New Year's Eve is a time to reflect on the past and to
look forward to improving you and your dog's life over the next 365 days.
Resolving to lose weight and to become healthier for you and your four-footed
friend is always at the top of the list. The New Year is also a good
opportunity to become more involved in canine activities. Here are some top 10
resolutions to add to your doggy New Year's list:
1. Banish the bulge. If your dog is overweight, resolve to begin a sensible eating program. A
study by the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention shows that 45 percent of
dogs are overweight, including 9 percent who are obese. Cut down on the amount
of food you feed, especially the packaged snacks. Most commercial treats
contain too much fat, sugar and unnecessary calories. If you must give your dog
a goody, add some cut-up pieces of fruit or steamed veggies to the food bowl.
2. Fit in fitness. Give your dog more exercise. Being active offers many health benefits; studies
show that it reduces the risk of some canine cancers, increases life span,
maintains weight loss, and even improves arthritis. A daily 45-minute walk is
ideal, but start off with five minutes and build up slowly. Don't forget to
take a clean-up bag with you and pick up any messes your dog leaves on the
street.
3. See new sights. A trip to Grandma's or an overnight with
you to a dog- friendly hotel changes your dog's routine and eliminates boredom
or inappropriate household behavior. Short walks to new neighborhoods, a stroll
around an outdoor shopping center, hiking, or a ride to the country all can work wonders.
4. Safe rides.
Your dog should always wear a dog safety restraint while riding in the car, and
should never sit on your lap or ride loose. Unrestrained dogs can cause an
accident and be thrown out of the automobile into traffic. With a small dog,
use a doggy booster seat with a harness secured with the car seat belt. Medium
and large dogs should always wear a safety harness seat belt in the car.
5. Back to school. Work on any annoying behaviors your dog
might have developed, such as begging from the table, barking at other dogs on
the street, jumping on strangers, or destructive chewing. According to
certified dog trainer Cyndy Wood, of Burbank ,
Calif.
6. Shave and a haircut. Resolve to groom your dog with
regular bathing, weekly nail clipping, and daily brushing. You can easily learn
how to do it yourself, or take your dog to a groomer. More than just
a beauty treatment, bathing and brushing reduces shedding and maintains a
healthy coat.
7. Daily dental care. Start brushing your dog's teeth once a day. This helps reduce dental
decay and oral infection. Use a dog toothbrush -- it fits a dog's mouth more
easily -- and apply dog toothpaste, which doesn't need rinsing. If your pet's
teeth are neglected, your veterinarian may need to perform a professional
cleaning to reach trapped debris.
8. See the veterinarian. Your dog may not need any vaccines,
but should visit the vet every 6-12 months for a general checkup. And remember,
the older your dog, the more frequently he or she needs to visit.
9. Be a canine volunteer. Consider donating time or money to
a shelter or low-cost spay and neuter clinic in your area. Or, volunteer to
walk dogs for elderly neighbors or animal rescue.
10. Addition to the family. Thinking about a second or third
dog? Make sure you have enough time to care for another pet and contact your
local shelter or buy a dog from a reputable breeder.
Ring in the New Year with your dog
in mind. Together, you and your dog can work toward a healthy and happy future.
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