As the holiday season approaches and the sun shines brighter, let's make sure our golden oldies have the best Christmas and summer ever!
We worry if they will survive the chaos and mayhem of family gatherings with a spring in their step. Or we feel the sometimes critical eye of relatives who have not seen them since last Christmas.
We wonder if they will be able to make it to the beach again this year. Watching our beloved Super Seniors at Active Pet Rehabilitation, and listening to their parents share experiences, the answer to all these questions is in the detail.
Exercise for your Golden Oldies
Gentle Walks
We recommend a leisurely walk for your senior dog before guests arrive for celebrations, allowing them to explore and sniff, and providing them with mental stimulation. Just make sure it is early in the day to avoid the heat. Introduce mentally stimulating games and activities, like puzzle toys or hiding pet-safe treats for them to find. This may help them cope with the busy day.
Keeping Them Calm and Anxiety-Free
It is important to create a calm and comfortable environment at home for them to be able to relax and cope with the busy day, creating safe retreats for them to relax or retreat to will help keep them calm and reduce anxiety. Though this can be difficult during this time of year, it is recommended to maintain a consistent routine and avoid sudden changes that might stress them out
Dangers to avoid
Summer Safety
The summer heat brings risks associated with the temperature, such as heatstroke. Keeping senior dogs cool by providing plenty of shade, access to fresh water, and avoiding walks or exercising during the hottest parts of the day. On hot days, it is recommended to keep brachycephalic breeds, elderly and obese pets, and those with heart or lung disease inside in the aircon except for short outdoor bathroom breaks. Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Excessive panting
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
-Diarrhoea, with or without blood
- Weakness
-Incoordination or stumbling
- Sudden collapse
- Seizures
Family and friends bringing other dogs
If friends and family are bringing their furry family members along make sure all fur babies are comfortable in each other’s company or safely separated. Some dogs can become protective of food which can sometimes lead to fighting or someone getting bitten. It is always a good idea to have a couple of quiet and cool zones for pets to escape to if the party gets a little rowdy or they need time out.
Swimming
If there is a swimming pool at the party treat your senior fur babies like toddlers. Don’t leave them unattended by the water! They may be unable to climb out anymore, they may get over-excited and over-exercise themselves, or they may suffer slipping injuries with wet paws. Don’t forget to make sure they can dry off without catching a chill.
“Unwrapping gifts”
Leaving wrapped gifts or plants where noses can be tempted, and boredom can lead to unwanted destruction, could end with a trip to the vet to treat a poisoning or intestinal obstruction.
Rich and Fatty Foods
Some holiday dishes can be high in fat which can be harsh on a senior dog's digestive system, potentially leading to pancreatitis. It is important to stick to your dog’s regular diet and avoid indulging them with high-fat treats. Not only does it make your dog very unwell, it can be potentially life-threatening and costly.
Bones
Cooked bones which are often present in holiday meals can be a hazard to all dogs. The bones can splinter and cause choking, blockages, or internal injuries. Which can become quite costly to have surgical removed or repaired at your veterinarian. We recommend resisting the urge to share bones from holiday roasts and to remind your guests also!
Chocolate
With the high prevalence of chocolate during the holiday period, it is a good time to remind ourselves of the toxicity risk of chocolate to dogs due to theobromine content. Dogs metabolize theobromine much more slowly than humans and it is because of this slow metabolisation that theobromine builds up to a level that is toxic to their system, resulting in chocolate toxicity. It is recommended to remove these temptations away from curious noses and if you suspect that you have been gifted some chocolate, don’t put it under the tree as your dog will sniff it out! If your dog eats chocolate, call your vet or an emergency vet, and they will be able to determine if the ingested amount is a toxic level. Call a vet if your dog is showing signs of restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, seizures or collapse.
Onions and Garlic
These common holiday ingredients can be toxic in any form, so whether it is fresh, cooked, or powdered, it can be harmful to your pet. It can lead to gastrointestinal issues, anaemia, organ failure and other health problems in dogs. It is important to avoid dishes containing these ingredients when preparing special meals for senior dogs.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like xylitol are often found in sugar-free treats and baked goods, even some peanut butters. Xylitol is highly toxic and potentially fatal if consumed. Even in small doses, it can cause seizures, liver failure, and death.
Alcohol
Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach, as even small amounts can cause toxicity and adverse reactions in dogs. Poisoning may cause symptoms such as seizures or breathing difficulties that need hospitalisation and supportive care. In severe cases, or if left untreated, alcohol intoxication in dogs can cause failure of the organ systems and even death.
Other holiday foods and plants that can be toxic to pets include
Avocado
Grapes and raisins
Holly
Lily
Nutmeg
Poinsettia
As we celebrate the holiday season and enjoy the warm summer, let's ensure our senior dogs enjoy every moment too by being mindful of potential dangers, providing suitable exercise, maintaining as calm an environment as possible, and protecting against specific health concerns like pancreatitis, we can make it a Merry Christmas and a Super Summer for our Golden Oldies.
After all, they deserve all the love and care in the world.
How are you keeping your fur babies cheerful and safe this Festive Season?
We would love to see your comments below, or share some of their classic Christmas moments on our social pages.