Step away from the couch
Regular exercise has obvious health benefits, but spending more time with your pet provides invaluable bonding moments too. Take your dog with you on daily runs or walks, and not only will you improve your fitness, but your dog will also develop socialization skills.
And don’t forget your Fluffy feline! Improve your hand and eye co-ordination by playing with your cat and rolling a small cat ball back and forth for him to catch.
Check-up time
You go to the doctor regularly — and so should your pet. A regular visit to your veterinarian is the best way to stay ahead of potential problems. Establishing a good baseline for your pet gives your veterinarian something to compare against to be able to determine exactly what is wrong when something isn’t quite right with your pet. Annual examinations of teeth, heart. lungs, and overall body condition will be less costly than waiting for a problem to develop.
Battle of the bulge
Include your pet in your weight loss regime. Pet obesity is on the rise and most cats and dogs could benefit from losing a few pounds. Watching their weight will help you watch your own as well.
Proper nutrition
Provide your pet, and yourself, proper nutrition. Poor skin, hair coat, muscle tone, and obesity problems can be a result of a poor diet. This year, lay off those table scraps for Max and Fluffy; consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.
Protect their pearly whites
Does your pet have morning breath — all day? Resolve to check your pet’s teeth and gums at least once a week, and ask your vet to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly.
Good grooming
No one wants to be around a stinky pet. Regular grooming — bathing, nail clipping, brushing out coat, parasite control — not only makes the pet more attractive, it’s much healthier for Max and Fluffy!
Safety
Keeping pets safe is something you take for granted. However, take a moment to assess the toxic chemicals used in your house and yard. Are they necessary? Where are household chemicals stored? Can your pet access them?
Create a routine
Pets crave a dependable routine. Try to create the best possible routine for both you and your pet this year. Having a routine will help reduce any accidents that your dog might have in the house.
Sharpen your mind
Have you been dreaming about going back to school to brush up on your skills? Enroll your dog in obedience school or agility training classes. Take your dog to doggy daycare, or a local dog park, so that he can learn to make new friends.