Happy New Year! As we say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024, we can probably safely say that many of our canine patients are embracing the new year with wagging tails, happy smiles, and that lovable doggy energy we all adore. While your pooch may not quite get the point of your New Year’s Resolutions, he’ll stay faithfully by your side as you work towards them. In fact, he may very well be your biggest supporter! As it turns out, our canine companions may also have some goals of their own for the upcoming year. A Saginaw, MI veterinarian reveals some of the cutest ones in this article.

Check Out New Places

It’s always cute seeing how happy dogs are when they get the chance to go out and about with their pals. Our canine buddies make pawesome travel buddies! You can definitely take Fido to various places with you, as long as you ensure his safety.

Always travel with your canine pal in a crate. Fido may enjoy sticking his nose out the window, but this really just isn’t safe for him. Your pooch could get dust, bugs, or dirt in his eye, or even get hit by a lit cigarette. Plus, your pooch just won’t be well protected in case of an accident.

Training is key here. Your pooch needs to see his crate as a comfortable, safe place, not a jail cell. Make the crate more appealing by adding comfy bedding and toys.

Another note on safety? Never leave your pooch in the car unattended, especially when it’s hot out. There is one exception, for those who have a Tesla or another car with pet mode. However, we still recommend erring on the side of caution.

Be In Top Doggy Form

Although Fido might prefer to go to his favorite park or drive through than come visit us, he will be healthier and happier with proper veterinary care. Regular veterinary visits are essential to your pet’s health and well-being! This is also a good chance to ask for advice on your dog’s care regimen.

Our recommendation is that all pooches be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and kept current on all recommended vaccinations and parasite control. Regular exams and screenings are also crucial. If your furry friend is overdue, contact your Saginaw, MI veterinary clinic today to make an appointment.

Get The Cat Out Of My Bed

Good luck with this one, buddy!

Live Life To The Fullest

Fido isn’t just a good friend and companion, he’s also a living, barking reminder that it’s important to slow down and smell the roses. (And the sidewalk. And the grass. And the trees.)

It’s very important that dog owners recognize how much their furry companions rely on their sense of smell. Fido’s cute nose is highly sensitive! Man’s Best Buddy has a much better sense of smell than we do. Dogs have approximately 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses. In comparison, we have a ‘mere’ six million. (Fun fact: all dogs have unique noseprints.)

Also, a larger portion of Fido’s brain is devoted to scents than ours is: roughly 40 percent more. Additionally, dogs possess neophilia, which means they are endlessly fascinated by new scents.

Let your furry best friend sniff unfamiliar fields, trails, and plants to really get his tail wagging. The sunshine, fresh air, and exercise will be good for you as well!

Minimize My Beauty Routine

Fido and Fluffy have very different opinions here. Kitties may spend several hours every day on their beauty regimes, keeping their fur soft and shiny. Given the chance, Man’s Best Friend would probably opt for rolling around in mud puddles rather than getting bathed.

We have a hack for this one. Call Fido into the bathroom and have him get into the tub. Then, give him a special treat. This should be something extra yummy, like steak, that he doesn’t get very often. Just let him go once he’s finished. Your pooch might have a miraculous change of heart about bathing after a few rounds.

Keep in mind that Your furry buddy’s grooming regime needs to be customized to suit his or her unique needs. If Fido requires medical grooming or other special care, and/or is a senior or large breed, you may want to consider taking him to a groomer. Ask your Saginaw, MI veterinarian for specific advice.

Get All The Ear Scritches And Belly Rubs

Dogs have truly earned the title of Man’s Best Friend. They’re loving, loyal, and completely devoted, to the point that many are willing to risk their lives for their humans. Fido doesn’t expect much in return: just affection, love, and attention, and the occasional treat or toy.

Always reward your pup for good behavior. Even giving him a quick ear scratch or forehead rub as you walk by can make him feel loved and safe.

Live Life To The Fullest

Fido’s unbridled enthusiasm is one of his cutest characteristics. Dogs are also super cute when they are hard at play! In fact, playing is very beneficial for our four-legged pals. It keeps them occupied and entertained, and gives them a healthy outlet for any excess energy they have. Playing can also curb undesirable behaviors such as digging and chewing.

Make sure your furry friend has a variety of toys to play with. By rotating Fido’s toys regularly, you will be able to keep his toy box fresh and fun for him. Pupscription boxes are a great option for this. (Bonus: it will also be adorable to see your pet’s reaction to getting his mail every month.)

Get My Degree

In addition to helping your canine buddy be a Very Good Boy, continued training is also an excellent way to bond with him. Many pups really enjoy learning new things! Fido looks adorably proud of himself when he’s praised for following a command or learning something new.

Start with basic commands, such as Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Drop It is also a good one. Work on one at a time.

You don’t have to stop your pet’s education after he has mastered these commands. Move on to advanced commands or show Fido something fun. Classic tricks, such as Beg or Roll Over, will always be adorable!

Perfect My Begging Skills

It’s no secret that Man’s Best Friend really, really, really loves food. Fido’s love of treats can actually work in your favor! Offering your pup yummy snacks is great for bonding, and is also super helpful when training.  

There are a few caveats here. First, choose safe, healthy options, such as plain, cooked meat, fish, and chicken without skin, bones, or fat. Also, take care not to go overboard. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 5% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. 

As for this goal, well, we really can’t condone begging. It’s bad petiquette! You may have to steel your nerves against that cute face. If you can’t resist those sad eyes, make your dog do a trick for the treat. 

Spend As Much Time As Possible With Humans

Dogs are wonderful friends and companions. They stay with us through all of life’s ups and downs, and they truly do complete our lives and households. At the end of the day, Fido really just wants to be with you. Spend quality time with your four-legged friend every day.
Happy New Year from all of us here at Veterinary Health Center! As your Saginaw, MI animal hospital, we look forward to providing you with excellent care in 2024 and beyond!