Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) January 06, 2014
With January comes promises for healthy habits, Pinterest-worthy projects and fit finances in the coming year. As personal goals are set for 2014, Petplan reminds pet parents to include furry friends on the list of resolutions.
Including four-legged family members in New Year’s resolutions won’t only be beneficial for pet’s health (and fun!) but can even inspire parents to get moving as well. People who exercise with their pets tend to lose more weight themselves and stay with a program longer. After all, there aren’t many things more effective than a pair of soulful eyes and an eagerly wagging tail to convince you to go for a walk.
“Just as our health can benefit from resolutions, the same is true for our pets,” says Dr. Jules Benson, Vice President of Veterinary Services at Petplan. “In my experience, pet obesity is the number one danger to our pets. It can lead directly to conditions like diabetes and arthritis, as well as cardiac, circulatory and respiratory problems. Fortunately, it’s also of the easiest to prevent; keeping your pet lean and fit with regular exercise and a balanced diet will make for a happy and healthy pet and will help keep costly health concerns at bay.”
Even with the motivation of that fresh-start feeling that comes with a new calendar page, some resolutions fall by the wayside come springtime. Here are paw-fect resolutions that Petplan encourages you to keep:
- Paws to the pavement: Every time you lace up your sneakers, grab your dog’s leash, too. Regular exercise not only keeps furry friends lean and fit, it’s also a great way to bond with your pet. Plus, pets who exercise regularly tend to have fewer bouts with anxiety and bad behavior –expending their energy on something other than home furnishings. Have a cat? Incorporate her into your warm-up routine – toss around a toy during your pre-walk stretch!
- Chews Wisely: No bones about it, natural treats are the cat’s meow! As pet parents vow to eat healthier in 2014, don’t forget about your pet’s diet (and waistlines!), too. Treats should make up less than 5 to 10 percent of your pet’s caloric intake, and natural choices are great alternatives to store-bought treats that can be packed with calories. From homemade treats like quiche bites, turkey meatballs and pumpkin smoothies to whole food snacks like carrots, peas and apples, these foods are sure to have furry friends licking their chops for more.
- The More You Know: An annual wellness visit is just what the doctor ordered! According to a recent survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 45.8% of dog owners and 45.3% of cat owners incorrectly identified their overweight or obese pet as “normal weight.” At a yearly check-up, your veterinarian can assess if your four-legged friend is “fluffy” or overweight – and put your paws on the path to healthy weight loss.
- Pet Protection: Imagine being able to give your pet whatever medical care he or she needs, without worrying about cost. Consider this: one in three pets will need unexpected veterinary care in 2014. A pet health insurance policy gives you the financial freedom to pursue the best medical treatment and peace of mind that you won’t break the bank should Fido break any bones.
For more information on keeping pets healthy in 2014 and beyond, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.
ABOUT PETPLAN
Petplan is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine’s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. In February 2013, Petplan pet insurance was at No. 34 on Forbes annual ranking of America’s Most Promising Companies – a list of 100 privately held, high-growth companies with bright futures. Petplan’s fully customizable dog insurance and cat insurance policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan pet insurance policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company in the U.S. and by Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Company in Canada. The Allianz Group is rated A+ by A.M. Best (2012). For information about Petplan pet insurance visit http://www.GoPetplan.com, read the Petplan “Vets for Pets” Blog, or call 1-866-467-3875.