Start the New Year on the right paw
Ahhh, those dreaded New Year’s resolutions. How many have you made — or kept — over the years? If you’re anything like me, most of those good intentions end up in the dustbin of history.
How about resolutions you can actually accomplish? Better yet, ones that don’t involve going to the gym or starting a diet!
What they do involve is being a conscientious, responsible caretaker for your dog in the new year.
Health
It’s up to you to keep your dog in the best health possible, which means making sure he sees your veterinarian for a yearly checkup — or, if he’s older, twice a year.
These exams will catch small problems before they become big ones; they’re also a great opportunity for you to discuss with your vet the proper vaccinations for your situation and environment. Keep in mind that deadly heartworm is endemic, so it’s crucial that all dogs — cats as well — be on monthly heartworm preventative.
Keep an eye on your dog’s weight and nutrition: just as with humans, our dogs are increasingly suffering from obesity, a potentially life-threatening condition. Feed your dog the highest quality food that you can afford, and avoid those containing controversial chemical preservatives, unidentified meat ingredients or a high percentage of animal by-products. One of the best places to become educated about dog food is the Dog Food Advisor website, which is independent and accepts no advertising from pet food manufacturers.
Exercise
Regular exercise not only keeps you dog’s weight down, but it can significantly affect her physical and mental health as well. Exercise works the joints and tones the muscles, helps the organs function and stimulates the mind. Without activity, your dog will become bored and frustrated, often resulting in destructive behaviors.
But exercise doesn’t need to be a chore: turn it into a game of catch or Frisbee — take a walk around the neighborhood or through the forest — visit a dog park — go snowshoeing during the winter or swimming in the summer. Think “fun” instead of “exercise”!
Training
Many people think that one obedience course is all their dog needs — fact, you should always be training your dog. Every time you go for a walk is an opportunity to work on leash skills; every time you offer him a treat you can reinforce behaviors like “sit” or “down”; every time someone comes to your home, use the time to build your dog’s social manners. There are countless other opportunities to enhance your dog’s basic training: if she’s active or athletic, try agility training; if he’s mellower, therapy dog training might be more his speed.
Time
This last resolution might be the most important: take time to spend time with your dog. In today’s multi-tasking, go-forbroke world, we seldom take the time to just be — with ourselves, our friends and intimate partners, and our companion animals. Take a few minutes to just sit with your dog when you’re not doing anything else — not watching TV, not texting, not eating or reading. Focus just on her: talk to her, pet her, give her a massage. These kinds of small acts can let your dog know she’s important to you, and will strengthen the bond between you.
So this new year, whether you’re resolving to work off that extra five pounds or find a way to improve your life, why not make a resolution to be a better companion to your furry friend too?
Who knows: it might just help you get rid of that belly bulge and improve your life at the same time!
Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her golden retriever Joey, her Maine coon cat Indy, and the abiding spirit of her beloved golden retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.