As we ring in another year, many of us will be setting New Year resolutions to guide the year ahead and help us reach our goals. But it’s not just ourselves that need to stay happy and healthy, but also our furry friends.
Putting their wellbeing first is crucial, and what better time to integrate some beneficial habits and routines than the start of the year when we’re motivated and inspired? From switching to a healthier diet to daily exercise, here’s a few resolutions you can make to keep yourself on track.
Exercise Together
We know that exercise is important for our physical and mental health, and the same is true of our pets. Since moving more is a common resolution in the New Year, why not set a goal to exercise more with your dog too? Try to schedule at least one walk a day with your dog for an opportunity for the both of you to get some fresh air and a change of scenery.
If motivation is a struggle, find something that will encourage you to head out each day, such as finding new routes in your local area that you’ve not explored before or creating a daily photo journal that captures the changing scenery through the seasons.
Learn a New Skill
Another popular resolution is learning something new, and including our four-legged friends into this is a great way to benefit you both. Why not try teaching them a new trick or brush up on their training?
Maybe your pet has trouble socialising with other dogs—a new skill to develop is spending more time at the park or at a dog class so you can integrate them more with other animals. Or perhaps they get overly excited on walks and pull on the lead. Your pet’s new skill could even be something fun like learning to fetch a particular toy or bringing you an item from around the house, like your slippers.
Take Care of Nutritional Needs
We’re all guilty of overdoing the treats sometimes, both for ourselves and our beloved animals, but over-indulging too much can affect our pets just as much as it affects us. A balanced diet isn’t just important for weight balance but also for joint health, maintaining a healthy heart and keeping the gut microbiome in check.
Make a resolution to stick to a healthy diet for your dog this year, including measuring out their food so you’re not overfeeding them accidentally, and choosing a diet that keeps them as healthy as possible. And keep treats as a one-off rather than a regular addition to their daily diet.
Spend Time Together
During the festive period, we’re home a lot more, which is great news for our pets. However, when it’s time to head back to work and get back into a normal routine, dogs can struggle with the separation and become stressed.
While you can’t change your work schedule, there are ways you can ensure your dog isn’t left alone too long. For example, you could arrange for a pet sitter or dog walker to visit your dog throughout the day. Or if it’s practical, you could take your lunch break at home to break up the time your dog is alone. When you’re at home, put time aside to spend quality time with your dog. It can help them manage their stress and creates a calming environment for them so they’re more relaxed.
Maintain Regular Vet Visits
Regular check-ups are just as important for pets as they are for humans, and they help identify potential health problems early so they’re easier to treat. Many dogs struggle with visiting the vet and find it a stressful, anxiety-inducing time, so why not make a resolution to get them used to the environment by booking in check-ups throughout the year.
It will help them build up confidence and can encourage more positive associations with those appointments. It also gives you a chance to speak with your vet about changes in your pet, whether physical or behavioural.
Put Their Dental Health First
Our pet’s dental health is something many pet owners are guilty of neglecting, but it’s essential for our dogs’ wellbeing. Regular check-ups are crucial, but we should also be putting regular time aside for brushing at home.
While it’s best to start early while your dog is young, if you don’t already have a routine in place, start by getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed by taking it slowly and keeping each session short. Make sure you stop when your dog is still happy so as not to overwhelm them and be sure to end each session positively, encouraging them so they don’t form negative associations. You can also add dental additives to their water bowl to keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh in between cleans.
Keep Them Mentally Stimulated
A happy dog is one that’s engaged and mentally stimulated. From puzzle toys that keep them interested to playing games of fetch with you in the evening, there are numerous ways to keep your pet engaged and prevent boredom that can lead to unwanted behaviours like destroying the furniture, barking, or excessive digging in the garden.
Engaging your dog with toys and activities helps them release stress, prevents cognitive decline, and keeps them mentally fit and well. Why not invest in some interactive toys or rotate their toys throughout the year so they have ‘new’ items to play with that spark their imagination.
These resolutions aren’t just beneficial for your dog’s health and happiness, but they also strengthen your bond with them. Take the motivation of the New Year as an opportunity to establish positive habits to make 2025 your dog’s healthiest year yet.
