New Year, New Resolutions

Well here we are, ready to kick off another year making all sorts of resolutions that we intend to keep but, despite our best efforts, probably won't continue any of them much beyond the month of January.  Since most resolutions we make and later fail to sustain are personal goals we set for ourselves to improve our own lives, why not do something different this year by making a resolution that will have benefits for both you and your beloved pet.  Most pet owners will do just about anything for their 4-legged friends and, by involving your pet and making them part of a new routine, you may find the lifestyle change more enjoyable and thus be more likely to stick with it...especially if it is keeping your pet safe, happy, and healthy!    

 

Here are ten resolution ideas  to make this year your pet’s best year yet!

 

10.  Measure Your Pet’s Food - Every Time.

Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain.  It’s important to use a measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they need.  The recommended feeding guidelines on the bag are a good place to start to figure out how much food they really need.

 

9.  Choose an Age-Appropriate Diet.

Growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong.  For example, some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, but have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with the appropriate diet.  Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.

 

8.  Try a New Activity with Your Pet.

From doga (doggy yoga) to hiking to kayaking, it’s easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine.  It’s a great way to bond, it will get you both out of the house, and both you and your pet will reap the rewards of physical activity.  

 

7.  Incorporate (More) Playtime into Your Routine.

Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise!  Toys that trigger a cat’s natural predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch.  Experiment to see what really gets your cat going — catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable cat trees are some feline favorites.  Even something as simple as a cardboard box can become a cool cat cave that provides them  with the perfect hiding place.

 

6.  Make a Date with Your Vet.

An annual examination by the veterinarian is a key component of good preventive care.  Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets and much easier to manage when detected early. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s food, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your pet.

 

5.  Groom Your Pet Daily.

Brushing your pet serves many purposes.  It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture.  Daily grooming is also a bonding activity that shows your pet how much you love them by taking care of them in a very soothing manner.

 

4.  Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits with Your Pet.

Brushing your pets teeth routinely is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay — just be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs and cats.  Treats designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful tool in keeping teeth clean.  Regular cleanings by a licensed veterinarian are the best way to keep those pearly whites in tip top shape long into your pet’s senior years.

 

3.  Teach an Old Dog a New Trick.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals.  In other words, keeping your senior pet’s brain active can actually make it healthier!  Teaching your pet new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing.  Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

 

2.  Update Pet ID Info.

Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags.  Unfortunately, they often only remember once the pet is lost.  If any of your contact information has changed recently, don’t wait — update their tags and microchip information today!  It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way home.

 

1.  Consider Fostering.

You think you want a new pet, but you’re not completely sure it’s right for you?  Try fostering.  Pet Pal Animal Shelter and many other rescue groups need loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets.  It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership without the long-term commitment, since you are simply hosting a pet while they wait for their FURever home.  Who knows? That home just might end up being yours!

 

I hope these tips will help all of you make 2015 a fabulous year for you and your pets!  Even if you can only commit to 1 or 2 of these resolutions, you'll still be improving your pet's quality of life in some way which will be improving your life as well!  

 

All the best to you and your furry friends in this coming year!  

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!