Top Resolutions Dr. Beth Keser Makes For Her Pets
Traditionally, we strive to accomplish a goal and improve our life. In 2019, why don’t we make a New Year’s resolution for our pets? Resolve to get involved in animal welfare… Save lives, Adopt, Foster, Donate, and Volunteer!
1. Foster
The number one way to save a shelter pet’s life other than adoption is to foster. You will provide a temporary living arrangement without the commitment of ownership. This year, we had over 400 fosters who saved the lives of 2,704 animals in our shelter.
2. Resolve to watch your weight and your pets too!
Commit to a healthy diet and exercise routine (it will benefit you both). *Always consult with your veterinarian and doctor before starting any diet & exercise program.
DIET: Obesity is at an epidemic state for our pets. 50% of pets are classified as obese or overweight. Incorporating a new diet along with an exercise routine is an easy goal for 2019.
- Start with an appropriate food for the age of your pet (puppy, young adult, senior etc.).
- Feed them twice a day to allow proper metabolism to work.
- Measure the correct amount as directed by the goal weight.
- You can add carrots and broccoli for healthy treats.
EXERCISE: A good diet goes hand in hand or “paw in paw” with a sound exercise routine. In 2019, aim for a new activity with your pet…
- Meet up with friends with their pets which encourages positive socialization for all.
- Have fun at the local dog park. After a fun play date, a tired pet is a happy pet!
- Walking is great for people and animals alike, because it’s easy on the joints.
- A small amount of aerobic activity goes a long way regarding the health benefits provided.
- Living in South Florida, we can take our pets outside and enjoy swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking (with a pet approved life jacket of course).
3. Good oral hygiene will encourage you to smile.
The act of smiling activates the feel-good neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins). When you feel good about your teeth – you smile. Let’s commit to better oral hygiene for our pets. Some 80% of shelter animals have some form of dental disease when they came in (which is 100% preventable). In 2019, start brushing your pet’s teeth using an appropriate dog/cat toothpaste. Use dental chews and schedule routine cleanings with your veterinarian.
4. Quality time and mental enrichment
Spend quality time with your four-legged kids. Our pets are natural stress relievers. We all live busy, self-consumed lives with chaotic schedules. Let’s take time to enjoy our pet. Research shows, by spending time with pets your cortisol levels decrease, and oxytocin increases. This is a very good thing. The best part is that the SAME thing happens to your pets’ levels! We can also incorporate puzzle feeders, K-9 agility and teaching your dog new tricks (even the old dogs) – this will increase cognitive function and stimulate healthy brain activity. How cool is that! We really do make each other feel good.
Bottom line for 2019 – MAKE A Resolution to do ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
FOSTER AND SAVE LIVES, HEALTHY DIET & EXERCISE FOR YOU AND YOUR PET, BRUSH YOUR PET’S TEETH,
SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FURRY LOVED ONES
