10 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pets

10 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pets

Dog and cat owners love our four-legged friends. So, it’s only natural to want to include them in New Year’s Resolutions. After all; did you do everything for your pet in 2018 that you planned when the new year began? We didn’t think so. But, don’t worry; you aren’t alone. The following blog offers ideas for ways to demonstrate how much you love your pet in 2019 and beyond. 

Pet-Centric New Year’s Resolutions

1. Exercise.
   Most activity dogs enjoy, such as walking and playing, are just as good for you as they are for your pet. Try to walk for 30-45 minutes each day. And if you live near a park, take advantage of good old fashioned stick-throwing or frisbee tosses. The cardio will do you both good. Less social, cats may prefer playing with catnip or jumping around countertops to stay lithe. Click here for more cat-exercise ideas.
   
   
2. Healthy Food
   Another part of a healthy lifestyle (for you) and your pets rests on diet. And just like their human companions, pets are what they eat. If you notice your dog or cat scratching his fur, the allergy may be diet-related. And don’t just think about food. The problem could lie in treats. At Petique, we manufacture all-natural dog and pet treats made from actual food like tuna and turkey. As a rule, if you can’t pronounce it, don’t feed it to your pet.
   
   
3. Companionship
   We don’t mean the human variety. Make sure your dog or cat enjoys other felines and canines, such as puppy play dates. Socialization is as critical for animals as it is for humans. A great place to mingle is at obedience school. See below.
   
   
4. Training
   Does your dog incessantly bark? Do your cats scratch furniture? Make 2019 the year you break bad habits. Enroll in obedience classes. Watch YouTube videos, read a book specific to your pet’s breed, or hire a trainer. The great thing about 3-D training sessions is that they help socialize your pet.
   
   
5. Shots & Exams
   Make sure you stay on top of annual exams to keep your pets in the pink. Medications protect your loved one from diseases like kennel cough and worms. Most veterinarians offer postcard and/or email-reminders, so you won’t inadvertently forget to stay on top of necessary treatment.
   
   
6. Naps
   When your dog or cat wants to hit the hay, encourage the practice. Getting extra shut-eye will do him good. Most dogs and cats sleep an average 12-14 hours per 24-hour cycle. (Puppies require up to 20 hours of sleep per day). But make sure your furry friend doesn’t sleep the whole day away or he might decide to play when it’s finally time for you to turn in.
   
   
7. Protection
   Never leave your dog in a hot car or give her the run of the house unless she has demonstrated the ability to self-police. Dogs love the security of a crate. Don’t feel bad confining your canine to his own little den, where she is free from the temptation to chew cords or eat stuffing from pillows or toxic chocolate that was left on the counter. Even cats can be crated.
   
   
8. Good Grooming
   Whether you opt to take your pet to a professional or decide to bathe him on your own, regular hygiene is as important for dogs and cats as it is for humans. Make sure you brush their teeth and trim their nails as well as brush your dog’s fur. In most cases, a cat would not need to be washed with water. Cats groom themselves naturally, so regular brushing is usually enough to keep your pet looking clean and comfortable. However, bathing a cat  is sometimes necessary. 
9. Quality Time
   Most pets are pack animals who enjoy time with the gang. So, make sure you hang out without your smartphone in one hand and your dog in the other. Your relationship will blossom if you make the investment.
   
   
10. Reward
    Humans tend to focus on negatives. So, make a concerted effort to praise your pet when she does the right thing. And follow up with a tangible reward.
    
    Happy New Year from all of us at Petique!

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