Are Pets Beneficial For Someone With Dementia?

Hey Careblazers! Ever wondered if your loved one with dementia can have a pet? 🐶🐱 In today's video, I dive into this heartwarming topic, inspired by my dad's secret wish for a Jack Russell Terrier. I'll share my personal journey with pets, the pros and cons of introducing a pet into your loved one's life, and the most crucial factor to consider before making this decision. Plus, I'll reveal my final choice regarding my dad and a potential pet. Tune in to find out if pets and dementia can be a match made in heaven!
💬 Let me know in the comments: Do you have a pet for your loved one with dementia? How's it going? Share your stories and tips!
#DementiaCare #PetsAndDementia #AlzheimersCare #CaregivingTips #AnimalTherapy #ElderlyCompanionship #PetOwnership #dementiasupport
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It’s our mission to make dementia caregiving easier for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, or any other type of dementia. We believe that in order to create a more dementia friendly world, we must first create a caregiver friendly world. That's why we create free educational training videos like this one so that anyone with an internet connection can get access to dementia care information.
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DISCLAIMER: The content of this video - or any content by Dementia Careblazers - does not replace the need for healthcare professionals. Our content is not healthcare advice and is not a substitute for your own healthcare. It is for general education and demonstration only. Do not use this content to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. By consuming content from Dementia Careblazers, you agree to hold harmless and indemnify Dementia Careblazers LLC for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. All content or recommendations on the company’s website, social media, blog, or email series. All comments from Dementia Careblazers’ are expressions of opinion only.
In case you haven’t met me, my name is Natali Edmonds and I am a board certified geropsychologist. That means that I am a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with older adults. One day, while hiking a trail, I came up with the idea for Careblazers and I decided to see if posting videos online could provide help to the many other Careblazers in the world who don’t get to have help come directly to them in their homes. I hope that this work helps you in some way on your caregiving journey.
#careblazer #dementia #dementiacaregiver
🐾 Key Moments:
[00:00:25] The story behind my dad's pet wish
[00:00:45] Can people with dementia have pets? My thoughts and decision for my dad
[00:03:27] The pros and cons of pets in dementia care
[00:08:13] The MOST important factor to consider
[00:09:00] My final decision about my dad and a pet

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Interested in more caregiving tips and support? Check out our Care Course for in-depth guidance and a supportive community. Click here to learn more: careblazers.com/for-families/

[@gingerebert8194]

My Uncle with dementia had a small schnauzer that he loved dearly. "Rudy" would sit in his lap every evening while he watched TV and they had a good routine of walks, and ball throwing, etc. However, when Uncle's dementia got worse over time, he would sometimes forget to feed Rudy, or give him his medication, or give him water. He forgot that schnauzers need to be groomed and Rudy got huge mats in his fur. It became my responsibility to make sure Rudy was being taken care of. But since Uncle lives alone, it was impossible to be certain that he didn't forget and leave Rudy outside. One day a neighbor told me that Uncle had walked by his house carrying the leash and collar, but had forgotten to bring Rudy on the walk. When Rudy was 10, he got cancer and passed. Uncle wanted to go out immediately and get another schnauzer and name him "Rudy". I told him I was trying to find one, and I have been "trying" to find another little schnauzer for over a year. Uncle no longer asks anymore. He took one of Rudy's toys, a little stuffed dog, and named it "Rudy 2" and holds it in his lap when he watches TV.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thank you for sharing. Sending you love. 💖

[@SaraShire]

My dad’s dementia deteriorated rapidly. He had just moved into an apartment attached to a SNF and an RCFE. Only in the private apartment could he have his dog. We learned pretty quickly that the situation wasn’t going to work He couldn’t remember if he had eaten let alone if he had fed his dog, Olivia. My brother flew out and brought him home. My dad lives most of the time with my brother. He also stays with me or 2 other siblings. We make sure Olivia is well cared for. My brother and his wife deal with the vet and groomers. My dad gets so much joy having Olivia with him. So far we’ve been able to care for our dad and Olivia at home. It’s hard, his short term memory is only good for 5 minutes. But he’s now in a happy phase. Very appreciative of all of us. Thank you for your channel. I found it a couple of weeks ago.

