They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks—here at Bayside, we don’t buy that for a minute! Start the new year off on the right foot (or paw) with a routine of tried-and-true healthy habits for pets and create the best New Year with your furry friends.
BONUS: Most of them are pretty healthy for you, too!
Prioritize Exercise + Pet Playtime
All furry, feathered, and scaly pets require daily exercise and entertainment for optimum health. Even though we’re busy with an array of human-life demands, set aside at least 30 minutes daily to engage with your pet.
Short walks help dogs maintain joint mobility and keep them mild-tempered—it’s also good for your joints, mood, and overall health. Engaging playtime allows puppies and kittens to sharpen their natural senses while burning through pent-up energy.
Build a Balanced Pet Nutrition and Training Plan
A well-balanced diet goes a long way for pet health and doesn’t mean eliminating all treats. Treats are an excellent way to get your pet’s attention and help during training sessions, but many of us are guilty of giving too many treats (or the “wrong” kind).
Protein- and carb-heavy treats, along with “people food,” are best saved for special occasions, if given at all. Instead, focus on healthy, low-calorie treats for your pet’s day-to-day snack attacks.
Maintain Good Pet Hygiene
From grooming to dental care, your pet’s hygiene should be a top priority! Daily brushing of fur helps exfoliate their skin, brighten their coat, and remove environmental toxins that could affect their health. Oral care can be a bit tricky, depending on your pet’s personality, but daily brushing or the use of dental care treats can help fight off gingivitis and tooth decay for most animals.
Be Proactive About Pet Care
Preventative care is often a no-brainer for pet owners, but it can be easy to dismiss a one-off indoor accident or shift in sleeping patterns. However, we believe that no one knows your fur baby better than you! If you notice even the slightest changes to your pet’s daily habits, mood, or routines that cause you concern, schedule a visit with us as soon as possible. Many pet ailments are treatable or manageable with the right care routine.
If you feel like your routines are already pretty healthy or you’d like some guidance about the best options for your pet, please just ask our expert Kemah veterinarians during your next visit.