Merle F. Marks, DVM

Timberland Animal Clinic
 
 
 
 
 

New Pets and Elderly People
 

It is a medically proven fact that interacting with a pet is beneficial to one's health. It lowers blood pressure, relieves tension and evens improves a person's immune system. They also play an incredible role as a companion. They love with no strings attached. With a scenario like that, obviously this would be helpful for the elderly who are often lonely and have health problems. If they are good for your mind, body and soul, shouldn't everyone have one? Well, there are few situations that require more thought and research than a geriatric person getting a pediatric pet.
 

Here is a common scenario. We'll use Mrs. Lee as an example. She is a widow, 81 years young, is not housebound but doesn't drive. She lives by herself and relatives check in on her every couple of days (God bless them). Often times I am involved at this point because she has just lost her pet of 16 years and now is truly alone again.
 

1) Look at what pets Mrs. Lee has had in the past. Experience is extremely important. Not that she couldn't but now is not the time for her to be learning how to care for a dog if she has never had one. I would only recommend a small dog with some maturity, no health problems and a very loving attitude. I would rarely recommend a puppy. Their energy levels and attention requirements are quite high a can be a handful for even the most energized family. Also there is a good chance that the puppy will outlive her and what will happen to the dog if that happens.

2) Look at the housing situation and available space. A three room apartment is not the place for a puppy which is going to grow to 80 pounds. Cats and kittens work better in smaller houses and apartments. If she has problems walking then a dog can complicate that situation. Dogs need exercise. A cat might be a better choice.
 

3) I have purposely neglected to mention any other types of pets for one specific reason people in general are much better informed and usually have some kind of experience with dogs and cats. Birds and exotics require much more specific requirements and also an observant eye as diseases and conditions can be less obvious with them.
 

4) This is a big one--does Mrs. Lee really want another pet? Often family members worried about her being lonely will assume that she should have another pet to "cheer her up" or to give her "someone to worry about" other than herself. She should be given ample time to decide for herself if another pet is what she really wants.
 

In conclusion I would suggest taking time to think through the situation and try to find the best solution for both Mrs. Lee and the pet and the extended family. Treat the prospective pet as a possible family member and not as a pacifier.

Merle F. Marks, DVM