New Year, New Dog: Put Your Dog First in The New Year
What to Know About Adopting a Pet Rabbit
Cat’s Out of the Bag: What’s up with cats and paper bags?

New Year, New Dog: Put Your Dog First in The New Year
Last year went so fast, and now it’s another new year. Resolutions aside, there are always great things you and your dog can do in 2022.

Going to the vet and groomer and trying to shed some pounds are all good ideas. There are other great ways to keep your dog happy and healthy. “There are a lot of little things you can do — that (thankfully) don’t require a ton of extra work,” according to the article, “10 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Dog’s Life” at thewildest.com.

The following tips from the article may help you and your dog get excited:

• Try out a new place for daily walks. Instead of the same routine, check out a new area. That can be a new neighborhood, hiking trail, or drive in the car to a new place.
• Let your dog lead. “Let them choose the route, the pace and what is worthy of extensive sniffing,” according to the article.
• Let them play! It makes dogs very happy.
• Learn and understand your dog better. “The more you understand dogs, the easier it is to avoid misreading them and to successfully communicate with them,” the article said.
• Let your dog be who he is and love him for that.

There are other things you can do to “help strengthen your bond but also provide physical and mental stimulation for pups, which promotes overall good health,” according to the article, “21 fun things to do with your dog,” at Care.com.

Ideas include taking an agility or obedience training class, playing in leaves or snow, taking a trip and staying at a pet-friendly hotel, taking your dog to work, or watching a movie.

Take the time and do new fun things with your dog. You’ll both be better and happier for it.

What to Know About Adopting a Pet Rabbit
Some people adopt dogs while some adopt cats. But did you know that there are many rabbit lovers out there who want to adopt one to bring home?

Rabbits are a popular pet, wonderful companions, and come in many colors, sizes and shapes. They don’t need a lot of space, are typically quiet, and they don’t need to go outside, according to the article, “What You Need to Know Before You Adopt a Rabbit” at PetMD.com.

However, rabbits do require proper care, lots of love, and are a responsibility. “With proper diet and medical care, rabbits can live eight-12 years or more—which is longer than many other small animal pets,’ according to the article.

If you’re thinking of adopting a rabbit, please keep the following in mind:

• Rabbits do best indoors where they live longer and healthier lives.
• Exercise is important. Let rabbits out of their cage to run around while under supervision (they are chewers!). It’s great for their health.
• Each rabbit has her own personality.
• Socialize your rabbit.
• A high fiber diet is essential for rabbit health. Remember rabbits are herbivores.
• They groom themselves often but need nail trims.
• Ensure your rabbit has unlimited hay to chew and safe rabbit toys as their teeth grow continuously.
• Schedule yearly vet visits for preventive care.

Learn how to care for your rabbit and do your homework and research before adopting. Search your area for local rabbit shelters, according to the article, “Rabbit Adoption: Everything to Know About Adopting a Rabbit” at be.chewy.com.

After you decide on the rabbit to adopt, make sure to provide the proper hay, a hay feeder, pellets as well as fresh vegetables, the be.chewy.com article said. Also, be sure to provide a roomy cage or playpen, bedding and appropriate litter as well as toys.

Cat’s Out of the Bag: What’s up with cats and paper bags?
We love our cats. There’s nothing cuter even when they’re finicky or just doing strange cat things. Some cats just love a good cardboard box, but there’s others who especially enjoy a nice paper bag. But why?

“It turns out liking boxes and bags above anything else isn’t your cat rebelling, but instead is a preference wired within your cat’s brain as it adapted to new environments,” according to the article, “Why Do Cats Like Boxes and Bags?” at National Kitty. The article offers the following reasons:

1. There is comfort in closed spaces such as boxes and paper bags, which help reduce stress.
2. “Boxes and bags help ease anxiety for cats, therefore cats are drawn to them,” the article said.
3. A good paper bag (or box) is perfect for a nap and a place to get warm. “Boxes and some bags are able to function as makeshift incubators, keeping our cats warm in houses that are probably too cold for them,” the article said.
4. Cats also enjoy playing with paper bags because the “crinkle sound” is mentally stimulating for them.

