere that cat’s loved fresh catnip. She decided if she was going to plant some for her cat Sasha, she might as well plant a small patch of vegetables for herself also. You can see by examples like this how a pet can extend into different aspects of an elderly person’s life.

Dogs should not be overlooked. A puppy and an adult dog each has it’s own advantages. For someone who has suddenly gone through a loss of a family member, but is in good health themselves, the distraction of a puppy may be just the thing. An older dog seems to be the most popular choice though. Housebreaking has already been accomplished, chewing on everything in sight is a thing of the past, and an older dog may take to a more quiet routine than a puppy filled to overflowing with boundless energy.

Benefits

Pet ownership for the elderly offers many tangible benefits:

The physical contact of petting an animal is relaxing, and some studies have even shown it leads to lower blood pressures in people with high blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels in those with high levels.

Pet owners in general, elderly and younger, have fewer overall health complaints. Less problems sleeping, fewer aches and pains, headaches, and digestion problems.

Pets always bring on smiles!

Many family pets, dogs, cats, even birds, have been attributed with alerting their elderly, and again younger, owners to various hazards, such as fires and intruders. While they should not be relied on for this purpose, the added benefit can not be overlooked.

Bring the Family Pet to Visit at a Nursing Home

What if your loved one is in a nursing home? Bringing the family pet to visit will help in numerous ways. After checking with the nursing home staff to be sure that you follow any rules they may have governing the visitation of pets, bring them to visit as often as possible. If you are one of those who never know what to say to a loved one in a nursing home, this is a perfect way to open conversations, and pet visits can lead to communication between residents of the nursing home who would otherwise have nothing in common. This leads to a benefit of an ongoing nature even after the visit is over.

Is a pet a good idea for an elderly person? Ultimately, the decision needs to be on an individual basis, but keeping in mind all the benefits hopefully will help you make a wise decision. And if your loved one is in a nursing home, can you think of a better reason to visit than the family pet needs some one on one petting time with his fellow friend!