Is your canine buddy in his golden years? Seniorhood is a very special time in your pet’s life. With the holidays approaching, however, you will want to pay your cute pet some extra attention. An Aurora, CO vet discusses spending the holidays with Fido below.
Treats
Fido will never outgrow his love of food. Just be careful what you give him, as rich, fatty foods can upset your furry pal’s stomach. Stick with things you know are safe. Generally, plain, cooked meat, fish, or poultry is fine, as long as you remove the skin, bones, and fat.
Gifts
Keep Fido’s age in mind as you select gifts for him. Comfort should be the biggest concern here. Soft beds, raised dishes, and pet ramps or stairs are all great luxury items for older dogs. Your canine pal will still enjoy toys and treats. Just look for things that are made specifically for senior pups.
Decorations
Older dogs aren’t as mischievous as young ones. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Put anything that could be dangerous, such as fragile ornaments, tinsel, and candles, out of paws’ reach. Many holiday plants, such as poinsettia, holly, ivy, and mistletoe, are toxic to pets. If you have a fireplace, use a heavy grate to make sure Fido can’t get singed.
Cold
Fido may have a fur coat on, but he can still get chilly. Older dogs are very sensitive to temperature changes. If your pup has thin fur, he’ll appreciate a comfy doggy sweater or jacket to wear when it’s really cold out. Also, make sure your furry bff has a comfy bed, where he can curl up and dream of sugar plum fairies … or bacon.
Travel
While many people will stay close to home this year, there will still be lots of folks visiting or hosting friends and family that live within driving distance. Travel can be hard on older dogs. You may want to board your canine friend, especially if you’re going somewhere that has a lot of stairs. If you’re staying home but having people over, set down some basic ground rules. For instance, ask people not to feed Fido without checking with you. You’ll also want to pay your pooch some extra attention, and keep that tail going.
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your local Aurora, CO veterinary clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!
