![New Year](https://www.androscogginanimalhospital.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/iStock-1085115898-2000x1125.jpg)
Half of people make New Year’s resolutions, and yet only a small percentage keep them. It’s great to be optimistic about the future, but it’s just as important to keep our goals realistic. Fortunately, when it comes to pet wellness, the goals are not only simple, but they are also achievable! Join us in discovering and supporting New Year’s resolutions for our pets.
It’s elementary, dear pet owner
Perhaps the easiest way to move forward this coming year is to simply maintain your pet’s routine wellness check. Whether they are seen once or twice a year, we use the time to their advantage. We discuss all the potential ways you can support animal welfare in the coming months, and help you with any positive changes.
Staying ahead of the disease is the main goal during these routine visits. The earlier we intervene, the longer the animal can live and enjoy a high quality of life. This means you’re maximizing the time you spend with your best friend, a goal that benefits both of you.
Nobody’s first choice
One of the reasons why animal welfare declines as they age is because dental care takes a back seat. Good dental health is an element of pet welfare that cannot be underestimated. Related to systemic illness, such as liver or heart disease, poor dental health has a negative effect on a pet’s overall health.
In the new year, embrace the idea of brushing your pet’s teeth 1 to 2 times a week. Neither of you will like it at first. But once it becomes a habit, you can both enjoy the benefits of good dental health.
Additionally, dental cleanings can have an impact on animal welfare. We can scale and polish teeth, prevent future damage, and assess problems with digital x-rays. This can be done safely under anesthesia and we will be happy to guide you every step of the journey.
The room is the thing
We all get stuck in ruts. However, the well-being of animals depends on how often they move their little hairy paws. Daily exercise is part of the puzzle, and requires commitment and enthusiasm. The best part is that pet exercise usually makes pet owners feel good too. Moving together strengthens the bond between you and your pet while improving your health and theirs, both.
Keep your pet’s weight, joints moving and mind happy with daily exercise.
Rethinking pet nutrition
If you’ve noticed a slight drop in your pet’s meal times, portions, and requests for additional snacks, it may be time to meet their nutritional needs. That being said, changes to your pet’s diet should only be made after a veterinary consultation and a slow transition to a new product. Sudden changes in your pet’s eating habits can have unhealthy consequences.
In the new year, measure portions accurately. Count their calories and change them based on the amount of exercise they get daily. Provide them only with healthy, high-value treats and reward them with extra playtime and affection instead of extra calories.
Pet welfare for the new year
Changing things up a little is a good thing any time of year, but the new year really adds momentum. If you need help assessing your pet’s needs, please call us at (207) 729-4678. From all of us has Androscoggin Veterinary HospitalGood year!