Start The Year Out Right By Resolving To Improve Your Pet’s Life

New Year, New Resolutions

Make 2015 a great year for you and your pets.

Start this year out right by making a resolution to implement your resolutions, especially those that will help your pets have healthy and happy lives for years to come.

Yes, every year it’s the same pattern. We vow we are going to do certain things in the New Year and make positive changes to our lifestyles—and our pets’ lifestyles, too. Somehow, the year picks up steam and hurtles along and soon we are back making the same statements at the start of a different year.

Let’s start this year out right by making a resolution to implement the resolutions. Our pets truly rely on us for everything, from their food to a topped-up water bowl, from a comfortable bed placed away from any household draughts to their grooming and exercise routines.

The following basics are a great place to start making things better for your pets.

A resolution: Remember to regularly refresh and top off your pets’ water bowls and fountains. Every pet needs constant access to fresh water. Photo courtesy of PetSafe.

From a feline perspective, as the litterbox janitor you can resolve to scoop daily (if you aren’t already doing so) and ensure its topped up with fresh litter—about 4 inches’ worth inside the pan. The rule is one litterbox per cat in the house. So, if you don’t have the correct numbers, put another pan on your shopping list. You might even score a post-holiday bargain.

Water bowls and fountains also need to be refreshed and topped up daily. If you have been slacker, this is a quick fix. You can also delegate kids in the household to keep an eye on the water levels and nag you to top up. Kids know how to nag, right?

Exercise is vital to good health for both cats and dogs. When it comes to cats, short games with a wand or a toy they can chase makes all the difference. Try to introduce playtime twice a day. The kids can step in here as well and commandeer a play session. This daily exercise offers felines both mental and physical stimulation. Interacting with pets also provides great learning opportunities for children.

Dogs need several good walks in a day. During the winter, you can take them on several shorter walks instead of just one or two long walks in the cold. If the weather is just not conducive to going outdoors, a pet treadmill can be a great investment when it comes to taking care of their exercise needs.

A resolution: Ensure your pets always have something to keep themselves occupied–safely and constructively. Puzzle toys, especially treat-filled ones, are great for dogs and cats. Photo courtesy of PetSafe.

Be sure to introduce other interactive games, too, so that you can spend quality time together. Puzzle toys are great for both cats and dogs left home alone as they truly give pets a chance to constructively occupy their time—and their minds.

If you are like me, no resolution in the world is going to stop you from being a part-time couch potato with all that good material available on Netflix. However, make sure you curl up together with your favorite pets so that you can all enjoy quality time together—as well as (low-calorie) snacks.

About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Cat Fancy, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats

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