Now that we’re at the end of January, I have to ask – how are you coming with those New year’s Resolutions? Still sticking to them? Have you quit the things that aren’t good for you, begun the things that are, and turned your 2012 into a shining new start? Or, as a friend of mine declared, did you decide to begin the things that aren’t good for you and quit the things that are in an attempt to trick fate into making 2012 a stronger year than 2011? On a different tack, though, did you make any resolutions regarding your pets? I confess that I didn’t, but I did look up “New Year’s Resolutions for Pets” and got over 54 million hits in return. 54 million? Really? Really. There are a lot of New Year’s Resolutions out there for pets and pet owners. Some of them are pretty good. Here is a sampling:
From Animal Planet, there is a list of ten items that look strikingly like people’s typical resolutions (get in shape, be more stylish, spend time with family …). They’re all great, to be sure, but they might be as prone to be dropped as the ones we usually adopt. Then there are different tacks, like that from New Jersey Pets:
1. Protect your pet – from unfriendly animals, over-enthusiastic little kids, harmful plants, other dangers of all kinds. Consider microchipping in addition to a collar and ID tag. Keep accurate medical records and “vet your pet” as needed.
2. Train her/him. A puppy who jumps on people can be cute; a full grown dog who does that can be a menace. Housetraining isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. Barking whenever and wherever isn’t acceptable. Begging is never so. Start training early and be consistent.
3. Respect your pet’s individuality. With more than one pet, don’t announce or play favorites. Cultivate (safe) idiosyncrasies and enjoy differing personalities. Don’t expect or build robo-dogs or cats.
4. Assure daily quality time for each pet. This means your undivided attention to them, not idly petting while doing something else, not giving treats in lieu of caring, not using your cell phone while walking your dog. Give them time and attention, your two most precious gifts.
5. Feed pets well, on pet food only, on time. Exceptions should be rare and still be safe – so, never chocolate, never raisins. This is harder for you to do than it is for your pets. If they don’t learn to know “people food,” they won’t miss it.
6. Groom your pet. You like to look your best; let your pet(s) enjoy that feeling too. Bathe, brush, comb and clip nails and claws – are we forgetting anything else?
7. Remember that friends don’t exploit friends. So hold yourself back from dressing your cat or dog in costume, or making them pose in unnatural positions — or teacups or purses.
8. Reinforce pets’ sense of trust. Don’t play tricks or scare or spring new rules on your dog or cat. At all times, you are your pets’ protector – never the person they need to watch out for or guard against.
Those left a good impression on me. Also, from the ASPCA:
Check-Up Time
You go to the doctor regularly—and so should your pet. This year, give your veterinarian the chance to notice any developing illnesses and the opportunity to take care of them right away. If it’s been a year or more since your pet has seen a vet, make that appointment today!
Protect Their Pearly Whites
Does your pet have morning breath—all day long? Your cat or dog may need dental care. Pledge to check your pet’s teeth and gums at least once a week, and ask your vet to show you how you can prevent dental disease by brushing regularly.
Shake It Up!
We all could use a bit more movement in our lives—make a resolution to shake it up with your pets! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day—jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great options. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions of chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.
Battle the Bulge
Pets depend on us to regulate their nutrition and activity levels. It’s important to follow strict feeding guidelines, since overweight pets face increased health risks. This year, vow to lay off those table scraps and consider switching to a well-balanced, high-quality pet food.
Poison-Proof Your Home
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Resolve to make your home a safe place for your pets.
Get a New Look!
In 2011, give your pet the gift of glam! A regular grooming regimen will make your pet feel proud, pampered and healthy. Take a peek at our easy grooming tips fordogs and cats.
IDs, Please
Keep ‘em close to your heart by outfitting all of your animal companions—even indoor-only pets—with an ID tag. Implanted microchips are also a smart option, but keep in mind that microchips are only as good as the information provided to the chip’s company, so keep your contact info up-to-date!
But, my favorite is from the Daily Treat, and it’s a list for the pets to follow:
- Don’t discriminate. Be more accepting of others -regardless of differences.
- Live in the moment.
- Do something nice for someone you barely know.
- Eat more good food.
- Whine less, bark more.
- Take up Doga.
- Reduce ingestion of cat poop to once monthly.
- Devote more time to quality napping.
- Avoid extracting dog toy-squeakers so quickly – relish the squeaker a bit longer before excising it from toy
- Find a soulmate on Petfinder.
- Schedule more “me” time.
- Contact my birthparents.
- Learn new tricks.
- Achieve advanced degree in counter surfing.
- Stop wearing emotions on tail.
- Be more selective in crotch sniffing endeavors.
- Remodel the doghouse.
- Have friends over more often.
- Find out where trash man is taking (stealing) all our trash.
- Even the score with neighborhood skunks.
- Log more couch-time vs. floor-time.
- Run after the ball only after it’s actually been thrown.
- Re-organize the toy bin.
- Send more happy vibes into the universe.
- Eat more good books.
Just reading that list makes me feel better! Here’s hoping that 2012 is starting off well and that is continues to get better and better!
