Pets and Pet Health

VetWrap: Rover’s Resolutions

Well, thank goodness it’s 2021. As we all look forward to a fresh start, it is of course a time for resolutions. While I don’t often make resolutions — mostly because I don’t stick to them, and why upset myself with that disappointment? — this year feels different.

It feels like a time to reconsider the big picture. So, as many of us are making resolutions ourselves, I got to thinking about resolutions for the people and pets around me — not about the resolutions I thought they should make (!) — but resolutions that could be made about my relationships and interactions with them.

There has been a humorous discussion in the office as to what our pets’ New Year’s resolution might be. My dog Packer’s was to “try try try his very best not to steal the baby’s snacks,” and Annie our resident clinic cat vows to “not lick the walls anymore.”  The discussion continues online, started by one of our favourite and aforementioned vet personalities Dr. Andy Roark. See the discussion for some fun ones.

In all seriousness, I thought this really would be a good time to reflect and consider if your pet could benefit from a resolution — or rather, that we should be resolute in improving their routine, quality of life, or relationship with us.

Here are a few examples that came to mind:

1) Learn a new trick.
All too often, once the puppy training and obedience classes are done, we never break out the training treats again. However, all dogs (and cats!) even the seniors (and perhaps even especially the seniors) can enjoy the mental stimulation of learning a new trick. Something simple, such as “shake-a-paw” if they have never tried this one, or more advanced activities like distance commands or agility.

2) Find a new walking route or trail.
Along the lines of increased mental stimulation — it is great fun to explore a new space with your canine companion — and feline, I suppose I should not exclude them. There are some pretty incredible feline-carrying backpacks around, and cats that love to hike!

3) Work on a behavioural issue.
Has your dog’s begging at the table, barking at the neighbours, pulling on the leash or unreliable recall frustrated you in 2020? Take the initiative in 2021 to make it a priority to work on it. Even better, enlist the help of a certified trainer or behaviourist.

4) Get up-to-date.
Is your pet overdue for their annual health check-up, dental cleaning or vaccines? Find out from your veterinarian what preventative health care your pet is due for and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with getting them all up to date.

5) Resolve a new or chronic health issue.
Have you noticed your senior pet’s mobility is worsening with age? Have you noticed your indoor cat is drinking a bit more than usual? Have your dog’s allergies flared up again? Addressing a health concern, no matter how chronic, with your veterinarian can improve your pet’s quality of life dramatically.

Most veterinary offices are offering telemedicine appointments now in addition to curbside visits. If there is something you wanted to discuss (even to ensure you are doing everything that you can to help with that condition) I encourage you to phone in to schedule that appointment.

6) Be prepared.
If 2020 taught us nothing else, it was that the unforeseen can happen! Feel good about your preparedness with your pet by having all emergency information on the ready for your vet, your local emergency hospital, and the pet poison helpline. Have reserves (considering expiration dates) of important medications and consider making a pet first aid kit to keep in your home.

All of the above examples are meant to benefit the pets we have welcomed into our homes. However I assure you that the benefit to you will be equal or even greater. Our pets have been there through this tumultuous emotional roller coaster that is the 2020 pandemic.

Let’s resolve to be the best pet parents we can be in 2021. After all, it has been a rough seven years for them.

Links:

Dr. Andy Roark | Facebook

The Explorer Cat Backpack – TheCatsNDogs

Meet the Canadian cat that hikes the Rocky Mountains | CTV News

Animal Poison Control Service | Pet Poison Helpline

CVMA | Documents | Creating a First Aid Kit for Your Pet

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