Happy New Year! At the start of a new year, many people are thinking about their goals for the coming year, and focusing on the things they want to accomplish. Whether you’re planning to finish school, get back in shape, master a new craft, or just spend more time with loved ones, it’s safe to say that your pet will be right there with you as you strive to meet your goals. As it turns out, pets can help in many ways, aside from simply offering moral support. Your furry best friend can also be a great source of inspiration! Read on as a local Fayetteville, NC  vet lists some great personal goals inspired by our animal companions.

Make An Effort To Look Your Best

Fido doesn’t really care too much what he looks like, and he’s often perfectly happy being covered in mud. However, he does enjoy feeling fresh and clean. Your pup’s exact grooming needs will depend on the type of coat he has, so ask your vet for recommendations. 

Most of our feline pals are pretty good about keeping their coats in good shape. Your furry little diva may spend hours a day grooming herself. Help her out by brushing her regularly.

Always put your best foot forward! 

Just Be Yourself

Pets have a special way of carving out spaces for themselves in our hearts. Part of this is no doubt because of how unique and personable they are. Pets’ personalities reveal themselves in all sorts of fun and entertaining ways. They brighten up our lives, days, and hours and just keep us laughing. Fluffy doesn’t care if she looks silly pouncing on that mouse, and Fido doesn’t care if you laugh at him when he’s jumping on your backyard trampoline. 

Eat Well

Good nutrition is the foundation of your health and well-being! That applies to both people and pets. 

Make sure that both you and your furry companion are eating wholesome, nourishing food. There’s nothing wrong with the occasional snack … just don’t go overboard. 

Keep in mind that your pet’s nutritional needs will change over time. Consult your Fayetteville, NC vet regularly about what to feed your little (or not so little) buddy.

Get More Sleep

Our furry pals are quite tired. Cats spend about three quarters of their lives sleeping. Most kitties sleep between 12 and 18 hours a day, with kittens and seniors clocking the most shuteye. Dogs aren’t quite that tired, but Fido is no slouch in this area, either: dogs sleep about 12 to 14 hours. 

While you probably don’t need quite that much nap time, it is important to get enough rest. Poor sleep can cause a whole slew of health problems, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity,  heart attack, increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, and weakened immunity. Plus, there are some serious psychological risks, such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and impulsive behavior. 

Make Time For Playing

Things can get pretty crazy in the modern world. After a busy day or week, you may just want to kick back and relax. However, it’s also important to carve out time for doing the things you love. For Fluffy, that may mean watching birds in the yard or chasing a bottle cap around. For Fido, that might entail going for walks in the park, playing Fetch with the humans, or having fun with a new toy. 

Life is short, so live it to the fullest! Pick up a new hobby, or go back to an old one you haven’t had time for.

Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones

Our animal companions actually have some pretty important lessons to teach us about life. One of the most crucial ones? Making time for the people who matter most. (That of course includes pets.)  Time flies, and it somehow has a way of moving even faster as we age. 

Explore New Things

Our canine pals are always so willing to go to new places with us. Cats can also be rather adventurous, though most do tend to stick somewhat close to home. (Note: we always recommend keeping kitties indoors, for safety reasons.)

Take Fido on some one-tank trips this year, and visit some new parks and trails. As for Fluffy, well, if your cat is an adventurous type, you can try walking her on a harness and leash. Otherwise, just bring her pieces of furniture to explore. 

Remember to try out some new places yourself, too!

Follow Your Innate Instincts

Fido and Fluffy rely much more on their ears and noses than we do, and are also very much driven by instinctive behaviors. This manifests in all sorts of ways: from your kitty’s scratching habits to Fido’s protective mannerisms. 

It’s probably safe to say that many of you have stories about how your pet—or perhaps someone else’s—just immediately disliked someone, and how that person later turned out to be a jerk. Always listen to your gut feelings, especially when making major decisions.

Stay Active

Getting in shape is always a popular resolution. Staying fit is just as important to Fluffy and Fido’s health as it is to ours! Of course, cats tend to prefer catching Z’s to catching mice, especially as they grow older. Keep Fluffy active by providing lots of toys and playing with her every day. 

Our canine pals also need daily exercise. Fido’s workout regimen should be customized based on his age, health, size, and breed. Ask your vet for specific advice on this. Some pooches need a lot of activity, while others only require a walk around the block. It’s also important to understand that strenuous activities, like hiking and jumping, aren’t right for every dog. That said, Fido can be a great workout buddy. Taking your furry pal to explore a new trail can be a great way for both of you to get in shape! 

Appreciate The Little Things

Our furry pals have a special way of reminding us of some of life’s most important lessons. Perhaps one of the most crucial ones to remember to stop and take in the small moments. 

Fido always stops to smell the roses. (He also stops to smell the grass, trees, and flowers, but that’s another topic.) And, as far as Fluffy’s concerned, some of the best things in life are boxes, sunbeams, and paper grocery bags.

Make an effort to savor those small moments and the little things that fill them. This is a great lesson for all of us to carry forward into the new year!

Show Your Love

Fido and Fluffy provide us with unconditional love, unwavering loyalty, and endless cuddles and affection. They don’t really ask for much, either. All they really want is for someone to love them and care for them! Indulge them, and pay lots of attention to them. This applies to our human friends and family members as well. Stay connected with your loved ones, even if it’s just a quick check-in on social media.

All of us here at Cross Creek Animal Hospital, your Fayetteville, NC animal hospital, wish you a wonderful new year. We look forward to providing you and your pet with excellent care in 2024 and for many years to come.