10 Resolutions for Being a Better Pet Owner
1. Lose some weight! The latest veterinary
statistic revealed that
80 percent of all dogs
and cats in households
are overweight. Obesity
shortens the life of your
pets.
2. Exercise. Walk your
dog at least five times a
week and both of you
will improve. Buy some
old-fashioned bottle of
bubbles with a small
wand and have your cat
chase and jump at the
bubbles. This is great
exercise for your cat
and will provide a good
chuckle for you, also.
3. Vaccinate. Do it
annually and be sure to
give heartworm
preventative to your cat
and dog. Preventative
medicine is always less
expensive and better in
the long run for you and
your pet.
4. Share your pet with
others. Take your dog
or cat to a local nursing
home and let the
residents enjoy your
pet. This is a very
rewarding experience
that you will really come
to enjoy. Be sure to
check with the home
first to find out about its
regulations.
5. Consider your
neighbors. Don't let
your dog bark for hours
and hours. You can
usually tune out this
barking, where your
neighbor probably
can't. Be sensitive to
the people around you
when your pet is
concerned.
6. Take safety
precautions. Always
walk your pet on a
leash. Never let it roam
the neighborhood. Let it
roam free in a fenced
area only.
7. Give your pet a home
check-up at least once
a week. Check your
pet's eyes, ears, skin
and general attitude.
Be on top of a problem
rather than letting it
build up on you.
8. Invest in obedience
training. You can't
imagine how much
more you will enjoy your
pet if it is properly
trained. An unruly pet
simply cannot be
enjoyed the way it could
be.
9. Pet-proof your home. Keep your medicine
and food up and away
from your pets. Nosy
pets will get into candy
left on the coffee table
or your medication on
the night stand. Your
pets are like 2-year-old
children, so take the
same precautions.
10. Love your pet. This
may sound trite, but I
have seen so many
pets put in the back
yard and forgotten
about. Remember,
there is a responsibility
to owning a pet. There
is not a pet in this world
that doesn't like a rub
on the head or pat on
the back. Give your pet
some attention on a
regular basis. It is great
for the pet and good for
your blood pressure. Your pet will surely
listen well, always be
glad to see you and
love you more than you
will ever know.
