5 New Year’s Resolutions to Help Your Pet Live Longer

Everyone knows all the familiar resolutions people set after New Year’s, losing weight and eating healthier, saving money, and learning a new skill or hobby just to name a few. But resolutions aren’t just for people! Making New Year’s resolutions for your pet can make a positive difference in their life and help them to live longer, check them out below.

1. Get Their Diet in Check:  In 2017, an estimated 60% cats and 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese. While many people think that having an overweight pet is cute, there are serious health risks involved for your furry friend. Obesity in your pet can lead to diabetes, liver disease, increased risk of cancer development, and arthritis, and that’s keeping the list to a minimum. Don’t fear, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent and even reverse some of these problems. The easiest way to regulate your pet’s diet is to measure their food. We often overfeed our pets, free-pouring food right from the bag, but many foods will have the proper portion size listed right on the back of the package. If you’re not sure what amount of food is correct, consult your veterinarian. It’s also important to consider your pet’s age when choosing the correct food. Puppies and kittens have very different nutritional needs from their adult and senior aged counterparts. Make sure you’re choosing a food designed specifically for the age group that your pet falls under.
2. Keep Them Active:  This goes hand in hand with your pet’s diet, but exercise is important for many other reasons than weight loss and improves the quality of life for your pet in many different ways. Many pets who are under stimulated and lacking physical activity will act out in negative ways, such as chewing and scratching at your personal belongings and furniture. Regular walks with your pup and toy-time with your kitty improves both mental and physical health and is a fun way for you to bond with your pet. If you’re not able to walk your pet, a pet sitting service can make a visit to your home on a daily basis to take them for a walk.
3. Take Preventative Health Measures:  The easiest way to help your pet be healthy and live a longer life is to ensure they are always protected against disease and illness. Regular trips to the vet for physical exams and vaccinations are essential to a long and happy life for your fur baby. When seen regularly your vet can detect early signs and symptoms of disease and illness and begin any treatment necessary as soon as possible.
4. Keep Their Teeth Clean:  Oral hygiene is often overlooked in our pets, but brushing their teeth is good for more than getting rid of stinky breath. Without regular brushing, plaque and gingivitis builds up on your pet’s teeth and gums and can lead to a variety of issues such as bacterial infections and periodontal disease. Bacterial infections of the mouth not only cause pain and discomfort for your animal but have also been linked to hearing disease in canines so keeping your dog’s choppers clean should become part of your regular routine.
5. Keep Them Happy:  Happy pets live longer lives, so do things with your pet that the love. It’s an unfortunate fact that we will outlive our pet’s, and there is no miracle out there to extend the natural lifespan of their breed. But by making a conscious effort to keep their bodies and their minds active and healthy, you can make their lives as happy and fulfilling as possible.