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Keeping Your Aging Parent’s Pets Safe from Holiday Dangers

December 21, 2016

Elderly Care in Juno Beach FL

Elderly Care in Juno Beach FLPets can make a tremendous difference in your aging parent’s life. Extensive studies have shown that elderly adults can gain a wide variety of benefits from spending time with animals regularly, including lowered blood pressure, reduced risk of anxiety and overall improved mental and physical well-being. As a family caregiver it is important that you not only ensure your aging parent stays safe and healthy during the holiday season, but that their furry friends do as well. This ensures that they will be able to keep giving your parent joy and comfort well after the holidays come to an end. Use these tips to help keep your aging parent’s pet safe and healthy during the holiday season:
• Prevent a Christmas crash. Make sure that your aging parent’s Christmas tree is properly anchored so that it will not fall if a curious pet decides to rub up against or even attempt to climb its boughs. Consider using clear fishing line attached to the tree trunk and then a hook in the wall to create a more stable tree.
• Do not let them dehydrate the tree. Your parent’s pets will need fresh water throughout the season, and it is essential that you do not let them find that water at the base of the tree. This water can contain pesticides, fertilizers, and other contaminants from the tree itself, as well as bacteria that thrives when the water remains in the base for days at a time. Take measures to prevent pets from drinking this water, such as wrapping plastic mesh around the base to make it possible to pour water in but not for the to get their mouths close to the water.
• Stick to fake greenery. If possible, avoid decorating with real greenery. Plants such as holly, mistletoe, and evergreens can be extremely hazardous for pets. Eating even a small amount of holly or mistletoe can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and even cardiovascular problems. Decorate with plastic, silk, or paper versions to protect these pets while still making the home look just as festive.
• Forgo the tinsel. Your parent might love the sparkle of tinsel, but if they have cats, it might be a better idea for them to keep the strands packed away for the season. Tinsel is extremely appealing to cats, but if they ingest it it can obstruct or tangle in their bowels, leading to very serious complications and even death. The holidays are a fantastic time for you to consider starting elder care for your aging parent. This time of year can mean to-do lists that seem to grow constantly and a schedule that is packed full with additional events and obligations, leaving you feeling like you are not able to give your parent the level of care that they truly deserve. For your aging loved one, this season can bring to mind painful emotions, grief, loneliness and isolation, and constant reminders of how their challenges and limitations have impacted their ability to celebrate the holidays in the ways that they always have. An elderly home care services provider can be there with your aging parent to help them cope with the difficult emotions that they might face, encourage them to be as involved in the holiday celebrations as they can be, and ensure that their needs are met consistently throughout the season. When it comes to helping them to care for their pets and keep them healthy and happy, this care provider can help your parent understand the risks that those animals face during the holiday season and provide assistance for tasks that will ensure those furry companions get the care and protection they need even if your aging loved one is not able to handle them on their own. Sourc http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/holiday-safety-tips
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.