[@patriciacole8773]

Do you also know about Teepa?

[@juliagriego7693]

My sister moving in with my mother to care for her 24/7. My mom never liked pets and we weren’t allowed to have them growing up. My sister had two cats that moved in with her at mom’s. My mom loved them! She’d laugh at them, talk to them. Of course my sister cared 100% for their needs and my mom just had the pleasure of enjoying them.

[@lizajane54]

We got 2 kittens a few months ago. Sometimes husband will let them out because he only halfway understands closing the door when he goes outside. I’m the gatekeeper but I don’t mind because I’m enjoying the kitties so much. He enjoys them too:) You have to be willing to adapt.

[@debbiebain6581]

My husband has Alzheimer’s and has been diagnosed for six years now. He was just diagnosed last September with Parkinson’s and I believe that is now called Lewy body dementia? He still lives at home with me, becoming a bit harder but he certainly has his up days or weeks and down weeks, we have two dogs both in the working breeds one a sheltie the other a border collie and two cats. All are resuces but the 15-year-old border collie. He is very good with the dogs,Even tells them he loves them and gives him kisses on the nose. I don’t believe he will ever become violent. He Can become obsessive with the cats; worries about them being left outside. These cats were rescue and are very adapt to being outside, insists on being outside. But he does well with the animals.

[@laylascott6096]

We are in year 7 with my mom and this past summer we have had such an increase in hallucinations/delusions and agitation at us that I’ve worried for my cat here - who absolutely loves her to death and she loves him. She is always good with him

[@calledtosuccess8163]

My husband with FTD has been asking for a dog as a pet for quite a while. However, he also made it quite clear that he expects me to walk and care for the dog. He would simply treat it as a companion. I'm his sole caregiver and he also has additional medical/emotional conditions. There is no way I would consider adding a pet to my workload. I just can't do it. He's 75 and I'm 71. It wouldn't be fair to the dog, either.

[@michele21auntiem]

You are so correct. My hubby was great with all animals before he got alzheimer's type dementia. We recently had to give up our dog because my hubby let the cat out of house and dog tried to kill cat. Hubby saved cat but got bit by both dog and cat. He hurt the dog afterwards and i had to pull him off of dog with my grandsons help. She started having seizures afterwards. I couldnt risk t him hurting her again. I had to take him to Urgent Care, the cat and dog both to vet. I had to put dog to sleep. We still have our cats but he pets them. Fortunately/unfortunately he quit trying to feed or clean litter...he is at point that once he no longer does something for a few days then he doesnt remember how to do that task or what that task was. Which was a positive as he was trying to clean litter with his hands. Crazy crazy times.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

oh wow. I'm so sorry to hear about what happened!

[@michele21auntiem]

@@DementiaCareblazers thank u, but it shows how in worse stages judgment is a huge issue and tendency to get extremely angry can impact everyone's safety. I still have nightmares about it

[@boomeracres4813]

My mother’s elderly dog was a smelly mess. She never walked it in the 15 years she owned it. It was a relief the day her dog died. She wanted a puppy to replace it a week later. I told her flat out no. She was angry for a day or so, then didn’t bring it up again. I see the value in pets, but they are also fraught with possible complications such as injury to someone or just a time sink for a caregiver that may not have the time or energy or desire to care for yet another living being. Having said that, my three big dogs are a handful, but they bring me joy and give me lots of stress relief. Walks with the dogs may be the only break I get in a day. It just depends on each individual situation and we all need to do what’s best for ourselves and our loved ones. No judgement either side! ❤

[@roseguber3240]

I feel sad for your mother's dog, poor thing...

[@boomeracres4813]

@@roseguber3240 it was a relief when he died because I was taking care of him too. He was 15 when he finally passed. As an older dog he had needs almost as demanding as my mom’s. Meds, incontinence, bathing, all things done for him as well. I’m hoping he’s happy in doggy heaven now!

