Happy New Year! As we ring in the New Year, we can probably safely say that many of our furry patients are entering 2024 with wagging tails, joyful expressions, and that delightful canine enthusiasm we all adore. Even though Fido may not understand your New Year’s resolutions, he will stay faithfully by your side, cheering you on as you work towards achieving your aspirations. Actually, your lovable canine companion probably has some goals of his own in mind. In this article, a local Leonardtown, MD veterinarian shares some top dog resolutions for the new year.

Always Smell The Roses

Fido’s adorable nose is truly extraordinary. As many of you are already aware, dogs’ sense of smell is vastly superior to ours. For example, pups’ noses contain approximately 300 million olfactory receptors, while ours only have about six million. Additionally, a larger percentage of dogs’ brain capacity is dedicated to smell than that of humans. Our canine companions also have neophilia, which is a strong fascination with new scents. 

It’s important for dog owners to realize this, and understand how much stimulation Fido gets from smelling things. Let your pooch stop and smell the roses. (And the sidewalk. And the grass.) This is also a good goal for you. Live in the moment, and appreciate the little things.

Master New Tricks

Many dogs actually love to learn new things. You’ll want to make sure Fido knows the most essential obedience commands first. These include Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Drop it is another good one.

Once your dog has mastered these basics, you can move on to advanced commands, or show him something fun. Classic dog tricks, like Beg, Play Dead, or Roll Over, are always cute, but there are also lots of exciting lesser-known tricks.

Keeping up with your pet’s training is important for reinforcement, but it is also a great way for your pooch to bond with you. Plus, it’s just cute. Fido looks, he looks adorably proud of himself when he’s being praised for picking up something new.

More Car Rides

Dogs are great travel buddies! It’s so cute how happy Fido always is to accompany his humans places. There are plenty of great one-tank trips you can take with your four-legged pal. Spending some time with your pet while exploring a new place is a great way to spend a quiet afternoon!

There’s no reason you can’t take your furry friend with you when you go out and about. However, you’ll need to put your pet’s safety first. Traveling with your dog crated is the best way to protect him. Fido might enjoy sticking his nose out the window, but it’s not safe for him. He might get dust, bugs, or dirt in his eye, or even get hit by a lit cigarette. In addition, he won’t be well protected in case of an accident.

Safety tip: Never leave your dog in the car unattended, especially in hot weather. This can be a deadly mistake!

Get Pawsitive Score From My Vet

Many of our patients prefer to visit the park or drive-thru rather than come to us. We understand that, and we don’t take it personally. However, Fido will be healthier—and therefore happier—with regular veterinary care. We recommend that all dogs be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept up to date on vaccines and parasite control. If your canine pal hasn’t been in for a while, don’t wait! Schedule your pooch’s appointment with your Leonardtown, MD today.

Get All The Compliments

Fido will push himself to exhaustion, or even risk his life, to protect his humans. That kind of devotion is truly extraordinary, especially considering it is unconditional. Dogs don’t really ask for much in return: they mostly just want someone to love them, care for them, and play with them. 

You can reward your pooch for good behavior by petting his forehead as you walk past. Even something as simple as petting his forehead can help him feel loved and safe. The adoration you see in your pet’s eyes will put a smile on your face as well. 

Get The Humans To Offer More Treats

It’s no secret that our canine companions love food. (We can’t blame them: we love snacks too.)

A yummy treat is a guaranteed way to get that tail going. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog, particularly if he is timid. Snacks also make great training tools. Just don’t go overboard. Your dog’s daily caloric intake should only be about 5 percent treats. 

Choose healthy options, such as plain, cooked meat, fish, or chicken, minus the skin, bones, or fat.

Make Fido do a trick for his treat! This actually helps to build his confidence.

Cancel Beauty Appointments

Cats and dogs may be in agreement on some things, but they have very opposite opinions on this one. Fluffy is very devoted to her beauty regimen, and often spends several hours a day carefully cleaning her fur. Fido, however, isn’t quite as enthusiastic. Even though he enjoys feeling clean and fresh, he doesn’t like the process.

If you’re having a hard time getting your dog into the tub, try bribing him with a treat. This should be something very high quality, like steak. Once you’ve given your pooch his reward, let him out. After a few rounds, your pet may have a miraculous change of heart about baths.

If bathtime is really difficult for you and your pup, consider taking Fido to a groomer. Your vet may recommend this if your canine buddy is a senior or very large dog, as it can be more difficult to pick these guys up and handle them without making them uncomfortable.

Play With New Toys

Dogs are always extra cute when they’re playing with new toys. Ensuring Fido has plenty of playthings is essential for his well-being! 

Toys serve multiple purposes for our canine companions. Playing offers enrichment and entertainment, while also providing a healthy outlet for any excess energy or anxiety. Playtime also promote bonding and can help prevent unwanted behaviors like digging and chewing. 

Since each dog has their own preferences, offering a variety of toys is ideal. Additionally, switch out Fido’s toys regularly to ensure that he always has something novel to enjoy. Pupscription boxes are a great way to achieve this.

Get The Cat To Give My Bed Back

Sorry, Fido, but we can’t help you out with this one! Cats are opportunistic nappers, and they’re usually not shy about claiming comfortable spots. Fluffy also won’t care if she has four beds of her own … she’ll still take her roommates’!

Spend More Time With People

All Fido really wants is to spend time with you. Be sure to carve out some quality time with your dog every day. The time we have with our dogs is precious, and often passes too quickly. Make it a point to pay lots of attention to your canine pal this year. Time spent with dogs is never wasted! 

The team here at Breton Veterinary Hospital your Leonardtown, MD animal hospital wishes you and your families a wonderful new year. We look forward to providing you with top-notch care in 2024 and for many years to come.