A new year is upon us, and with our “Kids” being such an important part of our lives, this is a perfect time to commit to making their health and well-being an even bigger priority. Here are just a few ideas that can improve the lives of our Kids.

Measure your pet’s food—every time! An estimated 59% of cats and 54% of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight or obese. Tom Farrington, Chief Veterinary Medical Advisor for HomeoPet, states that measuring your pet’s food accurately is the first step to preventing overfeeding. Remember, the instructions on the dog food bag are only approximate guidelines. tinyurl.com/5n6c6b8s

Improve your knowledge of pet first aid. Odds are that when your dog eats something he should not or your kitty cuts a paw, you will be home alone and it will be after veterinary hours. It is so important as a pet parent that you know how to jump to the task. tinyurl.com/m23mmkc4

Get more exercise. Diet is only part of the equation to health and weight control. In order to maintain (or lose) weight, an increase in activity is also necessary to meet these goals. One of the most important factors in successfully achieving a goal of getting more exercise is to find something you both love doing. So, try a new activity. It is easier than ever for you to incorporate your friend into a new exercise routine.

Incorporate more playtime. While taking your cat hiking is not a practical approach to playtime, cats love the thrill of chasing toys that trigger their predatory instinct and are a great way to get them off the couch and engaged in a little aerobic activity.

Clear out old toys. Just as we clear out our clutter from time to time, we need to do the same thing for our pets. Take a fresh look at your pet’s toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, germ-infested pet toys. Give your pet something fun and new to play with. You may want to try one of the challenging Brain Toys. caninejournal.com/best-interactive-dog-toys

Grooming time. The majority of pets love to be groomed, and it is a bonding activity that demonstrates to your pet how much you love them by taking care of them in a very soothing manner. Grooming also helps to distribute oils from the skin to the fur, keeping the coat shiny and healthy.

Create a safe, happy home and garden for your dog. Since our pets spend some time at home or in the garden, we should do our best to build them safe, entertaining places to rest and play. Make sure all potentially harmful substances (such as cleaning products/medications/pest poisons) are kept in cabinets that your pet cannot easily reach and access, and check that your plants are non-toxic. azpoison.com/poison/plants/poisonous-plants

Rover’s Rest Stop & Ranch Kids are excited to see you on Feb. 11! Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us! For more information, call 480-600-2828.