New Year's Resolutions for you and your pet

NEW YEAR'S resolutions come and go but for dedicated pet owners, the incentive to achieve new goals could be stronger as it would mean better and happier lives for their pets.

Here are some recommended New Year's resolutions that people and their pets could commit to: 

1. I will NOT leave my pet alone while it is being groomed. Given the number of accidents that occurred at pet grooming salons, pet owners should know best to keep an eye on their pet while it is in the hands of strangers. Do not use your pet's grooming time to do other tasks or to run errands. Grooming can be quite stressful for some pets, so be a good hooman--stick around!

2. I will keep a proper journal of my pets' medical records. You can use an app or an old-fashioned notebook to record your pet's medical information from vaccinations to pills they take for various conditions. The more pets you have, the more important it is to have some system of records in place.

3. I will exercise WITH my dogs. You can get a lot of physical workout just by playing with your pets, especially when done outdoors. Add regular walking, jogging, running or biking to the mix of cardio exercises that you and your dog can do when the weather is good.

4. I will teach or train my pet to learn more. Teaching a dog new tricks is always a good thing. It keeps dogs engaged, alert, not to mention smart.

5. This year, my pet and a toothbrush will be friends. Help your pet dog or cat to like or tolerate using a toothbrush. A lot of pets suffer from poor dental hygiene that gives them bad breath, gum disease and toothaches! But since they can't brush their own teeth, this New Year's Resolution depends a lot on you. 

6. I will update my pet's ID tag or tracker information. If you have previously taken the step to get some form of identification tag or device for your pet, maybe it's time to check if there's a need to update the information already. What's the use of an RFID chip or tag if the data is outdated?

7. I will measure my pet's food intake and make sure it's age-appropriate. New Year means we will all get another year older, including our pets. What they used to eat may no longer be that appropriate, so kindly revisit a reliable pet food chart and see what applies to yours.

8. I will take my pet to new places. It doesn't have to be too involved and will take hours to reach. A new place could be a pet-friendly park you've never been to or grandma's house in the city. The idea is to give your pet "food" for the senses so they don't get bored just spending days at home. But grab the chance, too, to take  your pet to new places of adventures that will give them new experiences and let you two bond even closer.

Do you have a New Year's Resolution for you and your pet (that's not on this list)? -- MetroPets