Only a few days are left for this year to end and the new one to start. New Year is the time of resolutions and the time to better our habits. It is also the time to bring changes to our daily routines and also to take some resolutions for our pets.
Here are some New Year resolutions you can take as a pet parent:
1. Microchip ID
Microchip is an identification transponder that carries an identification number that is unique to your pet. This identification number has to be registered with the pet recovery database and it has your contact details so that, in the event the pet is located, a veterinarian can quickly find its parents.
Remember to always keep the information updated. Microchipping your pet is a great idea because if they get lost and someone finds them, you can be contacted immediately. This is the best way to ensure that your pet will find their way back home safely.
If your pet already has a microchip, New Year is also the perfect time to update the information on it and to confirm that they are on time with all their vaccinations as well.
Certain benefits of microchips are:
- Microchips are much more durable and thus more reliable than collars
- They have a long lifetime and can last on your pet’s whole life too
- They are convenient and cost-friendly
2. Improve your Pet First Aid Knowledge
Not every cut has to be assessed by a vet; a small abrasion on your kitty’s paw can be treated at home. This is possible only if you have some knowledge of pet first aid. Though veterinarians are the experts, not everyone has access to one 24/7 and so knowing basic things about your pets can enable you to help your pet. If it is also important for a pet parent to know first aid so that in dire need of medical assistance, one can at least make their pet feel better before professionals arrive.
Here are some tips you should know about pet first aid:
- Stay calm, if you start panicking your pet will panic too, causing unnecessary chaos
- If your pet ingests something harmful let them vomit it out, the major concern is over once the substance is out of their system, and then contact your vet
- In case of accidents and bleeding, try to stop blood flow. Pour cold water, if there are burns on them, or use an ice pack to cool down injured areas
- Giving artificial breathing to your pet might be required in some situations, where you can close their mouth and pump aid directly into their nostrils. Continue doing this once every 4-5 seconds
3. Conduct A Pet Toxins In The Home Audit
Pets are always curious about their surroundings and this can be hazardous to their health. Pets always ingest anything that they find intriguing, this can make them ingest some toxins. As a pet parent, you can keep such things locked and out of their reach.
Some of the common things that your pet might ingest are:
- Cleaning products
- Batteries
- Alcohol
- Essential oils
- Rodent poisons
- Human food items that are toxic to them
This New Year, do a thorough assessment of your house to remove all the toxic things that your pet can reach.
4. Maintain A Good Exercising Routine
Exercise is the most important part of anyone’s lifestyle, be it us or our four-legged companions. If your New Year resolution is to make your pet healthier, you can take them on walks and you can get some exercise done too. Invest more time in playing outside, walking, and exploring the world with your pet. If you have an overweight pet, exercising is extremely important for them to live a happy and comfortable life.
Here we’ve listed some ways you can make your pet indulge in more physical activities and maintain a healthy weight:
- Go for a walk or a jog
- Doggy yoga
- Go for a swim
- Going on adventures like hiking trips
- Build climbing spaces for indoor cats
- Fun toys that will keep them engaged and active
5. Pets Diet For A Healthier Lifestyle
This is the perfect time to re-evaluate your pet’s diet. The diet of your pet will change with age and nutritional requirements. Choosing a balanced diet that is also tasty will aid in keeping your pet interested in eating and keeps them in optimal health. With age and the level of activity in a day, the calorie intake varies in different pets. Have a proper consultation with your veterinarian to make a plan that includes all the necessary nutritional needs of your pet.
Make a resolution to avoid giving your dog table scraps and junk food.
6. Keep Using Preventatives
Fleas and ticks are the biggest pet enemies and also are the carriers of many worms. These parasites along with the heartworms cause your pet a lot of discomfort and in severe cases, they are fatal too! This New Year takes an oath to always give your pet their preventive measures/ treatments on time and keep them protected from all these disease-causing dangerous parasites.
Certain quality brands that will keep your pet protected from parasites are:
- Bravecto
- Heartgard
- NexGard
- Simparica Trio
7. Learn New Tricks
Learning new tricks is not just limited to pups or kittens in training. Every pet of any age can be taught new tricks and this is an amazing way to spend some quality time with your beloved pet. This can be a bonding time where you have fun, learn something new, and enjoy yourselves. Learning new tricks can stimulate your pet’s brain and keeps them happier. It might take much more patience to teach cats a new trick as compared to a dog, but it is not impossible.
Try using new treats or toys are a reward for good behavior, it might be great motivation for your pet. Shake hands, roll over, stand, sit, bow, and stay are some common commands that you would have probably already taught your furry baby, here are a few new tricks that you might want to take up as a challenge in the coming year:
- Spin
- Stand on hind legs
- Crawl
- Catch
- Skateboard
- Pick up toys
These were some suggestions for New Year Resolutions that you can take up. Do you have any New Year Resolutions? If not, this is the time to choose one or make a list. We’ve already made it easier for you.
Happy New Year Everyone!
