Man's best friend can not only provide loving companionship, but can actually improve your health and even help you live longer. Researchers have found that human-animal interaction can lower the risk of heart problems, lower blood pressure and improve levels of relaxation. Having a pet can improve physical, emotional and social well being. These benefits are true for children and elders alike.
While pets can be a great source of comfort and companionship, there are a few things to keep in mind so that you both remain healthy and happy. The main risk is catching an infection from your pet. Overall, your chances of getting sick from your pet are greater if you have numerous animals in your home and only one adult to care for them, or your animals are very young (puppies carry more infections) or are pregnant. Reduce your risk of infection by following some basic guidelines:
1. Screen your new pet and avoid letting your pet come into contact with infected animals that are showing signs of illness, such as scratching, wheezing or agitation.
2. Treat your pet for fleas.
3. Wash your hands frequently after petting and keep your pet away from food preparation areas.
4. Vaccinate your pet on the schedule recommended by your veterinarian, include stool checks in the annual exam.
5. Clean up after your pet promptly and dispose of feces properly.
6. Treat any infections promptly.
7. Control your pet's diet.
8. Prevent your pet from eating raw meat or rodents.
9. Quarantine sick animals from well ones.
10. Clean scratches or bites thoroughly and promptly.
11. Use disposable gloves when cleaning a litter box or bird cage.
If caring for a pet by yourself is too challenging or you don't live in your own home, you may be lucky enough to have visits from a pet therapy service. Official therapy pets visit nursing homes, retirement homes, mental health facilities, board and care homes and even hospitals. People of all ages love these gentle animal friends. Certification programs exist to screen visiting therapy pets; be sure your facility uses one. Most of the time, the pets allowed in nursing homes are dogs.
There are three major organizations that certify therapy pets: The Delta Society, The Foundation for Pet Provided Therapy and Therapy Dog International. Each one of the organizations screens pets and manages them during visits. Animals arrive clean and free from pests. They wear vests or bandannas that identify them as certified pet therapy dogs. They are always managed, under control and on a leash. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the agency that is certifying pets you may see in a nursing home. The organization should provide certification papers, insurance and identification. You can see this paperwork if you wish, and keep copies of it. Certified pet therapy dogs visit with groups or individuals in the nursing home. They spend only a few minutes in each room, but typically make repeat visits to the same facility, often on a weekly basis. They are typically very calm and do not show too much excitement. They do, however, show a great deal of affection.
While there are always risks to visiting with someone else's pet, your risk of getting sick from visiting with a screened and managed pet is minimal. Pets offer physical contact and can revive pleasant memories in older adults. They can be a great source of happiness, judging by the smiles visits often generate.
