Dear Editor,
As we think about the new year, we often ponder the positive changes we want to make for ourselves, but why stop there? Remember your furry companions: you can make many easy resolutions to bring you happiness and enrich your pets’ lives.
Just like us, pets need regular exercise to stay healthy. Do an inventory of your pets’ toys and toss out the old and ratty ones. Try not to think about how much drool, dirt, and dander are on your pets’ toys and bedding; run them through the wash. Commit to taking your dog for more walks. And while taking your cat for a hike is likely not practical, you can include some play time for your kitties. They love any interactive activity, such as chasing a laser toy or a fishing pole feather toy. It is a great way to get them off the couch and who knows? If you are handy with your smartphone, you might video the latest YouTube hit!
Bulging waistlines are not just a human concern: at least 50% of cats and dogs in the US are classified as overweight or obese! Why should you care? Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can help prevent disease and help it live longer. So, measure your pets’ food and ask your veterinarian for help. An excellent resource for pet nutrition (including feeding guidelines, weight issues, and how to choose a good pet food) is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s global nutrition guidelines, which can be found at wsava.org.
A regular vet checkup for your pets, including your exotic pets and cats, can keep them healthy and help them live longer. It cannot be stressed enough that indoor cats need yearly wellness exams, too. Keeping them inside does not protect them from diseases, including obesity, cancer, dental disease, and metabolic diseases like kidney disease. Keeping your dog and cat on parasite preventatives can also go a long way toward keeping them healthy. Your veterinarian can help you choose one.
Few vets have the luxury of having a veterinarian on call 24/7, so how about learning some basic first aid for your pet? You can go to the website of the American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org) and search first aid for a wealth of reliable information on basic first aid you can provide for your pet that might just save you a trip to the emergency room. You can also access first aid information on the VVMA website: vtvets.org/resources-for-pet-owners.
Reach out to your local rescue groups to see how you can help. Maybe they need help walking dogs or playing with cats. Don’t have time? They can always use cash donations, pet foods, or some old towels or blankets.
How about teaching your dog a new trick? Many dogs enjoy the challenge and bonding time gained from trying. Cat owners know that our cats will simply watch with amusement as we try to train them, but it’s worth a shot. Otherwise, with cats, interactive play is still best.
Keeping your furry companions in mind as you set new goals and healthy habits with the new year can go a long way to keeping them healthy and happy. There is so much you can do that is inexpensive: increased play time and training can help strengthen your bond with your pet. Keeping them at an ideal weight and current on their wellness exams and parasite prevention will keep them healthy and happy and help them live longer, which is our ultimate goal.
M. Kathleen Shaw, DVM, Bennington
