(NewsUSA) – Many older adults experience feelings of loneliness and isolation as they age, but pets can provide the companionship and love seniors desire. A new survey conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care Network, found regular interaction with animals can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness in older adults.The most frequently cited benefits of pet ownership are company, comfort, unconditional love, entertainment and improved mood. In fact, 86 percent of pet owners agree they would be lonelier and less happy without their pet, and 58 percent agree that they would not be as physically healthy without their pet.
The companionship and love provided by a pet can be especially meaningful for those most at risk for isolation. Home Instead found that pet owners who live alone are significantly more likely to report increased benefits of pet ownership.Owning a pet can also be an important factor for seniors deciding where they will live as they age. According to the survey, 82 percent of older adults say they will not consider moving to a senior living community without their pet.While interaction with animals has been shown to improve mental and physical well-being in older adults, research from Home Instead confirms that seniors don’t need to own pets to experience the benefits. Those who regularly interact with, but don’t own, pets report feeling better just spending time with animals owned by family, friends and neighbors.
There are many ways seniors can interact with animals without taking on the responsibility of pet ownership. Here are a few ideas:* Volunteer at a rescue organization or animal shelter. Many rescue organizations and animal shelters could use an extra hand. Seniors can help provide care for animals, including feeding, watering, restocking supplies, washing dishes, walking dogs, cleaning cages and enclosures or socializing with the animals. Volunteers experience the benefits of interacting with pets, and they can provide some care to an animal in need.
* Get to know your neighbors’ pets. Seniors who regularly walk their neighborhoods will likely see pet owners walking their dogs. Asking to join them for a walk might lead to new friendships with neighbors and dogs. * Connect with a therapy animal. Pet Partners therapy teams, made up of a pet owner and his or her registered animal, go into many locations where seniors are living or being treated, such as hospitals, hospice centers and care communities.* Visit a pet store. Some pet stores sell small animals, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, gerbils, mice, rats, certain geckos, bearded dragons, snakes, and specific types of frogs, birds and fish. Visiting can provide a pet fix!With so many options available, finding the right animal interaction for each individual should be as easy as a walk in the dog park.To help older adults determine what type of pet interaction is right for them, the Home Instead Senior Care® network is offering free information and tips to help seniors incorporate animals into their lives. To learn more about how older adults can bring animals into their lives, visit PetsandSeniors.com or contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office or www.homeinstead.com.
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It was two weeks before my 50th birthday.
I was overlooking our back yard only to notice my boy pitbull relieving his morning constitution but not my girl. Therefore, I sandled up, toes exposed for these buff black desert ants to have their way if I’m not quick to get my business done. Half way across my yard, I gives up the call, ‘Jesus Christ’ and my boy stood at attention while posted at his yard gate, but still my girl is a no show. Anxiously reaching their dog house, as I looked in, I could see my girl laying on her back looking pregnant and/or bloated. ‘Come Girl’, I ordered, and my girl struggled to her feet appearing to be poisoned like the last incident. Immediately, we report to the kitchen patio where the wife could get an assessment and a remedy ready for consumption. While we discussed what to use a foul odor reeked from my girl “pitbull” that’s when I got a visual of the blood leaking from her area. As I flashed back to her 2014 poisoning with hopes to recollect if this bloody deal occurred last time? The wife would confirm that it did. Sending us into action, we blended the same remedy that worked the first time but after a few hours we noticed the swelling going down but the bleeding became intense to the point she was leaking nickel size puddles. For a minute I wondered if our vitamins K was a little under the dosage for her size, nevertheless my futile thoughts became useless when the wife dug up more research on Google defining the different types of cancers dogs can suffer from to the symptoms of (open) Pyometra. Once collecting our thoughts, we realized that we were facing an up hill battle with an infection of the Uterus. Google we have a problem; and like clock work a remedy was given in the form of turmeric root powder, 1000mg vitamin C and Manuka honey. Taking other reviews into consideration, I’ve learned to keep a bottle of amoxicillin on ice. This works great even for the mildest of colds in humans. Adding 250mg of this every 12 hours to this honey mix instantly got the swelling to go down by 90%, even My dogs appetite would turn around for the better, making this another success story but a hard lesson learned. Author C.Epps II
Here at Moringa Yorkie Terriers, we pride ourselves in the field of love, security, enduring health and a royal yorkie breed prepped for further training as your daily service dog and protective house pet. Conditioned and following the suit of their parents, not to mention their grandparents champion bloodline. At just weeks old, we’ve noticed different attributes personality gifts from litter to litter. Our AKC, CKC, to our APRI registered European bloodline; comes with a historical intelligence added to their showcase look making quality evident. Let’s make no mistake about it though; some Yorkshire Terriers can be high maintenance. You see, there are (3) hair types to the Yorkie breed; (1) The silky coat (2) The wavy coat and (3) The cotton coat. All are hyperallergenic leaving no worries for those with allergies. On the other hand, grooming services to the size poop one is willing to have to deal with can make all the difference in the luxury of having a yorkie. On the issue of too much yapping, we have mellow time enjoying jazz, aroma therapy, to offering plenty of personal attention with “baby-talk” and pet messages.