[@kmsevero1]

I just want to say a huge heart-felt THANK YOU for this kind of content. My MIL is really going downhill fast with her dementia and my husband is overwhelmed at trying to figure out what care she needs. I really rely on your content to help guide us and to help us ask the right questions. Thank you so much!

[@KellyD-]

We receive 10 hours per week of respite care (companionship) from our state of Florida for my Mother with Alzheimer’s. It allows us to go grocery shopping , run errands & our own doctors appointments errands while she’s cared for. Big relief.

[@MaN-pw1bn]

I was worried about my mom and my pets - 2 lively aussies and 5 cats that go in and out. So far, she has enjoyed sitting on the front patio and watching the cats, who come over and rub on her when she comes out. And she loves to just watch them and oogles over their sweetness. I don't let them run free in the house so they aren't under foot or causing a potential fall issue so they don't seem to irritate/surprise her. The dogs are outside most of the time but where my male Aussie loves to jump up to have my attention, he doesn't do this to her - both dogs are very calm and sweet with her and she loves just sitting and petting them. I kennel the dogs when they are not inside and only bring them out if I'm present. I would never leave her in a position of caring for them. It's great therapy/entertainment for her with precautions taken.

[@melanieopperman6688]

A service dog is a great help... my boy wasn't a service dog but he would call me when the water boiled away when I cooked chicken and rice for him. The times I didn't pay attention I had a pot with burnt rice to clean...I learnt quickly to be attentive. He also loves fetching things for me or helping me to get up from a chair.

[@cj57]

I'm very glad to hear your take on this topic. I've wanted to ask my parents if they wanted a pet but I didn't consider the possibility of a fall, and that is the best reason for not getting them one, though all are valid considerations. Thank you! 👍

[@lourdeshernandez2398]

Each case is different my father in-law have a farm a lot of animals when the dementia got worse, but take 10 years couldn’t stay more at the farm and just keep one dog. When the dementia go severe and move with us poor dog was skinny and so dirty. My mother in law was the caregiver but she was just diagnosed with dementia too in that point.

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

YES! My husband has early cognitive decline and worsening ADHD. Before his dementia and multiple mobility changes we have always had large working dogs. In fact, he trained them to be working labs and athletes and used them in bird hunting and ran them daily in the open fields and marshes. This was always the highlight of his day in those days. My 78-year-old husband and I rescued a new to us dog in 2021. Although we had some early challenges with her this has smoothed out nicely over time and our now 4-5 year-old 65-68 pound Lab/Staffy, Ginger Rogers, gets us up and out-of-doors throughout the day. We share her care but he has taken primary responsibility for cooking her food, keeping her walked and naps with her several days a week and this has helped him to stay focused, stay on task and to get out in the sunshine and fresh air and to keep working on his mobility. He IS walking a lot more now which is what his physician has recommended. Ginger Rogers has decreased my isolation and lonely-ness and gives me a loving pet to cuddle with, talk to, and focus on her training instead of focusing on my anger at the many unplanned changes in our life. Our dog is about 4 to 5 years old and my husband is able to take care of her quite well at this point. We partner on her care and we both cuddle with her in bed which we both love. In fact, sharing about our dogs care and her daily responses to us is a topic we talk about daily and the ONE positive thing we can chat about and share about most everyday. Ginger IS a lot of work and expense but she is also one of the best things in our life at this time. I might not recommend a high maintenance "rescue" that needed such intense training for everyone (I was skilled enough and able to train her) but maybe a smaller, lower maintenance adopted dog that came more trained could be just the thing for others in our situation. She is the light of our life right now and I cannot imagine our life without her.

[@angelaharris1112]

I was just diagnosed with dementia. I couldnt inagine noy having Pablo, ny 6 yr old Chiweenie. I do know if i start neglecting his care, that would be tine i would have to find him a home.

[@elisabethm9655]

When my late husband, who was never a pet person developed dementia, he began to like the family cats. He spent many hours over the years of his dementia journey playing with, snuggling and enjoyed caring for them (off and on). Your analysis and observations are absolutely spot on and that it’s an incredibly individual decision and that pets can really help them.

