Revision as of 19:47, 10 July 2023 by 46.102.158.75 (talk) (Created page with "Pet and Home Care Advice For the Elderly<br /><br />Pets are a wonderful source of unconditional love, and they can bring a variety of health benefits for their owners. Howeve...")(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Pet and Home Care Advice For the ElderlyPets are a wonderful source of unconditional love, and they can bring a variety of health benefits for their owners. However, they also come with a lot of responsibility. As people age, they could require additional help in caring for their pets, or rehome their pets .Many communities provide services to assist with pet and home care. Online resources, animal shelters and veterinary clinics can be helpful in locating local help.Indoor CatsCats that are housed indoors are less likely to contract diseases like feline leukaemia, feline infectious peritonitis and feline AIDS. They are less prone to being hit by vehicles or other outdoor dangers like coyotes and parasites raccoons and people who might intentionally harm or steal their pets. They also are more content because they don't have to wait for any times of the day or night to get their owners to let them outside.Indoor cats are usually bored and require to be entertained to satisfy their natural needs. If a cat doesn't feel energized or occupied they could become bored and destructive. They can also gain weight because they do not have to work to eat, unlike cats who hunt in the wild. This can lead to health issues like feline diabetes.Cats that are used to hunting in the wild for food will eat more and cause problems by climbing or scratching furniture. Indoor cats need to have multiple opportunities to exercise their claws and keep them sharp so they do not become bored. They must also be able to choose where they want to toilet. They are also very careful when it comes to litter and may be hesitant to use a tray that is dirty or too close to their food area.Indoor cats are a good option for most households, but it's essential that they are able to display their natural behaviors and meet their physical and mental needs. At SelectCare we can offer you a range of toys, towers and scratching posts that will ensure that your cat's stay at home more interesting and happy.Indoor DogsDogs are awe-inspiring when they play outdoors, but certain health and environmental factors could require them to be in your home for prolonged durations. Indoor dogs can still exercise and bond with their families on regular walks, obedience classes and indoor games of tug or fetch. These activities help them stay mentally and physically active, reduce boredom and strengthen their bond with their owners.Some breeds are better suited to an indoor life than others. Cavoodles (a cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles) shed very little, and are a great option for people who suffer from allergies or who have a limited living space. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or French Bulldogs also tend to thrive in smaller homes.Consider getting a cat if you spend the majority of your time at home. Cats don't require much regular exercise to let their energy out. pet friendly with a high prey drive typically require more space to let their energy flow and release energy, while dogs with a less prey desire can be satisfied with a short walk or indoor games.While many people believe dogs are healthy without having to go outside however, their natural environment and their lifestyle benefit from frequent outdoor interaction. Even if you pup spends most of the day indoors, ensure they get out for short outdoor breaks and play sessions. These activities can help decrease destructive behavior, decrease separation anxiety and strengthen your bond with your family. Also, if you're children in your family it is important to teach them the basics of pet grooming and safety rules. It's also a great method to reinforce good habits such as sitting before entering a doorway or not soliciting table scraps.Outdoor DogsCertain dog owners want their dogs to live outdoors for a variety of reasons. For example, working dog breeds like retrievers and shepherds will appreciate their work if they remain outside, and so can hunting dogs who accompany their human on hunting excursions. Families who spend a lot time away from their homes due to school, work or day trips can also benefit from living outdoors with their dogs. They can leave their dogs in their kennels for a longer period of time while they're away.Outdoor dogs should be supervised to ensure they are not leaving their yard and aren't wandering off in areas where they could be injured by vehicles or other animals. They should also be up to date on their rabies vaccinations and other vet-related care that is required according to the veterinarian's recommendations. They should have a place to hide during bad weather, such as a kennel, shed or covered porch, as well as fresh, clean, and cool water that is regularly replenished.The risk of developing heat stroke is higher in dogs that are left outside without supervision particularly on hot summer days. They can also develop hypothermia or frostbite if they are exposed to cold temperatures for long periods of time. These toxins can make dogs very sick if they eat spoiled garbage or ingest raisins and grapes.Dogs are pack animals, and they'll benefit from spending time with their family. Even dogs who are adventurous and are outdoorsy will benefit from daily walks with their humans, trips to a dog park, or a vigorous games.Outdoor CatsIn general, vets will strongly suggest keeping cats indoors. Outdoor cats are susceptible of a variety of things, including disease, parasites and toxins. Indoor cats can live three times longer than outdoor cats. However, certain cats are made to be outdoor cats either because of their natural instincts, their breed, or due to adoption from a shelter. It's a difficult decision to make, but it is ultimately the owner to decide.Cats that spend their entire time outdoors are more likely to indulge their instincts for hunting or prey and exploring. They also run and climb up trees, which is good for their health. The outdoor world isn't always safe, particularly in urban areas with many cats, where people as well as dogs and cars are always a threat.Another concern with outdoor cats is that they may cause problems for wildlife. Many feral and stray cats aren't socialized with humans and can kill small animals and cause damage to their habitats. This is a very real issue that causes the death of millions of cats in the community each year.Keep your cat secure and in constant contact with you, if you have one who likes to be in the open air. Make sure you check them regularly for bites, ticks and changes in their behavior or weight. If you observe any of these signs it is essential to seek out a veterinarian to determine if your cat is a good candidate to be kept inside permanently. If you want your cat to be able to enjoy the outdoors safely, consider creating a catio or teaching them to walk on a leash during guided outings.Indoor FishIt is crucial that those who care for fish have access to clean freshwater. This should be available throughout the day and replaced frequently to avoid waste build-up. Regularly testing the aquarium water chemical composition is crucial. Your local Petbarn team can advise on the most effective test methods for your specific fish species. They can also help you acclimatize your fish to new tank water. This can be difficult for fish and is essential to their health.Providing access to clean, fresh water is essential for all pets, but more so for those who live in water. It's also important to provide your pet with plenty of hiding spots and tunnels, and attractive caves can make them feel safe and secure. They also require food that is easy to reach and water bowls. These should be available at any time, and must be changed twice a day.You'll be fine if have a family member who can take care of your pet when you're away. However, if you don't have someone you can ask, there are websites such as NextDoor and Rooster that promote a sharing community where neighbors assist each other. Both sites can help you find people willing to take care of your pets until you get back home.