Pets Benefit the Health, so How Do You Find the Right Pet For Your Dad?

Elder Care Fresno CA – Pets Benefit the Health, so How Do You Find the Right Pet For Your Dad?

Pets provide a level of companionship, love, and comfort. As a result, studies have shown that owning a pet can help ease feelings of loneliness and sadness and even lower blood pressure. A dog or cat is a great way to offer comfort to your dad when you or an elder care aide cannot be there.

Choosing a pet for your dad is a little harder. You really have to think about his abilities. If he brings a dog into his life, he needs to be able to walk that dog each day. The dog needs to go outside for potty breaks. Every dog needs some playtime and obedience training, too.

A cat is a little more independent, but there’s still a litter box that needs cleaning each day. The cat will need brushing to avoid hairballs. A cat also needs to be trained not to scratch door frames, furniture, and carpeting. There’s also the question of veterinary costs, food, and supplies.

To find the right pet for your dad, you need to answer these questions.

What is His Budget?

A cat or dog needs several vaccines every one to three years and a yearly health exam. To get these vaccinations, your dad will pay an office visit, the cost of each vaccine, heartworm and fecal tests, and medications to prevent heartworm, fleas, and ticks. That can cost upwards of $200 each year. Emergency veterinary care is even higher.

Is He Capable of Doing What it Takes to Keep His Pet Safe?

Pets should be microchipped. It doesn’t cost much, and it can make a big difference in reuniting pets with their owners if they inadvertently get out the house and get lost. There’s one case of a cat disappearing during a storm and being reunited with its owner more than a decade later.

When outside, a dog should be on a leash or in a fenced yard. Cats shouldn’t be let outside and left to wander. There’s too much risk of attack by another animal or getting hit by a car.

What Happens if He Can No Longer Care for His Pet?

If something happens and your dad has to move into a nursing home for an extended period of time, what happens to the pet? If your dad has a stroke and will be in the hospital for weeks, is there someone who can step in and take the pet for that time or even permanently? It is important to have a plan in place for the unexpected.

For daily care needs, an elder care provider can help your dad remember when to feed his cat or dog. Elder care providers can join your dad and his dog for a daily walk. The caregiver can also help your dad play with his dog or cat each day. Learn more about other helpful services by calling our elder care agency now.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Elder Care Services in Fresno CA, please contact the caring staff at Valley Home Care.  Call (800) 604-5180.