If your cat enjoys bags, stick to paper because plastic can be very dangerous. So, throw out plastic bags or keep them out of reach. Keep paper bags safe for cats by removing handles.

Cats like paper bags for other reasons as well. For bags that previously held groceries, “This means that it retains the smell of food, which will definitely heighten a cat’s curiosity,” according to the article, “Why Do Cats Lay On Paper?” at Senior Cat Wellness.

There’s also the attention factor. “Cats like to choose when you acknowledge their company,” the Senior Cat Wellness article said. “If you miss other cues, your cat may start lying on something valuable to you.”

Plan On Getting a New Pet for the Holidays? Remember to Adopt, Don’t Shop!
Goals for You and Your Pet for 2022

Plan On Getting a New Pet for the Holidays? Remember to Adopt, Don’t Shop!
The holidays are around the corner. Many people may want to get a new pet for the family. It’s important to do research and make sure everyone in the family is on board. One of the best ways to get your pet is through adoption.

Some people may be on the fence about pets as holiday gifts. “With some forethought and a sincere commitment, pets can be a wonderful gift to give your family,” according to the article, “Pets as Presents: A Good Idea?” at Petfinder.com. The article advises the following to see if your family is ready for a new pet:

• Types of pets appropriate for the ages of your children.
• Do your children want a pet and realize the responsibilities?
• The cost involved, from adoption fee to vet care, grooming, etc.
• The long-term commitment.

After deciding on the pet, the best place to go is your nearest animal shelter. “According to the ASPCA, each year millions of dogs enter shelters, yet of the approximately 59 million owned dogs in this country, less than 20 percent are shelter adoptees,” the Petfinder.com article said.

According to the article, “5 Reasons to Adopt, Not Shop” at Greatergood.org, “Every year, approximately 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters nationwide, and 1.5 million become euthanized.”

Along with adopting a new best friend, there are also other great reasons to adopt, according to the Greatergood.org article, including.

• When you adopt from a shelter, you make room for another pet, so you are saving a life.
• You help fight the puppy mill industry.
• Adoption is less expensive and the fee typically includes spay/neuter, initial vaccinations and microchipping.
• Many shelter pets are already trained.
• Shelters and rescues often have a history of the pet.

Make your family’s holiday brighter when you adopt a pet instead of buying.

Goals for You and Your Pet for 2022
The new year is just weeks away and many people are thinking about goals. Make it more interesting and make goals for you and your pet. It’s often easier when you have a buddy along for the ride.

“Time to team up with your furry friend and tackle the new year together,” according to the article, “5 Ideas for Sharing Your New Year’s Resolution With Your Pet” at be.chewy.com. The article offers some ideas:

• Be more active: Discuss with your vet about exercise. And while you’re at it, get on board as well with long walks, longer playtime activities, and even leash training for your cat.
• Put you and your pet’s health first. Get an annual exam for yourself and then for your pet. Speak to your vet and “make sure your pet is up to date on their flea, tick and heartworm preventatives and discuss adding any supplements to their diet, too,” the article said.
• Put down your cell phone, step away from the computer, and get outside for an extra walk with your dog (or cat).

There are other important things you can add onto your resolution list to help ensure that your pets have a more healthy and happy life. According to the article, “9 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet (and You)” at PetMD.com, start with your pet’s diet. “The New Year is the perfect time to evaluate what, when and how much your pet is eating,” the article said.

Another important resolution for an overweight pet is weight loss. “Work with your veterinarian to determine the best weight loss regimen for your pet,” the PetMD article said. And if you want to help your dog lose some weight, you can also go on some extra walkies. They will do you and your dog some good.

The Dangers of Feeding Thanksgiving Table Scraps to Your Pets
Keep Pets Safe When Holiday Guests Stop Over
Keep Your Pet Busy While You Head Back to the Office

The Dangers of Feeding Thanksgiving Table Scraps to Your Pets
Who doesn’t love a Thanksgiving feast? It’s such a joyous time of year when family comes together. Family also means pets, but be careful of what you feed them as holiday table scraps can be very dangerous.

