Top 12 New Year’s Resolutions for Taking Care of Your Pet
It's time to start afresh—a new year full of potential and possibility. The slate is wiped clean, and we can make this year our own. As the clock hits midnight and the calendar flips to a new page, let’s take this moment to review the past and set our sights on the future, especially when caring for our beloved pets!
As we look to the rest of 2023, there are plenty of ways we can make our cats and dogs feel more loved and comfortable, and we’re not just talking about buying them more treats from your local pet store. Here are our top 12 new year’s resolutions, one for every month of the year:
Always Measure Your Pet’s Food
Many cats and dogs in the United States are gaining too much weight due to a lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits. Approximately 59 percent of cats and 54 percent of dogs are considered overweight or obese, so be precise when feeding your pet to ensure they’re getting the correct amount of food. Take the time to read the pet food label instructions and measure the amount your pet needs each day. Doing this will help you avoid overfeeding your pet.
Improve Your Pet First Aid Skills
Being a pet owner means you’re responsible for their health and well-being. Even though you may not have any medical training, it's important to be prepared to take the necessary steps to provide first aid to your pet in an emergency. This may involve identifying the signs of distress in your pet, knowing how to react in certain situations, and having the right supplies and resources to provide aid promptly.
Work Out More
To reach health and weight objectives, diet alone is not enough. It’s important to pair dietary changes with increased physical activity to maintain or reduce weight. So go on, take Fido out for that walk you’ve always promised but never got around to doing.
Train More
A well-behaved pet is easy to control and safe in potentially hazardous situations. You’ll find more joy and satisfaction from having a dog, leading to a stronger bond between you and your furry friend!
Play More, Too
Taking your cat for a walk may not be possible, but providing them with plenty of playtimes is an excellent way to get them moving. Toys that entice their natural hunting and chasing instincts will get them off the couch and running around, and you might end up with a funny video clip to share with your friends. Let your kitty have some fun and get in some good exercise simultaneously! Then, reward them with a yummy treat from your local pet store.
Try Something New Together
Finding an activity you and your pet enjoy is great for staying motivated and exercising more. You can find a new activity that you can do with your dog, like a new type of yoga, going on a hike, biking together, or even kayaking. Doing something different with your pet will make it even more enjoyable and help you reach your exercise goals.
Take Your Pet to the Vet
It’s important to take your pet to the vet at least once a year to ensure that they are in good health and to identify any potential issues before they become more serious.
Update their ID Info
Moving to a new place or changing your contact details can confuse your furry friend. Making sure their microchip and ID tag information is up-to-date is essential. This could be the difference between your pet returning to you if they get lost or going off searching for a new home.
Donate or Give Away Old Playthings
We must regularly go through our pet's toy collection and get rid of any worn-out, dirty, or otherwise unsafe for our pets to play with. It's a good idea to replace old toys with new, clean, and safe ones to keep your pet entertained and engaged.
Doing this will help make sure that your pet has the best playtime possible. Once every six months is a good start.
Prioritize Grooming
Grooming your pet has many benefits. It helps to remove extra fur from the coat, which is good for your furniture and clothing but also helps to spread natural oils from the skin to the fur, giving it a glossy and healthy look.
Additionally, many pets enjoy being groomed, as it’s a meaningful way to show them you care and improve the bond between you and your furry friend. So why not devote some time in the New Year to grooming your pet? Take them to the local pet store and schedule an appointment today.
Give Them a Safe Space
Our furry family often spends most of their time inside and outside the home, so we should strive to create a safe and enjoyable environment for them to relax and play. Keeping potentially hazardous materials such as cleaners and medicines in out-of-reach places is essential. To make the house more pet-friendly, adding some fun and creative hiding spots and vertical space to explore could be a great idea.
Include More Natural Ways to Improve Your Pet’s Health
Caring for pets in today's world is becoming increasingly more holistic and natural. Integrated health care for pets combines conventional veterinary medicine, such as diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and surgery, with natural approaches, such as diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy, acupressure, and acupuncture.
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The goal of this combination is to improve the quality of life for our companions. It may be beneficial to speak with a natural health care professional to see if a more natural approach to pet health care would be beneficial.
In Summary
This coming year, let's resolve to put our pets first, taking extra care to ensure their physical and mental health. Let's create a plan to ensure they get the nutrition, exercise, and attention they need, and provide them with a comfortable, loving home. Today’s 12 tips are a good starting point for a pet-friendlier 2023!
Fulfill These Resolutions with Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming in Bentonville
We’re a local pet store and one-stop shop for grooming services, pet supplies, dietitians, and nutrition specialists to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy throughout the new year. Drop by our physical location at 3316 SW I St. Bentonville, AR, 72712, U.S., or call us at 417-319-6324 to book an appointment!