gladwags

5 New Year's Resolutions for You and Your Pet!

As the new year begins, it's the perfect time to set resolutions to benefit you and your furry friends! Whether you’re focusing on fitness or strengthening your bond with your pet, let's set some exciting goals for the new year!

1. Drink More Water

Staying hydrated is essential for both you and your pet as it helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and keeps your organs functioning properly. To keep your pet hydrated, you can use a pet fountain, which encourages them to drink more water with moving, fresh water. You can also offer water in multiple bowls around your home.

2. Outdoor Adventures

To embrace a more outdoorsy, adventurous lifestyle with your pets, start by incorporating regular lanai time where you can relax outside while your pets explore safely. Try new hiking trails, visit parks for open space, and enjoy picnics together. Open windows at home too to let your pets enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

3. Prioritize Playtime

Playtime with your pets, both indoors and outdoors, is essential for their physical and mental well-being. It helps reduce stress, improve socialization, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Regular play also provides exercise and stimulation, preventing boredom and behavioral issues.

4. Brush Away!

Regular brushing keeps your cat or dog’s coat smooth, reduces shedding, and prevents mats. It also promotes healthy skin and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Additionally, it provides a calming routine that can make grooming more enjoyable for both you and your pet.

5. Dental Health

Incorporate dental treats and dog-specific toothpaste this year! They are effective ways to support your pet's dental health. Dental treats help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, while dog toothpaste helps maintain healthy gums and fresh breath.

If you decide on incorporating extra outdoor time with your pet, check out our past blog on Hot Weather Safety Tips for Your Dog! 

References:

Nationwide -- Pet Health Zone

Unleash the Holiday Cheer: Unique Gifts Your Pet Will Love!

It’s the Holiday Season! From interactive gadgets to cozy accessories, here are 6 unique gift ideas that will have your furry friends wagging their tails! 

For Cats: 

Glad Wags kitty loving his corner brush!

  1. Self-Grooming Corner Brushes 
    Bring holiday cheer to your cat with this self-grooming corner scratcher, perfect for scratching and grooming! 

  2. Heated Cozy Cat Bed 
    A cozy bed with a heating element that keeps your cat warm during the cooler months.

  3. Window Perch 
    A cozy perch that attaches to the window, giving your cat a sunny spot to lounge and watch the outside world.

For Dogs: 

Glad Wags pup enjoying his Pupsicle!

  1. Snuffle Mats 
    Treat your dog to a snuffle mat! Perfect for mental stimulation and festive fun! Hide treats in its cozy fabric folds to keep your pup entertained and engaged. 

  2. Woof Pupsicle Dispenser 
    Cool down your pup this holiday season with a Woof Pupsicle Pop Dispenser, serving up frosty, festive treats in a safe rubber treat container!

  3. Jolly Soccer Ball 
    This fun, durable toy is perfect for play, offering endless fetch opportunities and cheer for your pup to enjoy. 

Take a peek at our post about safety tips around the holiday season by clicking on this link here

References: 

https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/guide-to-the-best-dog-toys-for-christmas-2022 

https://aercmn.com/top-10-cat-toys-to-get-for-the-holidays/ 

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/pets/g38114325/christmas-dog-toys/ 

Rainy Days Don't Have to be Ruff!

With the right essentials, you can turn a gloomy stroll into a splashy adventure and keep tails wagging through every raindrop! 

We humans can easily throw on a raincoat and grab an umbrella, but it’s up to us to keep our furry pals protected when the downpour strikes. Grab your umbrella and let’s dive into the must haves for walking your furry friend in the rain!

Here are some essentials to pack for your rainy day walk: 

  • Raincoat: Your dog will appreciate it! Not only will a waterproof raincoat help keep them dry, but it will also keep breeds with fur that mats easily (like poodles and bichons) safe from tangles. For smaller dogs, raincoats can keep them warm on chilly, rainy days. 

  • Booties: Boots help keep your pup’s paws dry, and safe from bacteria, sharp objects and toxins that may be lurking in puddles. 

  • Reflective Leash/Harness: Visibility can be compromised in rainy weather; therefore, a reflective leash adds an extra layer of safety on the sidewalk for passing cars. Any small glimpse of light will reflect on the leash and make the pup at the end of it more visible. 

  • Absorbent Towels: Prepare absorbent towels at the door for when you return. It will help absorb as much moisture as possible compared to a regular towel! 

  • Brush: After toweling off, a quick brush can help prevent knots and matting, especially for breeds with longer fur. Make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward! 

Remember, on a rainy day, your pup might need some extra love and attention if they can't get their usual outdoor time. Be sure to offer plenty of snuggles and playtime inside until those clouds clear! 

References:

The Dogington Post

A Guide To Verbal Cat Communication

Welcome to the purr-fect world of feline linguistics! Cat boast an impressive vocabulary of up to 21 distinct vocalizations, each a note in the symphony of cat communication. It's not just meows and purrs; it's a real language that can be as complex as a human conversation.