Some of the worst things for pets include fatty foods, turkey bones and sweets, according to the article, “Thanksgiving pet safety” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The article offers tips:

• Keep people food on the table and away from pets. Turkey and the skin can be very dangerous. Other holiday foods are poisonous for pets, including onions, raisins and grapes.
• Pets and people desserts don’t go hand in hand. Chocolate poses a danger while xylitol, an artificial sweetener, can be deadly too.
• Stay away from yeast dough. It can cause gas and bloating in pets.
• Keep trash out of reach.
• Decorative plants and flowers can be toxic to pets. The ASPCA offers a list of toxic plants for dogs and cats.
• If you feel your pet has eaten something poisonous, immediately call your vet or call the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at: 888-426-4435.

Keep a close eye on your pets and also keep them away from alcoholic drinks that may be left unattended, according to the article, “Thanksgiving Safety Tips” at ASPCA.org.

Some things you can give your pet include a small piece of boneless, well-cooked turkey. “Do not give your pet the left over carcass–the bones can be problematic for the digestive tract,” the ASPCA article said.

Prepare your dog or cat with their own Thanksgiving dinner to enjoy. That can include chew bones for pets or their own dinner with extras, “perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a food puzzle toy,” the ASPCA article said.

Keep Pets Safe When Holiday Guests Stop Over
The holidays are a great time for family and friends but not always for pets. If you’re hosting family dinners and gatherings, it could make your dog or cat feel uncomfortable in their own home. While everyone wants to have a great time, it’s very important to keep your pets safe and comfortable.

With the influx of guests, gifts, house plants and flowers, and various food dishes, there are ways to keep your pets safe.

Make sure to hang up your guests’ coats and put their purses and other belongings out of reach of your pets, according to the article, “Pet Safety – When Holiday Houseguests Come to Visit,” at Preventive Vet. This way your pet can’t get into a pocket that has dangerous items such as medications, sugar-free gum (xylitol) or even cigarettes.

Some pets become exceptionally nervous when routines change, including when there are many visitors. “Stress in pets can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, inappropriate eliminations outside of litter boxes, decreased appetite, intense itchiness, urinary obstruction (particularly in male cats), hiding, running away, and a variety of other problems that can cause your cat (and you) a lot of grief,” the article said.

But you don’t have to cancel the holidays. Instead, offer your pet a safe place to go to while you can continue your holiday festivities. “For dogs, this may be a room of their own, or a kennel away from all of the hustle and bustle,” according to the ASPCA article, “Hosting Holiday Guests? Keep Your Pets Happy and Healthy Around Visitors.” Cats can use a spare bedroom with a litter box and water dish.

It’s important to let visiting children and your own children know to respect any pet’s safe area and leave the dog or cat alone, the ASPCA article said.

Keep Your Pet Busy While You Head Back to the Office
After well over a year of working from home, many are heading back to the office. Remember to take your pets into consideration. Many have been home with their humans and things are going to change.

According to American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are things you can do to prepare your pet for when you head back to work. AVMA tips include:

• Get your pet slowly back to workday routines including waking up, feeding your dog or cat, and going on a walk. Include a departure time.
• To make things less stressful, “Practice short departures on a daily basis and gradually extend the time you are gone,” the AVMA said. Use small treats for praise.
• Use exercise, play and activities to help your pet burn energy.
• Leave food puzzles, automatic feeders and long-lasting treats.
• Explore a crate and see whether it’s beneficial while you’re gone.
• “Excessive barking or whining, agitation, destructive behavior and inappropriate urination/defecation can all be signs of stress,” the AVMA said.
• Talk to your vet about concerning behavior.

Have a routine so as not to cause separation anxiety. “Ensure that the routine you set is the same one you will follow once you go back to work,” according to the article, “How to Prepare your Pet for Post-Pandemic Going Back to Work” at Petmate.com. “This will allow your pet to get used to the changed lifestyle.”

Change your pet’s feeding place to help with separation anxiety. Feed him in a room that’s not near you. “Gradually, your pet may learn that being separated from you can be a pleasurable experience,” the Petmate article said.

Another option is daycare for your pet. Check out the doggie day care options at Second Home Pet Resort, which can be a big help for pets while you’re at work.