WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As you draw up a list of your New Year’s resolutions, keep your pets in mind, says Lorraine Corriveau, a wellness veterinarian at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Here’s her top 10 list of New Year’s resolution for pets:
- Spay or neuter your pets, adding more years to their lives and improving their behavior.
- Provide them age-appropriate health care so that you develop a good idea about their health and build a relationship with your veterinarian.
- Give them a diet suited to their age and medical condition. Pets kept at their ideal body weight live longer. Look for foods designed for different stages of life and medical conditions.
- Give them medicines regularly to prevent heartworm and fleas.
- Groom them at home, especially the minor grooming procedures, because it causes less stress.
- Exercise and play with them more often, each day if possible.
- Ask your veterinarian or seek expert advice on behavior problems. A basic training class might be useful, especially for a new puppy.
- Socialize pets with other animals and people by enrolling them in a dog park, an agility/training class or socialization classes.
- Donate time, effort or resources to a local animal welfare group.
- If your pet is especially social, patient and people-oriented, consider certifying it as a therapy animal. Studies have confirmed that pets increase a person’s life span, help speed recovery in case of young and old patients, and are a great morale booster to people in various psychiatric and medical programs.
