Bark in the Mew Year With New Years Resolutions For Your Pet!

As the new year approaches, many people make new resolutions for themselves. Perhaps you’re making goals to eat healthier, lose weight, or make that work promotion. 

This year try to keep your pet in mind as well! They can’t make their own resolutions, but would love to have the bonding opportunity to help you keep yours.  Here are some New Year's resolutions ideas for your pet.

Eating Healthier
You and your pet can join together in this goal. Instead of “eye-balling” your pet’s food try measuring it out based on the feeding recommendations printed on the back of your pet’s food bag. (This is based on their recommended healthy weight not always their current weight) This is also a great time to evaluate the TYPE of food your dog is eating. Is your senior adult pet eating senior tailored food? Or is your new young adult pet still eating puppy/kitten food? Ask your vet on what food type/brand is best for your furry friend.
Exercising More
Your dog or cat can benefit from exercising more with play, walks, or even food puzzles. For your dog there’s all kinds of puzzle games. For your cat there’s the puzzle games or you can make your feline “hunt” for their food by moving their food dish every day. These things provide mental stimulation and daily life enrichment leading to better daily behavior. 
Planning a Wellness Visit
This may seem like a little thing, but scheduling a wellness visit for your pet can get them back on track for annual vaccines, or let you know how your pet is doing overall. Many diseases can be caught early with annual wellness visits. When caught early enough many of these diseases are more easily managed and controlled. 
Create an Emergency Pet Plan
Set up a plan designed specifically for your pet in case of an emergency. Have an evacuation planned for your pet in case of a natural disaster. Furthermore set up a savings account or back up plan for an emergency vet visit. We always hope for the best but things happen such as acute sickness, dog fight, acute injuries, accidents that require possible major surgery, or even routine dental care can get pricey without proper planning. Have an account set aside for those unforeseen (but needed) veterinary visits. 
Weight Loss 
If your pet is overweight and needs to lose a few pounds, set up a healthy weight loss plan for your pet with the help of your veterinarian. These plans can be as simple as changing your pet’s food over to a weight management food and portion controlled meals. They can include exercise routines that can help you and your pet achieve the same goals. Schedule a visit to the vet and make sure there’s no underlying health condition preventing your pet from losing weight.