Happy New Year! The start of a new year means a fresh start for you and your pet. Around 45% of Canadians make New Year Resolutions, but we must not forget about our pets. Just like us, our pets can improve their physical and mental health. There are many ways we can incorporate our pets into our New Year’s Resolutions.  Scroll through our list to give you some ideas of how.

Spend More Time With Your Pet

This is important for any animal. They crave interaction so the more time you can spend with them the better. If you have a dog, go on longer walks, explore new parks that you’ve never been before. They will love you for it.

If you have a cat, maybe get a new toy. Try something that triggers their predatory instinct. It’s a great way to get them off their rump and move! Since each cat is different, you’ll need to experiment to see which toy they like the best. You can try stuffed mice, balls, catnip, tunnels, and climbable cat posts.

A part from regular exercise, you can try something different with your pet. You could try skateboarding, an obstacle course, swimming, and eve sledding. It’s a great way to get out of the house and you’ll both get physical activity! Finding animal-friendly meetups are another way to exercise and socialize for both you and your animal. Or if you have a friend who has a similar pet, you can set up playdates. You can either meet up at a park or at your home. Your pet needs friends just as much as humans do.

Give Your Pet The Appropriate Food

Almost half of North American pets are considered obese. A way to combat this is to measure out the food instead of eyeballing it, like a lot of pet owners do. You can use a small measuring cup to ensure your pet isn’t taking in more calories than they should have. The recommended guidelines can be found on the side of your pet’s food bags.

You should also choose age-appropriate food for your pet. Puppies or kitties have specific nutritional requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong. Older pets usually have lower energy and need different requirements. They also might have medical issues like digestive disorders, teeth decay, or arthritis. Choosing a specific tailored diet can keep your pet in the best health.

Start A Pet Savings Fund

Many people have a New Year’s Resolution of saving money. As your pet gets older, the medical expenses can get expensive. You should start saving up now. Put the money into a separate account so you can keep track of it. Just make sure you don’t tie it up into long term savings. If your pet suddenly falls sick, you want to have easily access to it. Hopefully, you won’t end up needing it. If you have spare money, you can always donate it to an animal shelter.

Plan a Vet Visit

Your pet should have regular check ups, just like humans. In fact, they are key components of good preventative care. Many medical conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer are common with aging pets. It’s much easier to manage if they are detected in the early stages. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s info, and get an expert opinion on any concerns you might have for your pet.

We all love our pets so why not make a commitment to make them an even bigger priority in the New Year? These suggestions are easy to make and much easier to keep.

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