Is your pet in their golden years? Pets are cute at any age, but they grow much more adorable as they get older. You’ll also need to make some changes to your pet’s care routine as they grow older. In some ways, senior pets are easier to care for than younger ones. However, they require particular attention in other areas. You should also be cautious with elderly pets during this time of year. In this article, a local veterinarian in London Ontario provides tips on how to spend Halloween with your furry retiree.

Keep Sweets Out Of Paws Reach

Many households have plenty of candy throughout the autumn season. There are pre-Halloween and post-Halloween stashes, as well as last-minute discounts. Many popular Halloween treats are harmful to our furry friends. This includes chocolates, raisins, and anything containing xylitol, often known as birch sugar. Hard candies are also dangerous since they can choke you. Anything heavy in fat or sugar is likewise not a smart idea for an elderly dog. Choose healthful treats for your companion animal. Your London, ON veterinarian can propose appropriate choices.

Be Cautious With Fire

Candles, torches, and fire pits can all help to create a relaxing fall mood. While you should be cautious with any creature near a fire, it is especially important to exercise caution with elders. Older animals have poorer vision and hearing compared to younger animals. They’re also prone to tripping and falling. Keep your dogs away from fireplaces and fire pits. If you’re using torches or candles, keep them up high and out of pets’ range.

Keep Pets Inside

We always urge that cats be kept indoors. This is especially true for older kitties. Fluffy will not only be weaker and slower than her younger counterparts, but she may also lose her ability to see and hear clearly. This compounds the threats already posed by automobiles, weather, and chemicals. Furthermore, Fluffy may lose track of where she is and be unable to find her way back home.

We also suggest extra caution while dealing with black cats. Unfortunately, because of old traditions, kittens with black fur are at risk from nasty pranksters during this time of year. Even if you do allow your pet to go outside, limit her activities over the autumn season.

Keep Fido Safe Outside

Keeping dogs indoors is not an option. Of course, Fido needs to go outside to relieve himself and get some exercise. Just take a few extra precautions. To help people see your dog better after dark, consider using a bright, reflective, or even LED leash and harness. Keep your pup on a leash at all times. With an older dog, there is a lower danger of him chasing a squirrel, but he is more likely to trip or stumble into the road.

If you have a yard for your dog to play in, that is slightly safer. However, we advocate keeping Fido indoors during holidays and after nightfall. Ask your vet in London Ontario for more information.

Don’t Go Overboard With Costumes

We know how adorable it is to see an older dog dressed up. Fido has donned some very cute outfits over the years! He’s played a variety of roles, including Viking, pirate, spaghetti, cheeseburgers, mailman, bumblebee, and walrus. With the holidays coming, he may also find himself sporting reindeer antlers or a Pilgrim hat.

At this stage in your pet’s life, comfort should always reign supreme. If you are going to put something on your pet, be sure it is comfortable for him. It should not be excessively hot, too tight, or too loose, and should not block Fido’s vision or movement. Dog costumes should also be non-toxic and non-flammable, with no little or dangling components or pieces that could get snagged on objects. Also, pay attention to the temperature. Older dogs are more sensitive to weather extremes than younger dogs, and they become hotter or colder more quickly.

Keep Calm

People’s social calendars are starting to fill up with events like Halloween, Friendsgiving, and football games. Costumes and celebrations can be a lot of fun, but they might be scary for pets. Older pets prefer things to be nice and tranquil, and they can become distressed by anything out of the ordinary.

If you’re throwing a party or expecting trick-or-treaters, take a few precautions to keep your elderly pet comfortable. You could wish to set up a quiet rear room for Fido and Fluffy. Include a comfortable bed, some favorite toys, and turn on the TV or radio to drown out the noise. If your dog has a crate, he may feel more at ease inside of it.

If your pet seems nervous or distressed when the doorbell rings, consult your veterinarian for advice on utilizing pet-calming remedies. There are other possibilities, such as collars, treats, and sprays.

Enjoy The Weather

The weather is often ideal at this time of year. This is an excellent opportunity to take Fido for a leisurely stroll or to give Fluffy a window seat on an enclosed porch.

Have Fun With Toys

Pet product makers have gone far beyond the standard catnip mouse. There are several interesting seasonal toys available for your pet. Fido would look fabulous with a small Dracula or Mummy plush toy. You can also consider getting your cat a catnip bat or spider. As Thanksgiving approaches, you can opt for more harvest-themed decor or simply continue the Halloween fun! (Some of you may even go in for early holiday decor. We will not judge: just put safety first.) 

Provide All Necessary Comforts

It’s going to grow colder this time of year. On colder nights, make sure your pet is warm and comfortable. Thick mattresses are essential: they not only protect your pet’s bones and joints from rough flooring, but also provide warmth and insulation.

Grooming is also necessary. If you have a cat, you might need to start providing Fluffy some extra assistance with her beauty routine. Senior cats may have problems bending and stretching. This makes it difficult for them to access their entire body. Furthermore, their fur is often oily. Fluffy will be more comfortable if you brush her gently.

Offer Seasonal Treats

Did you realize that many fall favorites are actually beneficial to pets? Pureed pumpkin, for example, is packed with nutrients. It also prevents diarrhea and constipation. Many pets will benefit from having some mixed into their chow. Apple is also harmless, but pets may have difficulty chewing it. Sweet potato is another great option. You can also serve cooked, plain, boneless chicken or turkey meat, as well as some sodium-free broth. Consult your veterinarian for particular recommendations.

Take That Photo!

This is also an excellent time of year to take portraits. Get some adorable photos of your four-legged retiree! Shoot at twilight or morning for the greatest natural light. That’s when the light has a natural, golden appearance.

Make An Appointment At Our London, On Pet Hospital.

Do you have any senior pets? Are you looking for a high-quality vet in the area? Please do not be hesitant to contact us. As your animal clinic, we are committed to providing exceptional care.