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The tradition of New Year's resolutions dates back to the Babylonian civilization. Many people make resolutions in the hope of improving various aspects of their lives, often including, but not limited to, health and adopting new lifestyle habits. But what about our pets? It is up to us, as owners and life partners, to make resolutions for our pets in order to give them a healthier life. So, what are these new goals?
Why is an annual health check essential? For the same reason that we make an appointment with our general practitioner every year! It is an essential tool for assessing your pet's health and detecting diseases early on so that a treatment plan can be established quickly. 365 days is enough time to observe significant changes in an animal's health. Based on the observations made during the health assessment, we will be able to advise you on the appropriate care for your pet, especially if it is aging. So, what does a health check-up involve? It is a complete physical examination accompanied by the appropriate vaccinations and blood tests. Yes, that's right! Just like humans, animals need booster shots every one, two, or three years, depending on the type of vaccine, otherwise they are not protected. For example, a dog that received its basic vaccinations as a puppy but never returned to the veterinarian for boosters is at risk of contracting a variety of dangerous and potentially fatal pathogens. As for blood tests, your veterinarian will advise you on these based on your pet's age and lifestyle. Take cats over the age of 10, for example. They are at greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, both of which can be detected through blood tests.
Why is a healthy weight a key indicator of your pet's health? Because being overweight significantly increases the risk of medical conditions in our pets and reduces their quality of life. For example, did you know that obesity in cats often leads to the development of diabetes mellitus and the early onset of chronic arthritis? Treatment for these conditions requires a significant investment of time and money on the part of the owner and often extends over the rest of the animal's life... So why not do everything we can to spare our pets this reality? Here are a few tips to help you keep your pet on the right track! First, a visit to your veterinarian will help determine your pet's ideal weight based on their body type, age, sex, and breed. After that, regular weigh-ins and visual assessments of their body condition can help you track their weight. Whether you want to maintain their ideal weight or help them lose or gain weight, it's important to adjust their food portions according to your veterinarian's advice and limit treats to 10% of their daily calorie intake, no more!
Lack of physical activity is a growing problem in both pets and humans. Adequate physical activity has many benefits, including improved joint health, mental stimulation, and stress reduction, among many others. These benefits are particularly important for our canine friends to ensure a graceful transition into their golden years. Ask your veterinarian for advice on the recommended level of physical activity for your pet. As an owner, it is also important to research your companion's breed to better understand the level of physical activity that will keep them happy. For example, dogs such as border collies and shepherds are animals that have a lot of energy and require high levels of physical exercise and stimulation to be at their best. In honor of the new year, you can incorporate a new dog sport into your routine or increase the duration or number of walks for your canine friend and add interactive games or exercise courses for your feline friend! However, don't forget to adapt the intensity of physical activity to your pet's age and physical condition. Our senior dogs and cats also need to move, but at a gentler intensity.
Now, here are a few tips to help you stick to your New Year's resolutions. Create a schedule for your pet!
Remember that every little gesture counts when it comes to your pet's health!
