This New Year is the perfect time to make resolutions to aid in your pet’s health and well-being. After all, our dogs, cats and other animals deserve a fresh start just like we do.
Having a happy and healthy pet requires not just peak physical health but mental stimulation, emotional well-being and a positive environment. All of these areas can be targets for resolutions to improve your pet’s life.
In this blog, read our top tips for making resolutions that could enhance your pet’s wellbeing.
Set Measurable and Realistic Goals
The key to making a good resolution is to create targeted and actionable goals with specific outcomes in mind. One way to do this is to use the SMART system.
- Specific – Rather than focusing on broad goals like ‘I will make my pet healthier’, select specific actions. For example, you might say ‘I will play with my cat for 15 minutes a day’ or ‘I will stop feeding my dog from my plate’.
- Measurable – Ensure your goal is trackable. For example, monitor how many walks and play sessions your pet has undertaken. Likewise, if you’re trying to help your pet lose weight, giving them monthly weigh-ins can help you keep track of your efforts.
- Achievable – Make sure all goals are realistic and reasonable. For example, if your pet isn’t used to exercising, expecting them to be able to complete a hike is unreasonable. On the other hand, multiple short walks a day are far more feasible.
- >elevant – Make sure your goals are relevant to the pet in mind. Tailor your goals to their breed, age and health.
- Time-bound – Give yourself a timeline and stick to it. For example, say ‘I will schedule a vet visit for my dog by January’
Physical Wellbeing
There are two key aspects to improving your pet’s physical well-being: exercise and diet.
Exercise
Increase your pet’s exercise regime gradually over time, whether that is through walks, playtime or training.
Diet
Consider whether your pet’s diet suits their breed, age and size. Perhaps it’s time to switch them to a new food or healthier treats?
Alternatively, you might want to work on portion control or reducing treat frequency.
Mental Wellbeing
Mental stimulation is as important to your pet as physical health.
Activities such as training and playing with toys can get your dog or cat’s neurons firing. There are also a wide variety of brain games, food-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders around to get your pet’s brain working.
Emotional Wellbeing
Building a strong bond with your pet can increase their emotional well-being by reducing anxiety, fostering trust and increasing happiness.
Making it a goal to spend more one-on-one time with your pet will be very beneficial to both you and them. Regular cuddles, training and play can all boost the bond you have with your animal.
Check-ups and Preventative Care
For your pet to stay healthy, routine trips to the vet are essential. They will allow your vet to identify any problems early on, making intervention easier.
General monitoring of your pet’s health is also advisable. Keep an eye on your pet’s weight, coat, and energy levels.
It is also important to ensure that you keep your pet on a parasite prevention regimen, keeping fleas, ticks and heartworm at bay.
Need Advice on Pet Care?
The friendly and professional vets at Vets of Geelong provide comprehensive and tailored advice. Why not come and visit us for resolution suggestions to suit your pet? Call one of our branches or get in touch online today.