A common problem pet owners face is the refusal of their pet to eat. There are two major reasons why this may occur. First, it may be due to a physiological reason. This would include any problem that affects the pet's body, smell, taste or other senses. For example, should the pet become ill with a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, the animal may immediately go off food. In this case, it is best to take the pet to the veterinarian for an examination. It is important that the pet does not remain off food for any extended length of time as this can cause additional problems. Secondly, a pet may refuse to eat due to behavioral problems. Behavioral problems may be due to snacking between meals, being fed table scraps, or by allowing the pet to have
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Increasing their interest in life and their perceived quality of life, as indicated by the fact that elderly people who have companion animals or are visited by pets smile, laugh and talk more and are more alert. 2. Giving them something to care for outside of themselves, greater structure to their lives and a reason to take care of themselves. 3. Reducing stress and depression and boosting spirits. We know that both being touched and touching is important for the well being of all human beings, and many studies have shown that talking to and touching animals can reduce stress and even lower blood pressure. 4. Improving self image and boosting confidence and self esteem. 5. Reducing the feelings of loneliness and isolation that plague many elderly people. 6. Providing a connection to youth and life. 7. Offering affection, consolation and nonjudgmental acceptance. 8. Providing a sense of being loved and needed and a renewed opportunity to nurture; these feelings, including a greater sense of purpose, can be very important to the elderly who often feel increasingly frail and dependent. 9. Improving health. Some studies have shown that pet ownership and interaction may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of developing heart disease. In addition, elderly people who have companion animals have been shown to visit the doctor less often than those that don't. 10. Increasing activity levels. Feeding, grooming and walking a pet can help the elderly to stay active. Pet ownership also can encourage socialization by getting the elderly out of the house if only briefly. Given these benefits, many physicians, social workers, home health care workers, nursing home employees, and others who work with the elderly recommend pet ownership and interaction to help the elderly live fuller, happier lives. Although most of us think of dogs and cats when
Increasing their interest in life and their perceived quality of life, as indicated by the fact that elderly people who have companion animals or are visited by pets smile, laugh and talk more and are more alert. 2. Giving them something to care for outside of themselves, greater structure to their lives and a reason to take care of themselves. 3. Reducing stress and depression and boosting spirits. We know that both being touched and touching is important for the well being of all human beings, and many studies have shown that talking to and touching animals can reduce stress and even lower blood pressure. 4. Improving self image and boosting confidence and self esteem. 5. Reducing the feelings of loneliness and isolation that plague many elderly people. 6. Providing a connection to youth and life. 7. Offering affection, consolation and nonjudgmental acceptance. 8. Providing a sense of being loved and needed and a renewed opportunity to nurture; these feelings, including a greater sense of purpose, can be very important to the elderly who often feel increasingly frail and dependent. 9. Improving health. Some studies have shown that pet ownership and interaction may reduce blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of developing heart disease. In addition, elderly people who have companion animals have been shown to visit the doctor less often than those that don't. 10. Increasing activity levels. Feeding, grooming and walking a pet can help the elderly to stay active. Pet ownership also can encourage socialization by getting the elderly out of the house if only briefly. Given these benefits, many physicians, social workers, home health care workers, nursing home employees, and others who work with the elderly recommend pet ownership and interaction to help the elderly live fuller, happier lives. Although most of us think of dogs and cats when