Go green!
Eliminate harsh chemicals and products from your home that may come in contact with your pet (and you). This includes: bug spray, room deodorizers, floor and toilet bowl cleaners, lawn fertilizers and weed repellents. Use gentle antibacterial hand sanitizers, like CleanWell so you’re handing out treats with a safe, clean hand. Splurge a little on eco-friendly grooming products. Happytails has a ‘spa’ line that ranges from shampoos and conditioners to out-of-the-tub products like Dog Smog (an Honest Kitchen office favorite!), Fur Butter and Eyemunity. Also, opt for natural remedies when possible. There are articles and resources on our website and our new recipe book, but we also recommend:
Natural Nutrition for Dogs and Cats by Kymythy Schultze,
Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Dr Richard Pitcairn & Susan Hubble Pitcairn
Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats by Cheryl Schwartz DVM.
Teaching an old, or young dog, new tricks.
Does your pooch have down sit and stay? What about roll over, or a hand shake? Dogs love mastering new tricks! It’s mentally stimulating and rewarding when they learn something new, and can be as easy as spending a couple minutes with them once or twice a day. Remember – be positive, firm, patient and have fun!
Is shedding pounds on the list?
You may think that the only way to exercise with your pooch is to take them for a walk or jog around the neighborhood, but there’s another way to get your fitness on with Fido. Meet Dawn, personal trainer and owner of Leash Your Fitness, the dog and you training program. Classes are for all fitness levels and range from yoga to boot camps. While Leash Your Fitness is a San Diego based company, chances are there’s one in your neck of the woods too!
Give your dog regular, light massages.
Did the holiday season leave you feeling stressed? Chances are your pet companion felt your pain and is a little anxious as well. Pet massages are a great way for both of you to relax and enjoy some one on one time. For deep massages, you should take your dog to a pet massage therapist, but for light massages, here’s our suggestion. Using long, gentle strokes move slowly over the neck, shoulders, and chest in circular patterns, gently pinching folds of any loose skin in these areas. Lightly squeeze down the length of each foreleg and place three fingers on each side of the leg and softly rub opposite directions several times. Use your thumb and forefinger and give each foot a couple of soft squeezes. Finish up with several soft, slow strokes from head to tail.
Help other animals that aren’t as fortunate as your own.
Rescue shelters are always in need of resources and support. While monetary donations are needed to cover the cost of checkups, spay and neutering, and day to day tasks, there are lots of ways to get involved. If you’re a great writer, help them with grants. Have a big SUV… and don’t mind it getting dirty? What about aiding them with transportation for events? Petfinder.com is a great resource to look for shelters in your area, after that an email to a member or stopping by one of their events will get you started!
Have a safe and happy New Year!
