Pawesome Dog Resolutions For 2024

Happy New Year! Undoubtedly, many of our canine patients are eagerly venturing into 2024 with their tails wagging, joyful doggy expressions, and that endearing canine enthusiasm we all adore. If you try to communicate your New Year’s Resolutions to your pup, Fido may simply tilt his head and give you that cute look of confusion dogs do. However, even if your pooch doesn’t understand what you’re saying, he will stand by your side, encouraging you with happy dances and playful bows as you strive towards your objectives. Then again, your beloved companion may also have a few goals of their own. In this article from  animal clinic, a local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian shares some of Fido’s top goals for the coming year.

Get Out Of Bath Time

Cats and dogs have very different opinions here. Fluffy is very dedicated to her beauty regimen, and may spend several hours each day carefully cleaning her pretty fur, and keeping it soft and shiny. Fido, however, is much less enthusiastic about it. Though he enjoys being clean, he doesn’t like the process.

Our advice? Well, you may need to more or less bribe your dog. Call Fido into the bathroom and have him get into the tub. Then, give him a treat. Make it something really special, like a piece of steak. Once your canine pal has received his reward, just let him go. Your pup may have a miraculous change of heart about baths after a few rounds of this.

In some cases, your best bet will be to go to a groomer. We would likely recommend this if your pet is a senior or a very large dog, as it may be difficult to pick up and handle him without making him uncomfortable. Dogs that need medical grooming or other special care should also go to the salon.

Play With The Humans

It’s always delightful to see dogs playing with new toys. Fido should have a variety of playthings.

Toys serve multiple purposes for our furry friends. They keep pets mentally stimulated, occupied, and comforted, while providing a healthy outlet for any pent-up energy. They are also helpful for bonding, and can distract pups enough to help curb undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing.

Dogs all have their own tastes here, so provide a variety. It’s also good to change Fido’s toys out regularly, so he can always have something fresh and new. Pupscription boxes are an excellent option for this purpose.

Go On Adventures

Our canine companions are great travel buddies! It’s so cute how happy Fido always is to accompany his humans places. You definitely can take your pup out and about with you. Just remember to put your pet’s safety first.

It’s always a good idea to travel with your dog in a crate. Fido may enjoy sticking his nose out the window, but that’s not safe for him. He could get dust, bugs, pollen, pebbles, or dirt in his eye, or even get hit by a lit cigarette. Plus, he won’t be adequately protected in case of an accident. Add comfy bedding and toys to the crate to make it more appealing.

Safety tip: Never leave your dog unattended in the car, especially when it’s hot. The only exception here would be if you have a Tesla or another car with pet mode. However, we would still advise erring on the side of caution.

Impress My Fort Myers, FL Veterinarian

We know that most of our patients prefer to go to the park or drive through instead of visiting us. However, proper veterinary care will help keep Fido healthy and happy … and therefore more comfortable.

We recommend that all dogs be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept current on vaccinations and parasite control. Regular exams and screenings are also very important. Contact your Fort Myers, FL veterinarians today to make an appointment.

Get The Cat To Stop Stealing My Bed

You’re out of luck on this one, Fido. Cats are very opportunistic nappers, and they aren’t shy about claiming comfy spots for themselves.

Soak Up The Small Moments

To be fair, this is a great resolution for people as well. It’s important to stop and soak up the little moments! Fido is a great inspiration when it comes to stopping and smelling the roses. (And the sidewalk. And the grass.)

That said, it’s important for pet owners to realize just how much our canine friends rely on their sense of smell. Fido’s adorable nose is truly impressive, and not just because it’s so cute. As most people are aware, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. Your furry pal’s nose contains about 300 million olfactory receptors, while ours only have around six million. Moreover, a significantly larger portion of Fido’s brain – around 40 percent more – is dedicated to smell compared to ours. Our canine companions also have neophilia, meaning they are fascinated by new scents. (This is likely unsurprising to anyone who has spent time with a dog.)

Give your dog time to investigate things while you’re walking him. Sniffing the neighbor’s yard is very much like sniffing a newspaper for your pup! Take your pet to new places this year, and let him sniff new spots. There are plenty of one-tank trips within easy driving distance.

Master New Dog Tricks

Many dogs actually enjoy learning new things. Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he is getting praised for picking up something new!

The most important obedience commands, which all dogs should know, are Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down.  Drop It is another good one. Start with these first, and work on one at a time.

You don’t have to stop your pet’s education after he has mastered these commands. Move on to advanced commands or show Fido something fun. Classic tricks, such as Beg or Roll Over, will always be adorable. However,  there are many fun lesser-known tricks as well.

Keeping up with Fido’s training is a great way to not only help him be a Very Good Boy, but it’s also great for bonding and stimulation.

Soak Up Attention

Fido’s love, loyalty, and devotion is truly extraordinary, especially given how unconditional it is. In fact, Man’s Best Friend will push himself to exhaustion, or even risk his life, for us. He doesn’t ask for much in return, either: just basic TLC and, of course, love and affection.

The best way to make your furry friend feel loved and safe is to pay attention to him. Also, remember to reward your pup for good behavior. Even something as simple as petting Fido’s forehead as you walk past can make him feel loved and safe, and keep that cute tail going.

Eat More Bacon

One thing we know about our canine companions: they love food. (We don’t blame you, buddy: we love snacks, too.)

Treats are great for bonding and training. Just stick to healthy choices, such as plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken, without skin, bones, or fat. Also, take care not to go overboard. Treats shouldn’t account for more than 5% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. You may need to steel yourself against that cute face. Make your dog do a trick for his treat! This is actually great for Fido’s confidence.

Ask your Fort Myers, FL vet for more information about offering treats.

Spend More Time With My Favorite People

All Fido really wants is to spend time with you. Plan some quality time every day for your canine buddy. The time we have with our canine companions is truly precious, and often passes too fast.

Our entire team at Small Animal Hospital wishes you and your families a happy and healthy new year. As your Fort Myers, FL veterinary clinic, we look forward to providing top-notch service in 2024 and for many years to come.