Halloween for Senior Pets: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe

Is your animal friend in their golden years? Pets are adorable at any age, but they seem to get cuter as they get older. In some ways, senior pets are easier to care for than younger ones. However, they require further attention in other areas. You’ll also need to take additional precautions with your pal around holidays like Halloween. In this post, a Louisville, KY veterinarian provides some ideas for celebrating Halloween with your favorite retiree.

Keep Sweets From Paw’s Reach

Many popular Halloween snacks are dangerous for pets. That list includes chocolates, raisins, and anything containing xylitol, sometimes known as birch sugar. Hard candies are also bad, as they can choke your pet. Anything heavy in fat or sugar is also undesirable. Select healthy treats for your animal buddy. Your Louisville, KY veterinarian can recommend suitable options.

Be Extra Cautious With Fire

Jack O Lanterns, candles, torches, and fire pits can all contribute to a cozy autumn atmosphere. While you should be cautious around fire with any pet, senior creatures require a few extra precautionary measures. Older animals have poorer vision and hearing than juvenile animals. They’re also much more prone to stumbling and falling. Keep pets away from stoves and firepits. If you use torches or candles, keep them high and out of your pets’ reach.

Keep Fluffy Indoors

We always advocate keeping cats inside. This is especially true for senior cats. Fluffy will be weaker and slower than her younger peers, and she may not see or hear properly. This heightens the dangers already caused by autos, weather, stray and wild animals, and chemicals. Furthermore, Fluffy may lose track of her whereabouts and be unable to find her way home. You definitely do not want that!

We also recommend taking extra measures with black cats. Unfortunately, due to superstitions, kittens with black fur are more vulnerable to malevolent pranksters around this time of year. Even if you do let your pet out, limit her activities during the fall and keep her inside until after Halloween.

Keep Fido Safe Outside

Keeping pets indoors is not an option. Fido needs to go outside to relieve himself and get some exercise. Simply take extra care. Think about getting a light, reflective, or even LED-equipped leash and harness to ensure that people, particularly drivers, can see your dog at night. As usual, keep Fido on a leash. An older puppy is less likely to chase squirrels … but more likely to misstep or stumble into traffic.

Do you have a yard where your furry best buddy can play? If so, that’s fantastic. Our canine companions like and benefit from having outdoor places to patrol! We still recommend that Fido spend most of his time indoors this week. Unfortunately, some people will taunt dogs. People dressed in costumes may potentially disturb or scare Fido. Plus, unfortunately, passersby may throw trash into your yard. In addition to this being quite rude, this can potentially pose a risk to your furry pal.

Avoid Going Overboard With Costumes

We understand how fun it might be to see an aging dog—or any dog, for that matter—all dressed up. Fido has donned a number of humorous costumes throughout the years, including Viking, pirate, spaghetti, cheeseburger, taco, lion, spider, mailman, bumblebee, and walrus. The list is still growing, and still getting funnier. 

At this point in your pet’s life, comfort should always come first. If you want to put something on your canine companion, make sure it’s not too hot, too tight, too loose, or too difficult for your pet to see or move around. Dog costumes should also be non-toxic and non-flammable, with no little or dangling bits that could get stuck on something.

Pay attention to the temperature as well. Older dogs are more sensitive to temperature extremes than younger dogs, thus they get hotter or colder faster. It’s not a bad idea to be safe and opt for something simple, such as a charming tie or some antlers. Fido will still be adorable! 

Keep Things Calm

Costumes can be a lot of fun, but they can also be rather terrifying to dogs. Fido will not realize that the dinosaur at the door is the neighbor’s child, and he may be terrified of the mysterious vampire. Older pets appreciate calm and peaceful environments, and anything out of the norm can upset them.

If you’re having a party or expecting trick-or-treaters, take a few precautions to keep your old pet comfortable. You may wish to create a quiet area for Fido and Fluffy. A spare room or quiet bedroom could be ideal. Include a comfortable bed, and some favorite toys, and turn on a television or radio to block out the noise. If your dog has a crate, he may be more comfortable there.

If your pet becomes anxious or disturbed when the doorbell rings, speak with your veterinarian about employing pet-calming treatments. There are various possibilities, including collars, treats, and sprays.

Enjoy That Gorgeous Fall Weather

The weather is usually beautiful this time of year. This is an excellent time to take Fido for a relaxing walk or to offer Fluffy a window seat on an enclosed porch.

Get Seasonal Products

Pet product manufacturers have ventured well beyond the traditional catnip mouse. You can purchase a variety of interesting seasonal toys for your pet. Fido would look fantastic with a Dracula or Mummy soft toy. You might also consider giving your cat a catnip bat or spider, or putting an autumn-themed blanket on her bed.

Provide All Required Comforts

At this time of year, the temperature will quickly drop. Make sure your pet stays warm and comfy on cold evenings. Thick mattresses are essential because they protect your pet’s bones and joints from harsh surfaces while also providing warmth and insulation. Grooming is also crucial for both dogs and cats. Fido will need baths and regular brushdowns. If you have a cat, start giving Fluffy some extra help with her grooming routine. Senior cats may have difficulty bending and stretching. This makes it difficult for them to fully cover their bodies. In addition, their fur is often oily. Brushing Fluffy gently will keep her comfortable.

Serve Seasonal Delights

Did you realize that many fall favorites are good for pets? Pureed pumpkin, for example, is loaded with nutrients. It also helps combat both diarrhea and constipation. Many pets would benefit from having some added to their meals.

Apples are also harmless, but pets may have difficulty chewing them. Sweet potatoes are another nice choice. You can also serve cooked, boneless chicken or turkey flesh with a sodium-free broth. Consult your Louisville, KY veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Take That Photograph

This is also an ideal time of year to snap portraits. Our furry buddies are always photogenic! Take some cute photos of your four-legged retiree! (Tip: Take your shots at sunrise or sunset to get the best light.)

Make an appointment at our Louisville, KY veterinary hospital.

Do you own a senior pet? Are you looking for a high-quality veterinarian in your area? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. As your Louisville, KY animal clinic, we are committed to providing great care.