Pet Dreams wishes everyone a Happy New Year!
• Exercise
Regular exercise has the obvious health benefits, but it also is a great time to bond with our pets. A simple daily walk helps a dog learn proper manners, provides some good quality time, and does wonders for the human counterpart, too!
• Health Check Up
A regular visit to your veterinarian is the best way to stay ahead of potential problems. Annual examinations of teeth, heart/lungs, and body condition overall will be less costly than waiting for a problem to develop and your pet suffering needlessly from complications of preventable problems.
• Good Nutrition
Like humans, pets who eat poor quality food just don't have the health reserves than those that a good balanced diet. Poor skin, hair coat, muscle tone, and obesity problems can be a result of a poor diet.
• Good Grooming
No one wants to be around a stinky pet. Regular grooming -- bathing, toe nail clips, brushing out coat, parasite control -- not only make the pet more pleasing to be around, it is much healthier for the pet!
• Safety
Keeping pets safe is something most pet owners take for granted. However, take a moment to assess the toxic chemicals used in your house and yard. Are they necessary? Are all safety precautions followed? Where are household chemicals stored? Can your pet access these items? If toxins such as rodent poisons are used, can your pet access the rodents? Think too about enclosures for pets -- is the fencing secure? Can your pet get caught or hooked up on the fence, a tree, etc. and choke or be stuck out in the weather when you are away?
• Information
Being informed is the best way to keep track of our pet's health and well being. If possible, keep a medical log of your pet's vet visits, medications, special needs, etc. to help keep track of your pet's medical history. Knowing what is normal and not normal for your particular pet will assist your vet figure out what is wrong in the case of illness.
• Love & Attention
This is probably obvious, but too many pets are left outside in all kinds of weather, with very little human contact. Same goes for inside pets -- those who are largely ignored for lack of time and busy human schedules. Take the time to focus on your pets and create/nourish that human-animal bond!
• Volunteer
Financial donations, donations of supplies or your time to a local shelter or rescue group OR to an organization which promotes the healing power of pets for humans (such as Delta Society)is always appreciated.
Good Luck!