Taught the first command, ‘No No! We captivate their attention, reward when necessary and chastise with voice and hand gestures. Using two hand claps to signify the No No order, this also gets their attention ready for the next command. A ball toss or told to sit, our grade of Yorkie Terrier comes more than ready to be fully utilized by the finest of family and loved ones. The question is; would a 4 pound tea cup yorkie be the ideal size for you? Or would you rather consider a 5 to 7 pound Toy size which is less expensive and comes with less chance of an injury occurring. Also, with respect for the history of the Yorkshire Terriers health. All glory to our Heavenly Father for continual blessing our yorkies with absolute superb health. Physical after physical, our short list of veterinarians never fail to stroke our ego’s by closing an exam stating, ‘another well loved pup with no signs of genetic defects.’ Welcome to a stronger, healthier and more promising Yorkie breed! Moringa Yorkie Terriers... Author C.Epps II
In August of 2014, our pitbull, “Christ” is her name, reported to the patio door appearing to be a drunkard. Realizing, she must have gotten hold to a poisoned rat or a squirrel, I rushed her off to a veterinarian hospital in Riverside. Here I was told by a female veterinarian of the different prices I could choose for various procedures but that there was still no guarantee our family pet would make it out of this alive. To pick the vets mind, I asked, ‘what could I do myself for my dog if I didn’t have the funds to pay them?’ and she would reply, ‘to keep her hydrated, draw out the poison and to change her diet permanently’. Also placing emphasis on giving Christ a shot of antibiotics which only cost $60 bucks or so. I went on and confided in the lady, only to be offered more game on vitamins A thru K, to the hydrating method utilizing pedialyte. Tossing this knowledge back and forth as i head back to the house. The wife phones my cell to get in on the gathered information. And like Johnny on the spot, she had Google voice sounding like the auction guy in the background. Before I could touch back down at the crib, the Mrs. had read up on the killing process of different poisonings. Most are meant to destroy the intestinal tract and immune system causing bleeding out, vomiting, lethargy and a lost of appetite. To counter exactly this, we used pure moringa leaf powder, (1) banana, vitamin K-advanced K2 complex supplement and activated charcoal mixed with pedialyte.
The most important about a poison is to draw it out and keep your pet hydrated. The vitamin K will help the blood to coagulate before the toxins begin to destroy cells and tissue. Trying not to panic due our dogs lack of appetite; the challenge of feeding her orally became a smoothie drink process that had to be administered every 2 hours on the hour. Once spotting signs of an appetite to more wagging of the tail indicating a mood change, we over zealously fed her some chicken strips mixed with her regular dog food. Immediately she relapsed back to the beginning state of the poisoning. In disbelief, upon noticing this, I could only reflect back to old news topics speaking on antibiotics being injected in the food today. Amazing I thought, as the wife and I began to brainstorm further on this issue, we had to admit that Google played a key roll with their never ending search engine results. To make this desperate story final, our girl, “Christ” made a full recovery within days after the initial poisoning only to be in such a detoxed condition, she got pregnant almost immediately and later delivered (7) healthy baby boys. Author C.Epps II
What to watch for when looking for your new yorkie puppy.
