Q – Is it safe for Dallas seniors to have pets?

A – Pets like dogs and cats can provide companionship to Dallas seniors who live by themselves. Having another living creature to care for can help motivate seniors to live their lives and avoid falling into a depressive state. However, having a pet, especially a dog can increase the likelihood of accidents such as falls. The responsibility of having a dog to take outside for walks can become a physical burden, and can unnecessarily expose seniors to potentially bad weather that can increase the likelihood of an accident. Having to bend over to pick up after a pet could result in a fall, and a dog has the potential to pull a senior over if pulling to visit another animal or person when on a leash.

Seniors who are stable may not be at risk for accidents resulting from pet care, but even they need to consider who will care for their pet in case of a medical emergency or incident.

Regardless of the situations, seniors can have pets and ensure that both their animal and their own health is well looked after by having someone else who is able to provide pet care once the senior’s physical mobility causes a safety issue, or in the circumstance where they are taken away from the home due to an illness. Since it’s not always possible to rely on family or friends to look after pets, seniors can find a home caregiver agency like Home Instead Senior Care to step in and look after the needs of both the senior and their beloved pet.

Sources:

1. Suite 101

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Are you seeking home care for an aging relative in Dallas? Call Home Instead Senior Care in Dallas at 972-239-3934.