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Elderly Parents and PetsPets can offer wonderful companionship to elderly individuals, enhancing quality of life and giving people a reason to get up in the morning. However, as people get older there are considerations that should be made by the extended family or close friends in terms of pet care and elderly individuals. Sometimes people think "Oh, I should get my parent(s) a cat or dog." Stop and think before you do this; this isn't always a wise decision. We get calls every month from sons and daughters announcing "My parent(s) can no longer take care of their pet. Can you help?" Sadly, the answer is usually "No."Before recommending or getting a pet for a senior citizen, please consider these factors: 1. Is the person able (physically and financially) to take their pet to the veterinarian for annual checkups and other appointments needed to maintain good health? If they can't, are you able to do this for them, or are you able to make arrangements with someone else to do this? Make sure any pet is spayed or neutered, current on shots, tested annually for heartworm and given the monthly heartworm prevention. Sadly, we've encountered situations where pets were in poor condition because their elderly owner was not able to provide adequate care. 2. Is the person physically and mentally able to follow care and feeding instructions for their pet, including the administration of medications and monthly heartworm prevention? We've observed that elderly owners frequently overfeed their pets, which can result in obesity and cause life-threatening health conditions. You may need to post the care and feeding instructions in large print in an easily visible area in the person's home. 3. Does the person have the ability to recognize when their pet is ill and in need of veterinary attention? If not, are you able to visit their home every day to oversee the pet's health and well being and intervene if necessary? 4. A breed that was loved in one's youth may not be an appropriate breed for a senior citizen. In the case of a dachshund, they often need an assertive owner with a firm voice; one who is able to show they are the "pack leader". If the senior citizen can't provide adequate leadership for the dog, then behavioral issues may develop, possibly requiring relinquishment of the dog. Realize that as a person ages, his/her needs and abilities change. Evaluate their situation as it is now---not as it was 10, 20 or 30 years ago. 5. A puppy or young dog is usually not a good choice for a senior citizen. The energy level and needs of a young dog are often too tasking. Instead, choose a small dog over the age 6. Middle aged and senior dogs are calmer, often already housetrained and more obedient, grateful for love and attention, and usually content to relax on the couch with their owner. 6. Is there a long-term plan in place for the pet if the owner is hospitalized and/or no longer able to provide care? Don't get a pet for an elderly parent if you aren't willing to take ultimate and unconditional responsibility for the animal if and when the time comes. Don't depend on a rescue group to be able to accept a pet if your parent(s) are unable to continue providing care. Rescue groups are overrun with calls from people wanting them to take pets because "my parent(s) can no longer provide care, we've moved, we've had a baby," etc. Think of the future and have a plan in place! (See our article on Planning Ahead for the Future of Your Pets for more information.) Back to the Dachshund Resource Library |