Nashville’s New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners
We are proud to be among America’s most pet-friendly cities, and our pets are pretty happy about it, too. With so many resources locally available, the lives of Nashville’s pets are full, interesting, and comfortable. Many pet owners focus on pet wellness all year long, but it’s natural to consider certain changes around the New Year. Healthy lifestyles are just around the corner with our New Year’s resolutions for pet owners.
First: Thirty Minutes
We are all looking for ways to affect change in our lives, even in small ways. The best chance to achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle is by adding daily exercise to your routine. We encourage you to spend at least 30 minutes every day playing, running, or walking with your pet.
A simple walk around your neighborhood or any local parks are great for everyday jaunts. For more opportunities to refresh and recharge, check out some of Nashville’s idyllic spots for exercise, including:
- Riverfront Dog Park at Ascend
- Centennial Dog Park
- Richland Creek Greenway
- Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail
- The Trails at Fontanel
- Stones River Greenway
Be sure to follow the rules for on-leash walking, bring extra waste bags and water, check your pet’s parasite prevention schedule and update their microchip if necessary.
Second: A Bite Out of Life
If pet dental care has eluded you so far, the New Year is the perfect time to make a shift. Add brushing to your pet’s nightly routine as a way to promote closeness and overall oral health. Some pets resist brushing, but if you make it fun and rewarding, such as directly following play/exercise time, you may have more success. Dental treats and/or water additives can also reduce plaque.
The new year is also a good time to have your pet’s teeth and gums evaluated. While we can see evidence of periodontal disease with a quick look inside the mouth (inflammation, bad breath, bleeding gums, etc.), a full exam and cleaning under general anesthesia provides essential details about the full extent of disease.
Third: Health and Safety
Once the goals for dental care and daily exercise are worked out, we encourage pet owners to pivot towards establishing a long term plan for your pet’s long-term wellness. Start with a routine wellness exam to achieve insight into current issues, or any problems that may result in the future. We can help your pet stay on the path of overall health by treating conditions early on and/or preventing health complications.
Diagnostic screenings not only provide clues regarding current health status, but can furnish certain markers of developing disease. Our in-house lab can test blood values, urine, and more so we can quickly and accurately rule out potential issues and focus on successful treatment.
New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Owners
As another year begins, pet owners can pause to acknowledge and appreciate the previous year’s shared moments. Our pets get us through a lot, and it’s meaningful to recognize just how deep their impact is.
If you have any questions about how to get your pet’s new year started on the right paw, feel free to reach out to us at (615) 356-8993. We are always happy to assist you at The Urban Pet.