Check out these New Year’s resolutions for pet owners and their pets!
New Year’s resolutions for pet owners and their pets can be challenging, which is why it helps to have someone to monitor your progress. The ideal candidate will be by your side as you swap your tennis shoes for slippers or reach for the cookie jar. Here are several ways to start the New Year by incorporating your pet into your resolutions.
Weight Loss
Just like you, a healthy diet is the first part of ensuring your pet maintains a healthy weight. Next, you should be measuring your furry friend’s food with an actual measuring cup. You’d be amazing at how big that left over foundation soda cup or coffee mug really is! Many pet owners make the mistake of overfeeding their dogs and cats, leading to obesity. Also, you can control your pet’s weight by feeding them low-calorie treats and limiting the number of treats per day. In addition, you can add small amounts of carrots, steamed broccoli, or green beans to you and your meals.
Increasing your pet’s activity levels will enhance his overall health. Your furry friend will benefit from the exercise, even if it’s a walk around the block. You may also increase your heart rates by exploring a new city, speed walking at a pet-friendly mall, or completing a scenic hike.
Become More Active
Socialization is essential for dogs and humans alike. Taking your pooch to the dog park will allow you to make new friends. Additionally, a trip to the dog park helps with your dog’s fitness goals and burns off any extra energy.
Environment Enrichment for Cats
Providing an enriched environment for cats can boost activity, lower mental stagnation, and prevent further health issues. All cats need mental stimulation, especially indoor cats. One New Year’s resolution for pet owners can be to create an environment with plenty of space, healthy food, water, litter boxes, and things to do. Add interactive toys or food balls and food puzzles to the mix. Also, offering access to high places makes cats happy. Remember, cats love to scratch, so make sure to provide acceptable scratching materials for your kitten, like a cardboard plank.
Overall Health
Moreover, veterinarians recommend regular pet wellness exams just like your doctor and dentist recommend them. Vaccinations and parasite prevention are critical components of wellness care and can prevent diseases that are costly to treat. An Mt. Carmel Animal Hospital veterinarian can recommend a wellness program based on your pet’s breed, lifestyle, age, and overall health.
Vaccines are designed to produce protective immune responses and prepare your pet’s body to fight potential infections from disease-causing agents. They also protect your furry best friend from highly contagious diseases and enhance their overall health.
Daily dental care is one of the most important new year’s resolutions for pet owners and their pets. Begin a new dental routine early this year to enjoy those licks and kisses with your pet without doggy breath.
Here at Mount Carmel Animal Hospital, We’ll Treat Your Pets Like Family!
Mount Carmel Animal Hospital has been serving the Northern Baltimore/Southern York community for over 30 years and is proud to be an independently operated, small animal practice committed to excellence in veterinary medicine and client service. From grooming to wellness services, along with Canine Life Skills Training Courses, and surgical procedures, we have the expertise that will best serve the needs of you and your pet. Contact us at 410-343-0200 and follow us on Facebook!