Max, the dog, and Bella, the cat, share these New Year’s resolutions so you can use them to keep your pet healthy and happy in 2019.
• Regular veterinary visits. For Bella, a young cat, annual exams are important. Max resolves to visit twice this year since he is getting up there in age. Remember 6 months in human time is around 3.5 years his time! Their vet may recommend vaccinations based on lifestyle, parasite prevention, blood tests to check on inside organs.
• Brush daily. Brushing helps distribute oils and takes out the dead hairs. Plus, it feels good and Max and Bella’s owner can look for changes in skin and coat that may necessitate a trip to the vet.
• Brush daily, round 2. Tooth brushing is the best method for keeping mouths clean and healthy. Plus, oral disease can impact the rest of the body by shedding bacPets Are Family teria to the heart, kidneys and joints. Once they have an ok from their vet, learn how to brush teeth by checking out the American Animal Hospital Association website (www.aaha.org) and brush daily.
• Eat right. Check with their vet. Look for a food that meets the AAFCO feeding trial for their age and species. Bella resolves to stop free-choice feeding and switch to two meals per day to keep her figure. Max resolves to trade baby carrots for his biscuit. Keep treats less than 10% of their total calories.
• Exercise regularly. Daily play and walks are important to help keep trim, joints moving and brain functioning! During cold months, visit the Indoor Pet Initiative (indoorpet.osu.edu) for ideas to keep active.
Reward owner with tail wags and head butts…well, that’s a freebie and easily kept!
Rebecca Ruch-Gallie, DVM, MS, is the Service Chief at Colorado State University’s Community Practice & Shelter Medicine Clinic. For information, visit http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/small-animal/community-practice or call 970-297-5000.