New Year’s Resolutions – For You and Your Pet

The holidays gave us so much to be thankful for and excited about; but now that the new year has arrived, we are poised for reflection, inspiration, and motivation. To that end, we at Schertz Animal Hospital have brainstormed some New Year’s resolutions that we hope are easily adopted and attained by both you and your pet.

Practical Resolutions for Pets and People

Most of us know that our resolve to make changes is strengthened by sharing our goals with another. And let’s face it, your four-legged friend is probably your best friend when it comes to patience, understanding, and enthusiastic follow through. With that in mind, here are some ways you and your pet can make 2015 you best year yet!

Increase Physical Activity

With obesity rates skyrocketing for pets and people alike, it’s no wonder this resolution leads the pack. Take your pooch for a daily walk and set aside time every day to play with your kitty. This could even include agility training or teaching new tricks. Your pet won’t be the only benefiting from a new exercise regimen, so get out there and get moving!

Eat Better

Most people try to abide by this mantra themselves and we all know your pet deserves it. Don’t overindulge in treats or table scraps and offer the best quality pet food. Our recommendations may help you make the best choices for your pet and we are here to answer any questions!

Brush Those Chompers

Dental health is vital to your pet’s whole body health. Bone up on how you can best approach your pet’s teeth, gums, and mouth at home or let us help you at an appointment. Kidney and heart disease are just a couple of the problems stemming from poor dental hygiene; we encourage you to get started today.

Establish a Pet Grooming Routine

We haven’t met a pet yet that doesn’t enjoy a vigorous brushing from his or her owner. Results of daily or weekly brushing can include tail wagging, begging for more, and excess smooches. What’s not to love about that? Don’t forget the importance of nail clipping, either.

Maintain ID, Vaccinations, and Disease Prevention

If your pet hasn’t received a microchip, this is a wonderful way to start the new year. Furthermore, by attending your pet’s annual exam, you can ensure vaccinations are up to date as well as heartworm (or other parasite) prevention for the coming months. We are always happy to see you and your pet!

Pet Proof Your Home and Yard

We do a lot to mitigate potential accidents and advocate for constant scrutiny of your pet’s environment. You probably just swept the house clean of any trace of the holiday season and all of the accompanying pet dangers. Always remove and store away any chemicals (like antifreeze), electric cords, poisonous plants, or strings/ribbons that can easily attract and endanger your pet.

Happy New Year!

We hope that our proposed resolutions find a way into your pet’s daily life. Doing so may add deeper layers of health and happiness to his or her life and we are here to help you adopt any new practices. Looking forward to seeing you and your fur baby in 2015!