If you’re on social media (and we hope you are, find us @leoandluckys !) brace yourselves: it’s time for “new year, new me” messages to take over your feed. A New Year is a nice, clean slate that can be used as a catalyst to adopt some major modifications into your family’s life. Don’t forget about your pet – they can also benefit from some fresh, positive changes, too! Here are some easy ways to incorporate your pet into your resolutions:
- Exercising more – together!
Walking your pet is one of the best ways to get in your steps! Not only is walking a strong bonding activity, leaving the four walls of your home also releases some of your pet’s mental and physical energy. This makes for a healthier, happier, more well-behaved pet! There are many gadgets that can make walking your pet a breeze; from gentle leaders, to soft harnesses, to poo bag dispensers that clip directly on your leash. If you have any challenges with walking your pet, let us know – we can help! - Getting pets to a healthy weight
As much as we all love a squishy furry friend, being at an ideal weight is important to your pet’s health. In addition to getting more exercise, there are other ways to encourage a healthier weight. Different food choices, smaller portion sizes, low-calorie treats, toys that encourage exercise and mental stimulation, and refraining from feeding pets table scraps can help your pet drop a few pounds. If you think your pet is getting chubby, your vet can help you make that call, and we are here to help you select food and treats that may be a better fit. - Practicing better dental health
Dental and gum disease are major issues for many pets. Poor dental health can impact every system in the body. Ideally, you should be brushing your pet’s teeth daily; and there are a wide variety of dental treats, chews, and toys that can also help your pet maintain healthy teeth and gums. Ask about our Doggy Dentals service, offering anesthesia-free dental cleanings for pets. Call us at 941-776-0770 to schedule an appointment for your pet! - Visiting the vet
Young, healthy pets should visit the vet every year, and aging pets may need to see a vet more often for checkups. It’s vital to ensure your pet is licensed to ensure its and others’ health and safety. At Leo&Lucky’s, we offer regular low cost vaccination clinics with a local licensed veterinarian. Check our Events page for the next clinic date! - Trying something new
Our area is super pet-friendly! Check out a dog park, rent a kayak to paddle around in (don’t forget a doggie life jacket!), or take a hike through any of our local state or county parks. There are a number of pet-friendly restaurants nearby with year-round outdoor dining – just ask us for suggestions!
Pets are our family, and they love us as much as we love them. Cheers to having a good time with your furry friends in 2023. We hope to see you soon, and Happy New Year!
