PETS AND ELDERLY
Doctors and vets alike have been involved in many studies about the effect that pets have on a person’s health. Through research it has been determined that having a pet is one of the best investments that you can make in your health and happiness. Over the past years, scientific research has shown that animals can benefit both our bodies and minds. Those studied showed lower blood pressures, reduced heart rates, lowered anxiety levels, and also allowed owners to have the ability to show unconditional love and affection. These benefits have not been confined to just younger families. Pets have shown significant impact in the health of our elderly population. Elderly pet owners tend to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. These owners show better overall mental and physical strength as those the same age that don’t have pets. They generally seem to be more active, and seem to cope better with stress and changes in their life.While some may think that a pet is a large amount of work for the elderly, ensuring proper pet selection is key. This so called “work” also provides the elderly with recommended exercise even in small amounts and helps them maintain their agility, and a sense of responsibility as they age.Pets also allow for physical contact, which many elderly experience loss of as children grow up, or after the loss of a spouse. They allow them to have companionship and someone to be close to when they are alone and visitor free. Having a pet helps alleviate separation anxiety for seniors.The benefits of pets considerably outweigh the care that they need. Over the years vets and doctors continue to find additional benefits through research. Pets definitely take on a family role in many of our lives. If you think a friend or family member could benefit from a pet the veterinarians at Boca Village can help you find an animal that suits their needs.
LOSS OF PET PART TWO
As an owner as well, you must understand that pets cannot just “be replaced”. While you may feel empty and want to replace your pet right away it is a good idea to take the time to grieve, celebrate your pet’s life, and then prepare to make new memories with a new pet. You never want to search for pet to replace your lost one, as no two pets will be the same.Do not rush through the grieving process, because you feel as though you should, and it’s just a pet. The same as with human loss the grieving process can take time, and will come in stages. Pets that have been in our lives for years will take longer to get over. Seek out friends who are pet owners that have experienced the loss of a pet. They will be your support as they understand your feelings more than someone who has never had that bond. You can share memories together and assist in the grieving process.You may find that when you are ready to bring a new pet in your life, it might be beneficial to seek a new breed. The new pet will never replace the old one, and this may help keep your from comparing and allow you to enjoy your new pets personality. Let the bonding process begin, and soon you will be on your way to another new friendship. The vets at Boca Village can help you find a new pet to begin bonding with.
LOSS OF PET PART ONE
Losing a pet can be just as devastating as the loss of a family member. In our society pets are part of our families and we have become attached and show just as much love and care to them as we do our family members. When you lose a pet either expectedly from old age, or unexpectedly from illness you will still need to take time to grieve and deal with the loss. You will want to find ways to celebrate your pet’s life, and not dwell on the loss.For people who do not own pets, they may not understand your need to grieve, or the loss. For them it may be easier to act as if the pet just didn’t exist, or it’s no big deal. You need to be prepared to deal with this, and realize they are not intentionally trying to hurt you with this, they just do not understand the bond of pet and owner. The vets at Boca Veterinary are very compassionate and can help you through these tough times.
Candy Can Kill Your Pet, So You Better Watch Out! Part 2
One of the most deadly foods our pets can consume is chocolate, which contains both caffeine and theobromine. Caffeine and theobromine are nervous system stimulants. Theobromine is also a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic that can cause your pet’s heartbeat to accelerate or beat irregularly, which can lead to death, especially with exercise. If your pet ingests chocolate, within a few hours they will become hyperactive, pass large amounts of urine and become dehydrated. Other signs of chocolate toxicity are shaking, nervousness, and overreacting to touch, noises, lights and sounds. The fat that is in chocolate can also lead to vomit or diarrhea in your pet, although white chocolate has a lower risk than dark chocolate for causing harm. However, chocolate isn’t the only thing that can cause your pet harm. All sugary foods such as candy can lead to obesity, diabetes and dental problems that can, in the long-term, shorten your pets lifespan or require costly procedures. Also, make sure that your children don’t leave their candy or chocolate wrappers lying around after sorting or trading their candy, as your pet can choke on the small wrappers.Make sure that your trash can and bags of garbage are out of reach and inaccessible to your pet, as many things that we throw away can lead to illness, serious harm or even death for our beloved animals. If your pet eats chocolate contact your Boca Raton Veterinarians!
Candy Can Kill Your Pet, So You Better Watch Out!
Parents usually spend years warning their children not to eat to too much candy or they’ll make themselves sick, but many often forget about the danger candy and chocolate present to their family pets. A child who overindulges on candy will suffer a stomachache and nausea at the worst, but your dog or cat can die from the sugary treats if they get them in their stomachs.Our job as pet owners is to keep out pets happy, healthy and safe from harm. Even though we may want to reward our fluffy friends with the human food we get to enjoy, it almost always can lead to illness or death to our beloved pet.
If your pet eats any candy bring them to Boca Raton Veterinarian immediately!
Overcoming Pet Obesity
Leading your pet down a happy and healthy road isn’t hard. Pets should be provided with a good nutritional diet with rich proteins, with an everyday supplement of amino acids, vitamins and minerals for regaining their stamina. The weight loss should begin to appear gradually. Doing mild exercises such as having your pet run and jump is enough to keep them fit.
So remember, the next time you see that stray tennis ball or your choosing dog food at the supermarket, a healthy pet is a happy pet! Visit the vets at Boca Village to find the best type of food for your pet!
Obesity in Dogs
Dogs; a man’s best friend. Little do people know that dogs learn from their owners just like children learn from their parents. If a dog has a couch potatoes owner, what do you think he/she is going to learn from that? The incident that a dog is obese is more likely to be found when the owner is obese as well. Dog breeds that are more likely to become obese include small terriers, cocker spaniels, dachshunds, beagles etc. but overall, every dog runs the risk of becoming obese if the owner doesn’t take the precautions to keep their dog fit.
Obesity in dogs is mainly caused by the feeding of table scraps. Don’t trust those puppy dog eyes when you’re sitting down enjoying your meal! Spayed female dogs likewise with castrated male dogs are more likely to become obese due to the imbalance of hormones. Underactive thyroid hormones could cause an overweight dog, and of course, when a dog doesn’t get its daily exercise!
So, if your animal is getting obese come talk to our vets at Boca Village about treating the condition.
