Chances are you’ve made at least one of these resolutions for the New Year. Check out our pet-savvy solutions to help you achieve your goals!
1. Save money.
If you’re looking for a pet – adopt from your local shelter rather than purchasing from a breeder. You’ll save some cash and more importantly, a life. Seattle Humane has pets in every shape, size and color and we often have purebreds. If you have your heart set on a particular breed, contact a purebred rescue like Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue where you can be in contact with a local breed representative.
Cut costs by feeding your four-legged friend the correct amount of food. Refer to the food bag or can for recommendations or speak with your veterinarian. Buying in bulk (for food and cat litter) or just opting for the larger bag will minimize costs as well. Be sure to store food in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
We’re sure you’ve heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Take good preventative care of your pet to prevent future health problems by investing in quality food, dental care and regular wellness checks with your pet’s veterinarian.
2. Get fit.
Ignore all the diet commercials and gym ads. Our pets are great motivators – make a commitment to yourself and your dog by getting outside. Daily walks or runs don’t require a treadmill and you’ll save time by exercising your pet simultaneously. You can get creative with indoor activity, too. Try doing squats or crunches between fetches or while playing tug-of-war with your dog. (This also works with cats – just use feather wands or stuffed mice!)
Want to connect with other dog lovers? Look up group classes that welcome canine companions like Fetch Fitness in Seattle or yoga with your dog at BARKe Diem in Kirkland.
3. Reduce waste.
Purchasing pet supplies in bulk not only saves on cost, but also on packaging materials that end up in landfills. Look for products with recyclable packaging like reusable cat litter bins or stuffed toys with replaceable squeakers. Better yet – craft your own. Using household materials like old tennis balls, rope and socks, you can create toys for your pet. Cats also respond to simplicity. Offer your feline friend a paper bag or box with catnip inside and watch what happens!
Should your furry friend leave a mess on the floor, don’t reach for commercial carpet cleaners. Try vinegar instead. Vinegar diluted with water can act as an effective odor-remover and kills mold and bacteria. The best part? It’s both economical and environmentally-friendly. While we’re on the topic of mess – we should be conscious of how we dispose of our pet’s waste. When picking up after your pooch, always use biodegradable poop bags, which are readily available at pet stores. For cat enthusiasts, try using alternate litters made from pine, wheat, corn or newspaper instead of traditional clay-based litters that don’t biodegrade. These other litters are often more affordable and can even be composted. Also, invest in a sturdy metal scooper that will last the lifetime of your cat. Happy scooping!