New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet
With the New Year comes new beginnings and resolutions. Here are a few resolutions you can adopt to help ensure a happy and healthy year for your pets too!
Measure Serving Sizes
Just like humans, approximately 50 percent of pets are overweight. When feeding your pet, use an 8 ounce measuring cup to appropriately portion your pet’s meals. “Eyeballing” the portion sizes results in overfeeding and can lead to overweight pets. Consult your veterinarian for a recommended serving size.
Be Age Appropriate
Keep your pet’s at their healthiest by feeding them a diet that is specifically tailored to their life stage. Younger pets have higher energy levels and require a higher calorie consumption to keep them growing and active. It is important to select a food that is designed for your pet’s age, lifestyle and medical conditions.
Get Active
Incorporate your pets into your workout routine to keep you both lean and mean! Not only does exercise benefit you and your pet physically, but it can help you to bond. From walks to a game of fetch, head outside with your pet.
Maximize Playtime
Toys are a great way to keep pets, especially cats, active and engaged. From crinkly balls to cat nip filled favorites, there are a variety of toys to keep your pet happy and moving.
Visit the Vet
Regular visits to the vet are another component of good preventative care. When diagnosed early, many medical conditions can be treated and managed much more easily. Visits with the veterinary can be the perfect time to discuss aging and advice.
Groom Up
Grooming your pet daily has many benefits. In addition to reducing shedding and the fur covering the furniture, brushing your pet helps to keep their coat shiny and healthy. Grooming can also be relaxing for your pet and help to foster a stronger bond between you.
Brush the Pearly Whites
Good oral hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Daily brushing helps to reduce the plaque and tartar buildup as well improve their overall health. Dental treats, with a VOHC seal, are also helpful in keeping teeth clean and healthy. It is important that pets have their teeth examined annually to discuss if dental cleaning and/or extraction is necessary.
Get Tricky
Even an old dog can learn new tricks! Mental stimulation can help to strenghten congition in older pets. Keep your pet healthy both mentally and physically by teaching them new tricks and practicing the ones they know. Kongs and other puzzle feeders are another great way to engage your pet.
