Happy New Year! Our canine patients are bounding into 2024 with tails wagging, happy grins, and that charming doggy enthusiasm we all love so much. Of course, if you try to explain your New Year’s resolutions to Fido, he’ll probably just tilt his head and give you that adorable confused expression dogs do so well. However, even if your canine companion doesn’t understand what you’re saying, he’ll be right there beside you as you strive to meet your goals. In fact, your dog might be your biggest cheerleader! As it turns out, our four-legged friends may also have some goals of their own for the coming year. A Rialto, CA veterinarian shares some of the most adorable ones in this article.
Go New Places
Fido is always happy to accompany his humans places. It’s so cute how happy dogs are to go out and about with their pals! You can, of course, take your pooch with you … as long as you ensure his safety.
While your pup may enjoy sticking his cute nose out the window, we recommend keeping him crated for travel. Otherwise, your canine won’t be adequately protected in the event of an accident. Plus, he could get dust, bugs, pollen, pebbles, dirt, or even a lit cigarette in his eyes by hanging out of the car.
Training is key here. It’s important for your pooch to see his crate as a comfortable, safe place. You can make the crate more appealing by adding comfy bedding and toys.
Never leave your furry friend unattended in a car, especially in hot weather. The only exception would be if you have a Tesla with a pet mode feature. However, we still recommend erring on the side of caution.
Stay Healthy
Although Fido would probably prefer to go to his favorite park or drive through instead of visiting us, he’ll be both healthier and happier with proper veterinary care. In fact, seeing his vet regularly is essential for your pet’s health and well-being.
All of our four-legged friends should be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept current on all recommended vaccinations and parasite control. Regular exams and screenings are also crucial. If your furry friend is overdue, schedule an appointment with your Rialto, CA veterinary clinic today.
Kick The Cat Out Of My Bed
Cats are opportunistic nappers, and they don’t hesitate to claim comfortable spots. Good luck with this one, buddy!
Seize The Day
Dogs aren’t just good friends: they’re also wonderful sources of inspiration. Fido is a living, barking reminder of how important it is to slow down and smell the roses. (And the sidewalk. And the grass. And the trees.)
Having said that, it’s essential for dog owners to recognize the importance of their furry companions’ sense of smell. Fido’s adorable snooter is super sensitive! Man’s Best Buddy has a much more acute sense of smell than we do. A significant portion of a dog’s brain – 40 percent more than ours – is dedicated to processing scents. Dogs’ noses have approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses. In comparison, we only have about six million. Our four-legged pals also have neophilia, which means they are endlessly intrigued by new scents. (This probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone who has a four-legged friend.)
Want to really get that tail going this year? Take your furry buddy to new places and let him sniff unfamiliar fields, trails, and plants.
Spend Less Time Primping
Fido and Fluffy have very different opinions where grooming is concerned. Cats may spend several hours every day carefully cleaning their pretty fur. As for dogs, well, Fido may enjoy feeling salon-fresh, but he probably would rather roll around in mud puddles than get bathed.
The best way to get your pooch into the tub may be to bribe him. Call Fido into the bathroom and have him get into the tub. Then, give him a treat. Pick something special, like steak. Let him go when he’s done. After a few rounds, your furry buddy might have a miraculous change of heart about bath time!
All dogs require different grooming regimes, so it’s important to customize your furry pal’s beauty ritual according to his needs. If Fido requires medical grooming and/or is a senior or large breed, you may want to consider going to a groomer. Ask your Rialto, CA veterinarian for specific advice.
Celebrate Life
One of Fido’s cutest traits is his unbridled enthusiasm. The more playful dogs are, the cuter they become!
Your dog will need a variety of toys to play with. Playing provides a healthy outlet for any pent-up energy your pooch may have, while stimulating, occupied, and comforting him. It can even help curb undesirable behaviors, such as digging and chewing.
Keep Fido’s toybox fresh and fun for him by rotating his things regularly. Pupscription boxes are a great option for this. (Bonus: it will also be adorable to see your dog’s reaction to getting his mail every month.)
Go Back To School
In addition to helping your canine buddy be a Very Good Boy, continued training is also an excellent way to bond with him. Many pups actually enjoy learning new things! Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he is being praised for following a command or picking up something new.
All dogs should know basic commands such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Drop It is also a good command. Start with these first, and work through them one by one.
Once Fido has mastered these commands, move on to advanced commands or show him something fun, such as Shake, Play Dead, Beg, and Roll Over.
Get All The Belly Rubs
Fido has definitely earned the title of Man’s Best Friend. Dogs will push themselves to exhaustion, or even risk their lives for us. They don’t ask much in return, either: just basic affection, love, and TLC … and the occasional treat or toy.
Pay attention to your furry best buddy, and always reward him for good behavior. Even just giving Fido a quick ear scritch or forehead rub as you walk past can make him feel loved and safe, and keep that tail going.
Get More Treats
Man’s Best Buddy definitely loves food. Use that to your advantage. Yummy treats can help you bond with your canine companion, and are great training aids.
Be sure to stick with safe, healthy options, such as plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken without skin, bones, or fat.
Also, don’t go overboard. Your pup shouldn’t get more than 5% of his daily calories from treats. Ask your Rialto, CA vet for more information.
Spend As Much Time With The Humans As Possible
Dogs are truly amazing creatures. They stay with us through all of life’s ups and downs, and they really do complete our lives and households. Fido really just wants to be with you. Spend quality time with your furry best buddy every day. The time we have to spend with our animal companions is truly precious, and all the more so because it often passes much too quickly,
New Year’s greetings from all of us at Valley Animal Hospital. We look forward to providing you with excellent care in 2024 and beyond.
