5 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Pet’s Health

The perfect time to start afresh and set new goals is the New Year. You probably set goals for 2022, such as eating healthy, working out, being a better worker, or losing weight. These are all worthy and beneficial resolutions. But when it comes to setting New Year resolutions, many people tend to overlook their pets. 

As a pet owner, you probably know that your animal companion provides lots of joy and love every day. Hence, the well-being and health of your pet should be one of your top priorities for the new year. After all, your furry friend does not ask for much. Some New Year resolutions that can help improve your pet’s health include:

Keep Your Pet Active Everyday

The root cause of many behavior issues in pets is boredom. So to keep your animal pal healthy and happy, daily exercise is essential. For example, do you own a dog?

If so, you should also run around your house together or play fetch besides taking them on walks. You can even train your pooch to walk on a treadmill. If you have a cat, encourage them to pounce or chase toys or climb up a cat tower every day.

Measure Your Pet’s Food

Just like humans, animals can easily gain weight over time. According to studies, approximately 54 percent of dogs and 59 percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese. Nowadays, obesity is a big pet health concern. 

Hence, dealing with your pet’s weight should be one of your New Year’s resolutions. The first step to preventing your pet from becoming obese is measuring their food accurately. You just need to read the instructions on the pet food you purchase and measure your pet’s daily allowance accordingly.

Give Your Pet a Healthier Diet

When was the last time you scrutinized a pet store’s food aisles? Food options for pets seem endless. It is easy to understand why many pet owners just pick the nearest food product off the shelf and go. 

However, you need to understand that different types and breeds of pets have specific dietary and nutritional requirements. Do you own a cat or dog? If so, find out how many calories, carbs, fats, and proteins your pet needs each day. Also, consider your pet’s health condition and age. 

Schedule a Veterinary Checkup

A veterinary exam should be your first New Year resolution for your animal companion. A veterinary exam will help determine whether your pet is healthy. It will also help detect potential health issues early. 

More Grooming Time

Grooming your pet will remove excess fur from the coat. It will also reduce the amount of pet hair you find on your furniture and clothes. Furthermore, grooming can help distribute oils from your pet’s skin to the fur, keeping the coat healthy and shiny. 

You also need to understand that most pets love the grooming experience. It is a bonding activity that can demonstrate how much you care about your pet. So go ahead and schedule some grooming time for your furry friend. 

For more on taking care of your pet’s health, visit Santa Monica Pet Medical Center at our office in Santa Monica, California. You can call (310) 393-8218 today to schedule an appointment.