Why should you be the only one to make New Year's resolutions? Whether it's to improve your dog's health or to make him a better member of the family, here are a few resolutions you can make on behalf of your faithful companion!
Eat less, eat better!
Having a healthy weight will help your pet avoid many illnesses, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis (joint pain), cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, etc. If your pet is overweight (like most Quebec cats and dogs!), cut back on caloric treats and opt for low-calorie rewards. If your pet is healthy and only slightly overweight, reduce the amount of food offered and choose a “light” formula. For animals with chronic illnesses or marked obesity, we suggest consulting your veterinarian before embarking on a diet. Your veterinarian, a specialist in animal nutrition, will be able to advise you properly on the best choice of food and the amount to feed daily. His recommendation will be based not only on your pet's breed and weight, but also on his personal particularities noted during his most recent health check-up. Many veterinarians also offer weight management programs to help you plan and monitor your pet's weight loss. Just like humans, losing weight too quickly can be detrimental to their health.
Exercise more
What better way to stay healthy than exercise! As well as being good for you, a daily walk with your pooch will keep him happy. Include on your itinerary a dog park or an area where you can stop for a few minutes to play with him and give him a run for his energy. If you're short of time or want to give your dog even more to play with, you could offer him a few hours at a doggy day-care center, where he can play with other dogs. Swimming, forest walks and canicross are other examples of activities that will allow your dog to expend his energy. In addition to having a healthy weight, an active, stimulated dog generally does a lot less mischief around the house!
A little education!
Why not take advantage of your outings to start training your dog again? Take a few minutes to train your dog to heel and respond to basic commands like “sit” and “stay”. If your dog is rather rebellious, or if you're feeling less confident, we recommend a training course with a canine behaviour specialist.
Good dental hygiene
It is estimated that around 80% of adult dogs and cats suffer from periodontal disease. Tartar builds up over the years, causing gum infections. Eventually, in addition to causing dental abscesses, the large quantity of bacteria it contains can infect other organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver and heart. The only effective way to remove accumulated tartar is to have it descaled by your veterinarian. However, you can prevent tartar build-up by cleaning your teeth at home. If you do it early enough, you can postpone the need for scaling.
Brushing with pet toothpaste is undoubtedly the best way to slow down tartar build-up. There are also a number of specialized products that have been developed to ensure good dental health. Ask your veterinarian which ones are right for your pet.
Home care and a visit to your vet!
Take advantage of the new year to start regularly cleaning your pet's eyes and ears, brushing him and trimming his nails. Regular maintenance will enable you to quickly detect any abnormalities or discomforts your pet may have, and offer him the care he needs to keep him comfortable and healthy. A visit to your veterinarian may be just the thing to help you make these good resolutions safely and with good results. With the help of a thorough examination and good communication, your veterinarian will be able to guide you in your goals for the coming year. He or she will also be able to suggest ways and means of keeping your four-legged friend in tip-top shape. Prevention is better than a cure, and that's exactly what these resolutions are all about!
Happy New Year!