Happy New Year! With many people focused on resolutions to get healthier in the New Year, Pets are included! As part of Banfield’s January Pet Food and Fitness month, they are providing the following “food and fitness” tips, which can help. Here’s what they suggest:

Pet Food Tips:

• Feed your Pet a high-quality diet. Select food made by companies known for nutritional research. Your Banfield veterinarian can recommend the best Pet food diet for your Pet.
• Make sure your Pet’s food is fresh. Purchase only the amount necessary for your Pet.
• Feed your Pet the correct amount of food. Determine portions according to your Pet’s weight and avoid overfeeding.
• Follow a daily feeding schedule. This will help your Pet maintain normal elimination habits and avoid indoor accidents.
• Avoid “people” food. Your Pet’s digestive system is simpler than yours and can be easily upset by feeding him/her table scraps.

Pet Fitness Tips:

• Consult your veterinarian first.  Pets have different exercise needs, so before you begin, ask your veterinarian to help you determine a proper exercise routine for your Pet.
• Your dog needs a walk at least once a day.  If your Pet has been inactive for awhile, then start the exercise routine slowly. Find a walking schedule that works for both you and your Pet, which might call for a short walk twice a day or one long walk.
• Help your cat stay active. For indoor cats, there are a variety of cat toys designed to help your cat stay active, or you can play hide/hunt games with them.

So who says Pets can’t have some New Year’s resolutions, too?!

Article copyright © 2009 courtesy of Banfield, The Pet Hospital.