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Resolve to
keep pets healthy, happy in '08
January 3, 2008
It's that time of year again to make our New Year's resolutions. In
addition to making resolutions to benefit yourself, have you ever
considered making resolutions to help your furry companions? Just as we
often eat too much during the holidays, many times we overfeed our pets
throughout the year without even realizing it. So a resolution to help
them lose weight is a great way to start off your pet's resolution list.
Also for the sake of their health, make a resolution to have your
companion spayed or neutered if you haven't done so. You can reduce the
risk of diseases such as testicular cancer in male pets, and you can aid
in eliminating personality problems such as roaming or running away.
You'll also play a role in reducing animal overpopulation.
I also recommend making sure they receive their annual vaccinations.
Other healthy options include getting them microchipped and making sure
their tags and other types of identification are current and up to date.
If our pets had their choice, I'm certain their No. 1 recommended
resolution would be, "I want my owner to socialize me, play with me, and
give me fun things to do all day!"
Walking with our dogs at least once a day for a 20- to 30-minute
excursion can feel like a full day of activity for them because they get
so much enjoyment from doing so.
For the felines of the household, interacting with them using play toys,
as well as cuddling or giving them body massages, is a great way to
stimulate their senses. Grooming is another great way to interact and
spend time with our felines.
These are just a few ideas. Because we all have unique relationships
with our furry companions, think of your own resolutions that would add
to your pet's quality of life.
- Gloria
Dauphin
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