New Year: Time to Reset with Your Pet
The holidays came and went like a flash. One day you were baking cookies and setting the table for 15 family members while trying to ensure your pet didn’t get into anything dangerous. Now the chaos is over, and the new year has begun. It’s time to get your pet back on track with a regular routine.

“To help your pet readjust, get back to their normal feeding and exercise schedule as soon as possible,” according to the article, “Post-Holiday Pet Care: How to Help Your Pet Recover from the Festivities” at Healthy Paws. “Consistency is key, and gradually reintroducing their usual activities can help them settle back into a comfortable rhythm.”

If your pet ate more indulgent treats over the holidays, be sure to get him back on his regular diet. With all the commotion, you may have missed some physical activity with your pet, so get back to playtime and longer walks. “Start with shorter walks or light play sessions, and gradually build up to their regular routine,” the article said.

The new year is also the perfect time to schedule your pet’s yearly wellness exam as well as dental cleaning. Ensure your pet has his parasite preventive medications as well, according to the article, “10 New Year’s Resolutions for Pet Parents,” at petMD.com.

Along with exercise, add in some important enrichment time for your pet. “Exercise and enrichment are closely related, and enrichment isn’t just about keeping your pet busy—it’s about proper mental stimulation and encouraging natural behaviors,” the petMD article said. Puzzle toys are great for dogs and cat trees work for cats.

The sooner you get back to your regular routine, you will find that you and your pet will feel much more comfortable and ready to take on the new year.

Take a Walk, or a Hike with Your Dog!
Physical activity is not just important for humans, it’s also important for your dog. With the beautiful Arizona weather this time of year, there’s no excuse to stay indoors. Get outside and take your dog for that long walk or hike.

“With a little preparation, hiking with your dog can be a fun activity for both you and your furry friend,” according to the article, “How To Hike With Your Dog Safely” at petMD.com. “Those long walks give the two of you a chance to bond, explore the great outdoors, and get some much-needed exercise and mental stimulation.”

When hiking, it’s important that you do it in a dog-friendly way and put you and your dog’s safety first. Keep your dog’s health in mind and consider breed and age. According to the article, remember to:
• Find a dog-friendly hike.
• Protect your dog by ensuring she is microchipped and wearing ID tags.
• Bring along the correct dog hiking products (water and bowl, leash and harness, food and treats).
• Keep your dog on a leash.
• Be mindful of the heat.

If your dog isn’t the hiking type, a nice extra long walk is also a great way to get lots of exercise. Take a different route than usual, let your dog sniff, and take in the sights.

Another great option for exercise is Doggie Day Care at Second Home Pet Resort. It’s a great way for dogs who play well with others to spend play time with other dogs in a 1,000-square-foot dog Activity Center. Dogs can also enjoy physical activity in more than one acre of play yards that feature dog-friendly playground equipment. Dogs who participate must be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and take a 20-minute pre-assessment. Call to find out more about Second Home’s requirements for Doggie Day Care.

Holiday Hazards: Pet-Proofing Your Festivities
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, the festivities, the food, the gifts, and the decorations. Ensure a safe holiday season by identifying common hazards for pets, such as certain decorations and festive foods.

“Many of the decorations, foods, and festivities we associate with the holidays could cause big problems for your pet, putting them at risk for everything from indigestion to severe injury,” according to the article, “22 Holiday Items That Can Harm Your Pet” at petMD.com.

The article says to keep pets away from:

• Fatty foods, which can cause pancreatitis.
• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Grapes and raisins are dangerous.
• Sugar-free pastries and candies containing xylitol are toxic to dogs.
• Garlic and onions are dangerous for dogs and cats.

Additionally, keep your pet away from the dangers of alcoholic beverages, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, burning candles, and electrical cords.

Pets can feel scared and overwhelmed during the holidays. Keep your eyes on your pets so they don’t get into foods they shouldn’t eat or into anything else posing a threat.

According to the article, “6 Holiday Pet-Safety Tips for Pet Parents” at Chewy.com, “With people coming and going from your home and all the holiday hustle and bustle, your pets can slip out the door. Put up signs to keep the door securely closed, put up dog gates, and remind your guests if needed.”

Ensure Your Pet’s Year-End Health Check and Get Ready for the New Year
Your pet’s health is important every day throughout the year. As 2025 winds down it’s important to reflect on your pet’s health over the past year and get ready for a healthy start to the new year including wellness checkups and routine care.

Start by getting all your pet’s information and reviewing the past year. “The end of the year is a great time to take stock of your pet’s overall health and happiness,” according to the article, “End of Year Pet Checklist: Preparing Your Pet for a Happy, Healthy 2025” at Josey Ranch Pet Hospital. Questions to ask include:

• Did their routine change?
• Does your pet get enough exercise, mentally and physically?

Note any changes you’ve noticed and bring them up with your veterinarian. Schedule your pet’s next wellness exam in the new year.

According to the Josey Ranch Pet Hospital article, be sure to get on track or continue with preventative care, including flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Have your pet’s microchip information updated and check your pet’s emergency kit. “Take a few minutes to review the contents of your pet’s emergency kit and restock anything that’s outdated or missing,” the article said.

