Halloween With Senior Pets

Is your animal companion in their golden  years? Pets are cute at any age, but they are somehow absolutely adorable when they become seniors. In some ways, senior pets are easier to care for than their younger counterparts. However, they do need extra attention in other areas. You’ll also need to make some adjustments to your furry pal’s care regimen as they get older. You’ll also want to be cautious with aging pets around Halloween. A local Lowell, MI vet offers some advice on spending Halloween with your furry retiree in this article.

Keep Sweets Out Of Paws Reach

Many popular Halloween foods are toxic to our furry pals. That list includes chocolates, raisins, and anything that contains xylitol, which is also known as birch sugar. Hard candies are also unsafe, as they are choking hazards. Anything that is high in fat or sugar is also not a good bet. Opt for healthy treats for your animal companion. Your vet can recommend suitable options. Generally, plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry is fine, as long as you remove the skin, bones, and fat.

Be Careful With Fire

Jack O Lanterns, candles, torches, and fire pits can all go a long way toward creating a comfy fall atmosphere. However, while you need to be careful with any pet around fire, it’s best to take some extra precautions with seniors. Older animals can’t see or hear as well as their younger counterparts. They’re also susceptible to tripping and falling. Keep pets safely away from fireplaces and fire pits. If you’re burning torches or candles, keep them in high, secure spots, well out of your pet’s range.

Keep Pets Inside

We always recommend keeping cats indoors. This goes double for older kitties. Not only is Fluffy going to be weaker and slower than her younger counterparts, she may also not see or hear as well as she used to. That increases the risks already posed by things like cars, weather, and chemicals. Plus, there’s a chance that Fluffy could forget where she is, and not be able to find her way home.

We also advise taking extra precautions with black cats. Unfortunately, because of old superstitions, kitties with black fur are in danger from cruel pranksters at this time of year. Even if you do let your pet go out, curtail her activities over the autumn holiday.

Keep Fido Safe Outdoors

Keeping dogs indoors isn’t going to be an option. Fido of course needs to go out to relieve himself and to get some exercise. Just take a few extra precautions. It’s not a bad idea to get a light, reflective, or even LED leash and harness, to help people see your pooch after dark. Make sure to keep your canine pal on a leash at all times. With an older dog, there may be less of a risk of your pup tearing off after a squirrel, but there is more of a risk of him accidentally tripping or stumbling into the road.

If you have a yard for your dog to play in, that’s a bit safer. However, we would still recommend keeping Fido indoors a lot this week. Sadly, some people will taunt dogs. Your pooch may also get upset by people walking past in costumes. 

Don’t Go Overboard With Costumes

We know, it can be really cute to see an older pooch dressed up. Fido’s worn some pretty adorable outfits over the years! He’s been a Viking, a pirate, spaghetti, cheeseburgers, a mailman, a bumblebee, and a walrus, among others. At this point in your pet’s life, comfort should always be king. If you want to put something on your pet, make absolutely sure that it is comfy for him. It shouldn’t be too hot, too tight, too loose, or too hard for your pet to see or move in. Dog costumes also should be non-toxic and nonflammable, and they should not have small or dangling parts or pieces that could get caught on things.  Pay attention to the temperature as well. Older dogs are more sensitive to weather extremes than their younger counterparts are, and will get hot or cold more easily.

Keep Things Calm

Costumes can be lots of fun, but it’s important to keep in mind they can be pretty scary for pets. Fido won’t understand that the dinosaur at the door is just the neighbor’s kid, and he may be quite frightened of the spooky vampire. Older pets also tend to like things to be nice and calm, and they sometimes get very distressed at anything that is out of the norm. 

If you are hosting a party and/or welcoming trick or treaters, take a few steps to keep your older pet comfortable. You may want to set up a quiet back room for Fido and Fluffy. Include a comfy bed, some beloved toys, and turn a TV or radio on to mask the noise. If your canine buddy has a crate, he may feel more comfortable inside it. 

If your pet gets uneasy or distressed when the doorbell rings, ask your vet for tips on using pet-calming products. There are many options available, including collars, treats, and sprays. 

Enjoy The Weather

The weather tends to be absolutely beautiful at this time of year. This is a great chance for you to take Fido for a relaxing stroll, or give Fluffy a window seat on an enclosed porch. 

Have Fun With Toys

Pet product companies have gone far beyond the basic catnip mouse. There are lots of fun seasonal themed toys you can get your furry pal. Fido would look adorable with a little Dracula or Mummy plush toy. You can also look at getting your kitty a catnip bat or spider, or put a Halloween blanket on her bed.

Provide All The Necessary Comforts 

It’s going to start getting chilly at this time of year. Make sure that your furry friend is warm and cozy on cooler nights. Thick beds are a must: they’ll not only protect your pet’s bones and joints from hard floors, but they’ll also offer warmth and insulation. Grooming is also important. If you have a kitty, you may need to start giving Fluffy some extra help with her beauty regime. Senior cats often have trouble bending and stretching. That makes it hard for them to reach their whole bodies. Plus, their fur is often a bit greasy. Gently brushing Fluffy will help keep her comfortable. 

Offer Seasonal Treats

Did you know that many fall favorites are actually healthy for pets? Pureed pumpkin, for instance, is packed with nutrients. It also helps prevent both diarrhea and constipation. Many pets will benefit from having some added to their kibble. Apple is also safe, though pets may have a hard time chewing it. Sweet potato is another good bet. You can also offer cooked chicken or turkey meat, or some sodium-free broth. Ask your Lowell, MI vet for specific advice. 

Snap That Photo

This is also a perfect time of year for taking portraits. Get some cute pictures of your four-legged retiree! 

Make An Appointment At Our Lowell, MI Pet Hospital

Do you have a senior pet? Are you looking for a top-notch vet in the area? Please do not hesitate to contact us. As your Lowell, MI animal clinic, we are dedicated to offering great care.