New Year's Resolution for Your Pet

Whether you believe in "new year" resolutions or not, it is wise to set goals in order to better ourselves. The same goes for our pets! Just as we want to be happy and healthy, our animals would appreciate that too. How do I make my pet happy and healthier? Well, we are here to help!


Learning new things

What a great time to teach your pet new things! From new tricks, to obedience, becoming the "leader" of the pack, to even working on better potty training. A little known fact: cats can learn tricks just like dogs! Here at Peace of Mind we have had cats who know how to sit, lay down, and even shake! It sure helps if your pet is food motivated, but there are other ways to reward an animal as well.  Studies show that praising a dog can be as effective as treats due to the release of endorphins during both instances. This is a good bonding experience for you and your animal as well!  A confident pet will allow for a happy human.


Exercise, exercise, exercise!

This is a great goal that can benefit both you and your pet. Wish you could find something that gets you active, but does not force you to go to a busy, smelly gym? Use your pet to your advantage! Exercise for cats and dogs is just as important for health as it is for humans. Playing a game of chase, throwing the ball around, and going for a run are all great ways to get active with your pet. Don't let the cold weather get you down! Put on a jacket and run around the yard WITH your dog! This will warm you up fast and will make your dog more than happy. Strings and feathery toys turn on a natural hunting instinct in cats. Throw them around or have your cat chase the toys to keep them active indoors. 


Better feeding choices

Trying a new diet, or working on making better dietary choices? You can do the same thing for your pet! Cutting out table scraps, fatty human foods, and limiting treats will aim you in the right direction for a healthy weight for your pet. Obesity is a problem in owned cats and dogs but it is very easily preventable. Food is love- but only in moderation. Don't worry, we aren't telling you to cut treats completely out of their diet! There are definitely healthy treat options for your pets. For dogs, we recommend carrot sticks, green beans, or bananas or apples (in moderation). Need to get something done but the dog is following you around the house? Smear a small amount of peanut butter into a KONG toy and watch as your pet is happy and mentally stimulated for a lengthy amount of time. For cats, we recommend green beans, peas, or even a yummy dental chews - good for oral health! Remember, it doesn't always have to be the best choice, but at least make a better choice.

**Use only peanut butter WITHOUT xylitol in the list of ingredients! Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can cause dangerously low blood glucose levels!


There are definitely other ways we can improve the quality of life of our animals, as every pet has different needs. But why not start making the change today? "If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans" -James Herriot

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