New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet(s)
Goals aren’t just for humans!
• Measure your pets’ food~~every time.
o Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain. Use an 8-ounce measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they need.
• Choose an age appropriate diet.
o Some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, but have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with the appropriate diet. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.
• Add more play time to your routine.
o Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser toy; just don’t tell them it’s exercise! 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.
• Make a date with your veterinarian.
o Yearly examinations by the veterinarian are a key component of good preventive care. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets.
o Ask for screening tests if your veterinarian doesn’t routinely offer for older pets.
• Practice good oral hygiene with your pet.
o Daily tooth brushing is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay. Cleanings by a licensed veterinarian are the best way to keep those pearly whites in tip top shape long into your pet’s senior years.
o Good oral health helps keep heart valves, kidneys, and many other bodily function healthy.
• Update Pet Info
o Over the course of a year, a lot can change — people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet’s tags.
o Consider tag information of Owner Name, Owner Telephone(s), Owner e-mail(s) – rarely does the address help get in touch when a pet is found.