Wishing you a wonderful New Year! As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome in 2024, it’s safe to say that many of our canine patients are starting the new year off with wagging tails, happy grins, and that signature doggy enthusiasm and energy that we all love. While your four-legged friend may not fully understand the concept of New Year’s resolutions, he will undoubtedly remain by your side as you strive towards them. In fact, our canine companions may also have some goals of their own. A Chesapeake, VA veterinarian shares some of the most adorable ones in this article.
Perfect My Begging Skills
We all know that Fido loves treats. Snacks are great for bonding, training, and scoring tail wags, but don’t go overboard.
There are a few things to keep in mind here. Firstly, opt for safe and nutritious choices such as plain cooked meat, fish, or skinless and boneless chicken. Additionally, be mindful not to go overboard, as treats should not exceed 5% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
While we usually like to help pets make their goals, we have to discourage begging: it’s bad petiquette. It may be tough to resist that adorable expression, but stay strong.
Catch That Squirrel
Your cute pet may never achieve this goal, but he will have fun trying. Be sure to walk your dog at least once a day. Even if Fido has a yard to chase squirrels around in, he still needs the exercise and stimulation those daily strolls provide.
Discover New Places
It’s always cute to see how happy dogs are when they get to go out and about with their human pals. Our canine buddies make excellent traveling companions! You can definitely take Fido to various places with you, as long as you put his safety first.
Keep your pooch crated for travel. Fido may enjoy sticking his nose out the window, but this really isn’t safe. Your pup could get dust, bugs, pebbles, or dirt in his eye, and could even get hit by a lit cigarette. Plus, he wouldn’t be well protected in case of an accident.
Impress My Doctor
Fido will definitely be healthier and happier with proper veterinary care, even though he might rather go to his favorite park or drive-through than come to see us. Regular veterinary visits are essential to your pet’s health and well-being! This is also a good chance for you to ask your veterinarian for advice on your dog’s care regimen. That’s what we’re here for!
We recommend that all dogs be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept current on all recommended vaccinations and parasite control products. Regular exams and screenings are also crucial. If Fido is overdue, contact your veterinary clinic today to make an appointment.
Get My Bed Back From The Cat
Sorry, buddy: we can’t help with this one!
Enjoy Life To The Fullest
Man’s Best Friend is a wonderful furry friend and companion. However, he’s also a bit of a guru. Actually, Fido is really an adorable, barking reminder of how important it is to slow down and smell the roses. (And the sidewalk. And the grass. And the trees.)
Speaking of smelling the roses, it’s very important for dog owners to understand how much our canine companions rely on their cute noses. Dogs have a much better sense of smell than we do. They have approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, whereas we have just six million. (Fun fact: all dogs have their own unique nose prints.)
The mental stimulation dogs get from sniffing things is really very important for them. To really get your furry friend’s tail wagging, let him sniff new fields, trails, and plants. The fresh air, sunshine, and exercise will also benefit you!
Scale Down The Beauty Regime
This is one area where dogs and cats are in harsh disagreement. Kitties may spend several hours a day grooming themselves and keeping their fur soft and shiny. However, if given the chance, Man’s Best Friend would rather roll around in mud puddles than take a bath.
We have a hack for this one. Call your furry pal into the bathroom and have him get into the tub. When he’s finished, give him a special treat. This should be something he doesn’t get very often, like steak. After a few rounds, your dog might suddenly change his mind about bathing.
Keep in mind that your pup’s grooming regimen should be tailored to his or her individual needs. If Fido requires medical grooming or other special care, and/or is a senior or large breed, you may want to consider taking him to a groomer. Ask your Rialto, CA veterinarian for specific advice
Live For The Moment
Dogs’ unbridled enthusiasm is one of their cutest characteristics. Fido is super cute when he’s hard at play! Actually, playing is very beneficial for our four-legged pal. In addition to keeping them occupied and entertained, it gives them a healthy outlet for any excess energy or doggy angst they may have. Playing with your furry friend can even help curb undesirable behaviors such as digging and chewing.
Dogs all have their own tastes here, so offer your pup a variety of playthings. It’s also good to change Fido’s toys out regularly, so he can always have something fresh and new. (Pupscription boxes are a great option for this. Plus, you will also love seeing his reaction to receiving his mail every month.)
Get My Pedigree
Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he’s praised for following a command or learning something new.
All dogs should know simple obedience commands. There are five key ones: Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Drop It is also a good command. Work on these one at a time.
You don’t have to stop your pet’s education after he has mastered these commands. Move on to advanced commands or show Fido something fun. Classic tricks like Shake, Beg, Play Dead, or Roll Over will always be adorable!
Soak Up The Love
Fido has truly earned the title of Man’s Best Friend. He’s loving, loyal, and completely devoted, to the point he is often willing to risk his life for his human friends. Dogs don’t ask much in return for that loyalty, either: just affection, love, and attention … and the occasional toy or treat.
At the end of the day, Fido really just wants to be with you. Spend quality time with your four-legged friend every day, and pay lots of attention to him. Tail wags are truly one of life’s most precious gifts!
Spend Time With My Family
We have wonderful friends and companions in dogs. They accompany us through all of life’s ups and downs, and they complete our lives and households. At the end of the day, Fido just wants to spend time with us. Help him meet this goal by paying lots of attention to him. The time we have with our canine friends often passes much too quickly.
Happy New Years from all of us at Western Branch Veterinary Clinic, your Chesapeake, VA pet hospital. We look forward to providing you with excellent care in 2024 and beyond!
