With New Years Eve and the dawn of 2014 approaching, many of you may be reflecting on your New Year’s resolutions. But what about your pets? If they could make a New Year’s resolution or two, what would they be?
We’ve come up with a few ideas on what life changes your pet might resolve to make, given the chance. Maybe these New Year’s resolutions for your pet will inspire you to act on your pet’s behalf and make 2014 a happy and healthy year for you both.
2014 New Year’s Resolutions
- Maintain a healthy weight—Pet’s should maintain a healthy weight just like us; and for the same reasons, too. If your pet is overweight (or underweight), bring him or her in for a nutritional consultation. We’ll help your pet get on the right food at the right amount for a healthy diet.
- Get more exercise—Whether it’s going for a hike or running circles around your bedroom at 3 a.m., pets need to exercise. Help your pet meet this goal by going for short, daily walks (with longer hikes on the weekend), introducing a scratching post into your home for your cats (they provide a great workout for your kitty), or playing a game of fetch or catch-the-laser before the day is through. Not only will your pet be happy for the fresh air and time with you, but chances are good that you’ll both sleep better at night, too.
- Stay well—Catch-up on any vaccinations or parasite preventatives that may have been missed in the past year.
- See the dentist—Your pet’s oral health is one of the cornerstones of his or her wellness… When was the last time your pet’s teeth were cleaned?
- Get out of town—Many pets love to travel with their owners. The new smells (and sights, but mostly smells) are hard to resist. Take your pet on a pet-friendly day trip, overnighter, or family vacation this year.
- Volunteer in the community—Pets are members of our community too, and there are folks who need their assistance. See if your pet could volunteer as a therapy animal in a retirement home, school, or other organization to help those who sometimes need the love of an animal the most.
- Learn new tricks—Even the oldest dogs and most stubborn of cats thrive on a challenge; if for no other reason than it’s an excuse to spend time with you. But dogs in particular love to exercise their bodies and their minds by learning new ways to please you.
- Spend more time with their family—Many pets thrive on family time and would love to see you more often. Be certain to help them with this by clearing their busy schedule for some special one-on-one time with you.
