In With the New: New Year’s Resolutions for Pets
Have you made your new year’s resolutions yet? With 2017 winding down, many of us turn to the coming year with new energy and ready to tackle new goals. Why not set aside a few new year’s resolutions for your pets, too?
If you haven’t thought about this yet, have no fear! We’ve got 5 ideas to add to your list before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Feed Your Pet the Best Food You Can
Many of us resolve to eat better every year, but have you made the same resolution for your pets? Just like people, the quality of food your pet eats has a direct impact on their health and longevity. Each pet is an individual, so talk to us about your pet’s nutrition needs at your next preventive care appointment. Extra credit: measure your pet’s food each and every time you feed to prevent unwanted weight gain.
Exercise
This should come as no surprise, either. Studies show that people who exercise are healthier, and pets are no different! This year, why not combine your workout with a training session for your dog, or do some yoga while entertaining your cat? It’s a great way to bond with your pet, get some fresh air and for you both to reap the rewards of physical activity.
Make Grooming a Regular Activity
Brushing your pet (especially those with long hair) has many benefits. Aside from keeping their coat manageable, mat-free, and beautiful, it can reduce those hair balls on your living room floor!
But, grooming serves another important purpose – with regular attention to your pet’s body, you’ll notice any changes right away. Things you might catch early by grooming regularly include lumps and bumps, skin issues, and torn toenails. You might even sudden notice weight loss or gain. Early detection of disease can help to catch and treat illness before it becomes serious, life threatening or prohibitively expensive.
(Re)Commit to Preventive Care
The old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is absolutely true in veterinary medicine. At Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital, preventive care is comprised of the following:
- Annual or bi-annual visits to the veterinarian
- Monthly flea, tick and heartworm medication
- Early detection diagnostic tests as warranted by your pet’s age and condition
- Regular teeth brushing and oral health
Preventive care can do just that – prevent serious and painful disease. So although it might feel like an investment, preventive care can save you money down the line by keeping your pet healthier for longer.
Update Their Tags
Unfortunately, pets do get lost. That’s why this resolution is a great one – if any of your information has changed, update your pet’s tags with your current contact info. Make sure that your pet’s microchip is registered with the correct address and phone number too. A microchip is the single best way to ensure your pet will be returned to you if lost – but only if the registration is correct!
So, there you have them – five (relatively) easy ways to make your pet a part of your new year’s resolutions for 2018. And these goals aren’t just good for your pet – strengthening the bond between you is good for your health, too. If you have any questions or want more ideas for new year’s resolutions for pets, give the team at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital a call.