Happy New Year to you and your #furryfriends! As we head into a new year, most of us have good intentions and goals, but how often do we consider factoring our pets into those? Positive changes in our life should be shared with our dogs! After all, keeping your dog healthy, safe, and happy is high on the list for all of us.
First, consider the resolutions that you want for yourself. What makes you happy? What are some healthy lifestyle changes you have wanted to make?
Now, incorporate your pet into these!
Here’s a list of ideas for New Year’s Resolutions for you and your pet! Keep reading for some inspiration!
Resolution #1 Measure Your Dogs Food
Are you planning to practice portion control this year? Why not take the extra step to ensure that your pet’s meals are properly portioned as well? We all know how quickly we can add on a few layers, especially in the wintertime in Michigan. But what many of us forget is just as with us humans, it’s all too easy for a pet’s weight to gradually creep up over time.
If the holiday table scraps have been your pup’s friend lately, portion control might be necessary to get them back on track! Measuring your pet’s food accurately is the first step to take to prevent overfeeding. Make sure you read the instructions on your pet food carefully and accurately measure your pet’s daily allowance. This is typically based on their weight and activity level. A rounded cup of food versus a level cup of food could be the culprit! Two rounded cups of food per day could be adding as much as an extra half a cup to their daily diet. Try leveling the measuring cup to ensure you’re not accidentally overfeeding your pup!
Resolution #2 Get In Shape Together
The most common New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight. You might have the perfect workout buddy sitting right next to you! Workout with your dog by taking them for walks or jogs with you if they are healthy enough for it. Playing fetch is a great way to tone your arms and bond with your pup. Try doing some yoga with your dog. They don’t call it downward-facing dog for no reason!
Resolution #3 Learn a New Trick + More Playtime
We all love having a good hobby! What ones are you hoping to pick up this year?
When it comes to our dogs, it’s never too late to learn a trick or two! (Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?) Similarly, keeping your dog’s lifestyle active is important for their health and development as they age.
During these winter months, dogs can get bored, and learning a trick is one way to stimulate their brains and have fun inside.
On those long, winter weekend days, log some training! Youtube has a variety of dog training videos that can help you and your pet master a new skill together.
Resolution #4 De-Clutter Toys
The start of a new year is the perfect time to de-clutter! While we are busy sorting through items in our homes, tackle your dog’s toy bin at the same time! Take a fresh look at your pet’s toy collection and let go of old, tatty, and often germ-infested toys. Sometimes their toys need a good washing!
Now is a great time to clear out and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Out with the old, in with the new!
Make Healthy Choices for You and Your Pup This Year
With our furry friends being such an important part of our lives, the New Year is a great time to commit to making their health and well-being an even bigger priority.
There are so many ways we can incorporate our resolutions and goals into our pet’s lives, the list doesn’t stop here! Although, we hope these ideas will inspire you to incorporate a few of your own for you and your furry friends.