New Year Resolutions with a pet

Each New Year we’re inundated with lists of things to do, buy, and become. We read these lists, make promises to ourselves, and then promptly forget it ever happened by February. As the New Year is an opportunity for a fresh start for us all, but what about your pet? 2020 is a great excuse to make a change in routine, from extra walkies to reducing the amount of ‘treats’ you feed.

Is there a trick that you have always wanted to teach your dog but never got round to it? Kick-off the New Year by teaching them this trick. You could also create a calendar filled with your pet! Why not take some themed pictures with your pet and get started on a 2020 calendar. Take a peek through your millions of dog photos (don’t worry, we all have them) and see which ones could make a good calendar photo. Then, take a few more with your dog and don’t forget to reward them for participating with treats! Another resolution could be to try a new delicious recipe: Pinterest is filled with recipes for DIY Dog Treats if you need some inspiration! I am sure your dog would greatly appreciate being a taste tester at some point. Additionally, you are starting the year off right by learning something new!

Here are some others, top 10 New Year’s Resolutions to make for your pet!

1. Time for walkies – organise some time each day for a good walk. It not only stimulates your dog’s mind with new smells and experiences, but it also helps you both strengthen your bond together.
2. Spend time together – whether playing in the garden or snuggling up on the sofa, spending precious moments with your pet is valuable to them.
3. Visit The Vet – regular health checks with The Vet is a great preventative measure to take this year. The Vet will be able to check your pet’s health and talk through any issues that (hopefully don’t) arise. Book a complimentary health check with a Veterinary Nurse today through our online bookings portal.
4. You are what you eat – feeding a high-quality animal protein diet will ensure your pet is receiving all the essential nutrients they need to help them live a long and healthy life. Don’t forget to measure your pet’s food each time.
5. Watch those treats – we all love to spoil our pets with lots of love, and sometimes that loves comes in the form of food, whether made for pets or humans be cautious of over-treating. These extra calories each day can add up especially when receiving their breakfast and dinner too!
6. Get social – socialising your pet with two and four-legged friends is a great way for them to build positive bonds and can help them avoid problems in the future. If you already have a nervous dog talk to The Vet for advice on building their trust in others.
7. New hair-do – visit a professional groomer for advice and tips on keeping your pets’ skin and coat in tip-top condition. A professional groomer will be able to advise you on maintaining your pets new-do in-between visits depending on species, breed, size and coat type.
8. Regular Paw-dicure – your pets’ nails will grow, and in extreme cases, long nails can be very painful to walk on. Bring your pet to The Vet for regular nail clips if you cannot do these at home yourself. If you need advice on nail clipping our team of Veterinary Nurses will be able to help!
9. New Year New Smile – regular brushing of your pets’ teeth is a cost-effective preventative measure for gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing each day will maintain their white smile and regular check-ups with a Veterinary Nurse will help keep those pearly whites, white.
10. Try something new together – pets enrich our lives and sometimes the usual walkies just may not cut it that day. Look for a new adventure together – whether visiting somewhere new like the beach or trying out agility or another activity for dogs. You’re both guaranteed to go home at the end of the day with wagging tails and a big smile!

Whichever resolution you decide to take up this year, it’s a positive step forward for both you and your pet!