Happy New Year! Fido may not care what the calendar says, but he is bounding into the new year full of that adorable doggy enthusiasm and excitement we love so much. If you’re making resolutions, your canine pal may very well be your biggest cheerleader as you strive to meet your goals. Actually, our four-legged friends may also have their own aspirations for the upcoming year. A Merrillville, IN veterinarian reveals some of Fido’s top objectives for the new year in this article.
Explore My World
It’s always adorable to see how happy Fido is to accompany his humans places. You can definitely take your pup out and about with you … as long as you put safety first.
We always recommend keeping dogs crated for travel. Although Fido may enjoy sticking his nose out the window, it’s not safe for him. Your canine pal could get dust, bugs, pollen, pebbles, dirt, or even a lit cigarette in his eyes, and he won’t be adequately protected in the event of an accident.
Proper 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.
(A word of caution: never leave your canine unattended in the car, especially in hot weather. The exception would be if you have a Tesla or another car with pet mode. However, we still recommend erring on the side of caution.)
Be Healthy And Fit
We know, Fido would probably prefer to go to the park or drive through instead of visiting us. However, proper veterinary care is crucial to his health and well-being.
We recommend that all pups be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept up to date on all recommended vaccinations and parasite control. Regular exams and screenings are also very important. Contact your Merrillville, IN veterinarian today to make an appointment.
Get Fluffy Out Of My Bed
Sorry, Fido, you’re out of luck on this one. Cats are very opportunistic nappers, and they don’t hesitate to claim comfy spots.
Live For The Moment
Dogs aren’t just good friends: they’re also wonderful sources of inspiration. Fido is a living, barking reminder of the importance of taking time to stop and smell the roses. (And the sidewalk. And the grass.)
With that being said, it’s crucial for people with pooches of their own to understand the significance of their four-legged companions’ sense of smell. Not only is Fido’s nose incredibly charming, but it’s also very sensitive. As most people know, dogs possess a much keener sense of smell than humans do. In fact, Man’s Best Buddy has around 300 million olfactory receptors in his nose. (We have about six million.) Additionally, a substantial proportion of Fido’s brain – about 40 percent more – is dedicated to processing scents compared to ours. Furthermore, our furry pals have neophilia, which means they are endlessly fascinated by new smells. (This probably won’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who has a pup.)
While you’re walking your canine companion, let him investigate things. For Fido, sniffing a neighbor’s yard is comparable to us reading a newspaper. Want to really get that tail going? Take your furry to new places this year, and let him check out some new places.
Skip Beauty Sessions
Fido and Fluffy have very different opinions when it comes to grooming. Fluffy is very committed to her beauty regimen, and may spend several hours a day carefully cleaning her pretty fur, making it soft and shiny. Fido, however, is not anywhere near as enthusiastic about his grooming rituals. Given the choice, he’d probably much rather roll around in a mud puddle than get bathed.
The best way to get your furry bff 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. Choose something special, like steak. When he’s done, let him go. After a few rounds, your canine buddy might have a miraculous change of heart about bathing.
Keep in mind that all pups have different grooming needs. Your Merrillville, IN vet may recommend going to a groomer in some cases, such as if your furry is a senior or a large breed, as picking him up and handling these pets can be difficult. You’ll also need to take your canine companion to a salon if he needs medical grooming or other special care.
Have Fun!
Fido is always extra adorable when he’s being playful. Dogs should have a variety of toys to play with. Playthings keep your furry stimulated, occupied, and comforted, while providing a healthy outlet for any pent-up energy he has. Playing can also help distract our four-legged buddies, which can in turn help curb undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing.
Rotate Fido’s toys regularly, so he will always have something fresh and new. Pupscription boxes are a good option for this. (It’s also adorable seeing pooches get their mail every month!)
Continue My Petucation
Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he is being praised for following a command or picking up something new. Many pups actually enjoy learning new things. Continued training is a great way to help your canine buddy be a Very Good Boy, but it’s also great for bonding and stimulation.
All pooches should know basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Drop It is another good command. Start with these first, and work on them one at a time.
After Fido has mastered these commands, move on to advanced commands or show him something fun. Classic tricks, such as Shake, Play Dead, Beg, and Roll Over, are always adorable, but there are many lesser-known tricks to play with. (Shark and Smile are also super cute.)
Get More Belly Rubs
Fido’s’ love, loyalty, and devotion are unconditional, amazing, and really precious. 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 for much in return, either: just basic TLC and, of course, love and affection. (And the occasional toy or treat.)
Pay attention to your cute pup, and 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.
Sample More Bacon
One thing we know about Man’s Best Buddy? He definitely loves food! Put your pup’s love of snacks to work in your favor. Yummy treats can help you bond with your pooch, and are great training aids.
Just choose foods that are healthy, like plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken without skin, bones, or fat. Avoid unsafe options, such as meat on the bone, fatty meats, and chocolate. Ask your Merrillville, IN veterinarians for more information.
Take care not to go overboard. You may have to steel your nerves against that cute face.
Treats shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your pup’s daily caloric intake.
Finally, be sure to make your canine buddy companion do a trick for the treat! This is actually great for Fido’s confidence.
Get More Time With The Humans
At the end of the day, all your pooch really wants is to be with you. Dogs are truly amazing. They stay with us through all of life’s ups and downs, and they really do complete our lives and households. Spent quality time with Fido every day. The time we have with our canine companions is truly precious, and it often passes too fast.
Happy New Year from all of us here at Southlake Animal Hospital. As your Merrillville, IN veterinary clinic, we look forward to providing you with excellent care in 2024 and beyond.
