You want to get healthy and happy in the new year and so does your pet! So, give a thought to your pet when making your resolutions this year. Many of the things you do to get happy and healthy you can also share with your pet.
A diet and exercise regimen is a great place to start. Even if your pet is not overweight, a healthy diet and a little exercise go a long way to keep your pet happy and live a longer life. Work your pet’s exercise into a routine you already have like taking your dog on your run or playing with your cat while you do yoga. Going on a diet doesn’t just mean feeding your pet less. Be sure to pick a good quality food and pay attention to the feeding guide printed on the bag; that’s usually a good place to start. Just like humans, your pets will have different metabolisms, so it’s always a good idea to monitor your pet’s weight and adjust feeding amounts accordingly.
Hygiene is always an important factor. You may have scheduled your yearly appointment with your dentist to get your teeth cleaned, and your pet’s teeth need attention too. Although you can never fully prevent tartar from forming, you can brush your pet’s teeth as often as every day to drastically reduce the buildup of tartar and put more time in between their necessary dental cleanings. Hair brushing is also part of a pet’s hygiene. Even cats who groom themselves can benefit from a brushing every now and again; some cats even enjoy it! Keeping the hair coat cleaned and groomed will help keep the skin healthy and keep them comfortable, not to mention looking snazzy!
Your pet’s annual visits to the veterinarians at The Animal Clinic are as important as your annual visits are to your doctor’s office. Annual visits are a good time to address any concerns you may be having about your pet as well as getting a well-trained set of eyes to look at things. It can often be a way of catching a disease or an illness early before they may be exhibiting sign or symptoms. In addition to a checkup your pet may receive vaccines, prescription medications, or flea and heartworm prevention to keep them happy and healthy. Just like with us, it is even more important to make sure your aging pet makes it to all their yearly visits to make sure they don’t have any issues.
The very best thing you can do for your pet is love them! Make sure they have a good, safe, loving home and have a great 2017.