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Devices to Help Care For Your Pet

Devices to Help Care For Your Pet. August 28, 2013 Laura Hall, MSW Assistive Technology Information Coordinator. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC). A disability justice movement working to transform communities. Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program

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Devices to Help Care For Your Pet

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  1. Devices to Help Care For Your Pet August 28, 2013 Laura Hall, MSW Assistive Technology Information Coordinator

  2. Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) • A disability justice movement working to transform communities. • Home of Michigan’s Assistive Technology Program • MDRC’s Web Page: www.mymdrc.org • Contactmdrc@mymdrc.org

  3. Benefits of Pet Ownership • Physical Health Benefits • Lower risk of cardiovascular disease/cholesterol/ BP levels • Better survival rates after a heart attack • Lower rates of hospitalization and general practitioner visits • Weight loss • Decreased pain

  4. Benefits of Pet Ownership 2 • Mental Health • Reduced feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety • Reduced tension and stress • Increased feeling of social support and care • Better self-esteem/self confidence • Better self/care

  5. Benefits of Pet Ownership 3 • Socially • Less isolation • More opportunities for social interaction • The “approachability” factor • Benefits for people with Autism and ADHD

  6. General Notes about Adaptations • Location of a tank, cage, and equipment needed to care for the animal can be modified to meet the needs of the person. • Equipment needed to care for the pet can be placed strategically for the ease of the owner.

  7. General Notes about Adaptations 2 • Consider options for mounting AT or equipment (i.e. onto a wheelchair, hooks near the door/cage) • Simple foam tubing can be used to build up handles and grips (fish net, brushes, cat toys, etc.)

  8. General Notes about Adaptations 3 Bump dots and puffy craft paint can help people who are blind or have low vision identify objects, distinguish between items (i.e. cat food vs. dog food). Pen Friend – Uses RFID, allows you record a message that corresponds to the RFID tag. Reminder clocks and apps can be used as an alert to feed your pet, go for a walk, etc.

  9. Assistive Technology for Feeding • Accessing Food/Food Storage • Airtight containers that can sit on a table (Vittle Vaults) • Cereal containers with handle for smaller food • Food storage on wheels • Automatic feeders with storage (available for fish too!) • One Touch Can Opener

  10. Assistive Technology for Feeding 2 • Measuring and Scooping • Angled measuring cup • Talking measuring cup • Large print measuring cup • Long handled food scoop • Built up scoops

  11. Assistive Technology for Feeding 3 • Feasting and Dining • Raised food bowls • Long attached handles for pick up (K9 Kaddy/Kitty Kaddy) • Automatic watering bowls and water fountains (Drinkwell, Petmate, etc.) • For small animals (hamsters, mice, rats) lab blocks can be used. • Food delivery services

  12. Assistive Technology for Waste Management • Dogs • First consider the approach (front, side, etc) • Long handled rake and bin • Spring loaded scoops (often requires hand strength) • Low dexterity scoopers • Waste catcher (Intercept)

  13. Assistive Technology for Waste Management 2 • Cats • Litter box with handle and long handed scoop • Self-cleaning litter boxes • Rolling litter boxes • Self-Cleaning AND litter washing (Cat Genie) • Clumping litter for better vision and scooping • Waste container (Litter Locker for multiple uses)

  14. AT for Grooming • Consider grooming by having the animal stand on a couch, bed, table, etc. with a sheet or towel down for fur protection. • Many types of brushes and combs available • Furminator • Love Glove • Zoom Groom • Bristle brush with hand strap • Self groomers (cats only) • Waterless shampoos, ear/eye wipes, cleansing wipes

  15. AT For Grooming 2 • Nail clippers with safety blades/electronic quick sensors • Grooming tether • Pet stairs for easier access • Commercial services • Professional groomers • Pet bathing stations (do it yourself) • Mobile groomers

  16. AT for Grooming 3 • Dental Care • Finger toothbrush vs. regular animal toothbrush • Enzymatic pet toothpaste • Dental chews and toys • Water supplements • Specially-formulated food for oral care

  17. AT for Play - Dogs • Chew or tug toys with handles or large grips • Technology assisted fetch • Chuck It • Frisbees with attachments • Go Dog Go Remote Tennis Ball Launcher • Interactive toys/puzzles may enable a dog to be independently entertained if the owner is not able to engage in manual play.

  18. AT for Play – Dogs 2 • Nylabones are stronger and often safer for dogs. They do not break or splinter could be ideal for owner not able to provide close supervision. • Owners who are blind or have low vision may prefer high contrast toys, auditory feedback

  19. AT for Play - Cats • Cat dancers/fishers (mountable, adaptable, unpredictable) • Automated cat toys • Play/chase circuits • Automatic cat dancers • Laser Toys (handheld and tabletop) • Wobble/Zig Zag Balls

  20. AT For Play – Cats 2 • Spring bobble toys can be mounted to a wall, table, etc. using command strips. • Nylon tunnels and paper bags lend themselves to alternative means of scratching for play.

  21. AT for Lifting • Less monitoring for pets with mobility issues • Commercially available or homemade • Pet Ramps for Car • Stairs and ramps inside the home

  22. AT for Pet Health • Four Paws Quick and Easy Pill Dispenser • Pet specific pill box • Pet specific medication reminder • Pill Pockets

  23. Mobile Veterinary Clinics • Can make house calls for dogs, cats and other small animals • Typically charge a home visit fee (gas) • Generally can provide the following services: • Physical/Wellness Exams • Vaccines • Minor surgery • Diagnostic testing • Spay/neuter • Dental services

  24. Financial Assistance for AT • United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan • Low-interest loans available for purchase of assistive technology • Available to individuals with disabilities/their families that reside within Michigan • Application process • Maximum loan amount is $30,000, no minimum

  25. Financial Assistance for Pet Care • Discounted/sliding scale services from vets, groomers, etc. • Low cost spay/neuter clinics • Emergency funds, pet pantries, medical expense assistance • Pet diagnosis-specific funds (cancer, diabetes) • Pet Food Stamp Program

  26. Financial Assistance for Pet Care Web Resources • U.S. Humane Society – Michigan Resources • Michigan Humane Society – Help for Struggling Owners • Pet Assistance Network • Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary Resource List

  27. Questions?

  28. "All Of The Animals Except For Man Know That The Principle Business Of Life Is To Enjoy It." ~ Samuel Butler Final Thought

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