[@JenniferPearsonJP7]

I'm experiencing cognitive decline at the age of 60. Once my current pets have passed, I will not be getting any more. I have trouble making decisions and there are a lot of decisions to be made with pets, especially as they age--and younger pets can also have medical problems. I need fewer responsibilities, not more. Will I still enjoy visiting other people's pets? Yes, but it's very clear to me that I shouldn't be responsible for anything other than my own care.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thank you for sharing your story. Sending you much love 💖

[@enoughcorruption5975]

Animals are absolutely invaluable in every way with all people! I see it all the time❤ They are very therapeutic 👍💯🇺🇸! Angels in disguise 😊

[@DementiaCareblazers]

I don't know what I'd do without my doggie, Niko! The best angels on earth!

[@enoughcorruption5975]

@@DementiaCareblazers Life wouldn't be the same without our Dogs ❤️ Bless you and Niko:) 💯👍🙏❤️🤍💙

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Very thoughtful response - thanks.

[@srnaribe1116]

I completely agree in every points you shared. It hurts but it's for their own good to keep them even more safer

[@stevenblack3092]

My wife loved her little dog 🐶 and I found it would keep her calm now she is in care she will talk to photos on my phone to him

[@mrsbettytracy6669]

My step mom with dementia has a dog. I can't imagine how bad she would be without him, but every negative you mentioned applies to except affording him (they are fine financially.) She often won't go places if they won't allow the dog, and since neither she nor my dad cooks anymore (and eating out has always been one of dad's hobbies anyway) that means there are only three restaurants in town they can go to. I've seen her panic because she left the dog for an hour and was sure my dad hadn't thought to feed him while we were gone. She also always insists there is no dog food in the house and gets mad at dad because he won't run out and buy some (three full bags sitting in the living room) and that he's sick because he won't eat (it's amazing he's not fat!). So, at the moment the balance is that he is a good thing, but I don't know for how long.

[@buunzz]

My mother in law lives with us and has 2 cats. I make sure to take good care of them buy she usually does great! She is able to feed them better than herself sometimes

[@atc246]

Thanks for your help infro. ❤️❤️

[@brade8430]

Thank you Dr. Natalie. Can you do a video on Dementia and alcoholism? I have a loved-one who drinks at least a bottle of wine each night. Not only is his short-term memory worsens but also becomes a fall risk. How do you handle this type of patient?

[@jillianroberts9297]

Yes. My Mom has 2 cats for 10 years or more. She had them before she got her Alzeimers diagnosis. I am there every day to make sure she gives them fresh water etc. She does over feed them because she forgets.

[@garryhale9824]

Yes to pet, as long as the care giver totally owns all care, feeding etc. for the pet. The one with dementia is unpredictable in how they love or get mad at the pet so the care giver must monitor the time spent with the pet. That's what I have experienced with my wife.

[@candyorange266]

I got my cat an automated daily feeder that only needs to be set up once a week and then dispenses the food on the schedule programmed. Would be good for a cat person with Alzheimer’s if the caregiver could set it weekly for them. I also have a self cleaning litter box, but they are very expensive.

[@albertouribe435]

Thank you

[@nancyclark3049]

Thank you!❤

[@korneliadelzer73]

It seems to me there would be gaps in judgment, safety and provision for the pet unless there are all sorts of support and supervision .

[@sylviebigger4939]

My father was communicating more with the bird in a cage then he did ever with any other animal. Hed whistle.

[@5555GranD]

My mom loves my little dogs…

[@whitneysawyer483]

This is great :)

[@dharmaglover7147]

My husband didn't want a dog when I wanted one and he just loves being with the dog outside. They are buddies. I m scared of when our dog dies before him.

[@SusanTriplett-q3k]

I moved my mom and her dog in with me. She does not clean up after the dog and it now falls on me. I am miserable.

[@annhill7839]

Yes. He talks to her.

[@chastityharris9296]

Do you have any tips for when the pet is already there? My LO got a cat shortly after we moved in with him. We want to keep the cat but sometimes it causes problems.

[@carolineleiden]

My mother nearly killed her cat, whom she loved very much. She almost crushed her under her chair.

