Prescription Pets
Compiled by: Matt Severs, DVM, Associate VeterinarianSuperior Animal Hospital & Boarding Suites
Anyone who has shared their home with a family
pet knows the benefits they can provide, a sense of
companionship, security, and love. These benefits
are particularly true for senior citizens. Research into
companion animal ownership has been linked to
multiple improvements in not only physical, but mental
health as well.
For some seniors, a dog can be a great way to get out
of the house and stay active. In a survey of elderly
pet owners, 71 percent of participants said their pets
make them feel better even when they physically feel
bad. Dog walking, grooming, caretaking, and even
petting can provide enough increase in physical
activity to strengthen the heart, increase blood
circulation, decrease blood pressure, and slow the
progression of bone loss. In a recent study, the long
term survival of heart attack victims who had a pet are
significantly longer than those who did not have a
companion animal. Another study of 100 Medicare
patients revealed that companion animal owners were 21
percent less likely to visit their doctors and often required
less medication. These patients were also said to recover
from surgery and illness more quickly.
Aside from the obvious physical benefit from
companion animal ownership, there is also a great
benefit to one’s emotional and mental health. Often,
seniors in our communities find themselves to be lonely.
With children out of the home, or perhaps the loss
of a spouse or other loved one, a companion animal
can help combat the feeling of loneliness. Often, the
simple act of holding an animal can relieve stress,
symptoms of depression, and of course add a sense of
companionship.
There are a few factors to keep in mind when adopting a
pet for yourself or perhaps a senior family member. The
mobility of the caretaker is important to consider. Will they
be able to go on walks with their pet, feed their pet, or are
they somewhat limited in the activities they can perform?
An active dog may be a good choice for one person while
a calm cat who enjoys sleeping on the couch may be good
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for another. The age and health of the animal is important
to consider as well. Older animals often require more
veterinary care, and may require daily medications to
maintain good health. However, often times middle aged
to older animals tend to be more calm which usually make
a better fit for a senior caregiver. Younger puppies and
kittens tend to be more active and may be too stimulating
for some seniors. Another important factor to consider is the
access to veterinary care. This includes the financial
stability to provide necessary care as well as
appropriate transportation to and from a veterinary clinic.
Having a companion animal in one’s life can be greatly
beneficial to everyone regardless of age but for
seniors especially. It is not hard to imagine going to your
doctor and being prescribed a companion animal for
all the physical and mental health benefits. Every day
dogs and cats are brought to shelters and rescues
waiting to be adopted. Before long, the question of “who
rescued who?” may become apparent.