It’s also a good idea to think about your pet’s health into the new year. According to the article, “New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Pet” at American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), it’s important to keep your pet active. “Regular exercise will help keep your pet’s weight in check, build muscle, and prevent boredom.” Additionally, make sure not to overlook your pet’s dental health, which is important for your pet’s overall health, the article said. Also be sure your pet has a balanced and nutritious diet.

Keeping your pet healthy and happy in the new year will prove to be positive for you both.

Article 2: “Holiday Hazards: Pet-Proofing Your Festivities”

HEAD:
Holiday Hazards: Pet-Proofing Your Festivities
OR
Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy During the Holidays

It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, the festivities, the food, the gifts, and the decorations. Ensure a safe holiday season by identifying common hazards for pets, such as certain decorations and festive foods.

“Many of the decorations, foods, and festivities we associate with the holidays could cause big problems for your pet, putting them at risk for everything from indigestion to severe injury,” according to the article, “22 Holiday Items That Can Harm Your Pet” at petMD.com.

The article says to keep pets away from:

• Fatty foods, which can cause pancreatitis.
• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Grapes and raisins are dangerous.
• Sugar-free pastries and candies containing xylitol are toxic to dogs.
• Garlic and onions are dangerous for dogs and cats.

Additionally, keep your pet away from the dangers of alcoholic beverages, poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, burning candles, and electrical cords.

Pets can feel scared and overwhelmed during the holidays. Keep your eyes on your pets so they don’t get into foods they shouldn’t eat or into anything else posing a threat.

According to the article, “6 Holiday Pet-Safety Tips for Pet Parents” at Chewy.com, “With people coming and going from your home and all the holiday hustle and bustle, your pets can slip out the door. Put up signs to keep the door securely closed, put up dog gates, and remind your guests if needed.”

If your pet is stressed due to many houseguests coming in and out along with loud noise and music, try to keep them calm by creating a safe environment away from guests. Keep them distracted with enrichment toys and even music, the Chewy.com article said.

Ensuring your pet is safe and out of danger during the holidays is of the utmost importance.

Honoring Senior Pets and Caring for Them
November is National Senior Pet Month and a perfect time to not only celebrate your senior but to learn how to care for aging pets. This includes regular vet checkups, tailored exercise routines, and more.

As pets age, they have different needs, physically, mentally, and medically. “Regular veterinary examinations can detect problems in older pets, before those problems become serious or life-threatening, which can lead to a longer, healthier life for your pet,” according to the article, “Caring for senior cats and dogs” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Older pets are more susceptible to age-related issues and some diseases. This often means more vet visits, a different diet, and lifestyle. The AVMA article suggests:

· More veterinary care
· Change in diet and nutrition
· Controlling weight
· Controlling parasites
· Vaccination requirements for older pets
· Appropriate exercise
· Keeping up their mental health

There are more common health problems in both senior cats and dogs. According to the AVMA article, “Cancer is the cause of death in almost half of dogs and about a third of cats over 10 years old.” Some signs to look for include:

· Abdominal swelling
· Bleeding from nose, mouth, or other body openings
· Hard to eat, swallow, or breathe
· Lumps, bumps, or discolored skin
· Non-healing sores

Senior pets may have different grooming needs. “They may have trouble keeping themselves clean or reaching areas to groom, so more frequent bathing or trimmings may be necessary,” according to the article, “5 Expert Tips for Caring for Senior Pets” at ASPCA.

Keep your pet’s coat brushed and clean. Tangling can cause a lot of discomfort for your pet. It’s also important to ensure your pet’s nails are not too long.

Ensure your pet’s senior years are golden. If you have concerns, contact your veterinarian.

Thanksgiving Tips: Keeping Your Pet Safe During the Feast
Soon people around the country will celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s important to keep your pet safe around the food and all the commotion of guests.

Guests usually mean doors opening and closing, according to the article, “Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Pets” at the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “This gives pets more chances to dart outside unnoticed and escape,” the article said. When your pet flees outside the chances of becoming lost, being hit by a car, or meeting other animals become greater. Help protect your pet by doing the following:

· Place pets in a safe, quiet room.
· Use barriers or baby gates to keep pets away from open doors.
· Ensure your pet is microchipped with updated information.
· Your pet should always wear a collar with “legible identification tags.”

According to the AAHA article, keep your pets away from lit candles (use flameless candles placed out of reach), electrical cords (secure cords with protective covers), and decorative plants (artificial plants can do the trick).

Don’t offer foods that can be harmful to pets. According to the article, “Thanksgiving Safety Tips” at ASPCA, “If you do decide to feed your pet a small bite of turkey or other meat, make sure it’s boneless and fully cooked.” Some spices and ingredients can be toxic to pets, including onions and garlic. Bouillon cubes and raw yeast bread dough are also dangerous. Keep your pets away from the desserts. Raw eggs, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate can cause major damage.

Where there’s food, there’s trash. Take out your garbage so that your pet doesn’t get into it. All those items you don’t want your pet to get into will likely be in the trash. “Try to remember to empty your trash throughout the day so that curious pets don’t get into trouble,” the ASPCA article said.