We usually think of resolutions to improve
ourselves but how about to improve our pets? I made a small list of
things to work on as a pet parent, but if you've mastered these, think
about other ways you can improve your pet or your relationship with you
pet..
1) Start brushin'! In a perfect world, your pet's teeth would
be brushed as often as your teeth are brushed but that's never going to
happen in real life. If teeth brushing already occurs at home, just
make it more efficient or easier to remember. Maybe keep the pet
toothbrush and paste in the drawer of the coffee table, so when a
commercial comes on, you can whip the brush out before your show comes
back on. If brushing is a new and foreign concept, ease your pet into
it. Pick a tastey pet toothpaste (I prefer the CET brand carried at
your vet's office), brush only one tooth, give your pet a treat and
you're done for the day. The next day brush a few seconds longer, treat,
and done. You're slowly introducing the brush and rewarding your pet
for tolerating it. Soon you can discontinue the treats!
2)
Trim that tummy! Obesity in dogs and cats has become an epidemic just
like in humans. Increase their exercise and decrease their portions and
treats. Reconsider the food that they're on as well. If their food
has rice, corn, wheat and other grains and carbs, it is an sneaky way to
pack on the pounds. Look into grain-free foods, where you get the same
amount of calories in a smaller portion. Or ask your veterinarian
about the 'green-bean diet'. It is better to be a slightly underweight
than slightly overweight - extra pounds mean extra work on the joints,
higher cholesterol, higher blood pressure (yes pets deal with these
issues too!) and a higher chance of developing diabetes.
3)
Routine vet checks. Your vet can find diseases and illness in your pet
long before you can - if you can give your vet a thorough description
of your pet's activities (lounges around being lay all day, or excessive
grooming, or sneezing a lot) this helps your vet to put together a
puzzle of what your pet may be going through. The minimum standard is 2
check-ups a year since pet's age much faster than we do, and it would
be ideal to do annual routine bloodwork as well to keep an eye on
important levels like liver and kidney enzymes.
4)
Teach your old dog new tricks. Work on some new behaviors this year
and exercise your pet's mind! Goldfish are trainable so that means even
your cat is trainable! You can work on new tricks with your pet or
work on a behavior that has been driving you crazy! Does your dog rush
to the door when people come in and you're worried they'll escape?
Train them to sit on a small rug several feet away from the door. If
your cat insists on walking on kitchen counters, start teaching them to
stay off them (it can be done!)
5) Invest in
your pet's health. You've been feeding the same brand of food for years
and the same treats, and getting the same vaccinations year after year.
Start expanding your horizons and learn about preventative health for
your pet. Consider adding some supplements to their diet since many
lose their effectiveness when they're cooked in kibble. If your pet has
an ailment like arthritis or diabetes, continue doing more research
into alternative therapies. Veterinary medicine continues to evolve the
way human medicine does, stay current on new approaches to better help
your furry family member.
What are some other suggestions for your resolutions for your pets?
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