[@rhonaclark4745]

Yes

[@rhonaclark4745]

Yes with thought before hand. Each situation is different

[@hdcrow]

Death of our dog freed up a lot of time I can direct to my wife instead. She was sad for a few minutes at a time for a couple days. Now there is no notion she ever had a dog.

[@Print229]

It's so sad what this disease can do. Please, also, keep in mind that your loved one's personality will change in unpredictable ways over the course of this disease. Peaceful, kind, gentle people can become mean and violent... and kick animals.

[@maypalmer]

Nope, no pets!! I'm already giving care to my spouse 24 hours a day. Nope!!!

[@SuperSweetsteph]

Hi Dr Natalie HWVD diagnosed in 2018 was nervous for us to get a new puppy 3 years ago. Concerned she would not get along with our older dog who was quickly declining. I was getting the puppy for me - to have a buddy to walk with and just be here in the hard days a companion as my husband slips away. I highly recommend. They bonded quickly and he adores our Sophie she is a golden retriever he kisses her head like she’s a baby and takes her in and out to the backyard all day long. (Great exercise for him) He’s Very protective over her. I am responsible for all her care - but he constantly asks if I have fed her and last summer when I had to be at hospital for a couple days we had family step in to help him and feed Sophie but he fed her old dog food he somehow found in a cupboard in the garage… even though he was told not to. (I had tossed it and he had retrieved it from the trash and stashed it in a cupboard) He constantly wants to feed her people food from the table so I watch that closely too. Her companionship is huge for him and he adores her but he would not be able to manage her care by himself and it would be a bad idea if he was on his own. But If you’re a caregiver and able to have a pet I highly recommend it. The emotional support is wonderful. ❤🐶

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Beautiful! So happy to hear this!

[@jomarielopez2229]

The residential facility was given a small dog after the client passed. The dogs family provide the food and grooming needs once the decision was made to adopt the elderly dog.. A member of the staff oversees the dog.....and all 6 clients get love from that dog. Lol! Even my mom forgot she doesn't like dogs in the house!

[@MaryLMua]

Yes. I'm my sister's caregiver and roommate along with 2 other siblings. Our golden retriever goes to her constantly. We take care of his medical and exercise needs. She adores my goofball. Sometimes she takes walks with him.

[@jeanettelamm2403]

My husband is 86 and has dementia We have 3large dogs and 1 small one He loves them They love him and they lay around him They bring him joy him

[@jackyhorn6709]

We looked after my daughter's dog for a year and a half while she and her family went travelling around Australia. It is a chihuahua and 16 years old, so small and quiet and tired. My 91 year old mother with dementia, who lives with us, loved it and was loved so much by him. It was joyful to see. BUT, 1) a trip hazard that needed constant vigilance, stopping mam feeding him treats needed constant vigilance. Overall, at her stage of dementia, with that particular dog, with her particular living arrangements, it worked so well and gave a lot of joy.

[@maryduplessis2510]

My dog was the babysitter lol. She is a mix fox terrior!Africanus...she is size of fox terrior. I have ms, but fortunately haven't had relapse for many years and my mobility is such that I use a crutch outside but inside, no issue. My mum in law passed Dec 2122. She was bedridden but before that stage she was hyperactive in that she would suddenly pop up and go walkies. The dog would warn ne lol. She would charge down the corridor, search me out and bark, then run back to mum. The dog would grab a ball and keep mum occupied with fetching and chasing. My dod was the tattletale. Mum loved this dog. Before I would enter the room in the morning the dog would take a ball, jump on the bed, deposit ball in her hand and cuddle up to mum. She would look for my dog, they were tied at the hip and she would constantly talk to the dog. Dogs can be very helpful and they can learn not to run undet ones feet. Anyone with a dog should train them. Temperament is important in a dog or in fact any animal.

[@marybrand1977]

I’m with you. My husband wanted a dog but can hardly walk and has fallen many times because of the 2 cats so no dog and no more cats. When older cat is gone no replacement because I too have had 2 hip replacements and arthritis in my knees. My younger found cat can stay outside now except when cold.

