BUT WHAT ARE OUR PETS THANKFUL FOR?

Thanksgiving was a great opportunity to reflect on all the positives in our life, and there’s certainly no shortage of things we’re thankful for (our awesome staff, our wonderful clients, and getting to spend every day with so many lovely pets, to say the least)! But as easy as it would be to go on for pages and pages about all the things we’re grateful for, now that Thanksgiving is over we’re turning our focus somewhere else: our pets themselves!
Our pets might not be able to tell us the things they’re thankful for, and if you’re a cat owner you might doubt they’re ever thankful for anything at all. But even if they don’t always show it, your pets are glad to have you in their lives! So while you were putting turkey and stuffing in your mouth we were putting words in theirs, and sharing the top five things we’re sure your pets are thankful for.

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1. Enrichment: Even the cutest little shih-tzus still have those wolf instincts inside them somewhere, and cats and dogs alike need the chance to let these behaviors out! Enrichment can help pets deal with stress by giving them a sense of control over their environment, and can help improve both their physical and emotional wellbeing. Food puzzles can be a great way to turn mealtime into playtime, and even if you don’t have space for a 12-story cat mansion you can still DIY a playground for your feline friends!
2. Exercise: Just like humans, our pets need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. The exact amount of exercise needed depends on a number of factors such as your pet’s age, breed, and overall health, but they’ll often be the best indicator of their own needs. If your dog keeps getting the zoomies or your cat keeps clawing up furniture, this could be a sign they have more energy than they know what to do with. Working out doesn’t have to be boring either; there are plenty of ways to exercise both dogs and cats, and switching up your routine from time to time can help keep things fresh and interesting for you and your pet alike!
3. Friendship: As much as our pets might love us, they enjoy having other friends as well! Socialization is a vital part of helping dogs adjust to the world outside your home, and while it’s most important in puppies, it can be done at any age. The basis of socialization is to expose your pup to as many different sensations as possible in a positive manner, to provide a solid foundation for healthy adult behaviors. Older dogs tend to be more fearful of new experiences than younger pups, but this doesn’t mean you should give up on socialization altogether! As long as you show caution and take things slowly, your older dog will benefit from this process as well.
4. Nutrition: Listen, we get it. Nobody eats healthy this time of year. But while you’re enjoying the feast before the New Year’s resolution, it’s important to keep your pet’s nutrition in mind as well. Every part of your pet’s body, from their skin to their coat to their muscles, is made from the nutrients they eat, so it’s vital to make sure your pet is getting a well-balanced diet! Pet obesity is also on the rise, with an estimated 51% of pets categorized as overweight. This can lead to a number of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, joint problems, and hormone imbalances. Be sure you’re feeding your pet a nutritionally sound brand like Hill’s, Purina, Royal Canin, Iams, or Eukanuba, and remember that portion control is key!
5. You!: It’s an age-old question. Does my pet love me, or do they just love food? Today we’re happy to report, it’s you! An Emory University study used MRI scans to find that dogs are more excited by their human’s scent than by any other smell, including food! Meanwhile, a study from Oregon State University found that 65% of cats displayed secure attachment behaviors towards their owners, such as purring, slow blinking, sleeping alongside them, and exposing their bellies. So if you ever start to wonder whether your pets love you the same way you love them, don’t! The science is in, and the numbers don’t lie.

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It should go without saying that this list is non-exhaustive. We didn’t have room to include long games of fetch, or your pet’s special squeaky toy, or quality time with their very favorite human. You make your pet’s life better every single day just by being there, and we know they appreciate that, even if they can’t say it. So when you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this year (remember not to share!), take a moment and give yourself a pat on the back for all the hard work you do. If you close your eyes and listen really hard, you might just hear your favorite pet giving a toast.

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