Your mom wants a dog for companionship. It’s not a bad idea. The dog gives her a reason to get outside and take walks. That helps with heart health and blood pressure. A dog also offers mental health benefits.

You’ve talked it over and found a dog for her to adopt. They’re a great match.

Before you bring the dog home, make sure she has purchased these essential items.

Dog Crate/Kennel

When your mom goes out, she needs a safe place to put the dog. This is especially important if the dog is untrained. Crates or kennels are that safe place. It keeps the dog secure, which prevents the destruction of furnishings and personal items. As the dog goes through training, the door to the crate or kennel can be left open. Eventually, a dog will use the crate as a personal space to go to when desired.

Toothbrush/Enzyme Toothpaste

Oral health is just as important to dogs as it is to people. Your mom should acclimate the dog to having his/her teeth brushed on a regular basis. Enzyme toothpastes come in dog-friendly flavors like bacon, chicken, or beef.

Reflective Leash and Harness

When your mom is walking the dog, you need to make sure traffic sees her and her dog. A reflective dog leash and a dog harness with LED lighting or reflective strips help. Your mom should also carry a flashlight to make sure she’s very visible before the sun rises or after it sets.

Nail Grooming Tools

Dogs need their nails trimmed regularly. Your mom will need clippers and a flashlight to find the quick (blood vessel). If she prefers, a grinding tool can help keep nails trimmed with a sanding disc instead of clippers. She might want to keep stypic powder on hand in case she does hit the quick and cause bleeding.

Travel Blanket

At times, your mom’s dog will need to go in a car. To protect the upholstery on her car seat, a travel blanket is essential. These covers are usually waterproof and easy to wipe clean of dog hair and dirt/mud.

Have Caregivers Help

There’s one more thing to consider. If your mom is lonely, homecare aides offer many services in addition to help with housework and meals. They’re there for companionship. They can join her on walks with her dogs.

Homecare aides can schedule vet appointments and make sure she keeps her dog registered. They can remind her to take her medications and help her with personal care. Call our homecare aides to make arrangements to have caregivers spend time with your mom.

For Homecare Services in Memphis TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!