Holiday Senior Pet Care Tips

Season’s Greetings! This is a great time of year for getting adorable pet pictures. Puppies and kittens somehow manage to be even cuter than usual over the holidays. Older pets, however, often prefer to nap through the festivities. A Hudson Valley, NY vet offers advice on holiday care for senior pets below.

Choose Gifts Wisely

At this stage in your furry pal’s life, comfort is definitely king. Keep that in mind when shopping for them. Comfy beds and thermal blankets are great options. You can also get products made just for older pets, such as treats, toys, and litterboxes.

Offer Safe Havens

Are you hosting a party? Your four-legged buddy may be more comfortable in a quiet, comfy spot that’s away from all the commotion. Consider putting Fluffy or Fido in a back room with bedding, toys, and treats. If there’s a good chance of things getting loud, such as on New Year’s Eve, turn a radio or TV on for background noise.

Watch For Signs Of Stress

Fluffy and Fido are definitely creatures of habit. Changes and commotion can be quite stressful for them. Some pets may stick closely to their owners, while others will retreat and hide. Keep an eye out for warning signs, such as changes in appetite, upset stomach, hiding, withdrawal, crankiness, and/or overgrooming.

Decorate Carefully

While many pets have outgrown their mischievous streaks by the time they hit their golden years, even older dogs and cats like to indulge their inner kittens and puppies from time to time. Keep this in mind as you decorate. Put things that could be dangerous, such as toxic plants, candles, small or sharp ornaments, ribbons, and tinsel, in spots your furry bff can’t reach.

Minimize Disruptions

Don’t leave senior pets home alone for long periods! If you’re traveling, consider boarding or hiring a petsitter.

Limit Fatty Treats

Older animals are sometimes prone to getting upset stomachs, especially when eating things they aren’t used to. Stick with safe, suitable snacks. Plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry, without the skin, bones, or fat, is a good bet. Ask your vet for more information.

Enjoy Some Quality Time

Spend some quiet time with Fluffy and Fido over the holidays. Purrs and tail wags from senior pets really are precious gifts!

Happy Holidays from Stone Cottage Veterinary Hospital, your Hudson Valley, NY animal clinic. Call us anytime!