If your dog could make new year’s resolutions, what would they be? More snacks… more slippers to chew… more squirrels to chase… more fox poop to roll in… As dogs rely on their owners to make decisions on their behalf, we wanted to help you to make some new year’s resolutions for your dog with their best interests at heart.

5 top new year’s resolutions for your dog:

1. Get into an exercise routine whatever the weather – Exercise is essential for your dog’s health & happiness, and that doesn’t stop because it’s cold and wet outside. Weight gain and boredom are two common outcomes from a lack of exercise, and can lead to further problems. Find out how much exercise your breed of dog needs each day here and try to stick to it: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-…

2. Spend more quality time together – Whether you choose to play with your dog, groom them, watch the squirrels together from the window or take them with you on errands – even better if you’re doing something they enjoy!

3. Break up the boredom – Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. You can break up your dog’s day with a variety of activities such as:

• Make meal times more interesting with activity feeders or hiding food.
• Make an indoor agility course with cardboard boxes and toys.
• Introduce mind challenging toys to your dog’s routine.
• Teach them some commands for rewards.

4. Swap snacks to healthier ones – Your dog will still love you if you swap the calorific treats for a carrot to chew on. Swapping your dog’s snacks to healthier options like carrots, apples (excluding the core & pips), green beans, and cucumber, will improve their health and help with weight loss. If you are concerned about your dogs weight, or their coat has become a little snug over the festive season, why not book an appointment to see one of our helpful and friendly nurses.

5. Enrol them in a pet health plan – Most people these days have busy lives, and sometimes it can be hard to remember everything including applying your dog’s monthly flea treatment. A pet health plan is designed to send you regular reminders about your dog’s health needs. The Garston Vets Wellness Plan is designed to provide all your pet’s preventative healthcare needs for twelve months at a time. For both dogs and cats it includes annual vaccinations with your veterinary surgeon, flea prevention, comprehensive worm treatments (including lungworm) and seasonal tick cover. Additional benefits provided are nurse check-ups, nail clips, anal gland emptying and so much more (see below).

Each membership allows you to spread the cost of your pet’s annual preventative healthcare needs into twelve affordable monthly payments, as well as make further savings in other areas.