[@benzapp1]

I did this for my parents. Dachshund. Apparently very affectionate for old people. Got it based on that study about walking and loneliness. All they do is overfeed it to the point is obese. Not dog food, just food from the table that I prepare them. They have never walked once.

[@DorotheaALindsey]

Yes they can have pets, as long as the caregiver or family wants to support them. We have 2 cats, my husband enjoys them by talking to them and having them in his lap, he shuffles when he walks so they do move out of away, but we do keep an eye out for them. We have our animals in our Wills if something happens to us.

[@jenniferedds1446]

I think yes....as long as someone checks in to make sure the pet is being cared for, too. I believe it can help them from feeling so lonely and helps keeps them connected to the present.

[@melanieopperman6688]

A bird feeder is a good idea to encourage birds to visit your loved ones garden, or to attach on the bedroom window. For that sense of companionship and nurturing.

[@mimistans7715]

You are correct. My brother who was in his 50’s developed dementia, really bad. He would not have been good with a pet. When my father developed Alzheimer’s, he was still his sweet self. He was not a pet person, but was fine with animals. 🤷‍♀️

[@smayfield2280]

My mom has had her dog for 6 years. She got her before we definitively realized she had dementia. She checks every single box in both columns, except for the extra 3 hours of walking. However, if she didn't have to get up and walk to the door to let the dog outside, she would get even less walking in than she does now. Fortunately, it's a small dog, and my sister, who is Mom's primary caregiver, loves the dog and is willing to put forth the extra effort to help with her. But yes, it will inevitably become extra work for the person caring for the dementia patient.

[@marielng]

I was thankful when my mom realized she couldn't care for her little dog a couple of years ago, and it comforts her to know she is settled with me and my own dog. But I had not idea how difficult this little elderly dog would be, and she has affected my life in many negative ways, including limiting my ability to travel or be away from my home for several hours. I'm a big proponent of committing to the pet you have, but honestly, I can hardly wait for this dog to pass away. One has to think long and hard about the impact of taking in a parent's dog once they are unable to care for them! in my case Mom adopted this one long before she developed Alzheimers, and there have been times she has demanded her back or thought I was purposely kidnapping her "baby". But the end result is the same. Sometimes she asks me for a cat or if her dog can come back to live with her, but I can generally redirect her. I do bring her dog for visits, but someday the dog will truly be gone, and I will try to pretend my dog was also hers. We do what we can, right?

[@DementiaCareblazers]

Thanks for sharing 💖

[@errolpippin6036]

The reason my mother never had pets was because of the responsibility factor ,I've got a outdoor cat that spends days with her and it helps with loneliness and has started to ask about it all the time,so I find it beneficial to her.

[@jolenejohnston1297]

We have a schnauzer and it is a very comfort to my HWAD, but I am the one that takes care of the dog, for he can’t do anything for it. I say if someone else is willing to care for it, it’s great companionship.

[@kiahatch8723]

I am responsible for caring for My Sweet 98 year old husband he has what I call Flights of Fancy, in which he suddenly decides he wants something to happen. In the past I have rushed to meet those stated needs, but now I have learned what I call the compassionate NO. It looks like "let me think about it," or "perhaps later, I'm doing something else right now"... By slowing down my responses, I have found it at this stage of his condition, he changes his mind a lot. Therefore rushing to satisfy a need doesn't serve either one of us. It also has the advantage of putting him back in control of what happens.

[@sandylummus3553]

I have to say no. Even if the dementia person is in MCI the dog or pet could outlive them and be a burden of caring for the pet. We have a 16 yr old dog now and my LO is constantly taking the dog outside, wanting to feed her, anxious when he will need to lose or put the pet down. The dog is always with the LO, following him and standing near him that could cause a fall. Any older person who is cognitively impaired, and will not improve should not have a full time pet. However, a visit would be great on occasion. ❤

[@terrihop8880]

If the individual lives alone with a pet and has dementia it’s ok in the very early stages, however my brother couldn’t be trusted to feed the right food, he fed the dog potato chips and inappropriate food so the dog had diarrhea and then my brother couldn’t be trusted to even walk outside to take the pet out to go to the bathroom because he wandered. So when my brother moved into Memory Care I had to take the dog, he couldn’t have a dog there. The dog is much better off and I’ll just take the dog to visit my brother! All I did was worry about the dog being cared for, it’s just too hard!

