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Pet Ownership for Senior Citizens
Have you ever thought of owning a pet? Studies show that having a pet in your
life can have a significant impact on the health and well being of the owner.
Research has shown that pet ownership has been linked to increased chances of
survival after a heart attack. Petting animals can reduce blood pressure, heart
rate and provide a temperature decrease. Getting up to let your dog out of the
house or getting up to brush or pet a cat offers benefits to the cardiovascular
system. Other studies indicate that pets can sometimes help people with
Alzheimer's disease. According to Dr. Lynette Hart, associate professor at the
University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, "Studies have
shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an
animal in the home." *
Pets can also help people cope with stressful life events. Pets often give
unconditional love if well cared for. After a particularly hard or stressful
day, it can help to have a best friend at home to help take your mind off the
day's events. Pets give their owners a sense of purpose and offer
companionship. They also fulfill the need to nurture that some people innately
have. Pet ownership also offers the owner ways to stay active and develop
regular routines for everyday living. Pets need walking, feeding, grooming,
fresh water and they encourage lots of playing and petting. All of these
activities require some action from owners.
There are great benefits to pet ownership, but there are a few things to keep in
mind. Owning a pet can be a lot of work. Pets need to visit the veterinarian
regularly for check-ups and to keep them up to date with vaccinations.
Transportation to these visits must be arranged. And, most dogs need exercise
everyday. These are some of the things that should be considered before
embarking on pet ownership.
If you think a dog may be too much to handle, consider owning a cat. Cats offer
some of the same benefits of having a pet without as much required maintenance
as a dog. They need much less grooming than their counterparts. Cats do not
need to go outside on a regular basis and they do not need to be bathed. As
long as you provide the basics - food, water, shelter and affection, they
pretty much behave. If cats are not your cup of tea, tropical fish might be an
option. Remember contingency plans should be on hand in case you plan to be out
of the home for any length of time or take an extended vacation.
Sources:
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