2020 has been a challenging year for all of us, but we can’t let that stop us from living our best lives in 2021! You might have already started a new chapter with many resolutions to fulfill, right? Losing weight, quitting smoking, going to the gym, finding a new job, reading more, or saving more money. All those are incredible ideas to be a better version of yourself and they will surely improve your life. But have you ever wondered, where does your beloved pet fit in all this?
Although your dog or cat doesn’t know what resolutions are, we’re sure they would enjoy the benefits. By doing simple but significant activities, you can help your pet to feel, look, and be better!
To set yourself and your pet up for success, be specific and realistic about your resolutions, and we can give you a little help. Here are some of our recommendations for a resolution that will optimize the quality of life of your four-legged friend in the new year.
1. Schedule an annual exam
If only dogs and cats could talk. It would be great if they could tell us when there is something wrong. Our pets are unable to verbalize how they are feeling and so they are entirely dependent on us recognizing changes in their behavior.
Even if your pet looks perfectly okay, it’s essential to take them to the vet at least once a year. Studies have shown that both pets and people that are diagnosed with diseases earlier are more likely to find that their treatment is successful, and they will live longer. By scheduling your pet’s annual exam, you could be adding years onto his life.
In addition, regularly checking their skin, eyes, gums, ears, hair, etc., helps you make sure your dog or cat is in optimal condition and when it is not, it must be taken to the vet.
2. Groom your pet more frequently
Having a well-groomed, clean, and nice smelling pet around means your house will be less likely to have unwanted odors gathering in your place. Regular grooming helps you identify any changes on your pet’s hair or skin and possibly detect an early condition.
Regular brushing also reduces shedding from your dog or cat. Vacuuming you house won’t be a nightmare if you keep up with grooming. You’re also eliminating and preventing fleas and ticks from settling in as well. Check out our infographic to learn more about how to groom your pet HERE.
The best part is, a good grooming session will help you bond with your dog, and who doesn’t love creating good memories with their pets?
3. Make diet adjustments
The eating habits we set up can mean the difference between a long and healthy life and programming our loved ones for failure. A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your dog or cat happy and healthy. Take a look at your current pet’s diet and research how you can improve it and/or boost some essential nutrients.
Spend time learning how to read labels of your pet’s food or choosing treats made with the best ingredients! Always make sure your furry friend is drinking enough water.
4. Spend some one-on-one quality time with your pet
Going to your favorite pet-friendly store together or reading a new book next to them. It doesn’t matter what you decide to do, your pets love spending time with you!
Many restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating allow you to bring your pet. So, if you’re meeting up with someone for a bite, bring them along.
5. Going outdoors more often
Imagine this…doing camping at your favorite national park, a bonfire at night, a morning hike with a beautiful view, and your four-legged friend next to you. What a thrilling experience! That is only one example of how you can spend more time outdoors.
The benefits of spending time outdoors have been well studied and include surprising health benefits such as improved short-term memory and lower levels of stress. Hiking and camping are one of the easiest to immerse ourselves in nature! If spending time outside is so healthy for humans, then it stands to reason that hiking with pets is beneficial for them as well.
6. Learn a new trick
Learning something new is fun for everyone! While it may feel impossible at times, with the right techniques and proper amount of practice just about any dog or cat can learn.
Here are some original tricks to teach your pet:
- Open/close doors and drawers
- Turn on/ off lights
- Give hugs
- Bark count
- Spin
- Balance tricks
- Fetch the tv remote
- Play dead
- Sit Pretty
- Find your keys
7. Update essential information
If your pet gets lost, a local pet shelter can do a simple microchip scan to find and retrieve your personal contact information. That is why it must be updated.
Is your pet microchipped yet? Don't wait too long. It is the most effective way to reunited lost pets with their owners. It’s simple, easy, and quick.
8. Schedule play dates
Do your friends, family, or coworkers have pets? There are plenty of ways to set up play dates with other dogs like going to a dog park or taking your pup to dog classes.
9. Clean your pet's supplies
Your pet’s toys spend a lot of time in their mouths, in the yard, at the park, on their beds, and many other places where dirt can be picked up. Regularly cleaning your pet’s belongings like collars, leashes, beds, or toys can prevent them from harboring bacteria that is not beneficial for them and even for you. Plus, your house will smell better!
10. Spend some time doing community service
This might not directly benefit your pet, but it will benefit others that are in need. Most animal shelters welcome volunteers who can help walk dogs, clean cages, and give attention and care to animals in need. Just playing with homeless dogs and cats can improve their chances of being adopted—as most families who want to adopt an animal are looking for a sociable, loving, playful dog or cat.
Research local shelters and give them a hand if you have some time.
11. Meet a new place with your pet
Travel with your pet! You can save a considerable amount of money in pet sitting if you take your furry friend with you on adventures. Pets help you meet more people, see more places, and live in and cherish the present. There’s no better way to appreciate a new place than with a furry companion!
And finally, remember that no matter which resolutions you choose to put into practice, the most important thing is that you enjoy every little moment with your furry friend, since surely, he/she will be the happiest to be by your side.
Happy New Year from all of us at Coastal Pet!