It may be easy for you to write down “go to the gym weekly” or “cut down on the fast food” for your own resolutions this year, but what about your dog? Fido would definitely benefit from some resolutions to make the new year his best yet! Check out these ideas for great New Year’s Resolutions for you and your canine companion!
- Take more photos: Not only for the sentimental value they provide, but also in preparation of your dog ever getting lost. Recent, full body photos that show any distinctive markings can make your dog’s chances of returning home to you increase!
- Go for more walks and set aside more time to play: Walking and playing is not only healthy for your dog, but also provides quality bonding time. Scheduling specific play time holds you accountable and remember that playing is not only great for your pup, but is a wonderful time for you to de-stress after work or school!
- Schedule a veterinary checkup: Even if your dog is not due for any vaccines or treatments, making sure they get in for an annual exam is key to a long and healthy life. Many ailments that are potentially lethal can be treated more easily when caught early.
- Keep up with your flea and heartworm prevention: While you may be more concerned with fleas as they are super annoying in your house, remember that heartworm is extraordinarily expensive to treat and potentially lethal, but very easily prevented with a once-per-month medicine from your veterinarian.
- Stick to a health routine: Whether it’s talking to your veterinarian about changing your dogs’ food or starting to brush their teeth at home, stick to a schedule so you don’t break this resolution!
- Break the bad habits: If your dog has had some bad habits going on for a while [eating shoes, scratching the door, etc.], now is as good of a time as any to break them! Talk to your veterinarian, a behaviorist, or a professional trainer about the best ways to break these bad habits.
- Give back to the community: Dogs are wonderful animals who often bring joy to those in need. Many schools, hospitals, and nursing homes are full of people who would love a calming visit from a dog. If you think your dog has what it takes to become a therapy dog, look for certification classes near you!
- Get those medical records in order: Your dog’s medical records are just as important as your own and should be stored in an organized, easy-to-access manner in case of an emergency. Take an hour to sit down and sift through all those papers and get them straightened out in a binder or file folder.
- Check out that microchip: If your pet has not been microchipped, talk to your veterinarian about the process. It is the only permanent form of identification available for our canine friends. If your pet has been microchipped already, get online and check that the information listed on your dog’s microchip number is still your current phone number and address.
- Make an emergency-kit for your pet: This includes a first-aid kit, food and water, a blanket, a leash and/or carrier, any medications needed, etc. Talk to your veterinarian for further details on what to include in an emergency kit for your individual pet.
We hope that these resolutions work out well and remember to tailor them to your individual dog! If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment for your pet, give us at Emerald Animal Hospital a call at 216-688-3737! Our experienced veterinarians and staff would be more than happy to help in getting your pet started on their best year yet!
I have one big New Year’s Resolution for 2017 related to my black lab – and that is to get him on a much healthier diet. I really don’t think the pre-processed foods we’re letting our dogs eat are the very best for our four-legged friends.
I’ve begun slowly feeding my doggy some meat & vegetables and he seems to be loving it so far 🙂
To a good 2017! Hope you guys had a good Christmas too!
/Adam – The Doggy Institute