Pet and Home Care Advice For the ElderlyPets bring unconditional love and a host of health benefits to their owners however, they also carry a major responsibility. As people age, they might require additional help in caring for their pets, or rehome their pets.Many communities offer resources to help with home and pet care. Online resources, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics can be helpful to find local help.Indoor CatsIndoor cats are less likely than outdoor cats to contract infectious illnesses like feline leukaemia or feline infectious peritonitis. They are also less susceptible to being hit by vehicles or other outdoor threats like coyotes, raccoons and parasites and people who may deliberately attack or take their pets. They are also happier because they don't have to wait for their owners for a long time hours to get out.However, indoor cats often feel bored and need to engage in activities that satisfy their desires. If a cat doesn't feel energized or occupied, they may become frustrated and destructive. They may also be overweight since they don't need to be working for their food as cats that are outdoors and hunt. This can lead to health issues like feline diabetes.Cats that are used to hunting in the wild for food will eat more often and cause problems by climbing or scratching furniture. pets tips require numerous opportunities to exercise and sharpen their claws so they don't get bored. They also require the option of using various places in their home for toileting. They are also very careful when it comes to litter and may be reluctant to use the tray that is dirty or too close to their food preparation area.Indoor cats are a wonderful option for many households, but it's important that they can express their natural behaviours and satisfy their physical and mental requirements. At SelectCare we can provide you with a variety of toys, towers and scratching posts to make your cat's life at home more enjoyable and fun.Indoor DogsDogs love to play outside, but some environmental and health concerns could require them to be inside your home for extended periods of time. Indoor dogs are able to exercise and remain connected with their families through regular walks, obedience training and indoor games like tug or fetch. These activities keep them mentally and physically active, decrease boredom and strengthen their bond with their owners.Certain breeds are better-suited for an indoor lifestyle than others. For example, the Cavoodle (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle) sheds very little, making it a great choice for those suffering from allergies or who have a small living space. Small breeds, such as Chihuahuas and French Bulldogs, also tend to be a good fit in smaller homes.Consider adopting a cat if you spend most of your time in the house. Cats don't require much regular exercise to release their energy. Dogs with a high prey drive often need more space to release their energy as well as dogs with a low prey drive can be content with short walks or indoor games.While many people believe dogs can be healthy without exercising, the fact is that their natural environment and lifestyle benefit from frequent outdoor interaction. Even if your pup spends the majority of their time indoors ensure that they get out for short outdoor breaks and play sessions. These activities can reduce destructive behavior, prevent separation anxiety and strengthen your bond with your family. If you have children who are young in your family it is crucial to teach them about pet safety and etiquette. It's also a great way to reinforce good habits like waiting in a doorway before entering or not asking for scraps from your table.Outdoor DogsDog owners might like their dogs to be outside for various reasons. For example working breeds like retrievers and shepherds will appreciate their work if they remain outdoors, as are hunting dogs who accompany their human companion when they go on hunting excursions. Families who spend a significant amount of time outside of the home due to work, school, day trips, or other obligations could enjoy the benefits of outdoor dog living because they can leave their dogs in their kennels for longer periods while they are away.Outdoor dogs should be closely supervised so they don't get out of their backyard or wander too far where they might be injured by other animals or vehicles. They should also be kept up to date on their rabies vaccines and other necessary vet care according to the veterinarian's recommendations. They should have a place to hide during bad weather, such as a shed, kennel or covered porch, and fresh, clean, and cool water that is replenished regularly.The risk of developing heat stroke is higher in dogs that are left outside without supervision particularly during hot weather. If they are exposed to cold temperatures for a long period of time, they can develop frostbite and hypothermia. Dogs that eat spoiled trash or ingest food items like raisins and grapes could get very sick due to these toxins.While some breeds of dog prefer to live in the outdoors and are pack animals, dogs are also pack animals and will benefit from spending a substantial amount of their time with their family members. Even outdoor-loving adventure dogs can benefit from regular walks or visits to the dog park, and a lot of playtime with humans.Outdoor CatsGenerally speaking, vets will strongly recommend keeping cats inside. Outdoor cats are at risk of many dangers like parasites, disease, toxins and cars. Indoor cats can live three times longer than outdoor cats. However, certain cats are destined to be outdoor cats due to their natural instincts, breed, or through adoption from shelters. It's a major decision but ultimately, it's up to the owner.Cats that spend their entire time outdoors feed their primal instincts of preying or hunting and exploring. They also run and climb up trees which is beneficial for their health. The outdoor world can be risky, particularly in urban areas that have lots of cats, where people as well as dogs and cars can be a risk.Another concern with outdoor cats is that they may cause problems for wildlife. Many stray cats and ferals are not socialized with other animals and can cause the death of small animals and cause damage to their habitats. This is a real problem that causes millions of cats to be killed each year.Keep your cat safe and always in contact with you, if you have one that wants to live outdoors. Be sure to check them for bites, ticks and changes in their behavior or weight. If you observe any of these signs it is crucial to speak with a vet to determine if your cat needs to be brought inside permanently. If you want your cat to be able to enjoy the outdoors safely, consider building a catio or training them to walk on a leash for guided outings.Indoor FishFor those who fish, it is vital to provide them with clean fresh water. It should be accessible at all times and replaced often to avoid the accumulation of waste. It is also important to test the chemistry of aquarium water frequently. The local Petbarn team will be able to advise you on the most effective methods to test your fish species. They can also assist in acclimatizing your fish to a new tank water. This can be difficult for fish and is vital to their health.All pets require clean water however those living in water are particularly in need. It's also important to provide your pet with plenty of hiding spots and tunnels, and attractive caves can help them feel safe and secure. Also, they need food and water dishes that are easy to reach. These should be available at all times, and they are required to be changed every two days.If you have family members who are able to take care of your pet when you're going away, you'll be set. If you don't have anyone to talk to you can use websites like NextDoor and Rooster that encourage an environment of sharing, where neighbors help one another out. Both sites can help you find people willing to look after your pets until you get back home.