Dogs are wonderful companions for seniors, but sometimes taking care of them can be challenging. As seniors and their dogs get older seniors may need to adapt the way they do things to make dog care easier.
Home care is a great option for seniors with pets. A home care provider can help seniors walk their dog, take the dog out several times each day, and make sure that the dog’s dishes are full and clean. Some other things that can make dog care easier for seniors are:
At Home Vet Care
Pets need regular vet checkups, but getting a dog to the vet can be very difficult for seniors, especially if they no longer drive. Look in the area for vets that make house calls or have mobile vans. Providing pet care at home is becoming much more popular now. And many vets will make house calls for seniors if they pay a small extra fee.
Maintain a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime can help both you and your dog know what to expect each day. Having home care is a good way to make sure that your dog’s routine stays intact even if your senior parent isn’t feeling up to things like walking the dog.
Keep Supplies Accessible
Store dog supplies like food, treats, toys, and grooming tools in easily accessible locations to avoid the need for heavy lifting or bending down to reach items. A home care provider can help seniors restock pet food and fill small containers with food so that seniors don’t have to lift heavy bags. A great way to make feeding easier is to have a home care provider pre-portion meals for the dogs and store their food and supplements in a plastic bag that can just be dumped into the dog’s bowl.
Get Senior Friendly Dog Equipment
Seniors who struggle with balance or mobility can still walk their dog, but they may need to use senior-friendly equipment like leashes that are designed to go around the waist or breakaway leashes that will break before the dog can pull a senior off their feet.
Use Technology
Embrace technology to make dog care easier. Automatic feeders can ensure your dog is fed on time, and water fountains can ensure that the dog always has access to clean cold water when it wants to drink. There are also collars with chips inside that can activate doggie doors so the dog can take itself out to the yard if necessary and let itself back in.
Hire A Pro
If your senior parent has a dog that is a very active breed and your senior parent can no longer walk fast enough or far enough to give the dog the exercise it needs hire a dog walker to come daily and take the dog for a long walk. That will keep your senior parent’s dog happy and healthy without risking the health of your senior parent.
Get Professional Training
If your senior parent has a young dog the dog should go through a round of professional training so that it knows not to jump up on your senior parent, get in their way and trip them, or inadvertently cause other accidents that could cause your senior parent to get hurt.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Delafield, WI please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (414) 206-2090
At Talem Home Care of Milwaukee, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Brookfield, Cudahy, Delafield, Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Milwaukee, Mukwonago, Muskego, New Berlin, Oak Creek, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Shorewood, South Milwaukee, Waukesha, Wauwatosa, West Allis and surrounding areas in Wisconsin.
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