Pets and the Elderly: What are the Risks?

Pets offer joy and companionship, especially for seniors. MediNurse, the premiere provider of private duty nursing care and health related services, recognizes that while pets provide a positive influence for relaxation and socialization, they can also be a health risk.

On the positive side, senior pet owners frequently have lower blood pressure and pulse rates, are more active and experience less depression and loneliness. That said, did you know that pets are also the second leading cause of falls among seniors? Every year more than 20,000 seniors are treated in emergency rooms for falls related to pets, and many of these falls involve fractures which can be debilitating for senior citizens.

While pets can be excellent sources of unconditional love and companionship for seniors, it’s important to consider whether a good idea is a good plan. MediNurse offers these tips for seniors who want or have pets:

• Smaller pets are easy to trip over as they are below your eye level. A simple solution: attach a bell to the animal’s collar so they can be easily heard as they move around.
• Keep pet toys such as balls, bones, etc. out of frequently traversed pathways.
• Dogs need exercise, and the benefit to this is that dog owners tend to be more active; however, many pet owners often fall as a result of being pulled by the leash. To avoid this, consider hiring a dog walker to join you or enlisting the help of a family member or neighbor.
• Make sure the pet’s leash is detached after walks and not left trailing around the house.
• Continually assess the situation; if you are unable to care for the pet, it is time to find it a new fur-ever home.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control, dogs precipitate almost eight times as many falls as other pets. Regardless of type of pet you have, it’s important to be careful and pay attention. If the benefits outweigh the dangers, a pet is a great companion for a senior.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.