9 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet

Atta Boy! Animal Care
Pet Sitting + Cat Care
Lakeland, Fl

The New Year has started! Forget about the past and look into the future. We all make resolutions for the New Year, but what about our pets? 2021 is an amazing opportunity for your pet (and you) to make positive changes in your routine. Just because you may have already skipped a gym day, or gained a pound, or ate those Oreo’s doesn’t prevent you to create some PAW-some goals for your Cats or Dogs!

Here our top NINE suggestions:

1.  More Time with your Pets.

   Let them join you on the couch for a movie, play with them, go for a walk, or even a hike. Such moments are priceless, and you will remember them for the years to come. Take those Pictures and Videos!

2. Add Adventure.

   Make a habit of visiting a dog park, a random visit to the market, a midday dog walk with Atta Boy! Dog Walker or Dog Sitter in your Lakeland Neighborhood or simply walking on the roadside.  Adding a play session with a new toy, treats puzzle or more for mental stimulation is also a great option.

3. Regular Checkups.

   Your pet’s health is something you just can’t skip. Take your cat or dog to the nearby Veterinarian and discuss with them. Annual maintenance care is key for long term health! 

4. Special Focus on Treats.

   Use treats to stimulate hunting behaviors- hide around the house occasionally. For dogs- use treats during quick play trainings sessions for best behavior.

5. Feed them Well.

     Talk to your Lakeland Veterinary Office- not the Internet for your best choices based on your pets lifestyle, breed and medical needs. Just because it is more expensive doesn’t mean it is the best- it means they have good marketing. Read more about Pet Food Info on this blog we wrote.

6. Socialize Them.

   Like human beings, dogs also need the company of other dogs or exposure to new people, noises, and smells. On a leash take them to a local outdoor restaurant area, farmers market, or Trail. For  cats- hire a professional Cat Sitter to come and spend time with them, set up treat hunting or a quick play session while you are away for the day or longer.

7. Groom, Groom, Groom.

   Take them to professional groomers to give them frequent baths, haircuts, and fur maintenance or learn at home care. Invest in proper grooming tools- nail clippers, brushes, shavers, ear cleaner, and natural shampoos to upkeep their coats.

8. Play Games.

   Hide and seek, fetching games, and a few other indoor games are an interactive way to engage pets.  Add in toys from different groups of toys- self play, human interaction, chew based, etc

9. Teeth Brushing Routine.

   Regular cleaning of teeth will ensure dental decay, toothaches, or bad breath. Purchase pet specific toothpaste- not human! A soft adult toothbrush or a dog/cat specific type works as well and do it ideally daily, but at least whenever you bathe them. Annual check up with your Lakeland Veterinarian also will include an oral evaluation and potential anesthesia based dental care. See our other blog post about Dental Care: Pet Dental Care Tips For Pet Owners

There are so many resolutions you can make for your pets. Which one did you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy New Year!