Healthy Paws: New Year Resolutions 2017

Editor’s Note: Healthy Paws is a column sponsored and written by the owners of Clarendon Animal Care, a full-service, general practice veterinary clinic. The clinic is located 3000 10th Street N., Suite B. and can be reached at 703-997-9776.

We all know the drill — new year, new commitment to healthier living, lifestyle and relationships!

From your pet’s point-of-view, here are a few:  

• I will resolve to limit myself to a strict calorie intake appropriate for my lean body weight — just like the rest of us, maintaining a lean body weight is the number one thing we can do for our pets to help them stay healthy! Unlike us, pets can’t count calories, so it’s up to us to be sure they are being fed an appropriate and balanced diet. It’s also important to be sure your pet is eating an age-appropriate diet — the AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) designates every food as appropriate for all life stages, maintenance, or growth and lactation.  

While an all life stages food may seem appealing, this often may not be the best choice for a pet with underlying health conditions or that is overweight. Additionally, for some medical conditions (i.e. kidney disease, pancreatitis) a prescription diet may really help to prolong the health and well-being of the pet.  

• I will bug and pester my owners until they take me for at least two (preferably three to four) long walks a day, or engage in an appropriate play session with me — getting plenty of exercise is good not only for the waistline, but also for your pets. Exercise is critical for maintaining balanced behavior and reducing boredom in dogs and cats.

• I will be sure that my parents pay attention to those pesky reminders from the veterinarian letting them know when I need to get my vaccines updated, so that I stay protected from some of those icky diseases out there.  

• I promise to take my heart-worm and flea/tick prevention regularly and won’t spit it out — even though I sometimes resist, I know that these are good for me and are protecting me from lots of gross bugs and diseases! — in addition to preventing heart-worm disease, the monthly preventative pill also protects against hookworms and whipworms, which are intestinal parasites quite common in our area.

• I will get my owners involved in a new activity — I’ve even heard of activity-specific meet-up groups for other dog owners! 

• I will be cooperative for getting my teeth brushed, much as it pains me! — Daily (or a minimum frequency three days a week) teeth brushing is the single best (and least costly) way to maintain good oral health. Most dogs will get very comfortable with this once it becomes a routine — some even come to love brushing thanks to flavored toothpastes (cats too!)  

• I will work on my obedience during leash walking so I pay full attention to my owner and no other dogs on walks — Many dogs are leash reactive and this is a very common occurrence that is hard for some owners to pick up. Working with a certified trained dog trainer and daily “homework” on walks can help solve some leash aggression and can also help the dogs (and owners) anxiety!
• I will try to love when my owners play with my feet! — Many dogs and cats are scared of getting their nails cut. Petting their paws at home and getting them used to you feeling their nails and isolating each digit can actually help the anxiety that comes with nail trims, as this can de-sensitize them to the feeling of their nails being touched for the trims.

• I resolve to experiment with new serving equipment for my food. It’s out with the bowl and in with the puzzle toys for me! Traditional food bowls are unstimulating and allow for too fast meals. Puzzle toys and food toys for both dogs and cats increase mental activity and decrease regurgitation from rapid eating.

Happy 2017 to you and all your furry family members!