New Year Resolutions for 2017
Do you have New Year Resolutions
for yourself this year? How about for your pets? Is it one of those things
where you write down a bunch of things you really wish you were doing and then
bury the list under a stack of paper s?
Perhaps this year, for your pets, it could be different.
No need to set unrealistic goals. Let us all be reasonable and enjoy the time spent with
our animals. So here we go! Check out our list of easy goals that you can
easily do to help your pets live a happier and perhaps healthier lifestyle.
1. Check Labels! See how much your pet
actually needs to eat.
Many
of our pets are overweight by a little or by a lot. Did you know that you
should feed your pet the amount of food for their ideal body weight? (It is possible
that you are feeding for the weight that they actually are, not what they
should be) To do this, take a look at this chart. Or the next time your pet
comes in for a nail trim or exam, ask what might be ideal for your pet. Also remember not to cut calories too quickly.
It is ideal to lose about 1-3 lbs a month and you can always add in green beans
or carrots to add bulk to the diet. Studies show that dogs and cats that are
trimmer live longer lives too!
2. Go outside with your pets!
It is wonderful for mental stimulation as well as exercise to get outside
for not only us, but our pets as well. It doesn’t have to be long in the
winter, perhaps just down the street to start. You would be surprised at how
much it can lift your spirits while the days are shorter. As the days get warmer, you can choose to
increase your time outside as well.
3. Give your pets Heartworm Preventatives
EVERY month! Also remember Fleas and Ticks!
We have seen an increase in heartworm positive dogs over the last 2-3
years. If you do not know about
heartworms, check out this link or give us a call. It is much better for your
pet (and not to mention cheaper) to prevent them from happening instead of
treating after your pets gets them. Remember that they are transmitted by
mosquitos and it takes 6 months for them to grow to full adult. Your pet could
have been bitten in July of this past year and it show up now. As the seasons change, keep a closer eye on
those nasty fleas and ticks that could transmit diseases and cause your pet to
become ill.
4. Have fun!
It
does not take much to have fun with your pets. For a cat, it could be a simple
as a laser pointer, fun toys, or sitting on your lap getting a good pet. For
dogs, it could be chasing a favorite ball, teaching new tricks, going for a
walk or run, or going for a car ride to the dog park or beach or for a hike.
See, that list wasn’t as bad as you may have thought.
Simple, realistic, and good for you and your pet! We will be excited to see you
in the new year and we hope that you can tell us that you have had at least had
some FUN while you were working on your New Year Resolutions. Here is to a
great 2017!
written by Danielle Fuller ~ RVT
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