Easy Resolutions for You and Your Dog

Is Fido getting fluffy or fat? It’s important to use an 8-ounce measuring cup to ensure your dog isn’t taking in more calories than he needs. No more eyeballing meals. Try not to free feed by keeping food in the bowl all day. Older pets and those who have been neutered usually have lower energy needs than young, intact dogs. Choosing a diet specifically tailored to your dog’s life stage is a great way to keep them at optimal weight.

Yearly examinations by your veterinarian are a key component of good preventive care. Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging dogs and much easier to manage when detected in the early stages of the disease process. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask questions, for advice or to update your dog’s food intake.

Brushing your dog’s coat serves many purposes. It removes excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount you find on your clothes and furniture. Less vacuuming is always a plus for me. It helps distribute oils from the skin to the fur keeping the coat shiny and healthy. Daily grooming is a good way to find bumps, lumps, or boo-boos.

Any brushing is better than no brushing, but daily toothbrushing is the best way to keep tartar and plaque at bay. Be sure to use a toothpaste meant for dogs. Water additives or all natural dental chews designed to reduce tartar can also be a helpful in keeping teeth clean and fresh breath.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, keeping your dog’s brain active can actually make it healthier! Teaching your dog new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing. Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep a pet’s mind engaged.

Over the course of a year a lot can change: people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their dog’s tags or microchips information. Often, they only remember once the pet is lost. If any of your contact information has changed don’t wait update their tags and microchip information today! It’s the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.