Helping the Elderly Care for Their Pets

Many elderly people have pets. The pet is their companion, their friend and has probably been a lifelong member of the family. For some elderly people their pet is the only companionship they have for days on end. These same elderly people are probably having trouble tending to the daily routine of caring for the pet.

Is a Pet to Much Work for an Elderly Person?

Have you ever heard someone say, "She/he needs to get rid of that dog, cat, etc, because she is getting to old to take care of it?" Hopefully, you haven't been the one saying it. Why should an older person give up a pet that they have loved for so many years just because they have gotten older?

The elderly have already given up a lot in their life. They know they are too old to work, too old to mow their lawn, too old to go dancing like they use to. Why should younger more able bodied people keep reminding them that they are too old? It is like a slap in the face.

Pets, especially dogs and cats require a lot of work to be cared for properly. They need baths, they need exercise, they need to be played with and fed and taken to the vet. Have you noticed an elderly friend or family member who seems to be having difficulty caring for their pet as efficiently as they use to? Do not degrade them farther by suggesting that they may need to get rid of their pet, help them out instead.

Ways to Help the Elderly Care for and Keep Their Pet

Bathing a pet can be a real problem for a person as they get older. It may be painful for them to sit or kneel at a bathtub to keep their pet clean. Leaning over the tub or lifting the pet in and out may be difficult. If you notice that an elderly person's dog needs bathing, offer to do it for them or to help them. Do it nicely, so they think you just want to be involved and be helpful.

Litter box cleaning is another chore that some elderly have trouble with. They may keep it clean of clumps and messes, but may not thoroughly scrub and clean it as often as they use to. No, it is not a pleasant job, but if you offer to do it, it will sure help your aged mother or grandmother's house to smell better when you come to visit!

Taking their dog for a nice long walk may be a thing of the past for an elderly person with breathing problems, or arthritic hips. They may manage to let the dog out for potty breaks and that is about all. They miss the nice walks and feel guilty because their dog probably misses the walks too. Offer to take the dog on a nice walk, especially in cold, snowy weather.

Better yet, drive the elderly person to a dog park where they can sit and watch while their dog enjoys running and socializing with other dogs. There will probably be other elderly people there, so you have helped your elderly relative or friend and their dog get out and socialize. They will both appreciate it.

Enjoy the Time with the Elderly and Their Pet

If you live in an apartment and cannot have a pet, this is the perfect way for you to help an elderly person care for their pet, and for you to realize the joys of having a pet. You may also find that you are enjoying stopping by your elderly relative's house much more than usual. The dog or cat will greet you joyfully!

Your help in caring for an elderly person's pet may just make the difference in whether they get to keep their pet or not. Why should an elderly person have to give up a pet that is like a child to them, simply because age and health are interfering with them being able to care for that pet?

Offer your help and support in caring for an elderly person pet. All it will cost you is some time. The person and the pet will be grateful to you, and you will get the joy of helping someone keep their pet!