The new year marks an opportunity for change, and not just for humans! Early January is the perfect time to fulfill our promises to our pets. Here are a few New Year’s pet resolutions to make sure that 2019 is a fantastic year!
Devote More Time to Playing
A great (and fun) New Year’s pet resolution is making time to play with your furry friend! Playing with your cat or dog is an excellent way to bond. Cats love the thrill of chasing laser toys and pouncing on bounce toys. For their part, dogs love running after frisbees and playing tug of war! Plus, increasing play time with your pets has the benefit of keeping them active! Playing can be a great form of physical exercise for both cats and dogs. So, try to incorporate at least an hour of playtime into each day to make sure your pet is entertained and getting enough exercise.
Always Measure Out Their Food
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, roughly 56 percent of dogs and 60 percent of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Excessive weight gain in pets can cause many health problems such as heart disease and decreased life expectancy. Often, we overfeed when we “eyeball” the amount of food we give. To combat this, a good New Year’s pet resolution is to measure out the amount of food you give your pet. This will ensure that your pet is getting the correct amount of calories.
Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Speaking of keeping your pet healthy, a great New Year’s pet resolution is to maintain an oral hygiene schedule. Like humans, pets need their teeth brushed between professional cleanings. You can improve the length and quality of your pet’s life with good dental hygiene. For this reason, be sure to take your pets to their vet for an annual cleaning this year.
Be Consistent With Grooming
Regular grooming is essential for a healthy and happy pet. Pets love the attention, which makes it a an excellent way to strengthen your bond. Additionally, regular brushing brings excessive fur, dirt, and oil away from the skin. This feels amazing for your pet! Above all, daily grooming prevents matting, which can cause pain and infection. A consistent grooming schedule will help your pet feel (and look) their best.
And The Most Important New Year’s Pet Resolution…
Love your pet! Take the time to give your dog or cat the love that they need. Pets spend their lives entirely devoted to their owners. We are their world! So, do something kind for your pet. This could mean getting them a new toy, buying their favorite treat, or even just giving them some extra cuddles. Our pets certainly deserve it.
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