Unfortunately because of the popularity of the yorkie breed there are far too many people willing to be crooks and/or scam artists. We get many calls from people who have been scammed looking for their new puppies online. Pet Scammers...what to look for! 1. Always check for multiple things: A website, contact phone number to talk to someone personally. If phone number is no good, they’ll prefer to only text or email you. If you don’t have a phone number to call and speak with an actual person. – BEWARE Find all connected facebook, social media pages with reviews + youtube pages. Most scammer will not have all of these connected. A good breeder loves to tell people about their puppies and talk about the quality of their puppies. 2. Pedigree pups at prices too good to be true. Look out for The Word ADOPTION on Ads and an incredibly low price $300–$1000 Yorkies generally don't sell for less than $1500 for a purebred puppy. A reputable yorkie breeder may price their puppies anywhere from $1500-$10,000. 3. Ask for a new updated photo of the puppy, if their unable to furnish a pic – Its a SCAM ! Do not EVER under any circumstance give out your personal information to someone you don’t know. Unable to produce updated pictures as the puppy grows that is a warning sign ! Or if they can’t produce pictures of the parents or any past litters. 4. Scammer want you to pay only with Western union or Money Gram. Puppy for sale Ads that pop up first are filled with scammer schemes Scammers will pay for their puppy ads to pop up first. Advertising $350-$500 teacup yorkie puppies. Many of those photos are from other breeders they found online. 5.You Pay the Shipping and the ad will be listed with a very low price or for FREE ADOPTION. You just need to pay shipping. Money gram to have the puppy shipped. The puppy will never arrive. 6. Beware of Puppy Mill Puppies, most time puppies are very cheap and the seller will always want to meet in a parking lot somewhere. Many of these poor puppies are sick or fall sick/and or die within a few days, or may have other hidden problems. Leaving you no way to get a hold of the seller. BEWARE OF PUPPY MILL PEDDLERS! Author C.Epps II Photo courtesy of Pixabay With so much energy and personality, your pooch might seem indestructible, but many things you store at home could represent a serious danger to your dog. If you’re bringing home a new four-legged friend or just need a refresher on dog-proofing your home, here’s how to ensure that your precious pup stays safe. Store and dispose of leftovers carefully Some leftovers can be extremely dangerous to your dog. Make sure that leftovers, including onions, garlic, and grapes, are out of your dog’s reach. Candy bowls on coffee tables may seem safe, but if they contain chocolate, put them out of reach as well. Current research also shows that the artificial sweetener Xylitol is very toxic to dogs. And it’s well known that chicken bones can puncture a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. When it comes to the above dangers, you need to double-bag leftovers before putting them in the garbage unless you are taking out the garbage immediately. Also make sure you are using a trash can that can’t be easily tipped over by your dog. It’s worth noting that all dog owners need trash cans with secure lids or that are out of reach. If you are saving leftovers, place them in a plastic storage box with a tight lid, and put it in the refrigerator (not on a countertop or other surface accessible to your dog). Cleaning products Most dogs are not picky eaters, and their eagerness to eat anything may be a source of humor for owners. Still, that propensity to chow down on anything can get dogs in a lot of trouble. Mouthwash, moth balls and fabric softeners are particularly dangerous. These items need to be kept inaccessible to your dog. One way to keep your dog safe is to put all these toxins in a large plastic container with a sealed lid. Alternatively, you can put a lock or child safety device on your sink cabinet, or store these items in a wall cabinet or on a shelf that is well out of your dog’s reach. Make sure that your porches and front and back yards are also dog-safe zones. Keep antifreeze, herbicides, and pesticides in a locked cabinet in your garage or inside the house where you store your cleaners. Fortunately, most products used to eliminate pet odors can also be used as all-purpose cleaners, and these products are generally pet-safe as well. If you’re not sure what to buy, ask your pet store associate what she recommends in the way of a safe cleaner to use around your animal. Toilet Drinking Ah, yes, the dreaded doggie toilet sip. Dog toilet drinking might be worse or better than you think, depending on your habits. If you use any of the automatic toilet cleaning products (you know, the stuff that turns your toilet water blue), you absolutely must keep your dog out of the toilet. That stuff could make him sick, though the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) thinks it’s unlikely to kill him. Similarly, if you flush only periodically to save water, you too need to keep your pup’s head out of the toilet. Keep the toilet seat and lid down when the appliance is not in use. This is particularly a mandate if your dog is small enough to fall in the toilet. Keep the bathroom doors shut as a backup precaution. If, however, you flush after every use and clean the toilet bowl weekly without leaving chemicals in it, that doggie toilet drink is probably harmless. Some vets even think that steady supply of clean water might be better than what’s in the dog bowl. In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget there might be hazards lurking in our home that could be dangerous for pets. No one wants to lose their pup to a toxic home cleaner or yard product. A few easy precautions will ensure that your home is dog friendly and safe. When you bring your dog with you on your travels, you may face certain difficulties. If you’re not properly prepared, you might wind up getting into a mishap, such as losing reservations. Thankfully, by taking the right steps, you and your furry friend can have a fabulous time together.
