Happy New Year pet parents! It's time to start thinking of resolutions not just for ourselves, but also for our beloved furry friends. As pet owners, we want what's best for our companions and part of that is setting goals to make sure they are living their happiest and healthiest lives. Here are 5 achievable resolutions for your pets this year:
1. Make regular checkups a priority. Taking your pet to the vet at least once a year is an important step in making sure they stay healthy and catch any potential problems early. If you need local vet recommendations, stop in at Braxton's to speak with our staff about amazing local vet clinics!
2. Exercise regularly. Exercise not only helps keep your pet fit and strong, but it can also help reduce boredom and anxiety in cats and dogs alike. Get creative with activities like agility training or made-for-pets obstacle courses for extra fun! The majority of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight or obese – 59.5 percent of cats and 55.8 percent of dogs. Obesity can cause a plethora of ailments in your pets and shorten their life span. Speak with your vet about your pet's ideal weight to know if their daily exercise routine may need to be increased.
3. Focus on proper nutrition. Feeding your pet the right balance of vitamins and minerals is essential for their health and well-being. If you're unsure about what type of food to feed your pet, be sure to ask your veterinarian for advice or do research online before making any changes to their diet. Any of our associates would be more than happy to help you in your research and help you decide how to make the best decision for your pets.
4. Declutter their space. Another lesser-known anxiety trigger for pets is clutter. Just as people tend to feel more relaxed in a clean and organized home, so do dogs. Animals do not like to live and sleep in messy places, so getting rid of clutter is a good way to help them feel more at ease. Keeping your pet's space clean can help reduce messes around the house, as well as cut down on stress levels if they feel crowded in a cluttered environment. Make sure to regularly clean out old toys or beds that may have collected dust over the years too!
5. Socialize with other pets (if possible). Even if your pet isn't able to go out into crowds, having them interact with other animals at home can help them build social skills while reducing fear or aggression when faced with other animals outside of the home environment.
BONUS SUGGESTION! Visit Braxton's Animal Works more often for all of your pet's favorite toys, treats, and chews!
These are just a few suggestions on how you can make resolutions with your pet this year - no matter what resolution you decide on, just remember that a happy pet means a happy household! What are some of your New Year's Resolutions for your pet? Post them in the comments below!