Pets · 15 min
Making pet care easier on the body
Raised bowls, lighter bags, a helper for walks: small changes can let someone keep an animal for longer as their body changes.
For many older people, and for anyone with pain or limited mobility, an animal is company, routine and a reason to get up. The physical side of pet care, bending, lifting, long walks, can get harder over time. A few changes can make it easier to keep both the animal and the routine.
The steps
Four small steps,in your own time.
Go through a day of pet care and note what is hardest: bending to bowls, carrying food, cleaning, walks, trips to the vet.
Make the easy changes: raise food and water bowls on a stand or a step, buy food in smaller bags or have it delivered, use a long-handled scoop, keep supplies at waist height.
Find help for the heavy parts: a neighbour or family member who walks the dog, a paid dog walker, a friend for vet trips.
Write down who would look after the animal if you could not, and talk with them about it.
The reason
Why it helps
Much of the effort in pet care comes from a few physical tasks, and small changes to those can make the rest manageable. Sharing the heaviest jobs can help someone keep their animal at home for longer. A plan for the future gives peace of mind to the person and to the people who love them.
A gentle variation
If a dog needs more walking than is possible, ask your vet about the right amount of exercise for its age, and use play at home to fill the gap. Some areas have volunteer schemes that help older people keep their animals.
WE · TRIBE
Try itwith someone.
If an older parent or someone you look after has an animal, help with the hardest task rather than taking over everything. Ask what matters most to them about caring for the animal, and protect that part.
Try it today
Today, raise one food or water bowl so it can be filled without bending low.
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