Caring for senior pets is a balancing act, because we want to spoil them, but we don’t want to harm them or worsen existing medical conditions. The holidays are a prime time for this dilemma, because pet owners want to share delicious table scraps and treats so their pets can experience seasonal smells and flavors. However, these foods can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) upset at best and organ failure at worst. The Mobile Cat & Dog Vet team understands that pet owners want to provide holiday treats, so we offer tips and alternatives to help ensure the holidays will be safe and enjoyable for all.

Holiday food dangers for senior pets

Offering pets holiday foods can upset the delicate balance in their digestive system, which may have become more sensitive with age or because of certain medical conditions. Here are the concerns about feeding your senior pets table food:

  • Pancreatitis — This inflammatory condition can occur spontaneously, but can be triggered in some cases by consuming fatty holiday foods, including turkey skin, meat drippings, gravy, or butter. In an already debilitated pet, acute pancreatitis can cause other organs to fail. Pets at high risk include miniature schnauzers and those with pre-existing metabolic diseases, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, Cushing’s disease, and high cholesterol.
  • Gastroenteritis — Some pets may only experience vomiting and diarrhea, but others can suffer stomach irritation that can lead to dehydration and lethargy, which can worsen issues like chronic kidney disease or fatty liver.
  • Toxicity — Toxic holiday foods include chocolate, raisins, xylitol, macadamia nuts, garlic, and onions. Ingesting these foods will lead to variable signs, including heart problems, kidney failure, seizures, anemia, or death. Many toxicities are treatable, but seniors may suffer more severe organ system damage than their younger counterparts. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline if your senior pet consumes these foods.

Safe holiday treats for senior pets

Table food may be dangerous for your senior pet, but you can still offer them tasty treats with a holiday feel. You can find many home-made pet treat recipes online that give pet owners control over the ingredients and nutrient content, which you can tailor to your pet’s needs. Try oat, flour, or banana-based recipes that include your pet’s favorite flavors, such as natural peanut butter or honey. Offer cats their typical canned food in a new flavor, a lick of water-based tuna, or freeze-dried mini shrimp.

You can also cook a special holiday meal for your pet using only lean meats and avoiding butter, oil, or spices—boiling is the easiest method to prepare safe pet meals. Your pet’s meal can include any of  the following safe and festive ingredients that your pet enjoys:

  • White meat, skinless, boneless chicken or turkey
  • Extra-lean ground beef
  • Potatoes or sweet potatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Pumpkin, zucchini, or squash
  • Green beans
  • Fresh or dried cranberries—never feed pets raisins
  • Store-bought mushrooms
  • Apple slices, with no core or seeds
  • Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries

Offer only small amounts at a time, especially if your pet has a history of a sensitive stomach. 

Enriching treat alternatives for senior pets

Some senior pets, including those on prescription diets, struggling with GI diseases, or who have a history of an easily upset stomach or pancreatitis, will fare better during the holidays on their usual diet. You can find other ways to help your pet feel included that don’t involve food, such as:

  • Go for a walk — Exercise is a never-fail bonding activity that is good for you both.
  • Hold a training session — The senior mind needs the same enrichment as younger pets.
  • Cuddle together — Sitting together on the couch or bed while you watch TV or read a book is a senior pet’s idea of a good time.
  • Have a spa day — Although not all pets enjoy a bath, most like a good brush.
  • Give them a massage — Pet massage is a recognized technique to help with orthopedic issues and reduce stress. You can learn to do this yourself or hire a pet massage therapist to come to your home.

We know that the holidays can be a mixed bag for owners of senior pets and their pets, but our suggestions will create positive memories. If your pet develops digestive or other problems after the holidays or needs a pre-holiday check-up for travel or boarding, contact the Mobile Cat & Dog Vet team to schedule a stress-free home visit.