New Year's Pet Resolutions at Animal Hospital Of Lynnwood

New Year’s Pet Resolutions

          Happy New Year!  In keeping with the annual tradition of making resolutions to help better our lives, let’s not forget to make resolutions for our pets and their lives as well. We have provided 10 resolutions for your pet’s health for 2015.

1. If you have a new puppy or kitten, or even an older adopted pet, resolve to get all necessary vaccines for his or her health.  Rabies is required by law, and other vaccines such as DHPPC and FVRCP help keep puppies and kittens from getting common, but dangerous diseases.
2. Get your new pet spayed or neutered!  In addition to minimizing bad habits such as aggression and marking, spaying and neutering will help minimize the number of unwanted animals taken to shelters every year.
3. For older pets, resolve to get your pet wellness blood work and urinalysis once, or even twice a year as recommended by your vet. With bloodwork, your vet can help detect kidney disease, liver disease, and hyper or hypothyroidism, to name just a few of the many diseases or syndromes that can affect your pet.
4. If your pet is receiving regular medication such as steroids, soloxine,  NSAIDS, anti-inflammatories, phenobarbital, methimazole, etc., you will need an annual or biannual exam and blood work urinalysis to continue receiving medication and to adjust the dosage if needed.
5. Resolve to take your pet to the vet if he or she begins to exhibit pain or weakness in the limbs. Your pet may need x-rays to determine common issues such as hip dysplasia or intervertebral disk disease.  Treatment is available for these issues and your vet can help determine the best course of action.
6. Improve your pet’s diet.  Is Bonnie getting a little chubby? Is Fluffy losing her hair? Take Bonnie and Fluffy to the vet to determine the best diet for your pet. Obesity and food allergies are common, but treatable ailments that are often greatly improved by a new diet and supplements/nutriceuticals.
7. Exercise!  Resolve to buy new toys for your kitty and play hunting games with him.  Take your dog for a walk around the block every morning and afternoon. Exercise is good for all.  A pet that stays in motion is better able to fight off many health issues such as lack of mobility and obesity.
8. Take your dog to an obedience class.  A well-behaved dog is one that can go to parks and on trips without becoming aggressive towards other dogs or fearful. Even if your dog stays at home with you, issues such as bowl/food aggression can become dangerous if allowed to get out of hand.
9. Get those teeth clean! Dogs, cats and ferrets need regular dental cleanings! Dental disease can lead to serious illness. Some pets may only dental cleanings yearly, but small breeds such as Papillions or Chihuahuas may dentals as much as twice a year depending on dental health and age. Have your vet check your pet’s teeth every year.
10.  And finally, have fun!  Pets bring joy to our lives, so bring joys to their lives.  Make or buy safe toys for your cats, provide cat trees and hidey holes.  For your dog, make or buy safe toys that he can chew on for hours. Animals need to be mentally challenged, so look for enrichment toys that provide treats upon figuring out a simple puzzle.

Enjoy 2015 with your pet and resolve to make him or her happier and healthier.