Studies find that pet owners are often happier, healthier people. Pets help lower blood pressure, increase feelings of happiness, and reduce stress. Your mom has been talking about getting a pet, but which is best for her?
Pros and Cons of Owning a Dog
Home Care Boca Raton FL – Dog or Cat? Which is Best For Your Lonely Parent?What are the pros and cons of owning a dog? Dogs need regular vet visits, vaccines, and licensing in most areas. Licenses are with the town or city and require a valid rabies certificate. Your mom might also need to prove that her dog has been vaccinated against common diseases like distemper. Dogs that are fixed cost less to license than a dog that hasn’t been fixed.
Dogs are loyal companions and offer your mom the chance to get outside. Her dog will need time outside, and one of the best ways to do that is by taking the dog for a walk. Her dog gets exercise and so does she.
Her dog will need regular grooming, which includes baths, brushing, and nail trimmings. Certain breeds are also more likely to get ear infections and need the ears cleaned regularly to prevent them.
Her dog needs to be socialized. If it’s kept isolated towards other people or dogs, it could be fearful or aggressive when put in a situation it’s not used to. Make sure the dog is exposed to children of all ages, men, women, and other cats and dogs. Obedience training will help with this process.
Finally, if your mom does travel, she will need to bring her dog, kennel it while she’s away, or find someone to take care of the dog. She can’t just go away for a couple of days to visit you and leave the dog home alone.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Cat
Cats are independent. If they’re left enough food and water, they can be left alone for a couple of days. They often come and go as they like. Your mom’s cat may want to be on her lap for hours and then disappear and want to be left alone.
Cats don’t need to go outside. It’s safer if the cat stays inside. If left outside unsupervised, a cat is at risk of being attacked by other animals, hit by cars, or taken in by someone that thinks the cat is a stray. Inside, a cat will use a litter box for bathroom breaks. There are self-cleaning systems that just need the container emptied once a week or so.
You do need to make sure your mom’s cat sees a vet once a year for a health check and vaccinations. Rabies, feline leukemia, and feline HIV are three of the common vaccines.
There’s another way to make sure your mom has the chance to socialize and get out of her house. Home care services can schedule caregivers to help your mom out. Her home care aide becomes a trusted friend who is also available to help her with housework, meals, and laundry.
How do you arrange home care? It’s easy. Call our agency or fill out an online form to get started.
If you or a family member are in need of hiring Home Care Services in Boca Raton FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Margate, Pompano Beach and Tamarac.
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