The Creekside Chronicle

Hi Creekside families,

November is Senior Pet Health Awareness Month, and the holidays are about to land right on top of it. So this month I'm covering both: how to keep an older pet comfortable, and how to get all your pets through Thanksgiving and Christmas without a trip to the emergency room.

1. Your older pet isn't "just getting old"

Older pets are the best. They know your routine, they know which spot on the couch is theirs, and they know exactly when you're about to leave the house.

Here's what I'd like you to take from this month: slowing down is not something you just have to accept. When an older dog hesitates at the stairs, or a cat stops jumping onto the bed, it's easy to say, "Well, she's getting up there." Sometimes that's all it is. Sometimes it's arthritis or another problem we can treat. The same goes for changes in appetite, sleep, or behavior. If you notice them, tell us.

A few changes at home help a lot

• Put nonslip rugs or mats on slick floors.
• Give them a supportive bed somewhere easy to reach.
• Add ramps or steps to their favorite spots.
• Keep walks and play gentle, and match them to what your pet can actually do.
• Let them sniff on walks, or hide a few treats in a food puzzle. Short, easy training sessions work too.
• Keep the daily routine steady, and sit with them for a while each day.

Every senior pet is different, so I'd rather build a plan around yours than hand you a generic checklist. Schedule a senior wellness visit this month and we'll talk about what your pet needs.

2. Holiday guests and your pet

Your holiday might mean a full house, loud conversation, and a doorbell that never stops. Your pet's holiday might be a familiar bed and no doorbell at all. Even friendly pets can get rattled by the noise and the crowd, so give them a choice.

Before anyone arrives, set up a quiet room away from the action. Put in their own bedding, fresh water, and a toy. Cats need a litter box in there too. A crate is fine if your pet already likes it, but don't shut an animal in an unfamiliar crate and call it a retreat. Tell your guests the room is off-limits.

A few more things:

• Keep meals and walks on their usual schedule, especially for older pets.
• Let your pet decide whether to say hello. Don't force a greeting.
• Watch the front door when people come and go. Check that your pet's tags and microchip registration have your current phone number.
• If your pet has had a hard time with visitors before, call us ahead of time and we'll talk it through.

Your pet doesn't have to be the life of the party. My Doberman, Alex is a social butterfly with company but I giver her the option of "Sitting this one out." It is allowed.

3. Holiday hazards

Holiday kitchens smell great, and your dog will happily volunteer to clean up. But some of what's on the table can cause poisoning, pancreatitis, or a blockage. Keep these away from your pets:

• Chocolate and cocoa: Dangerous for dogs and cats. How much trouble it causes depends on the type, how much was eaten, and your pet's size.
• Xylitol: A sweetener in some sugar-free products and baked goods. It can be life-threatening for dogs.
• Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and chives: Grapes and raisins are unsafe for pets. Onions, garlic, and chives can damage red blood cells, and cats are especially sensitive. Keep serving plates, baked goods, and leftovers out of reach.
• Fatty scraps, turkey skin, and gravy: Rich food can cause pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas, not to mention an upset tummy.
• Bones and raw yeast dough: Bones can cause choking or a blockage. Raw dough can cause painful gas and bloating that turns dangerous.

If you want to give a treat, give one made for pets. Ask your guests to do the same, and put the lid on the trash.

Decorations count too

Tinsel, ribbon, and swallowed ornaments can cause choking or blockages. Some holiday plants make pets sick, and liquid potpourri can badly injure the mouth, eyes, or skin. Lilies are the worst for cats: a little pollen or a sip of vase water can cause kidney failure. If lilies come into your house, keep them away from cats completely, and call a vet right away if your cat gets into them. Protect your electrical cords, and don't put chemicals in the Christmas tree water.

If your pet gets into something

Treat it as urgent. Call us, an emergency hospital, or a poison-control line right away, and don't wait for symptoms. Hang on to the packaging or ingredient list so the team can work out how much your pet got.

Poison-control consultation fees may apply. Keep the nearest emergency hospital's number handy too.

Boarding your pet this season? Book as early as you can. Spots fill up fast.

Happy Thanksgiving. If anything goes sideways, call us.

Warmly,

Dr. Crowe

Creekside Vet Clinic