Resolution to Move!
01/06/2013
Happy New Year to all!
It is that time of year when we reassess our lives and goals for the future. I find goals or intentions to be better words than “resolutions”. Resolution is such a heavy word and they are so often dropped early in the year. This should be something within reach, that can be accomplished with a bit of perseverance.
I am feeling almost back to my normal self after 8+months of fatigue and arthritis (viral cause apparently). Thank you for your kind comments - it was really mild compared to what many people go through on a daily basis, but definitely a wake-up call for me! I have always felt better when keeping up with regular exercise and this experience just re-enforced that need to MOVE my body, joints, everything. So that is my intention for the year - to keep moving! Our animals, arthritic or not, can also benefit from this wisdom.
Here are some ideas for animal health goals for the new year:
- Exercise: Yes, this is the one most of us struggle with and, not surprisingly, our animals struggle right alongside of us. The solution? Get out for a walk with your dog - it will be good for both of you! Cats, well, while there are a few that I have known that love to walk with their people, many are indoors (a double-edged sword for their health - no cars, predators or feline leukemia, hopefully, indoors, but a challenge to keep moving!) Click here for some ideas to keep your pets active indoors or out.
- Diet and weight loss: This should go hand-in-hand with the previous entry as the top New Year’s Resolution. Reducing intake and treats can be critical to all of our well-being. Consider the amount fed as treats in training, and otherwise, as part of the daily food intake and take into consideration the relative size of the creature doing the eating. Small dogs need small treats! (though they may try to tell you otherwise.) For information of feeding click here.
- Dental Health: Dedicate yourself to dental health by brushing your pet’s teeth regularly (daily is ideal, but anything is a beginning!). I have to give a huge plug for my husband and his dedication to our dog, Phidy. He has been brushing his teeth regularly and is quite dedicated to avoiding future dental disease and its costs (financially and health-wise)! Click here for dental care tips.
- Grooming: Regular brushing and nail trimming are important maintenance requirements for many animals. To keep painful mats from forming in longer coats, develop a daily brushing routine that is pleasant-use treats, go slow and make it a positive bonding experience and it will be easier to keep up with. Nail trimming can often be done in a stress-free way using treats and positive reinforcement. Gradually training your animal to allow you to trim even just one nail a day can make a big difference in the long run. For trimming and brushing help click here.
- Training: So many pets lose their lives due to training and behavior issues that you could say it definitely affects their health! Early and often are the best times for training - consistency in your expectations and regular positive reinforcement can make a huge difference. Look for more resources in the Training section.
Now is the time to re-dedicate to those goals of improving your pets’ health. What does your pet need to work on this year?
Email your pet healthcare goals to me and I can help to keep you on track with reminders and check-ins. kaugust@harmonyhousecalls.com