Please
note: Media Relations is unable to answer questions about pet health
problems. Contact your veterinarian.
TIPS:
CHOOSING COMPANION PETS FOR THE ELDERLY
MANHATTAN
-- For years, researchers have known that pets can lift spirits
and be a great companion for humans. This is certainly no exception
for the elderly.
"There
are two categories of dogs that would make good pets for elderly
individuals," said William Fortney, assistant professor of
diagnostic medicine pathobiology at Kansas State University's College
of Veterinary Medicine. "Basically, there are the 'big dogs'
and 'little dogs' categories. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Usually, it's a choice made either by the owner or dictated by the
skilled nursing facility."
Fortney
said that big dogs require more care.
"Big
dogs need outside exercise and a lot of food," Fortney said.
"However, they are sturdy animals, they are great companions
and they don't always want to be in the owner's lap or bed. Unfortunately,
larger dogs can easily knock an elderly person off balance resulting
in a serious injury.
"Small
dogs can also be a good companion," Fortney said. "They
are close companions, which means they like to be in laps and beds.
Some people love that. Also, they are known as good watch dogs.
They usually bark when someone comes to the door or the phone rings,
but they don't pose a threat. The down side is that small dos are
not very sturdy and are easily injured when stepped on or run over
by a wheelchair."
When
looking for a dog for the elderly, Fortney mentioned some characteristics
to be aware of.
"You
don't want a dog that is too rambunctious or one that is really
high maintenance," Fortney said. "Look for a pet that
is calm and has a tolerant demeanor. You're asking for a problem
if you have a hyperactive dog in the house. Also, look for a dog
that is relatively easy to groom."
When
looking for a dog, Fortney mentioned that it might be difficult
to tell the temperament of the dog right away.
"If
you can, get a dog in a place where you can see the parents,"
he said. "It's hard to look at a puppy and decide how big it
will get or how it is likely to act. If you see the parents, you
might have some indication of the characteristics of the puppy."
If
it's impossible to meet the parents, Fortney suggested either picking
a certain breed or taking a few minutes to get to know the dog.
Each breed has certain predictable physical and behavioral characteristics.
"Some
people will stick with golden retrievers or labradors or German
shepherds. Those are all relatively intelligent, trainable dogs.
Also, when you go to pick out the dog, pick out one that walks to
you and wants to be petted. You want a dog that is interactive,
but not hyperactive."
Fortney
said dogs are not the only animals that make good companion pets
for the elderly.
"Cats
are one of the best companion animals. They're very 'easy-keepers,'
or low-maintenance animals. If a person is sick or gone for a day
or two, it's much easier to have a neighbor feed the cat or to have
the cat boarded than it is for a dog.
"Many
elderly people also get a real satisfaction out of caged birds,"
Fortney said. "They are easy-keepers and are very social animals.
Birds don't need a lot of space, so they're easy to have in an apartment
and most are very quiet."
In
general, Fortney said that it's up to the individual as to what
pet to get.
"The
pet's behavior toward young children and/or strangers needs to be
part of the decision-making process if visiting young children or
care-givers will be in the environment," Fortney said. "Some
people like different sizes of dogs or different animals. My straight-forward
suggestion is to get a pet that's calm, interactive and low-maintenance.
The rest is up to the individual."
-30-
For
more information contact William Fortney, 785-532-6405.
July
2000
Information
provided by veterinarians at the Kansas State University College
of Veterinary Medicine
|
