Which Type of Pet is Right for Senior Citizens?

Are you planning to adopt a pet for an aging loved one? These days, most seniors prefer to live at home, but this can also mean they are often alone and loneliness can affect their physical and mental health.

Many families decide to adopt a pet for their seniors for the following reasons.

• Pets provide companionship and can help to reduce stress.
  
• Loving an animal can keep loneliness at bay.
  
• Taking care of pets gives a sense of purpose. At a time when they may have a hard time completely caring for themselves, a pet depending on them can keep them alert and active.
  
• Some pets promote physical exercise through daily walks.

Choosing a pet can be a challenging task. Many people don’t know what kind of pet is right for seniors. Here are some options that you can consider.

• Cat – Cats are friendly in nature, but also independent. If you are looking for an animal that provides companionship, but do not require much care, cats are a good choice. Keep in mind that cats can cause a tripping hazard, so if your loved one has mobility issues, make sure to take that into consideration.
  
  
• Birds – Many types of birds do not require much care or attention. They make good pets if taken care of properly, but make sure to research which type of birds would fit best. Some can be very loud, which can be bothersome to some of the elderly.
  
  
• Dog – Dogs are very friendly, loyal and make great companions. If your loved one can care for their daily needs, dogs – especially older dogs – are a good fit for many. Just remember that younger dogs and puppies take a lot of energy to care for and there are hundreds of calmer, older dogs already housebroken that are looking for love.
  
  
• Rabbits – Rabbits tend to be an overlooked animal, but there are often many at local shelters looking for a loving home. Most rabbits can be litterbox trained for a relatively easy clean-up. If there is a large enough cage, they need not be taken out often or only be removed with a harness type leash. They can be played with, talked to and love getting treats.

Before looking for a pet, make sure that your loved one is fully capable to take care of their needs. Do extensive research to make sure that they know exactly how to take care of their pet. If not, or if they only need a little help, consider help from a professional caregiver.

An experienced in-home caregiver will look after your senior’ safety and assist them in taking care of the pet and their needs. If you are looking for an in-home care provider in Morris, contact Always Best Care today. For more information, call (862) 772-7047.