Five New Year's Resolutions for Your Pet

It's the New Year again and already you've blown your resolution to lose those extra pounds with that slice of cheesecake and that triple mocha latte with extra cream, and that health club membership trial only lasted a week anyways. So, instead of fretting about your resolutions, what about the resolutions you made for your pet? What? You didn't make them? And why not? Your cat or dog benefit from some New Year's resolutions. If you can't think of anything, here are some I recommend:

Resolution #1: Bring your dog or cat to your veterinarian for an annual checkup. Nobody likes going to the doctor, but this one is important. When was the last time you brought your pet to see the vet? A year ago? Two? Maybe longer? Well, stop that procrastinating and bring her in! Your vet doesn't bite, I can assure you. Many illnesses are caught at the vets which would've normally gone undiagnosed, so it's a good idea to have your cat and dog examined and have her vaccinations updated, if your vet suggests it. While you're at it, ask your vet what you can do to keep your pet healthy. Your vet may have some good tips such as diet, exercise, and preventatives.

Resolution #2: Since I brought it up, let's talk diet. No, not for you, but for your pet. Your veterinarian may suggest that your canine may be a bit too corpulent or your kitty is a bit of a fat cat. If that's the case, your vet may be putting your pudgy pet on a diet. That means it's time to cut out those table scraps, extra snacks and yes, the bowl of cream you've been giving your kitty. For treats, try carrots and raw green beans for your pup and very lean bits of turkey or chicken for your cat. Check with your veterinarian on any diet changes, of course.

Resolution #3: Exercise. I can hear you couch potatoes groaning now. Your dog and cat could benefit from an exercise regiment, whether it be a daily walk or playing fetch with your dog or spending 15 minutes or so playing with your cat. Get your cat a new cat gym to crawl on and play with her with a teaser toy. A side benefit is if you decide to walk your dog every day, you just might get in those 20 minutes of exercise your doctor has been nagging you about.

Resolution #4: Challenge your dog or cat with something new. Try teaching your dog or cat new tricks with clicker training (and yes, cats can learn tricks!) or try packing with your dog, agility with either your dog or cat, flyball, or teaching your dog to catch a flying disc (Frisbee™). You'll both have fun and maybe you'll find a sport you both enjoy.

Resolution #5: Spend some special time with your special friend. Sometimes in the hubbub of everyday life, we forget to enjoy time with our pets. Too often time slips by quickly and that little puppy or kitten is now a senior citizen. Give them the most special gift of all, and that is your time, whether it's a walk, a quick game, or even a cuddle on the couch. Make this next year a year worth remembering with your canine or feline friend.

References:

The Cat Owner's Problem Solver by Margaret H. Bonham, 2009.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dog Health and Nutrition by Margaret H. Bonham, 2003.

The Simple Guide to Getting Active with Your Dog by Margaret H. Bonham, 2002.

An Introduction to Dog Agility by Margaret H. Bonham, 2009.

Having Fun with Agility by Margaret H. Bonham, 2004.