It's the New Year and chances are you already have your personal New Year's resolution and are currently doing it. If you are a pet parent, you want to make sure that your best friend kicks off the new year right as well.
Setting New Year's Resolution for your pet is not so different, you may even find that their resolutions often align with yours. You and your dog can work together to have the best year yet.
Eat Healthy
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a vital role. However, it is a common struggle for most dog parents. In fact, around 50% of the dogs in the United States are considered overweight according to the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention.
We all want our pets to live longer and have happy lives. So we need to be mindful of what our pup eats may it be meals or treats. Choose foods that are made with natural ingredients and do not contain artificial preservatives, salt, or added sugar. Once you have the right food, remember to practice moderation. Feeding them multiple times a day particularly with treats can add up quickly.
Also, consider consulting your vet for a more sensible weight loss plan rather than guessing how much food they need per day. Your veterinarian will provide guidelines for portion sizes, dog food, and routines that match your pet's breed, age, and health.
Stay Active
Losing a few pounds isn't just about watching what they eat. Their key is to include exercise in their weight-loss plan. Exercise is proven to release endorphins which makes them feel perky and energetic.
Some pet owners say that exercising their pet is a waste of time, but all you need is a few bursts of activity per day to burn off those calories. This can be as simple as walking around the block, playing fetch, or strolling outside for 30 minutes.
Schedule Your Pets Annual Physical
We understand that getting your pet to the veterinarian every year can be quite a chore as you have other important matters to attend to, but it can make a huge difference if you visit your veterinarian every year. Aside from ensuring that your pet is healthy, constant visits to the vet can spot health issues that could become a problem in the future.
It is also the time to keep their vaccinations in check. Depending on their age, and medical history, your pet may be due for one.
Spend More Quality Time
We, as pet owners should plan on making time for our pets to play, cuddle, and simply bond with them.
Just like when we set our goal to make new friends and socialize, dogs need their own circle of friends too! A great way to not only spend quality time with them but also mingle with others is to take them to dog parks.
Learn Something New
If you've been skipping on dog training, now is the best time to do it. When your pet is trained, it keeps them disciplined and will be easier for them out in public. It also ensures that your living quarters are treated with respect. Moreover, it builds a lasting relationship between you and your dog.