Happy New Year to all our readers! What a better way to start the year than by setting some goals and resolutions? Anyone else already broken theirs already? Nonetheless, here are our top pet resolutions to make 2015 your pet’s healthiest year yet!
- Measure your pet’s food- every time
Many owners “eyeball” their pet’s daily intake and pour that into a bowl, usually resulting in overfeeding and weight gain. We recommend using a designated feeding cup or even weighing out the food on electronic scales. Remember older pets and those who have been neutered usually have lower energy needs than young, intact animals.
- Choose an Age-Appropriate Diet
To be healthy and free of disease, your pet requires nutrition that is specific to his or her life-stage. For instance growing pets have very specific nutrient requirements to ensure their bodies grow healthy and strong. Senior pets may have lower energy requirements and the correct level of specific nutrients will help in keeping critical organs healthy. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your pet’s life stage is a great way to keep them in optimal health.
- Explore some new walks with your pet
From beaches, to woodland or hills, we have it all in Co Clare. Why not explore some new walks with your dog? It will do you both the world of good to clear the winter blues and get out the house, whatever the weather!
- Incorporate (More) Playtime into Your Routine
Cats need exercise too, and this is an important part of keeping him or her in good health- especially if the winter weather tends to result in hibernation. Cats love the thrill of chasing a laser beam, just don’t tell them it is exercise! Toys that trigger a cats’ predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch and engaged in a little activity.
- Keep your pet’s yearly vaccinations up to date
This is a key component of good preventive care as not only is it essential to protect your pet from some common diseases but provides the opportunity for your pet to have a ‘top to tail’ health check. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or kidney disease are much easier to manage when detected in the early stages. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet’s food, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your bond with your pet.
- Groom Your Pet Daily
Brushing your pet serves many purposes. It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. It helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur, keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Lastly, grooming is a great bonding experience for you and your pet. If things have gone a bit out of control and you are struggling with matts, heavy undercoat or plain old dirt then consider booking your pet in for a professional groom with us.
- Keep your pet’s smile bright
Daily tooth brushing is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay — just be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs and cats. Feel free to speak to us if you’d like advice on how to do this. We can also advise on specific diets and dental products designed to keep your pet’s mouth healthy and breath fresh. Just give us a call if you’d like to book your pet in for a free of charge dental check up.
- Teach an Old Dog a New Trick
Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, keeping your senior pet’s brain active can actually make him or her healthier! Teaching your pet new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing. Using puzzle feeders is an excellent way to force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat and they are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.
- Update your pet’s microchip database
Over the course of a year, a lot can change, people move house and get new numbers. If any of your contact information has changed in 2014 then don’t wait — update today! It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes its way safely home. Of course if your pet isn’t already microchipped then try to get this done as soon as possible, it is the best way of ensuring that your pet will be returned to you if lost.
- Prevent the creepy crawlies!
Even thinking about worms or fleas makes the skin crawl, but it is so much worse when these parasites can set up camp on, or inside your precious pooch, feline companion or even your home! Let us help you eliminate these itchy, wriggly, squirmy, mini beasts, and make sure you keep your pets and your home parasite free.