Here are our top 5 New Year Resolution Ideas for our furry besties (we’re doing number 4 for sure!)
It’s that time of year again where we spend a little time setting our resolutions for the New Year! But have you thought about resolutions for the furry four-legged members of your family? Maybe you want to exercise more, eat healthier or stress less, and maybe, your pet could also benefit from some of your New Year’s resolutions.
Our Recommended New Year Resolution Ideas for You and Your Pet:
1. Schedule your pet’s annual exam
A trip to your vet is about much more than just some vaccinations and tick and flea prevention (all of which form an important piece of routine healthcare).
Keep in mind that pets can also suffer from health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. Your pet ages much faster than you do, and because of this, an annual exam for your pet is the same as you going to the doctor for a check-up once every six years.
Some helpful tips for your next vet visit: 5 Tips on How to Calm an Anxious Dog at the Vet
Catching and treating health issues early can make it easier for your vet to diagnose and properly treat these health concerns. Which is why you should start the new year by booking an annual exam for your furry best friend, especially if you have noticed any changes in their behaviour or appetite.
2. Get your pet’s diet right
Whilst your pet might not need to follow a gluten-free or paleo diet, it might be time you changed his diet based on his weight, health conditions or age and perhaps cut back on table scraps and treats. It’s a good idea to chat with your vet about the right food and diet plan for your pet as he or she will be able to give you sound advice based on your pet’s health assessment.
3. Exercise together
There is no better workout buddy than a dog. They will never bail on you at the last minute and your precious pooch will love spending some time outdoors with you. Play a game of fetch in the park and every time your dog goes to fetch the ball, do 10 squats. Go for a sunrise or sunset walk together every day.
Chat with your vet about recommendations for exercising with your pet and what he or she recommends based on the age, breed, and health. Before you head out on a hot summer’s day, have a look at this blog on walking your dog on hot pavements.
4. Insure the health of your pet
What better way to budget for the new year and save money on vet bills AND provide your pet with expert care than to get pet insurance? There are so many pet parents who have commented on how much money pet insurance has saved them.
And not only in the case of unexpected vet bills such as accidents and emergencies (which can cost upwards of R10 000 and skyrocket as high as R60 000 just for the surgery) but for preventive healthcare and vet visits too!
We can highly recommend Oneplan Pet Insurance because they offer a wide range of Pet Insurance plans to suit your pet’s needs and your budget.
Here are just a few reasons to choose Oneplan:
- Comprehensive pet health cover from only R160pm
- Get paid BEFORE you see the vet on your Onecard in 1 minute
- Visit any vet of your choice with NO provider networks
- Pay ZERO excess on day-to-day claims with the Excess Buster Add-On
- New policies up to pet’s 11th birthday*, even with pre-existing & hereditary conditions
- Up to R5000 deposit on vet hospital admission or NO deposit with partnered vets network
And the biggest perk of all – Oneplan Pet Parents get up to 25% DISCOUNT* on premium pet food & supplies in the Onepet Online Pet Store for the LIFETIME of their policy!
So, what are you waiting for? Get quality health cover for your pet at a price you can afford by signing up with Oneplan Pet Insurance today.
5. Spend more quality time with your pets
Plan on spending more time for cuddles, laughs and memories to be made. This could be as simple as binge-watching a show together after going for a long walk. Going on an adventure together (there are loads of pet-friendly nature reserves, hiking spots and restaurants in South Africa), or even scheduling a photoshoot together.
In fact, a photoshoot is a great way to capture beautiful pictures of you and your pet. There are tons of specialised pet photographers out there and some of them offer great specials and discounted rates. Do some research and get some photos that you can treasure for a lifetime to come.
We hope these New Year’s Resolutions help you and your pet start this year right!
Yours in Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurance.co.za Team