Things To Do For Your Pet This  Year

Happy New Year! As we turn over a new calendar, many of us are focusing on goals and priorities for the coming 12 months. It’s probably safe to say that our pets aren’t too worried about what they will accomplish in the next year. Fluffy may want to increase her nap time or purrfect her pounces, while Fido might be hoping to actually catch that pesky red squirrel. However, there are definitely some things that you can put on your to-do list for the coming year. A local Middletown, DE vet lists some of them in this article.

Work On Training

Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Training will never stop being beneficial for Fido. If your canine pal hasn’t mastered the basic commands yet, work on those. The most important ones are Sit, Stay, Heel, Come, and Lay Down. Down, Leave It, and Drop It are also very helpful. You’ll want to work on one at a time. Most people find Sit the easiest to start with, as dogs tend to pick it up very easily. However, that isn’t a must. The main thing is to make sure they really sink in, and to work with Fido enough to ensure that he will obey in any place or situation.

That said, once your canine pal knows the basics, show him some cute tricks! There are plenty of fun ones you can go with.

Here are some really cute tricks:

• Roll Over
• Spin
• Wave Bye
• Give Kiss
• Play Dead
• Speak
• Fetch
• High Five
• Shake Paws
• Crawl
• Take A Bow
• Army Crawl
• Back Up
• Bar Jump
• Catch A Treat
• Close The Door

No matter what you do, make it a habit and a routine to work with your canine pal regularly. 

Get More Active

Vowing to get into better shape may very well be the number one resolution for people. Physical fitness is also very important for pets. In fact, making sure that your furry pal is getting the right type and amount of exercise is one of the most important things that you can do for their health and well-being.

Of course, every pet’s workout regimen is going to look a bit different. For dogs, Fido’s age, breed, and size will very much factor in when it comes to determining his ideal workout. A Golden Retriever might think that spending a few hours swimming in the backyard pool would make for the best day ever, but that would be extremely dangerous for a pug. Ask your vet for more information. 

Good Eating Habits

When it comes to pet care, your furry pal’s health really should always be the main priority. Quality and quantity both matter here. You’ll want to choose a good, high-quality brand of pet food. That doesn’t mean breaking the bank, and you don’t have to go with super-pricey boutique brands. 

• Pick something that is appropriate for your pet’s age, weight, size, and health. 
• Get into the habit of looking at the labels. Opt for things that have healthy, easily identifiable ingredients. Meat, fish, and/or poultry should be listed first on the label: this means that they have the highest amount of food in the recipe, percentage-wise. Avoid brands with a lot of carb-heavy fillers, such as corn and wheat. 
• Portion control is also important. You only need to overfeed your pet by a small amount each day for them to start packing on extra pounds. 
• Treats are fine, but don’t go too crazy here. Treats should only represent about five percent of your furry buddy’s daily intake. It’s also best to stick with healthy treats. 
• Discourage begging as much as possible. We know, it’s hard to resist that cute furry face! 

Of course, your vet should be the ultimate authority here. Get some specific advice, including safe and unsafe foods, portion sizes, and feeding regimes. 

Proper Veterinary Care

Hopefully, this is something you do every year! Proper veterinary care is absolutely crucial to your pet’s health and well-being. It’s both cheaper and easier to protect pets from parasites and diseases than it is to treat them. Plus, those regular exams allow you to track your furry buddy’s health. It’s not uncommon for screenings and panels to reveal small abnormalities that can be indicative of a developing condition. That can be extremely helpful. The earlier something is found and diagnosed, the better!

Your pet’s appointment schedule will change over time. Follow your vet’s recommendations on this.

Take Time To Play

Health, diet, and fitness are all important goals for both people and pets. However, your furry friend’s emotional health are also important. One of the best things you can do for your pet is play with them! 

• Playing is, first and foremost, a great way for your pet to get some exercise. It also allows them to burn off any zoomies they have. Afterward, they will be calmer and better behaved. That in turn means they will be less likely to indulge in bad behaviors. With dogs, that means things such as digging and chewing. For kitties, that includes things like running around meowing in the middle of the night. 
• Playing is also great for bonding. When you hold a toy for Fluffy and Fido, they will know that you are doing something just for them. If you have more than one pet, those dual play sessions can also help them bond to each other. 
• Playing can also help soothe pets who are anxious or nervous. 
• Last but not least, it provides mental stimulation. Fluffy has to concentrate on those tricky pounces, and Fido has to time his jumps just right to catch that ball or Frisbee. That focus is great for your pet’s mind. 

Variety is the spice of life, as they say. That certainly applies to pet toys. Get your furry pals different things, and see what they like best. Pets all have their own tastes, just like people. 

Petproofing

Petproofing details will look a bit different, depending on what sort of pet you have, but it’s really relevant for any of our animal companions. In general, the basic things you would want to address includes small or sharp objects; toxic plants; chemicals and medications; wires and cords; flames; and unsafe foods. Ask your vet for more information. 

Make Them Feel Loved

Pets truly bring a lot to our lives with their love and cuddles. They keep us smiling, comfort us during hard times, and stand by us through all of the ups and downs and curve balls life sends our way. They don’t ask for much, either. Just paying attention to your furry bestie can go a long way in making them feel happy, loved, and safe. Dole out lots of ear scritches, belly rubs, and forehead boops this year. You’ll be rewarded with lots of purrs and tail wags, which are both precious gifts in our book! 

Make An Appointment At Our Middletown, DE Animal Clinic

Do you need to bring your pet in? Are you looking for a great veterinarian? Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. As your local Middletown, DE pet hospital, we are always here to help!