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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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