New Year’s Resolutions for You & Your Pet

Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain. Use a measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t eating more calories than they need. Research feeding guideline on the bag to figure out how much your pooch or cat really needs.

Incorporate your pet into your new exercise routine. It’ll get you both out of the house, and both owner and pet will get a healthy dose of physical activity.

Toys that trigger a cat’s predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch and engaged in a little aerobic activity. Experiment to see what really gets your cat going — lasers, catnip toys, crinkly balls, and climbable cat trees.

Yearly examinations with your vet are a key component of good preventive care. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets and are easier to manage when detected in the early stages of the disease process. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice on how to be a better pet owner.

Grooming your pet daily removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture.

Brush your pet’s teeth daily to prevent plaque and tartar build up, just be sure the toothpaste is meant for dogs and cats. Schedule regular cleanings by a licensed vet, the best way to keep your pet’s mouth in good health.

If any of your contact information has changed in the past year — update your pet’s tags and microchip information today! It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.