Animals have been shown in studies to be fantastic companions for older adults, calming anxiety, alleviating loneliness, and even lowering blood pressure. Pet therapy is a common strategy in care communities for enriching lives, and a household pet can actually be a best friend to an older person who lives alone.
Animals can be amazing companions, but they demand attention and must be a good match for their human partner’s personality, functional abilities, and financial position. Before connecting a loved one with the perfect new animal buddy, use these suggestions to make sure they are ready.
Allow us at Lakeside At Mallard Landing to provide you with some great advice.
Consider Things Other than the Breed
The breed of a dog can tell you a lot about him, but it cannot tell you everything. While many individuals adopt pets solely on the basis of their appearance, the best approach to choosing a pet is to think about personality, size, age, maintenance requirements, and energy levels. Typically, the only situation in which the breed would matter is when a potential owner requires a “hypoallergenic” dog or one that does not need too much grooming.
Personality
Although particular temperaments are commonly associated with certain dog breeds, each dog has its own personality. Dogs, like humans, are unique individuals. Before getting a pet, it is critical to consider both the dog’s and the person’s personality. Will the person prefer an outgoing friend who will accompany him or her on regular walks or a lapdog that will sit on the couch and watch movies? Consider the normal daily schedule of the future owner and how an animal might best fit into it.
It is crucial to engage with an animal before bringing it home to get a sense of its personality. Some dogs are fearful or aggressive, and others have issues with strangers, youngsters, or other animals. A good rule of thumb is to look for a dog that is amiable and can calm down in a comfortable setting in a matter of seconds.
Age
While most people choose puppies because of their cuteness and lively activities, older dogs are just as, if not more, appealing. Adopting an older dog has the advantage of already being house trained and requiring less vigorous exercise. Starting over with a puppy necessitates a significant amount of energy, time, attention, and patience, which an older adult may not be willing to devote.
Costs
Many older adults
live on fixed incomes and owning a pet of any kind is a significant financial commitment. Initial costs include supplies, neutering, purchase, and immunizations, as well as recurring costs such as food, toys, grooming, medical exams, preventative treatments, and flea and tick management.
Veterinary care is unquestionably the costliest component of pet ownership, so make sure to inquire about an animal’s health issues before adopting it. Some breeds are predisposed to certain medical ailments, and dogs, like humans, get older and develop more issues. Another cost of owning a pet is emergency veterinarian appointments, which may rapidly add up.
