Resolutions for Your Pet for 2004
Pet expert Charlotte Reed makes recommendations on how to take great care of your pet and get the most out of having a pet.
(PRWEB) January 22, 2004
New York, New York (PRWEB) January 22, 2004 –As you implement your own lifestyle changes for the new year, think about what your pet might vow if it had the chance. A constant supply of mice to chase? All-you-can-eat bacon and bones buffets? Animals’ resolutions may best be left to you, but by considering their health and well-being, you’ll ensure you all end up happy by this time next year.
Vet time: Start your petÂ’s year on the right paw with a comprehensive check-up at the vetÂ’s office. A regular examination provides a valuable benchmark for your petÂ’s health and can help prevent a host of ills. Dogs should be checked twice a year (especially in the spring to banish fleas and heartworm) while cats can get by on just one annual visit. Pets over seven years old need more attention and should be seen by a vet two to three times a year.
Nutrition for Life: Many of us determine each January to cut out the junk food and load up on nutritious foods. Pledge the same to your pets – they can’t fix themselves a club sandwich when the urge strikes, so they depend on you to provide a properly balanced diet. Purchase prepared foods from reputable manufacturers like Nutro, Iams and Purina that provide necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals as determined by the USDA’s Council for Animal Nutrition. Portion meals per your vet’s advice, never supplement the menu with table scraps, and always be sure to have plenty of fresh water available.
Exercise for Mental and Physical Wellness: Regular exercise is as necessary to pets as it is to their owners, reducing an animalÂ’s stress and destructive behavior, controlling weight gain, and improving muscle tone. Lucky for them, exercise comes in forms more fun than the Stairmaster; simply play with your cats and dogs according to their instinctual tendencies. Cats, being natural predators, will respond more enthusiastically to games that require them to hunt and pounce. Hiding catnip-filled toys throughout the house will undoubtedly inspire your kitty to track them down. For dogs like retrievers, there is nothing like a good game of fetch, while herding a ball works for shepherds. Having your dog play with you, wherever you are, be it country fields, suburban backyards or city dog runs, will help him burn off some energy.
Grooming For Health: The benefits of grooming go far beyond a well-coifed furry face; itÂ’s an opportunity for owners to bond with their pet and become familiar with their petÂ’s physique, which can lead to valuable early illness detection. After brushing and combing your petÂ’s coat, take time to gently stroke its entire body. With routine inspection, youÂ’re more likely to notice abnormal growths, inflammation or problems areas on your pet. End each session with a quick examination of your petÂ’s mouth, nose, ears, eyes and genital region, being watchful for any unusual odors or discharges.
Train Your Pet To Have Good Manners: Hopefully, the resolution to teach proper behavior is made when pets are still young, but if you have adopted an adult animal, begin training as it arrives home. Always be consistent with your voice commands and hand gestures, and never hit your dog or cat. Although a swat on the rump might seem to correct the behavior, it instills fear and distrust in your animal. Instead, work according to your animalÂ’s unique characteristics and personality, customizing your training to each pet in your household. Dogs and cats, for example, require distinct training principles. Dogs will consider you the leader of the pack, but cats will view you as a member of the colony. If youÂ’re unsure how to best guide your petÂ’s education, consult your veterinarian, a dog trainer or animal behaviorist.
Pet Protection: Health and safety go hand-in-hand. Keep your pet safe: update its registration and identification with your current address and telephone number; keep it on a leash or well fenced-in at all times when outside; pay attention to exposed wires, chemicals and open windows in your home; put together an animal first aid kit (including gauze cotton balls, distilled water, tweezers, anti-bacterial cream and hydrogen peroxide) and employ professional pet sitters and kennels when you leave town.
Charlotte Reed is the founder and director of Two Dogs & A Goat Incorporated, a provider of quality pet care products and services. The company offers a full line of holistic pet food, nutritional supplements and dental care products for cats and dogs. For more information, visit www. charlottereed. com or call 212-213-6979.
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