Plan Your Excursion While there is always the option for a road trip, going by car for hours or days can be rough on a pet. They need frequent breaks to stretch and relieve themselves. If your intended destination is several hundred miles away or more, it may be better to think of alternatives. You can travel by plane, which is an especially good choice for small dogs, as they can fly in the cabin with you. All you need is a suitable carrier and an airline that is pet-friendly and safe. A newer option is to travel by train, though you’ll need your furry friend’s health records and a carrier that fits in your lap. It may not be as quick as plane travel, but a train ride can be a pleasant means of transportation. Know Your Destination Different pets will have various requirements. Some cities across the country have bans on certain breeds, so do your research before you book a trip. Thankfully, there are many towns with less hostile laws regarding larger breeds. Look for destinations that have ample dog parks, low pet deposits, and plenty of pup-friendly cafes. Research Accommodations In the past, one of the more difficult aspects of traveling with an animal companion was finding pet-friendly accommodations. Luckily, a growing number of hotels have caught on to how important our furry friends are and how responsible pet owners can be when it comes to cleaning up. Thankfully, there are plenty of online tools you can use to find the perfect hotel, from dedicated search engines to lists of pet-friendly hotel chains. In fact, these resources not only show hotels that welcome dogs, but they also list the ones that accept your dog’s breed in the area of your selection. Enjoy the Parks No matter where you end up, your pup will need to exercise. Going to a dog park is a fun way to ensure that they still get to romp around and socialize while you’re vacationing. Of course, you’ll need to see to their safety before you go. Research the parks ahead of time, and be certain your dog is up to date on their vaccinations to prevent disease and parasites. Make sure your pup’s collar contains an ID tag, and ensure it’s been updated if necessary. Look after your dog closely, and always clean up after them at the park. Explore Together There are lots of things for you both to explore in a new area, so get going! Aside from dog parks, check out any local pet-friendly cafes. If the weather is good, you could rent a bike and go for a light ride downtown, or take your dog pup-surfing. After all, what dog doesn’t love swimming? If your pup prefers the water from a distance, take a boat ride together, or walk along the shoreline. You may even be able to find a “doga,” or dog yoga, class that you can enjoy together. This is a new place, so add some new experiences you two will love. There are many wonderful places you and your dog can explore. With the right planning and preparation, you can ensure you both have fun and stay safe. Traveling with your pet can be an adventure, one that you will remember for years to come. Image Courtesy of Pexels.com els.com It’s no secret that being overweight has serious consequences for your own health. What you might not realize is that dogs also suffer when their waistline is wider than their hips and shoulders. Keep reading for insight on the five most common health problems dogs experience due to chronic obesity and what you can do to help your dog get fit starting today. 1. Breathing problems Dogs who are forced to carry around excess weight put additional strain on their heart and lungs. 2. Systemic inflammation Systemic inflammation can cause detrimental health effects and make it difficult for your dog to ward off other health conditions, including reproductive and urinary disorders. The Journal of Nutrition links systemic inflammation to metabolic syndrome. 3. Intervertebral disc disease Smaller dog breeds, especially those with a long midsection and elongated body such as dachshunds and corgis, are at a higher risk of severe disc extrusion that can lead to long-term mobility issues and may require surgical intervention. 4. Arthritis and hip dysplasia Joint issues are common in overweight dogs. Large breeds, such as the labrador and boxer, are especially vulnerable. Hip dysplasia and arthritis are painful conditions that can lead to lameness. Boneo offers more about canine obesity and its effects on your dog’s mobility. 5. Lifespan Not only do added pounds alter your dog’s quality of life, but they also may reduce their longevity by two years or more, according to the Cummings Veterinary Medicine Center at Tufts University. While these health problems are dire, the vast majority of dogs will see a significant improvement in symptoms simply by losing a few pounds. But, unlike us, your dog can’t do it on his own. There are many things you can do to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle that will benefit both you and your pet. Measure your dog’s food to ensure they are being fed the proper amount. It is very common for dogs to be given open access to food. However, just 10 extra bites each day can increase your dog’s weight by one pound each year. Walk your dog regularly. If it isn’t already, walking your dog should be part of your daily routine. The amount of exercise they need is dependent upon age, breed, and overall temperament. The most active breeds require at least 30 minutes of intense aerobic exercise every 24 hours, so make sure to play with your pet after a stroll through the neighborhood. If you’re going to the dog park for exercise, make sure to bring a portable dog bowl along to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. Always keep your dog on a leash or lead when in public. Choose a leash and collar that’s comfortable for your dog and easy for you to use. Picking the right set will make your walks that much more rewarding. Create a designated activity space for your dog. If you don’t have a fenced backyard and can’t dedicate time each evening for exercise, give your dog a space where he can run and play. A dog run, which HomeAdvisor notes should be at least 10 feet wide and cover the entire length of your yard, is preferable over a cable run, since an enclosed area allows for freedom of movement. Talk to your veterinarian to create a weight-loss program. While losing weight seems like a relatively simple process, it isn’t. Dropping pounds is not simply a matter of burning more calories than you take in. Work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan that works for your dog. He or she may suggest a physical exam and blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions. If your dog is significantly overweight, they may be prescribed nutritional supplements or put on a special diet. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your dog remains healthy and happy. Managing his weight is one of the most important things you can do to ensure just that. |
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