Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet
New Year, new you, new routine! The New Year is a chance for a fresh perspective to better ourselves and our future, but you aren’t the only one in the household who could use a change for the better with fresh New Year’s resolutions. Our pet’s routine, health and overall character deserve a chance at improvement too. Here are ten ways to enhance your pet’s well being moving into the New Year!
10 – Sit, Stay, Come to …Obedience School
Do you have trouble on the leash or is your dog unwilling to listen to commands? Just as humans, dogs have selective hearing and only listen when they feel necessary. Behavioral problems can affect the atmosphere at home and the full enjoyment of owning a pet. Do not be afraid to look into intense training programs for dogs of all ages. A great dog trainer could make this be the year you finally walk Snoopy around the park rather than the other way around!
9 – License and Registration Please
Give yourself and family peace of mind by updating all pet identification on a regular basis. Information can change in a year! People relocate, receive new phone numbers and vaccinations expire. If you have an indoor or outdoor pet, update collar and rabies tags, also all microchip information. In the frightful case a furry friend does disappear, your odds are much better to find them.
8 – Pamper Your Pet
Who doesn’t like a good massage or clean smelling hair! Pets love to be pampered! Form a habit of bathing or brushing your dog (or cat) frequently. This allows you to have one on one time with them and create a deeper bond. In addition, it cuts down on shedding and pet hair all over your new black coat! Even if you’re short on time, treat them to a day at the Doggy Spa, Groomer or Salon. You will have a happy and fantastic smelling pet!
7 – Yearly Examination for your Pet
As you are scheduling your yearly check up with the doc, do the same for your pets! To keep your loved one fit, healthy and happy visit your local veterinarian to examine their overall health, continuously changing dietary needs and address any behavioral questions. This will give your pet a longer lifespan and keep you knowledgeable on your pets needs.
6 – A Healthy Diet …The Correct Pet Foods
Our tastes and nutritional needs change as humans. The same theory occurs with all animals. Older dogs may require less of a lower energy food, while younger pups may need larger portions with vitamins and nutrients to aid their quickly growing bodies. Asking the vet what age appropriate diet your pet needs is important. Also, the list of pet foods goods on and your vet will have good advice on dry versus wet food, organic versus non.
5 – No More Table Scraps
We love to spoil our pets! And we’ve all been guilty of feeding Fido scraps under the table or saying one piece of Christmas ham won’t hurt. But beware of feeding animals human food. Pets can have negative reactions to our food that could be fatal. Also, unhealthy foods can cause the same effects on dogs and and humans. A piece of fatty meat goes straight to the hips! You don’t want a few innocent scraps to pack on the pounds! Be careful about measuring food as well. Loosely measuring a cup, give or take, can slowly add pound after pound to your pooch.
4 – Freshen Up Your Weekend Activities
Find new activities for you and your dog to participate in together. It not only gets both of you moving, but keeps progressing your loving bond. Check out animal events occurring in your neighborhood, find a dog friendly trail or get a membership to a local dog park. These activities will allow you to meet other dog lovers and socialize your pet. It’s a win – win! We’ve created a list of five Miami “must dos” with your dog. Be sure to read it and share.
3 – Become a Pet Parent
Are you an animal lover, but unsure you would make a great pet parent? Becoming a new puppy or kitty parent is a big decision. Fostering dogs and other animals is a wonderful way to help animal shelters by giving a pet in need a loving, caring and safe home for the time being. Also, it allows you to make a decision if you really fit the bill to be an owner. Call your community humane society or foster programs to find out more information. Who knows, you may even keep them!
2 – Maintaining Weight or Losing it!
Along the lines of measuring food, watching what you eat and participating in new activities, a regular exercise routine is needed. Get your pet moving every day. Try a new walking route or find new toys they can chase around the yard. Invest in new kitty toys to activate their mind and body. Try making them work for treats! Hire a dog walker while you are away at work to keep them active throughout the day. The more they move the longer they will move and hopefully shed a few pounds while doing it.
1 – Get your Pet Spayed or Neutered
Spaying or neutering your pet benefits both parties. This prevents overpopulation of dogs and cats and sickness within the breeds. Also, it decreases your animal’s urge to roam, creates better behavior toward others, and keeps them from marking territory on belongings they shouldn’t. Some veterinarians even offer free spay service to rescue or strays.
Those are a few ideas to kick off the New Year with your pet! Now put this plan into place and have fun while doing it!
A founding member of the Equipaws family, Frankie can mostly be found working behind the scenes, helping co-create online branding, managing several social media accounts, designing brand collateral, writing copy, and managing events. She also fills in for pet sitters and dog walkers when needed in Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and South Miami. Her own small pack consists of Boots the Shih Tzu mix and Nutmeg the Chiweenie.
