Happy New Year! We are so excited to step into another year with an open heart and lots of optimism. Of course, we are thinking about our new year’s resolutions for 2023, like you. We realize that you can only focus on what you can change, and it is important to let go of the past. As a pet parent, sometimes you carry a lot of guilt. You wonder if you are doing a respectable job. If only your pup Grover could give you a report! But unfortunately, he cannot, so it is up to you. You must trust your intuition to make good decisions for yourself and your pet. Have you ever considered writing a pet care new year’s resolution? Seems like an odd thing to do but mapping out your pet’s goals for the year will help you keep them healthy and reduce stress. What do you feel your pet needs? Is it a better diet? More exercise? Are you noticing pet allergies? Dental hygiene is often overlooked, is it time for you to take care of your pet’s teeth and gums?
Here are 3 pet care new year’s resolutions you can consider:
1. Simplify Your Routine:
We understand that having a pet has its many challenges. Remember, the challenges are often put in place because of you. Animals love routine and simplicity. You do not need a basket full of toys but you do need clean simple, and healthier pet food; avoid too much variation. Set the same standard for fitness and mealtimes for your pet that you have for yourself. Sometimes when we get busy, we cut corners. An effective way to avoid this is to create a simple pet care routine that you can stick to, including scheduling a checkup with your vet at the top of the year.
2. Quality Time:
Spend quality time with your pet. You may think you are spending time with your pet because you take them out for walks or interact with them during meals. As you know, quality time is more than just sitting with someone having a meal or carpooling to work. It is one of the reasons why many relationships experience a breakdown in communication. It may also explain disruptive or unusual behavior from your pet. Set aside a day each week where you focus on your pet and their needs. We have a great article on planning a pet spa day that might inspire you to spend more quality time with your pets. Quality time may also include training or obedience classes.
3. Update Your Pet’s ID Information
A lot of pet owners forget to do this. January is a wonderful time to update passports, driver’s licenses, and your pet’s ID information. Have you moved and changed your address? Is your pet’s ID tag up to date? It’s an easy detail to overlook and most likely the last thing on your list if you are moving or in the process of moving. There is nothing worse than your pet running off and going missing. Be sure you update microchip information as well.
