The New Year is a time to reflect on the past year, and also to set goals to improve your life for the new year ahead. The same should go for the life of your pet!
There’s no time like a new calendar year to start focusing on forming good habits, taking better care of ourselves and those we care about, and making changes for the better. However, determining what your resolution should be can be difficult and perhaps even daunting to do alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Working toward a new year’s resolution with your pet – and maybe even a friend or two – can be a great way to not only improve both your and your pet’s lives, but also stay motivated and feel like you’re in this together.
Here are some new year's resolutions for you and your pet to work together!
1. Pet Weight Loss
According to the 2022 Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey, 59% of dogs and 61% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese. Obesity can cause numerous health complications in dogs and cats and take a serious toll on their overall quality of life.
Most weight loss requires a 25-40% drop in daily calories, so it’s important to make measuring food and counting calories for your pet's meals a regular part of your daily routine. But weight loss for dogs this new year doesn’t have to be all about taking things away. There are a number of healthy foods, like non-strachy veggies, that can be added to their diet or given as treats in an easy way to cut back on calories.
Don’t forget to get your dog or cat up and moving if you’re hoping to help them shed a little weight. Exercise will preserve muscle mass during weight loss & may even increase the pet's metabolic rate. Even just a walk around the block or a few minutes a day with an interactive toy that helps them get their energy out can make a world of difference in shifting your pet’s weight.
Want some extra insight into how to help your pet lose weight – and keep it off – this year? Check out our Top 7 Tips for Helping Overweight Pets.
2. More Walks
Getting more steps in every day is a common goal for people, so why not get your dog in on the fun and make more walks a new year's resolutions for you and your pet. Dogs need to be walked daily, and depending on their breed and energy levels, the frequency and length of the walks they need can vary. Most breeds need a minimum of one hour per day.
A tired dog equals a happy dog and a happy owner!
Ready to master dog walking this new year? Check out our guide to all of the gear you’ll need to make more walks a successful new year’s resolution for you and your pet!
And don’t think you need to leave your cat out of these resolutions for pets. Cats can be leash trained just like dogs and can join you on walks, hikes, and every adventure in between.
3. Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
You may already have learning a new hobby or skill on your list of resolutions, and so should your pet. Just because they may not be puppies or kittens anymore doesn’t mean you can’t train your pet or teach them something new! Training creates a strong foundation of good behavior in pets and is a great form of both mental and physical stimulation.
If you haven’t started any training with your pet, there’s never a better time to start than the present. Your pet will never be “too old to train.”
Training for Dogs
- Basic Obedience Training: Sit, stay, come, lie down, leave it, etc.
- Potty Training: Teaching dogs to eliminate outside or in a designated area.
- Leash Training: Walking politely on a leash without pulling or lunging.
- Crate Training: Using a crate as a safe space for rest and travel.
- Socialization Training: Exposure to new people, environments, and other animals to prevent fear or aggression.
- Behavioral Training: Addressing specific issues such as barking, jumping, or digging.
- Advanced Obedience Training: Off-leash commands, hand signals, or voice commands at a distance.
- Agility and Sports Training: Activities like obstacle courses, flyball, or dock diving for mental and physical stimulation.
- Trick Training: Fun behaviors like shaking paws, rolling over, or playing dead.
Training for Cats
- Litter Box Training: Teaching kittens or new cats to use a litter box consistently.
- Basic Obedience Training: Commands like sit, come, or stay using positive reinforcement.
- Clicker Training: Using a clicker to mark and reward desired behaviors.
- Leash and Harness Training: Getting cats accustomed to wearing a harness and walking on a leash.
- Socialization Training: Introducing cats to new people, pets, and environments to build confidence.
- Behavioral Training: Addressing issues like scratching furniture, biting, or excessive meowing.
- Enrichment Training: Teaching cats to play with puzzle toys, fetch, or other games.
If you’re serious about training or just want some extra guidance, consider signing up for a training program or class with a professional trainer. You and your pet might even make some new friends
4. More Playtime
Playtime can give more opportunities to challenge your pet, enrich their lives, and establish an even deeper bond, so it’s always a good idea to get more of it on your schedule.
For your cat: Try interactive play with laser pointers, feather teasers, & catnip to encourage play. Play like this mimics hunting prey which helps them tap into their natural instincts as predators. It can be fun to watch your normally chill house cat embrace their wild side and go after a toy mouse as if it was really on the hunt.
For some extra interactive playtime with your dog, try this: Rub the scent of a treat in various places and then hide it. It encourages them to problem solve and builds confidence too
5. Try a New Activity with Your Dog
Getting out of your comfort zone along with your pet is a great way to kick off the new year and experience new things. Here are a few suggestions of things you can your pet can do together, ranging from tame to more adventures:
- Take a walk to a local dog bakery, or shop that sells special dog or cat treats and get some to try.
- Take a boat ride, rent a kayak, sail, or speed boat & cruise around with your pup!
- Try aquatic training. Your pup will learn to enjoy the water, and potentially take home prizes for their ability to jump, retrieve, and swim.
- Get outside and take a hike! Make use of trials and parks in your area for a change of scenery and to spice up your walking routine.
- Plan a camping trip with your pet in the warmer weather. Experience the great outdoors together and enjoy some time unplugged.
6. Brush Your Pet's Teeth
While this new year’s resolution for you and your pet may not be the most exciting or glamorous, it’s an important one. Dental disease affects nearly 85% of dogs and cats over 3 years of age and has significant health consequences that could be avoided with regular brushing and professional dental care.
Ideally, you should be brushing your dog or cat's teeth daily. Just like we as humans do our dental care daily, you should be helping your pet maintain their pearly whites every day.
7. Visit Your Vet
Making annual vet visits a New Year’s resolution for you and your pet is an easy way to show just how committed you are to their health and well-being, and giving them the best life possible.
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch potential issues early, from dental disease to weight management, ensuring your pet stays happy and active year after year. If you want this coming year to be the best and healthiest of your cat or dog's life, reach out to your veterinarian to ensure you're up to date on vaccinations, wellness exams, and any other essential part of pivotal preventive care. Plus, building a strong relationship with your vet makes it easier to address any health hiccups that might arise down the road. Start the year off right by prioritizing your pet’s well-being—it’s a resolution you’ll both benefit from!
Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.
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