New
Year, New Start
Get organized. Check. Get a better
job. Check. Lose weight. Check that one twice. This New Year isn’t unlike any
other -- you've probably made resolutions that you'll struggle to keep after
the first week. Make a real difference in 2012 and forge a pact with your pet.
These resolutions will help keep your pet happy, healthy and safe throughout
the year. And well, what's more important than that?
#10
Pet-proof Your Home
As you may already know, pets get
into anything and everything! Keep poisons and other dangerous items in secure
places, preferably in a locked cabinet or in a room that is out of the animal's
reach.
#9
Get Your Pet ID'd
Whether it is a tag or a microchip,
identifying your pet and your contact information will help your chances of
having your pet returned should it become lost -- especially in the case of
lost dogs and cats. Just remember to keep the contact information current!
#8
Socialize Your Pet
Don't worry; you don't have to
create a Facebook profile for them. But like children, your pet can become
destructive and unmanageable when she is not given enough attention or is not
allowed to socialize with other animals of her kind. Obedience/training courses
are just what your pet needs to learn some manners. And remember, it's never
too late to train an animal.
#7
Groom Your Pet
There is nothing worse than a stinky
pet. Stay on top of her grooming routine -- bathe her, brush her coat, and clip
her nails. All these things will make her the envy of your block. And if you
haven't noticed yet, your pet is usually happier when she is clean and pretty.
#6
Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
Of course we all know spaying (and
neutering) helps decrease the population of strays, but did you know many
veterinarians believe it can benefit the animal's health too? Among the health
benefits: a decrease in testicular cancer, prostate problems, urine marking and inter-dog (or inter-cat) aggression for males, and a decrease
in mammary cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer for females.
#5
Use Preventives
Why worry about heartworms, fleas
and other pesky parasites? Preventives are your pet's best line of defense
against parasites and the deadly diseases they cause. Also, consult your
veterinarian. Year-round use may be needed in warmer regions.
#4
Create a Maintenance Checklist
Maintenance is perhaps the most
dreaded of all pet resolutions. Perhaps it's the awful smells or all the
cleaning involved. Whatever the reason, developing proper maintenance habits
(e.g., emptying the litter box, cleaning the cage, changing the newspaper
clippings) will create a clean and pleasant environment for your pet. Also,
poor sanitation can lead to behavior and health issues.
#3
Customize Your Pet's Diet
Diets should be suited to the
animal's age and size. When kept at her ideal body weight,
your pet can live a longer, healthier life. She is also at a lower risk of
heart disease, joint problems, and various other conditions associated with
poor health.
#2
Exercise With Your Pet More
Need an exercise partner? Look no
further. Some dogs are satisfied with a walk around the neighborhood once a
day, while others require additional exercise time. Take her to a park, to the
beach or to your backyard, just make sure you have fun, too! Oh, and don't
forget about your other pet(s). Just because she isn't a dog, doesn't mean she
doesn't need exercise. (We're looking at you, Kitty!)
#1
Don't Postpone the Annual Checkup
Not only will waiting until your pet
is ill lead to unnecessary suffering, complications may arise and this will
make the animal's course of treatment more expensive. Keep your vet bills in
check and visit the white-coated professional as regularly as possible.
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