Love Your Pal Like They're Brand New

Ah, the joy of bringing home a new fur baby! Do you recall the surge of delight that melted your heart as you watched your companion discover the world for the first time? Like any relationship, the initial excitement may fade a bit and it takes work to re-ignite the fire. Remember to love your pet through a new lens; take some time to focus on the adorable qualities that first made you fall in love with your four-legged friend.

Help Your Pet Be Healthier 

Many of us make resolutions to live a healthier year, whether that means getting in shape or eating more nutritious meals. Shouldn’t we want the same for our pets? This year, consider reevaluating your pet’s feeding habits or exercise routine; if your pet grazes on a full bowl of food all day long, try setting up a strict schedule, or if you’ve buried Fido’s leash in the closet, break it out again for daily walks.

Create New Experiences

It’s completely normal to fall into a life rut toward the end of the year–the same day-to-day routine tends to become comfortable, even for our fur friends! Now is the perfect time to shake it up again. Make a list of things you’d like to do with your pet–maybe that means hiking, a road trip or simply a new park to throw the ball at. New experiences create fresh bonds, and will give you and your pooch something to look forward to.

Regular Grooming

Romps through the bushes or rolls through the grass have probably added a few mats to Fluffy’s coat. Make regular grooming a new habit–that includes weekly baths! While you’re at it, when’s the last time your pooch’s nails have been clipped? How about the last time you’ve brushed Fifi’s teeth? Make sure you’ve got the proper tools, and help your pet look and feel their best.

Update Tags or Get Tags

Has your address changed since you last bought your pet a tag? It’s an easy detail to forget, especially if your pooch stays inside most of the time, but it’s important nonetheless. Head to your local pet store and update your pet’s tag–or create one for the first time; while you’re there, consider swapping Fifi’s worn collar for a stylish new one!

Set Up Playdates

Spending time with friends is one of life’s great pleasures, a fact that can also be true for pets. If you have friends who have their own fur babies, set up a time and place to meet and have them bring their companions along! While you and your friend catch up with coffee, or stroll around the block for a walk, the two four-legged pals can get to know each other.

Wear Out Old Toys and Get New Ones

While getting rid of Fido’s old standby toy is completely out of the question, you can still sift through the collection and purge some of the items that are falling apart or donate the ones that have barely been touched in the last year. Take a trip to your local pet supply store and surprise your pooch with a couple of new toys.

Get Pet Insurance

Accidents happen and it’s always good to be prepared. This year, look into getting pet insurance to cover any emergency or routine veterinary treatments for your pooch. Pet insurance is a lot like human health insurance, however, pet insurance guarantees reimbursement for any care or procedures that are submitted to your insurance company. It’s a win-win for both you and Fido!

Kate Branum

 Aside from studying journalism at Grand Valley State University and interning at WLM, Kate Branum enjoys writing, reading and all things art. Reach out to her at: [email protected]