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Make some pet care resolutions to kick off the new year

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, I always have the best of intentions.

To my pre-New Year’s mind, exercising more, eating better, losing weight, learning a new skill all seem perfectly achievable. Yet somehow, after those first inspired weeks, my steely determination slips away and I’m back in my comfortable old habits.

When it comes to our pets, however, we owe it to them to resolve to do the best we can, each and every year. After all, they are totally dependent on us.

While you’re mulling over the resolutions you plan to make for 2020, why not make a few for your pets? Here are a few that almost everyone can make — and keep.

Resolution No. 1: Spay or neuter your dog or cat.

This is probably the most important resolution you could possibly make. Shelters everywhere are overflowing with unwanted pets. Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters across the country every year.

An unspayed female cat can produce hundreds of kittens during her lifetime; if you consider how many kittens her intact offspring may also produce, the numbers total in the thousands. And most of those cats or kittens will either end up in overcrowded shelters or left to fend for themselves.

Although not as prolific as cats, during her lifetime, an unspayed female dog can also produce quite an extended family.

Along with helping to curb pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering has important health benefits.

These procedures may reduce the likelihood of your dog or cat developing cancers such as mammary or prostate tumors and may minimize the aggressive behavior often found in intact animals.

Resolution No. 2: Help your dog or cat shed unwanted pounds.

It’s no secret that many of us could stand to lose a few pounds — myself included! But have you looked at your dog or cat lately?

Excess weight can create a variety of health issues in pets, ranging from lameness and arthritis, to difficulty breathing, to diabetes and liver disease.

If you or your pets are carrying a few extra pounds, the solution seems almost too easy: eat less and exercise more.

In reality, it’s a little more difficult to accomplish.

Start by talking to your vet to determine if your dog or cat has any underlying health issues. If not, here are some things you can do at home: gradually switch your pet to a lower-calorie food, measure the amount of food you are providing (I know it’s easier to just fill the bowl and forget it, but that practice encourages overeating) and limit the number of high-calorie treats you offer throughout the day.

And of course, add some more exercise time to your daily regime — perhaps a longer walk for your dog, or more indoor playtime for your cat.

Resolution No. 3: Provide the best care you can.

Good pet care doesn’t mean extravagant care. But what it does mean is offering your pet a lifestyle that meets their basic needs. It means a warm, dry place to live and sleep. It means providing the best food you can afford. And it means providing basic vet care, including state-mandated vaccinations.

The need for good care doesn’t apply only to dogs and cats. Small “pocket pets” like hamsters, guinea pigs and gerbils require care that’s fairly easy to provide. Reptiles may require species-specific care to ensure a long, healthy life. Your vet and online resources can help determine what level of care is best for your pet.

Resolution No. 4: Be the best pet parent you can be — this year and every year!

Sue Williams is a lifelong pet enthusiast. She has been actively involved in animal rescue, dog performance sports, responsible pet ownership and animal advocacy for more than 20 years. She can be contacted at altoonapets@gmail.com.

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