New Year’s Resolutions for Pets
The clock is getting ready to strike midnight on New Year’s Eve and many of us have already been thinking about our new year’s resolutions. This year, you may be resolving to be more mindful, hit the gym more or spend more time with family and friends. But have you thought about any New Year’s resolutions for pets?
If not, we’re ready with a few ideas to help launch you into a new year of pet happiness, health and longevity. Read on and give us a call if you have any questions!
Best New Year’s Resolutions for Pets
Why consider New Year’s resolutions for pets? Just like you, your pets can benefit from a little extra attention and a check for what in their life can be improved. Here are a few ideas:
Stay on track with preventive care – When it comes to pet health, this may be one of the most important things you can do. Preventive care exams can help us find small problems before they become an advanced disease. This is easier on you, your pet, and your wallet.
Keeping up with regular visits even when your pet seems well, as well as your pet’s monthly preventives for fleas, ticks, and heartworms, can be the best way to keep her healthier for longer.
Establish a daily grooming routine – A daily brushing can do much more than make your pet feel good, although for us that’s reason enough. Some pets really benefit from removing excess and loose hair. Even with short haired pets, with daily grooming you can find small skin problems, cuts, or lumps much more quickly. Regular grooming is also a wonderful way to bond with your best pet friend!
Make cardio fun – The winter blahs may be making their way into your home, but to stay happy and healthy, your pet needs to exercise. There are plenty of ways to do this without ever opening your front door. Look for a feather wand to get your cat jumping or play ball with your dog up and down a (safe) flight of stairs.
If the weather is decent enough to get outside, take a winter walk together, toss a ball in the snow, or engage in a game of kitty laser pointer tag. Whichever way you get exercise for your pet, it will help him stay lean, fit, and healthier for the long term.
Create a regular training habit – Even if your pet breezed through puppy or kitten kindergarten long ago, regular training and brush ups on basic obedience have lots of benefits. It can make uncertain pets more confident and it can enrich your pet’s quality of life as you engage her mind and body together. Plus, teaching her new tricks is fun for both of you!
Whatever new year’s resolutions you have, include a few for your pet too. Your furry friend will benefit, but so will you, as your bond with your pet increases and improves. Did you keep any of your New Year’s resolutions for pets from last year? If you did, give us a call to let us know how much better you and your pet feel this year. Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital looks forward to hearing from you!