[@67mustangtam]

I'm a caregiver for my mother in law with Dementia and i say NO! but i will say this she has never liked dogs! i have a small dog and i cannot let my dog around her at all she tries to hurt the dog! and it hurts me so bad when she hits or kicks my little dog! so my little dog stays completely away from her!

[@milels6917]

My husband talks more to the cats worries about them getting upset if the cats go outside Leaving the door open for them when it is cold it’s makes me angry I love my cat but in a balanced way

[@cwjohnson1018]

No they should Not...they can't won't take care of them just hold on to it with a chokehold I say Hell no..just mire work for the Aide smdh

[@janstanley538]

We have a 4 year old cocker spaniel and my mom with dementia lives with us. We have to lock the dog up in our bedroom when we are not there with her because she thinks she can take the dog out. Sometimes she remembers the dog needs to be on a leash and other times she doesn’t (we don’t have a fence). She is very unstable and doing so would be a fall risk. She often wants to take the dog out when we are here and obsesses over her getting let out and fed. I would not recommend a pet for someone with dementia.

[@clarklindh]

As MCI-er, I’d appreciate visiting a pet or pet visits. I’d not want to “take care” of a pet.

[@olivetteheslop8798]

About someone with dementia having a pet,it depend on the person Mental state of mind,but a pet is a good idial,

[@micheledonovan4225]

No not a good idea My husband who has Vascular dementia loves our little dog but would in the long term not be able to care for her

[@cathykirk4112]

I found that my relatives did not drink water so they could not be left alone

[@nealpaige3907]

No . They could easily hurt them .

[@jameshinkle9487]

Yes

[@AprilMcNeil-qe4yy]

I am so grateful for this video. Thank you so much! It helps me see all the things I dealt with with my husband's obsessive attachment to our cat that we had had a few years before his dementia became apparent. And I can see now that it was all part of the process. I did all the work caring for her, but he could not resist her pleas for more food, which got downright demanding. She ended up being hugely obese. And I ended up being perceived as the bad guy who didn't love our kitty. I certainly loved her and wanted her to have a healthy life. It definitely drove a wedge between us. He loved her dearly and talked about what a special connection they had. She finally died after 16 years with us, and I was greatly relieved. My husband now appreciates me and my affection for him again. It's been about three years since she died and about 14 years since this dementia journey began. It was like there was another woman that he loved and I was just the worker woman. Crazy. I'm so glad that's over. This is hard enough without that. Your video helped me put it all in perspective - especially your list of negatives that I could relate to so well. I was always concerned about her tripping him. He would never try to get her to move but would step over her, even on the stairs. So now it's just one huge stressor we don't have to deal with. Thank you again. Sorry for such a long comment!

[@nighthawk_predator1877]

Considering I am dealing with a relative with dementia I would say a huge NO if you care about the animal.

[@DementiaCareblazers]

It's certainly different for everyone since not all people with dementia act the same way.

[@toryberch]

I have Lewy Body Dementia and I have had multiple pets for many years. I'm finding that I am resenting the responsibility now and feel overwhelmed and sad because nobody wants the few outdoor cats I have and most likely they will be put down at some point. Just wanted to add my story

[@kimmccaleb4170]

Thankyou for sharing. May I suggest contacting a school counselor, as they may be willing to adopt your pet as a pet therapy animal for your school. Or help you find a family at school who wants to adopt your pet and you might get to still visit your pet!

[@toryberch]

@@kimmccaleb4170 Good morning Kim That is such a beautiful thought unfortunately I live in a rural area where cats are not appreciated I am one of many kind hearted people who have taken the task of spaying neutering and feeding I've done this since I moved to my area 20 yrs ago. I've even asked my rural Vet but it didn't pan out I'm sure he gets hit up a lot. I will care for them as long as possible 😊