It’s that time of year again, when we all make goals for the coming year. There are so many goals to choose from such as fitness, health and career and other times we make goals for fun! Whilst our pets can’t make resolutions, including your pet in some of your resolutions may offer the support you need to achieve your goals, but it can also enrich your pets life at the same time. Here are a few resolutions to consider.

1. Teach a new trick

A great new year’s resolution for pet owners is to have fun and play more and one way to do this teach some new tricks. This is a wonderful way to bond with your furry friend and develop a strong, happy, healthy relationship. There are plenty of tricks you can teach dogs, many of which can help with obedience, but don’t forget other pets too!

Cats can be taught to sit, fetch and even high five. Rabbits and guinea pigs are smart creatures too and can be taught to come when called, turn in circles, stand up and jump through hoops. Remember to keep training sessions brief and positive and have fun together!

2. Get more exercise

Have you set a goal to exercise more often? Try getting your pet involved in your workouts too. All pets need regular exercise to prevent boredom, stimulate their minds and stay healthy. There are many fun ways to exercise with your pets, including dogs, cats and pocket pets too! Check out our article for some inspiration.

Before taking on any strenuous exercise routines with your pet or if you are just getting started, it is worth checking with your local vet first for recommendations based on the size, age and health of your pet.

3. Clean your pet supplies

When was the last time you cleaned your pet’s collar, washed their bedding or gave their food and water bowls a good scrubbing? Make a resolution to clean your pet’s belongings more in the new year. It is best to use unscented, allergen free detergent for washing beds, collars and leashes at least once a month. Food bowls should be washed daily and water bowls 2-3 times per week. Cat litter boxes should be scooped daily for urine and faeces and cleaned thoroughly once a week. After cleaning your pet’s items, make sure you keep yourself safe by thoroughly washing your hands afterwards with hot, soapy water.

4. Enrich your pet’s environment and life

There are a number of ways you can make your pets environment and life more interesting and stimulating. For cats this can include vertical spaces, window perches, hiding spots and scratching poles. For dog’s this can include scheduling play dates with other dogs their age, obedience training or trying out a new activity such as swimming. For pocket pets this can include hiding treats, making an obstacle course out of cardboard boxes, tunnels and newspaper and also frequent handling and attention, which is essential for your pet’s happiness.

5. Update essential information

Getting organised is often high on the list of new year’s resolutions, which is a great time to check your pets microchipping information is up to date. These details need to be correct so that you will be contactable if your pet escapes or becomes lost. So if you have moved house or changed your phone number, it is time to update these details.

The easiest way to update the microchip database is to

Go to www.petaddress.com.au and search using your pet’s microchip number.

You will automatically be redirected to the database that lists your pet’s microchip so that you can contact them directly to update your details.
If you don’t know your pets microchip number contact your local vet, council or animal welfare shelter who can scan your pet and supply you with your microchip number.

You will also need to update your pet registration details with your local council. This needs to be done separately.

We also recommend that your pet wear a collar with an ID tag for quick reference of your pet’s name and your contact details to the person that finds them. This can speed up the process of finding your lost pet. If your pet already had an ID tag, these need to be checked for accuracy too.

6. If your pet is overweight, help them loose weight

If your pet is overweight, ask your vet for their opinion on how to help them loose weight this coming year. Whilst you may find your chubby pet adorable, the extra weight can put undue stress on bones and joints, shorten your pet’s life expectancy and increase your pet’s risk towards a number of health conditions. For more information on your pet’s weight and tips for losing weight visit our article here.

On behalf of Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital, we wish you and your family a safe and happy New Year. Wishing you and your pet all the best for 2021.

6 New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners