News Years Resolutions for Pet Parents!

Whether you've already made a few New Years resolutions or you don't believe in doing so at all, I encourage all of us to try our best to make 2009 an even better year for all our our animal companions. We can start by making the following promises to our four-legged, furry, feathered, and finned friends (note, all resolutions might not apply to your pet, so think up some of your own).

• Spay/neuter your pets - Add more healthy years to your pet's life, improve his/her behavior, and save yourself some sleepless nights (everyone with an unaltered female cat will know what I'm talking about).
• Schedule a yearly checkup vet appointment for your pet. - Ideally, a healthy animal should see the vet at least once a year (more if he/she is older or has a medical condition). Make sure they are up-to-date on all shots and vaccines. Try to develop a good relationship with your vet.
• Create a safer, more hygienic environment for your pets. - Resolve to clean the litter box or small animal cage more often. If you're already on top of things in this area, resolve to evaluate all your household cleaning products and switch to as many natural, non-toxic products as possible.
• Get informed and organized about your pet. - After taking your pet to his/her medical checkup, organize all of your pet's medical information and records you might have. Know what should be normal and is not normal for your animal. Also, make sure you are up to date on licensing and rabies vaccines. Attach all required tags to your dog's collar. If you have an outdoor cat, purchase a little ID tag to attach to their collar.
• Be consistent with at home medical care. - Ensure you always give any required medication to your pet. Also, give your dog a routine heart worm preventative. Watch for fleas-and give only prescription flea & tick treatments (NO OTC!)
• Feed your pet an age/health appropriate diet. - Consult your vet and look for foods that are appropriate for your pet's health and stage of life.
• Train your pet. - Training your pets can greatly improve their behavior, strengthen their bond with you, and provide mental exercise and stimulation. Even animals that aren't traditionally trained, such as cats, can be taught new commands by using a clicking technique.
• Give plenty of love & attention. - It seems everybody has a hectic schedule these days, but it doesn't mean our animals should be forgotten. Set aside a certain amount of time every day to spend with your pet.
• Groom your pet. - While many animals require a professional groomer, try doing minor things, such as nail trimming and baths, at home. This reduces the stress on your pet and provides a chance to spend time together. If you don't already know how, learn how to properly trim your pet's nails and brush his/her teeth.
• Make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise. - Exercise stimulates an animal's mind and body, making them better behaved and feeling good! Pet obesity is becoming an increasing concern, so ensure that your pet gets proper exercise each day to stay at his/her appropriate weight. You might try exercising together!
• Socialize your pets. - While animals usually love their humans, they need interaction with other animals as well. Try taking your dog to a dog park or agility/training class. There are also pet socialization programs & groups. You could also foster other animals in your home.
• Do an inventory of your pet's supplies & accessories. - Ensure that your pet has everything he/she needs and that everything is in good working order. Check their collar-you should be able to slide 2 fingers underneath the collar. Ensure their litter boxes, toys, beds, even clothing are in good condition. If needed, throw out the old and purchase some new.
• Pet proof your house. - Ensure that cabinets and other places where chemicals and medicines are kept are secure from pet's access. Many cats and dogs have no trouble opening a kitchen cupboard.
• Consider certifying your animal. - If your pet is especially friendly, patience, and gentle, consider certifying it as a therapy animal to visit the elderly or the sick. There are also fantastic programs in which dogs help children learn to read.
• Donate money, supplies, or time to a local animal shelter. - Because you love your pet(s) so much, share some of that love with another animal while helping him to find a new home. After you learn some of those new grooming techniques, volunteer to polish some of the animals at the shelter to make them more appealing to adopters. Foster animals in your home to prepare them for family life.
• Be a voice. - Be a voice for those animals that have none. Find out how you can help the plight of animals locally and nationally. Also, research the local numbers to contact when your witness animal abuse/cruelty/neglect.

With help from HERE, HERE, and HERE.