Resolve to do better for your pet

The new year brings with it an opportunity for new beginnings and many of us will be looking to make positive changes as we enter 2023.

Whether your aim is to get fitter or simply spend more time with those you love, we can all benefit from setting goals to kick off the new year – our pets can even get involved, too.

PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “As the festive season comes to a close, we find ourselves evaluating the year that has passed.

“The transition into the new year is a opportunity to consider the changes that can help us live a healthier, happier life. The same goes for our furry friends – making resolutions can have a positive impact on their wellbeing.”

Move more
After an indulgent festive season, many of us vow to incorporate more exercise into our routine, so why not include your pet in this goal to keep you on track?

Committing to more dog walks will not only help you be more active, but help keep your pooch’s health in check too.

Even when it’s dark and gloomy, it’s essential that you take your dog for daily walks.

If you really can’t get out, playtime at home will get them moving and allow them to blow off some steam. Remember cats love to have access to outdoor space too.

If you have house cats, then an enclosed outdoor space or an escape proof garden is a great way to give them the outdoor exercise they may crave.

If this isn’t an option though, then playtime with you and a homemade indoor adventure playground of cat shelves, toys and hidey hole fun will work wonders – just don’t be surprised if they prefer being curled up somewhere cosy as the mercury drops.

Embrace a healthier diet
The amount and type of food that we eat plays a big part in maintaining not only our weight, but our overall health too – and the same goes for our pets.

Feeding your furry friend a high quality, complete food that is designed for their life stage will ensure they get all the minerals and nutrients they need.

If you’re guilty of feeding your four-legged family member a scrap or two at dinner time, it’s time to stop doing so.

Making this resolution will benefit your furry friend in the long term.

Relish quality time
Spending time together over the festive break, can be a joy for human and furry family members , but the change in schedule as we go back to work can trigger separation anxiety.

Keeping their usual routine in place as much as possible over the festive period is really helpful, and allowing pets to have some time alone if they’re happy to, could prevent upset further down the line.

When we do need to return to work, while we can’t always make changes to a busy schedule, we can commit to asking a neighbour or friend to check in on them, consider arranging for a dog walker to visit or even organise some doggy day care to help make the transition smoother.

When you are home, keep to their normal feed, exercise and bed times.