The new year is a perfect time to make new personal goals. It’s also a valuable time to add goals for our furry friends. Their health and well-being should be one of our priorities all year round.
Here at University Animal Clinic, we’re committed to keeping pets healthy throughout the year. With that goal in mind, here are some ideas that you can use to set New Year’s resolutions for your pets.
1. Help Your Pet Lose Weight
In the U.S., more than half of the cats and dogs are classified as either obese or overweight. If your pet is part of this group, reducing their weight should be one of your top priorities in the New Year. One of the most effective ways to control your pet’s weight is to form the habit of measuring their food every time you feed them. Read the instructions written on the packaging and measure the exact amount of food that your pet needs.
When feeding your pet, be sure to give them age-appropriate rations. For instance, your older pet needs fewer calories since their amount of activity decreases significantly with age. For younger pets, you must ensure that the food they eat has an adequate amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats and micronutrients to support their growth and activity.
2. Increase Your Pet’s Physical Exercise
Along with feeding your pet a balanced diet of the appropriate quantity, you want to be sure you give them adequate exercise. This is an essential aspect of weight control. If your pet is up for it, resolve to go out and walk or jog with your furry friend for a certain number of hours every week.
3. Begin A New Activity
An excellent way to give your pet enough exercise this year is to try a new activity. You can go hiking, kayaking or biking with your dog. Another way to increase activity is to try out a new training technique. You could learn how to get your dog to do “watch me” or “sit in place” activities that will train your pet’s brain.
For cats, you could incorporate more playtime each evening. Let your feline friend get more active while chasing laser toys and other things that make them run around the house.
4. Plan A Routine Checkup
This year, you should ensure that you take your pet in for routine physical and medical exams at least once or twice within the year. This will allow you and your vet to detect any health issues early. Call us at University Animal Clinic to find out more about our animal wellness program.
5. Keep Your Pet’s Id Info Up To Date
If you have recently moved to a new location or changed any contact details like your phone number, or your pet has lost their collar tag, then you should ensure that you update your pet’s information. Keeping this up to date and making sure your pet has a legible tag will help get them home if they are ever lost.
6. Buy New Pet Toys
Replace the old, dirty toys in your pet’s collection and let them have something new to play with this year. Just like you clear out the clutter in your home regularly, it’s ideal to do a similar thing for your furry friends.
Contact Us Today For A Healthier Pet In The New Year
Call University Animal Clinic at (941) 253-5218 or book an appointment today to get the best quality pet care for your four-legged friend at our AAHA accredited facility. Our friendly and compassionate vet care and wellness plans give your pet the best preventive care at low monthly rates. Now’s a great time to invest in their health!