Happy New Year! As we bid farewell to 2023 and welcome in 2024, it’s probably safe to assume that many of our canine patients are starting 2024 with wagging tails and happy grins. We love that endearing doggy enthusiasm! And while your pooch may not comprehend your resolutions, he’ll still be by your side, offering support as you work to achieve your goals. Actually, Fido may also have his own plans for the year ahead. A Burleson, TX veterinarian shares some of the things your pet might have in store for 2024.

Score More Snacks

One thing we know for sure about our canine companions? They really, really, really love food!

Put your cute pet’s love of snacks to work in your favor. Yummy treats can help you bond with your dog, and make great training aids.

There are a few caveats here:

• Choose foods that are healthy, like plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken without skin, bones, or fat. Avoid unsafe options, such as meat on the bone, fatty meats, and chocolate.

• Take care not to go overboard. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your pup’s daily caloric intake. 

• Begging is cute, but it’s bad manners. You may have to steel your nerves against that soulful stare.

• Make Fido do a trick for his treat! This is actually great for bonding and building confidence. Plus, seeing a pooch doing a charming trick, like Shake or Roll Over, is always good for laughs.

Ask your Burleson, TX veterinarian for more information on giving your canine pal his snacks. 

Hang Out With The Humans As Much As Possible

At the end of the day, our canine friends really only want to spend time with their favorite humans. Dogs stay with us through all of life’s ups and downs, and they really do complete our lives and households. Fido doesn’t expect much in return: just affection, love, and attention, and the occasional treat or toy.

Be sure that you’re spending enough quality time with your furry best friend. Pay lots of attention to Fido, and make sure he feels loved and safe. Even giving him a quick ear scratch or forehead rub as you walk by can keep that tail going.

Figure The Cat Out

It’s really not very surprising to learn that Fluffy is quite confusing to our canine companions. There are a lot of things about cats that just don’t make sense to dogs, such as their box obsession and their love of catnip. Fido is also quite confused by the fact that kitties use litter boxes, don’t like car rides, and willingly clean themselves. Even more disconcerting: our feline friends wag their tails when they are mad, and growl when they’re happy. No wonder poor Fido is so confused!

Take Time To Smell The Roses

Fido’s adorable nose is truly impressive. As you probably know, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. For example, their noses contain approximately 300 million olfactory receptors: ours only have about six million. Also, a much larger portion of Fido’s brain—about 40 percent more—is dedicated to the sense of smell than ours. 

The mental stimulation pups get from sniffing things is really very important for them. To really get your four-legged friend’s tail wagging, let him sniff new fields, trails, and plants. The fresh air, sunshine, and exercise will also benefit you!

Master New Learning

Did you know that many dogs actually enjoy learning new things? Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he is being praised for following a command or picking up something new. Continued training is a great way to help your canine pal be a Very Good Boy, but it’s also great for bonding and stimulation.

All pups should know basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Drop It is another good command. Down and Leave It are also recommended. Start with these first, and work on them one at a time.

After Fido has mastered these, you can move on to advanced commands or just show him something fun. Classic tricks, such as Shake, Play Dead, Beg, and Roll Over, will never stop being cute.

Get Out Of Having To Take Baths

Dogs and cats definitely do not see eye to eye on this one. Kitties are very devoted to their beauty regimens, and may spend several hours a day carefully cleaning their fur. Dogs, on the other hand, aren’t quite as enthusiastic. Fido certainly enjoys feeling fresh and clean, but he doesn’t like the process that gets him there. In fact, given the chance, Man’s Best Friend would probably opt for rolling around in mud puddles rather than getting bathed.

We can help! Call Fido into the bathroom, and have him hop into the tub. Then, give him a treat. This should be something extra yummy, such as steak. Once he’s received his reward, just let him go. Keep doing this. Your four-legged friend may miraculously change his mind about baths after a few rounds! 

Go On Lots Of Adventures

Many of our canine buddies love going out and about with their owners. Carve out some time for new adventures with your pet this year. There are plenty of great one-tank trips within easy driving distance of us here in Burleson! 

Just be sure to always put your dog’s safety first. First and foremost? Always travel with your dog in a crate. Your pup may love to stick his nose out the window, but this actually isn’t safe for him. He could get dust, bugs, or dirt in his eye, or even be hit by a lit cigarette. He also won’t have much protection in case of an accident. Ask your Burleson, TX for tips on crate training and travel.

Catch That Squirrel

Man’s Best Buddy may never achieve this goal, but he will have fun trying. Be sure to walk your pooch at least once a day. Even if Fido has a yard to chase squirrels around in, he still needs the exercise and stimulation those daily strolls provide.

Have Fun Playing

Dogs are always super cute when they’re being playful.  It’s actually very important for pups to have a variety of playthings. Toys stimulate and engage Fido, keep him occupied, calm him down, and provide a healthy outlet to release any pent up doggy angst or energy he has. Playing can also help distract and occupy mischievous dogs, which can help curb undesirable behaviors, like digging and chewing.

All of our furry pals have their own preferences, so offer Fido a mix of toys. We also recommend changing your pet’s toys  out regularly, to keep things fresh and fun. (Pupscription boxes are an excellent option for this purpose.)

Get Lots Of Sleep

Man’s Best Buddy is definitely fond of his beauty rest. Most pups sleep between 12 and 14 hours a day! Make sure Fido has a comfy bed for all of those naps. All of us here at V.E.T. Care Hospital & Pet Resort, your Burleson, TX animal clinic, wish you a wonderful new year. Please reach out to us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs!