Starting the New Year with the right paw forward!
Every year we make a promise or resolution to ourselves to do something to better our lives. What about our fur-babies? They can’t make resolutions for themselves, but we as pet parents can include them in our plans for the coming year. Here are six simple resolutions that can help our fur-babies and the pet population as a whole:
Support your local shelter! Be an advocate by arming yourself with the knowledge of how many fur-babies are out there with no one to love and care for them. Statistics from Sacramento County and City Shelters are astonishing. Did you know that in 2011 there were 12,130 cats and 10,033 dogs brought into these two shelters (including adoption returns, investigations, owner surrenders, and strays)? Of these pets, only 42% of dogs and 17% of cats were adopted or returned to their owner. Unfortunately, 51% of those dogs and 77% of the cats were euthanized. The remaining 8% of the dogs and 6% of the cats were either transferred to surrounding shelters or rescue organizations. These pets need our help and support.
Volunteer to help with adoptions. Set up donation collections at work, and remind yourself and others that when it comes time to add another bundle of fur to the family, check the local shelters first.
Spay and neuter! Look at those statistics again. There is an overpopulation problem and turning a blind eye to that fact isn’t going to solve the problem. It has been proven that spaying and neutering is beneficial in keeping our pets healthy. Again, be an advocate. Our fur-babies need us.
Get Pet Health Insurance! We all try to have a little money set aside for those emergency car repairs or home repairs, but do we have enough to cover unexpected veterinary emergencies? There are pet health plans available to suit almost every budget. Check out V.P.I’s (Veterinary Pet Insurance) website at VetPetHealth.com or call them at 1-866-Vet-Pets. You will be surprised at how affordable it can be.
Wellness, wellness, wellness! Keep them healthy! Make that wellness appointment that the veterinarian recommends. Just because “Fluffy” doesn’t appear to be sick does not mean there isn’t something that may be starting and that with early detection could be resolved. It is also a good time to update vaccines and do the “preventative maintenance”. We do it for our vehicles and ourselves…why not our pets?
Get active! Going for a walk every day or even playing with a laser pointer not only helps our pets stay fit, it could help make our resolution of shedding those few extra pounds we picked up during the holidays a little easier. Plus, it is awesome and hilarious to watch the dog/cat go crazy trying to figure out where that little light is coming from and why they can’t catch it. After all, laughter really is the best medicine.
Good luck and Cheers! Here’s to a great year for everyone, including our fur-babies!
Come in and meet the caring doctors and staff at
VCA Highlands Animal Hospital
3451 Elkhorn Boulevard-North Highlands, CA 95660
916-332-2845