Holiday shopping can be difficult for the senior pet who has everything—a new tennis ball or cat tree may have wowed them during their younger years, but your aging pet's interests and physical abilities have changed. Show them your love hasn't changed—here are six age-appropriate holiday gifts that both practical and playful-minded senior pets will appreciate.
1. Create a scented adventure
Age may decrease your senior's ability to hear, see, or move with ease, but chances are their scenting capabilities are still strong. Engage their nose with a foraging activity (i.e., a natural dog and cat behavior in which pets hunt for food by exploring their environment). You do not need to roam far and wide—scent-based activities and treat-dispensing puzzles allow mobility-impaired pets to play, too.
Even just grabbing a handful of kibble and playing a little hide-and-seek around your home is a great way to make your pet feel safe and add wonder to their environment.
2. A homemade cookie or treat
Why not bake up some tempting dog or cat treats if you're already in the kitchen? Many store-bought pet treats are filled with preservatives, fillers, and artificial colors and flavors. Give your pet treats you know you can trust because you made them yourself with simple, wholesome ingredients. Try these accessible, healthy, and irresistible perennial favorites:
Holiday Treats for Dogs
3. A heated bed for chilly nights
Wrap your senior in warmth this holiday with a cozy heated bed. Heat relieves arthritic muscles and joints, helping your pet rest comfortably. Your pet will also enjoy reduced stiffness when they wake from their long winter nap.
If you prefer not to plug in an electric bed, self-warming pet beds that work by radiating your pet's body heat through specially designed fabrics, and provide extra heat-conducting insulation, are a safer alternative.
4. A pet ramp to make their favorite spots more accessible
If your former couch-mate is left sleeping on the floor because of painful arthritis or vision issues, help them return to their rightful place with a pet ramp. Ramps require less joint motion and are safer for vision-impaired dogs and cats to navigate than pet stairs. Select a ramp with a textured surface to provide a sure grip. Train your pet with tasty treat rewards to first use the ramp on the ground, and then gradually raise the incline. Ensuring your pet goes up and down on the ramp will help prevent injury.
5. A new sweater or jacket
Aging pets have trouble regulating their body temperature and are more prone to hypothermia in winter. Clothing that provides a protective layer against chilly weather or drafty interiors can improve your senior pet's mobility by keeping their joints warm. Clothing that sits high on the neck, wraps around the chest, extends to the tail base, and covers the hips protects best against the elements. Ensure your pet's new duds allow a comfortable range of motion, and remove any hanging accessories that may pose a tripping hazard, or be swallowed.
6. A pet drinking fountain
Since cats are naturally attracted to moving water, entice them with a pet water fountain. Choose a fountain made from pet-safe metal, glass, or ceramic for easy cleaning. If your cat is noise-sensitive, select a quieter model that bubbles up rather than trickles down. An added bonus—dogs love them, too! This holiday season, celebrate your senior pet and improve their quality of life with a gift tailored to their needs and abilities.
