The new year is an opportunity for new beginnings. As you think about improvements you would like to make in your own life, consider some positive changes you can make in the life of your pet. This year, resolve to do the following six New Year’s resolutions to improve your pet’s well-being.

  1. Take your dogs for walks or play fetch more often. Promise to regularly exercise your pets which will keep them calm and less stressed at home. This will also help keep muscle, bones and joints healthy and improve heart and lung function.
  2. Make certain your pet is not overweight. Promise to limit high-calorie treats and feed an appropriate amount of a high-quality diet. Proper nutrition and increased exercise will go a long way toward keeping your pet healthy. If your pet is overweight, consult with your veterinarian about the best gradual weight loss plan. Refrain from giving your pet human food because you don’t want them to have stomach upset or other more serious illnesses.
  3. Increase enrichment and mental stimulation around your home for your cat. Consider providing extra beds, perches or trees, scratching posts, or shelves. These can help decrease unwanted behaviors such as counter-cruising, inappropriate elimination, and furniture scratching. Also, it will be fun for your cat.
  4. Take good care of your pet’s teeth. Brush your pet’s teeth daily and have regular dental cleanings at your veterinary clinic at least once a year. Plaque, an accumulation of bacteria, builds up at the gum line without regular brushing and causes gingival disease, which can progress to loss of teeth. You can make teeth brushing fun by using pet-specific toothpaste (not the human form!) that comes in yummy flavors that your pet will love.
  5. Protect your pet from contagious diseases. It is important to make sure you are keeping up with your pet’s needed vaccines. Being current with vaccines will also make it easy for you to schedule boarding, grooming, or daycare and make it less concerning when your pet is around other pets.
  6. Protect your pet from heartworm disease. Promise to give heartworm prevention to your pet every single month or get the bi-annual ProHeart injection. To help remember, place a reminder note in your smartphone or calendar to make sure it is given on time. In Texas, heartworm disease is a year-round problem and, Texas is one of the top five states for the incidence of heartworm disease. It is much more affordable to buy the prevention than to treat this potentially fatal disease!

Please make and keep these New Year’s resolutions. We know how much you love and adore your pet. Your pet is family, and these six resolutions will be greatly appreciated. At Vetsavers Pet Hospital our lower costs make it more affordable so you can take the best care of your pet.