How to help elderly family members keep their pets


 
  help elderly family keep pets

Our fuzzy friends are more than just a lot of fun—they’re healthy for us too! Studies have shown many health benefits of pet ownership, such as reduced blood pressure and decreased cholesterol. 

These benefits extend to animal-loving senior citizens as well, whose pets may help increase their activity, provide a daily routine and prevent feelings of loneliness. However, some elderly owners may struggle with the care of their pet, potentially leading to poor health of the pet, which may eventually require the owner to relinquish the pet. 

Support from family members can help elderly owners care for their pets so that both owners and pets stay healthy. Here are different ways you can offer to help your elderly loved ones care for their furry companions:

  • Be a pet personal trainer. Take charge of the pet’s regular exercise, providing brisk walks or energetic playtime to keep the pet fit and mentally stimulated.
  • Take over grooming duty. Especially if brushing and bathing can be a bit of a rodeo, make it your goal to keep the pet (and home!) clean and dander free.
  • Assist in veterinary appointments. Getting pets in and out of carriers or cars can be a huge hurdle to providing routine veterinary care. Additionally, difficulty hearing or remembering can lead to confusion or missed recommendations.
  • Systematize medications. When both pet and owner have many medications, dangerous mix-ups can happen. Help create a foolproof medication organization, such as creating separate, designated locations for human vs. animal meds, color-coding vials and making a calendar to check off when medications are given. 
  • Rearrange furniture. Find creative ways to set up furniture so that the pet can easily climb up without having to be lifted and to reduce tripping hazard by tucking away bowls and pet beds into safe spaces. 
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  • Plan ahead. Discuss in advance the pet’s care in case of emergency and make sure the pet’s important information, such as vaccine records and veterinarian’s information, is in an easily retrievable location.

A myVCA account can help the senior citizen in your life care for their pet by keeping all of their pet’s records accessible in one place. 

Download myVCA now >>