January is a month that many people vow to make remarkable changes to their life. If you are the type that likes to create a list of New Year’s resolutions oftentimes it can omit our furry best friends. However, for many of us, our pets are a critical part of our lives. Why not give your pup their own New Year’s Resolutions?
WHAT ARE THE 5 MOST POPULAR RESOLUTIONS?
Many people want to eat healthier or be more social. Whatever the resolution, moral support always helps. The start of a New Year often provides us with a fresh perspective, so it’s never too late to start making changes. Here are some popular resolutions that people make.
- Eat Healthier
- Get More Active
- Quit Smoking
- Save More Money
- Build Better Relationships
While many of these are great resolutions, they don’t include your dog. But we’re here to change that.
WHAT ARE SOME GOOD PET-FRIENDLY RESOLUTIONS?
Vowing to make the next year more fun by including your pet in your New Year’s resolutions is a great way to show how much you love and appreciate them. Here are some resolutions that both you and your pet can keep together in the new year.
Make Time for Play Dates
Taking the time to schedule a play date with your pet is way better for them than just letting them out in the yard when you get home. Going on a walk can be great exercise and mental stimulation. You can also be the pet parent of the year and make a trip to the dog park.
It’s also good for you to get out of the house and break away from work or other obligations. You can even book a play day at a dog-friendly hotel or daycare that will offer better protection and amenities than just hoping for the best when you’re back home.
This resolution is the perfect way to get in much-needed socialization for you and your dog.
Shed the extra pounds
If you’re looking for ways to help your pup or yourself shed a few pounds in the new year, look no further. Here are three simple things that can help both of you get healthy and active. Senior dogs are especially prone to obesity.
However, with your pet’s veterinarian guidance and a few extra walks, this can help even senior pets have a healthy weight.
Take them on regular walks.
A good old-fashioned walk is a great way to get both you and your dog moving, and it’s also a great opportunity for them to explore their surroundings and do their business. Make sure to take some water and snacks with you so that you can keep going for a while.
Try Out Some Yoga.
If you’re looking for a way to bond with your dog while getting in some good exercise, try out yoga together. Yoga is a low-impact activity that can help both pets and pet parents.
Go Swimming
If you are lucky enough to be in a place that’s warm all year round, or if you have a nice heated pool, swimming is a great way to get your dog moving without using too much of their energy. It’s also a fantastic workout for you because it uses almost every muscle in your body. While this may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of exercising, try it out, and you’ll love how good you’ll feel.
Speaking of feeling good, why not try out a healthy new chew for your dog this upcoming year? Barking Buddha Beef Cheek chips are the perfect snack for your dog.
Learn something new
Contrary to the popular saying you can in fact teach an old dog a new trick.
One of the best things about having a dog is getting to spend time with them. After all, they are your best friend. But it can be even more rewarding to teach your dog something new. Teaching them how to do tricks is a great way to bond with them and provide them with mental stimulation.
A few new things you can teach your dog:
- High Five
- Shake
- Dance
- Speak
- Hide and Seek
FIND MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH.
Many pet owners are looking for natural ways to support their pet’s health. Even simple exercise is a great way to keep your dog healthy, so try to take them on daily walks. However, many dogs would benefit from added supplements to their diet.
A great option is natural CBD oil. It’s safe, and it won’t make your dog high like THC does, but it will provide them with the same kind of support they would get from traditional medications.
Bake more…dog treats!
A dog favorite resolution you can make for your pup is to bake more homemade treats together. Not only will this provide them with delicious snacks, but it will also help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. As a bonus, many of these recipes are health-friendly and won’t overload your pup with unhealthy ingredients.
PLAN FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
Sometimes, even the best of intentions can stray off track. This is usually due to an unexpected schedule conflict. You might also have difficulty getting back on track after the streek has been broken. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix these issues so that you stick to your goals. Just remember to do your best.
But just in case your dog’s New Year’s resolutions need a boost, here are some tips to get back on track.
Measure your pet’s food every time!
Measuring your pet’s food can help your furry friend stay on track to lose weight and keep their energy levels up. Furthermore, if your dog has a medical condition like diabetes or liver problems measuring your pet’s food can help keep them away from potentially dangerous situations. How much pet food your pup needs should be somewhere on each bag of food.
Incorporate more playtime
It’s always more fun to get exercise when you have someone to do it with. And what could be better than including your furry best friend in on the action?
Dogs are always ready and willing to get up and go for a walk, a jog, or even a swim. Not only will this help keep both of you healthy and fit, but more playtime will provide you with many opportunities to spend quality time together. Extra playtime might be our favorite New Year’s resolution.
So this year, make sure to add a bit of extra playtime and consider exercise checked off your list.
Get pearlier whites
Dental health is vital for the overall well-being of your pet. They say a dog’s smile can make your day. If your dog’s teeth are bright and clean, you’ll both feel better! However, brushing your pet’s teeth may be a bit of a challenge, so take it slow. Remember, this is only one New Year’s resolution you can try.
For a healthy, natural chew, make sure to grab a snack from Barking Buddha to help keep those teeth and gums healthy. Shop Now.
Be less thirsty
One common New Year’s resolution is to drink more water. And for a good reason – staying hydrated is essential for your health. But this resolution isn’t just for humans – dogs need plenty of fresh, clean water too.
Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of fresh, clean water throughout the day. This will help keep them healthy and hydrated, and it will also help prevent them from drinking dirty water while out and about.
YEARLY HABITS FOR PET OWNERS
It’s crazy how quickly a year can go by. However, here are a few things that you should make sure to put on your dog’s New Years resolution list.
Update your pet’s ID info
It’s important to update your pet’s ID information at least once a year. There are several other reasons, including:
- If your pet is microchipped, they could go outside, and an animal control officer might scan them and not return them home on time if the information doesn’t match.
- If your pet isn’t microchipped, it may get lost, but you cannot find it because the address on the tag doesn’t match their current home.
- Any new puppies that have been added to your home should have their info and vaccinations updated.
Schedule A Check-Up With Your Vet
Speaking of vaccinations… Make sure that you schedule a check-up with your vet at least once per year. This can help keep them healthy and catch any health problems early on.
CONCLUSION
It’s important to consider your pet’s needs and wants when making New Year’s resolutions. There are plenty of ways to ensure that they’re happy, healthy, and living a long life, even if it means including them in on the fun with their own goals! As an added bonus, many of these habits will help keep you both on the right track to your goals.
And make sure to check out all the natural ways to keep your dog healthy from Barking Buddha.