New, New Year’s resolutions | Casey’s Corner

Last year, I talked about some ideas for dog-related New Year’s resolutions. Here we are at another new year — and while the tips I’ve given before are still important, here are some new suggestions about how we can all resolve to keep our pups happy and well in 2024.

Be prepared

No one likes to think about something happening to our dogs, but accidents and illnesses occur, often unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s as simple as a foxtail between your pup’s toes, and sometimes it’s more serious, like your dog needing major surgery for a bowel obstruction. Either way, we all know how quickly veterinary costs can add up.

Some people have an emergency fund set up though their bank or credit union. You could choose to contribute a certain dollar amount to it every month, or just fund it outright with an amount you think you might need.

Another option is pet insurance, which I’m getting for my new dog Frankie. Spend time researching the various companies and the coverages they offer, and check out company ratings on a unbiased websites like Consumer Reports and NerdWallet. The California Department of Insurance also has a list of companies offering pet insurance, including business profiles and their history of complaints.

Keep your dog’s ID current

Just as none of us likes to think about our dog having serious health problems, we also don’t like to think about the possibility of our dog getting lost. But it happens, meaning it’s up to you to keep their ID up to date.

If your dog wears a collar with an ID tag, check that your name and phone number are current, and that the tag is still readable. If your dog has a microchip — and every dog should have one — make sure all the contact information is correct. Remember that microchipping is painless to the dog and relatively inexpensive; in fact, some shelters offer free or low-cost microchipping. Sometimes microchipping can even be covered under your pet insurance plan.

Most animal shelters and rescues scan incoming dogs for a microchip. The scan reveals an ID number and the chip manufacturer, who searches their database and then contacts the dog’s guardian. But none of that matters if the chip information is out of date.

Grooming

No, your dog doesn’t need a bath every week — in fact, doing so can dry out the coat’s natural oils and lead to skin problems. If you’re unsure how often to bathe your pup, ask your vet for her recommendation. But even more important than bathing is regularly brushing your dog, which helps distribute skin oils to the fur, keeping the coat shiny and healthy. It also helps remove excess fur from the coat, reducing the amount of roaming fur-balls under your furniture.

Get your dog accustomed to being brushed and bathed as soon as possible after bringing him home. Many dogs love having their coat brushed: it helps strengthen the bond between the two of you, and also allows you to check for any new lumps or other conditions.

And don’t overlook brushing your dog’s teeth. Nearly 85% of dogs over 3 years old develop dental disease, which can have serious and sometimes deadly health consequences. Dog toothpaste makes the task easier, partly because the special flavoring tastes great to the dog! (Never use human toothpaste for your dog.)

Keep these things in mind, and resolve to do everything you can to keep your precious bundle of fur happy and healthy in the new year.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Maine coon cat Indy, the infinite spirit of her beloved golden retriever Joey, and the abiding presence of her dog Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com.