"Be the person your dog thinks you are" – that’s the message on a decorative needlework pillow I was recently given, and truer words were never spoken (or embroidered, as the case may be). Here are 10 easy-to-keep resolutions for the coming year. Adopt one or all 10, and you really will be your dog’s hero.
1. Reduce your pet’s environmental paw-print by choosing recycled, eco-conscious toys and bedding wherever possible.
2. Feed Spot premium kibble that contains human-grade ingredients, and add the occasional "garnish" of fresh-cooked veggies and/or eggs.
3. Keep your dog’s coat shiny – and give his kibble a dash of gourmet flavor - with a daily dose of antioxidant fish oil.
4. Groom with gentle, preservative-free dog shampoo containing ingredients that will soothe and moisturize Spot’s skin and coat (look, Ma - no more itchy flakes!).
5. If your dog has a long coat, make a daily effort to brush and otherwise detangle him, so those irritating mats won’t start forming (a fringe benefit: Spot will shed less).
6. Brush your dog’s teeth with an all-natural toothpaste created just for pets. Think of it not as a chore, but as a form of good-health insurance.
7. Prevent canine weight gain by avoiding crunchy, high-carb dog biscuits and opting instead for high-protein morsels that are soft, chewy, and meaty (not to mention delish). If you have an elder statesdog, support her joints with a tasty nutriceutical treat.
8. Eliminate ordinary rawhide from your dog’s repertoire (it’s a choking hazard) and replace it with an equally toothsome veggie alternative that’s got real bite.
9. Keep your animal house clean and green by spot-cleaning Spot’s paws with all-natural wipes – you’ll spend less time dusting and more time playing fetch!
10. Select a water bowl made of non-porous ceramic or metal, and be sure it stays full – especially in the chill of winter, when dogs need even more water than in hot weather, to maintain energy levels.
