Happy New Year! As we enter the new year, our four-legged patients are full of enthusiasm and excitement. Fido may not comprehend our New Year’s Resolutions when we try to communicate them, but he will still support us with joyful dances and encouraging gestures as we work towards our goals. In fact, our canine companions may also have their own goals for the upcoming year. In a recent article from animal clinic, a local veterinarian in Dayton, TN reveals some of Fido’s top objectives for 2024.

Skip Beauty Sessions

Cats and dogs 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 dog to get into the tub may be to bribe him. Call Fido into the bathroom and have him get into it. Then, give him a treat. Choose something special, like steak. When he’s done, let him go. After a few rounds, your pup might have a miraculous change of heart about bathing.

Keep in mind that all of our canine friends have different grooming needs. Your vet may recommend going to a groomer in some cases, such as if your pet needs medical grooming, and/or is a senior or a large dog. Ask your animal clinic for more information.

Make Time To Play

Dogs are always super cute when they’re being playful. Fido should have a variety of toys to play with. Playthings keep your pooch stimulated, occupied, and comforted, while providing a healthy outlet for any pent-up doggy energy he has. It can also help distract and occupy mischievous dogs, which can 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.

Explore My World

There’s something so cute about 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 just not safe for him. Your pup 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. Your pooch needs to see his crate as a comfortable, safe place, not a jail cell. You can make the crate more appealing by adding comfy bedding and toys.

Never leave your dog unattended in the car, especially when it’s hot. 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 dogs 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 Dayton, TN 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 pet owners to understand the significance of their canine companions’ sense of smell. Not only is Fido’s nose incredibly charming, but it’s also highly impressive. 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 doesn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone who has a dog.)

While you’re walking your dog, let him investigate things. Sniffing a neighbor’s yard is similar to sniffing a newspaper to Fido! Take your pet to new places this year, and let him sniff new territory.

Continue My Education

Did you know that many dogs actually enjoy learning new things? Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he’s being praised for picking up something new. 

Continued training is a great way to help your pooch be a Very Good Boy, but it’s also great for bonding and stimulation.

All dogs should know 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, you could move on to advanced commands or show him something fun. Classic tricks, such as Play Dead, Beg and Roll Over, are always adorable, but there are many lesser-known tricks that are also fun. (Shark and Smile are two cute ones.)

Get More Belly Rubs

Dogs’ love, loyalty, and devotion are rare and precious gifts. Fido’s unconditional devotion is truly extraordinary. Our furry pals 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.

Help your cute pet make this goal. Pay lots of attention to Fido, and reward him for good behavior. Even petting your pup on the forehead as you walk past can make him feel loved and safe.

Sample More Bacon

Our canine pals definitely love food.  Put Fido’s love of snacks to work in your favor. Treats can help you bond with your pup, and are great training aids. Just choose foods that are healthy, like plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken without skin, bones, or fat. Also, take care not to go overboard. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. (You may have to steel your nerves against that cute face. Be strong!) Finally, be sure to make your dog do a trick for the treat. This is actually great for Fido’s confidence!

Find out more about offering treats from your Dayton, TN veterinarian.

Hang Out With The Humans

At the end of the day, all your pet really wants is to be with you. Dogs stay with us through all of life’s ups and downs, and they really do complete our lives and households. Plan some quality time every day for Fido. 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 South Rhea Animal Hospital! We wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year. As your Dayton, TN veterinary clinic, we look forward to providing you with excellent care in 2024 and beyond.