Vet Connect: By Kim VanWagner, D.V.M.
New Year Pet Resolutions What better time of the year than now to begin making changes for a healthier lifestyle? The holidays have just passed and if you’re like me, now is the time to make compensations for all the holiday indulgences. The start of a new year can signal a fresh start for your pets as well. Some may be needing a change in their routine or just encouraged to become more active, especially if the recent weather has caused them to lay around and not get as much activity as they typically do. There’s no better time for you to commit to a new diet and exercise regimen for your pets, esp. if you are considering that for yourself. This might also be a good time to enrich and enhance their environments. Here are some ideas to help your pet live a healthier lifestyle: 1. Take the time to measure your pet’s food every time! Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain, not to mention the extra calories consumed in treats. Instead, use an actual 8 oz measuring cup, not Big Gulps or Folgers coffee cans. For example, did you know that large dog greenie dental treats have 145 kilocalories, which is 20% of a 50lb dog’s daily needs? Recommended feeding guidelines on bags are a good place to start to figure your pets’ daily needs, but make sure
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to choose age appropriate diets. Growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong. Some senior pets may have lower energy requirements, and have other medical issues like degenerative joint disease that may be helped with appropriate diets. You can also offer your pet a smaller food bowl if you are working on weight management. Both you and your pet will perceive to actually have more food instead of a smaller portion when a smaller bowl is used. 2. Try a new activity with your pet. It is easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine. It’s a great way to bond, it’ll get you both moving around and maybe out of the house, and both of you will reap the rewards of healthy physical activities. There are several apps available such as Charity Miles that encourage dog walking. Interact with your cat using laser and feather toys and cardboard boxes to enrich their environment by stimulating that predatory instinct, getting them off the couch and engaged in a little aerobic activity. Try putting pet food and treats in puzzle bowls and other reward based systems to enrich their minds while they’re eating. 3. Make a Date with your Vet. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s food, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your bonding with your pet or even training advice. It is also a good time to update Pet ID info, microchip status, and wellness visits if needed. 4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits. Daily tooth brushing is the best way to keep tarter and plaque at bay, just be sure to use toothpaste meant for pets, no fluoride. Water additives, dental diets, and treats designed to reduce tarter can also be helpful tools in protecting teeth. Oravet chews are a great dental treat if used daily to help clean and apply a temporary sealant over the teeth. Even with all these tricks, regular cleanings under the care of a licensed vet are the best way to keep those pearly whites in tip top shape long into your pet’s senior years. With dental month right around the corner in February, be on the lookout for discounted dental prices. 5. Consider fostering or adopting. You think you want a new pet but you’re not 100% sure it’s right for you? Try fostering. Many animal shelters and rescues are in great need of loving homes to provide safe and temporary living arrangements for pets. It’s the perfect way to test the waters of pet ownership without the lifelong commitment, since you are simply hosting a pet while they wait for their forever home. If you’re not able to adopt or even offer fostering care, your local shelter and rescue groups would love other forms of support financially or through volunteering. Make the beginning of this new decade count for you and your furry family members! Happy New Year and a new beginning.
