Thanksgiving is coming up fast! Many people are already starting their Turkey Day planning and preparations. If you have an older pet, you’ll want to take a few extra precautions to keep your furry buddy happy, healthy, and safe. An Eau Claire, WI vet offers a few tips on spending the fall holiday with senior pets below.
Offer Safe Places
Pets in their golden years tend to be quite tired, and spend most of their time snoozing. Make sure that Fido and Fluffy have quiet, comfy spots to nap in, so they aren’t in the middle of all the commotion.
Limit Fatty Treats
Older pets often have quite sensitive stomachs, and sometimes don’t do well with drastic or sudden changes to their diets. Anything fatty, spicy, or rich has the potential to make your furry friend sick. Many foods are also unsafe. Ask guests not to feed Fluffy or Fido without checking with you first. Of course, you can offer your beloved pet something special. For most dogs and cats, some plain cooked turkey, without the skin, bones, or fat, will make a safe and suitable Thanksgiving dinner.
Travel
Are you going to someone else’s place for Thanksgiving? If you’re just going across town, you may want to bring Fido with you, assuming he’s invited. Kitties are usually fine at home for short periods. However, if you’re going to be gone overnight or longer, boarding is generally your safest option.
Decorate Carefully
Older animals are usually less prone to mischief than puppies and kittens. However, senior pets often do get underfoot, and can get their paws or tails caught in doors or under chairs. They also don’t always outgrow the desire to eat things. Keep this in mind when decorating. Put potential hazards, such as candles and toxic plants, in spots Fluffy and Fido can’t reach.
Grooming
Older animals sometimes look a bit unkempt. Senior kitties, for instance, often have trouble bending and stretching enough to clean themselves properly. Brush or bathe Fido and Fluffy before the big day, so they can put their best paw forward for your guests.
Be Thankful
We often don’t have as much time with our beloved animal companions as we’d like. Enjoy some special quality time with your furry pal. Pets are definitely something to be thankful for!
Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact us, your Eau Claire, WI animal clinic, anytime!
