Senior Pets, Senior People Unite For "Golden" Partnership

Thursday, March 1, 2001

G =, GS For “Golden” Partner (NAPSA)—According to the American Pet Products Manufac- turers Association (APPMA), senior citizens can henefit from the physiological, social, and psychological benefits that senior pets provide. Studies suggest elderly petowners have significantly lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than elderly non-pet owners. Because companion animais, young or old, need to be walked, fed and groomed, seniors can take advantage of the increased exercise they'll get which results from pet ownership. Walking and carimg for a pet helps hearts stay healthy and keeps jomts flexible and limber. Along with physiological benefits, companion animals (whether farry, finned or feathered) offer love, companionship and social interaction. These additional benefits of pet ownership help older pet-owners maintain their mental and emotional health as well. “Because young pets require large amounts of time, attention and energy, seniors may find caring for a puppy, kitten or other younger pet a bit of a handful,” commented Funda Alp, spokesperson for APPMA. “Adopting a senior pet can prove to be the perfect fit and cornplement a senior citizen’s lifestyle.” APPMA offers the following additional benefits that adopting an older pet can bring to an older household: * Forget Messy Clean-ups: Older pets are usually house trained before adoption. * Don’t Hide Your Shoes: Older pets have passed the teething stage. * Basic Training: Older pets know the meaning of the word, “Wol” They are calmer and learn more quickly. Ne Surprises: Older pets are grown, their temperaments are developed and their medical history is known. * Finish Reading the News- paper: Older pets require less attention than younger pets. They allowfor “quiet time”for yourself. * Fasier Vet Trips: Older pets have had their shots. They've been neutered/spayed at aA younger age. “Older cats and dogs will make great companions, but they aren’ the only option when adopting a pet,” said Alp. “Birds, small animais including guinea pigs and hamsters, fish and reptiles also make ideal aniraal companions for senior citizens.” And, just like people, senior pets meed an annual check-up. Also, remember the following when caringfor a senior pet: Put safety gates across stair- ways so arthritic pets don’t climb up or down stairs. * Feed senior pets foods appropriate for their age and nutritional needs. * Wipe up spills around water bowls te prevent slips and falls. Avoid rearranging furniture if older pets have impaired vision. * Use grooming products that are gentler on an older pet’s skin and coat. * Elevate food and water bowls if older pets have trouble bending to eat and drink. For more information about responsible pet care, visit APPMA’s web site at www.appma.org.