Now that we're well into 2007, it's time to see how we're doing with those typical resolutions we all tend to make, such as: to lose weight and get in better shape; to work smarter, not harder; to spend more quality time with the family; and to stop smoking.
And for us pet owners, it's even more important to see how those kept - or broken - resolutions are affecting our pets ...
Resolution No. 1: 25 percent of pets in the United States are overweight; so that first resolution might be appropriate for your pet, too. The best ways to decrease your pet's weight are by decreasing his daily calories and increasing his exercise.
Talk to your vet if you're not sure whether your pet is overweight, and discuss choices for diets.
Many over-the-counter brands offer light-formula diets now. Also, your vet carries prescription brands such as Purina OM, which is one of my favorites. This food is high in protein and fiber, low in fat, and most pets like the taste.
For exercise, not only is walking good for you, but it's also an excellent exercise for your pet.
No. 2: If you're worried because your pet is difficult to manage outside the home, get some helpful humane restraint tools like the Easy Walk Harness or the Gentle Leader head collar. These help you keep a handle on your pet's hyperactivity even when meeting other pets on the walk.
This way, you both can get some exercise - and you're working smarter, not harder.
Speaking of that: When I was in vet school, I had a springer spaniel puppy who needed lots of exercise. She had a weird quirk about chasing light beams - she was fanatical about it!
So I used to take 15-minute study breaks, during which I would flash the light beam up and down the hill in our back yard, and she would run around like crazy. She loved it. Now that's working smarter, not harder.
No. 3: Spend more quality time with your family - especially the four-legged member. Did you know that pet owners live longer than those who don't own a pet, and that pets have been shown to decrease blood pressure and improve the health of their owners?
That should be great incentive to spend more time with your pet.
So get out there and play more "fetch" with your dog, or pet your cat as he lies purring in your lap while you watch TV at night. These are great stress reducers, too. Have a happy, healthy, safe new year.
No. 4: If you smoke in your home, you're not only hurting your own lungs, but you're exposing your pet to a large amount of second-hand smoke. Smoke settles down to the floor due to gravity, so it is more concentrated at your pet's level.
Also, being smaller, your pet's lungs receive a high concentration of smoke.
Therefore, your habit might be killing your pet. So another incentive to stop smoking is for the love of your pet.
Good luck sticking to your resolutions.
