Are you ready for a fresh start in 2024? When you are making your New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to incorporate your pet into the list! Recruit your furry friend to be your goal buddy! It’s a wonderful way to bond with your pet, and it’s much easier to work towards your goals when you have an accountable pawner! Here’s a list of 8 pet-inspired, healthy resolutions for you and your dog in the New Year:

Eat healthier

Depending on their age, breed, size and health condition, each dog has specific daily nutrition requirements in order to live healthily. Pay extra attention to the proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and calories content of the foods you feed your dog with to make sure that their diets meet their nutritional needs. Consult your veterinarian for dietary advice when necessary.

Watch the portion

Feeding your dog too little can result in nutritional deficiencies. On the other hand, if you spoil your dog with too much food or treats, they can suffer from overweight, obesity and related health problems which can potentially lead to a shortened life span. The correct meal size depends on multiple factors including body weight, level of activeness, and food content. If you realise a sudden change in your pet’s weight, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for advice how to adjust your dog’s meal portion to help them get back on track.

Take your supplements

Feeding your pup dog food alone, even when complete and balanced, might not meet all their unique needs. That’s when you might want to give supplements to your dog to provide additional nutrients to their diet. Based on your dog’s individual needs, you might consider an additional boost of pre-and pro-biotics for symbiotic support of gut health, EPA and DHA for heart, kidney, joint, and skin health support, herbs for gentle calming or glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint cartilage health.

Spend quality time with your dog

Spending time with your furry companions is actually beneficial for both parties! Numerous studies have shown that petting dogs can help us lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and sense of loneliness and boost our mood! Remember, dogs thrive for long term companionship with their humans. Whether it’s just lying on the couch together, playing fetch in the dog park or going for a morning walk, try spending more time bonding with your pup in your own way and soon you’ll see how both of your lives will be positively impacted.

Keep calm and walk your dog

As long as it is safe to do so, let your dog decide their pace on their walks. Give your dog room and time to explore the world with you. The street might look exactly the same as yesterday, but your dog will still get excited over all the little things they see, smell and touch. Share the pure happiness and enjoy the sense of connection with your dog when you go on a walk.  

Do frequent wellness checks

Frequent physical examinations can help detect and prevent potential health problems for your furmily. Early diagnosis and treatment of health issues, diseases or injuries can improve the chances of a positive outcome and can also be less costly. Based on the age, breed and health condition of your dog, your veterinarian may recommend having check-ups every three months to a year. Puppies and senior dogs require more frequent check-ups.

Step up the dental game

It is crucial for dogs to maintain their dental hygiene for many reasons (not just only because dental care is so expensive). Poor dental hygiene in dogs can lead to a higher risk of health problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. These can not only be painful for your dog but also lead to other health problems, such as heart and kidney disease. If your dog is reluctant to brushing teeth, try using delicious dog toothpaste, dental rinses, and/or dental chews to help them enjoy the experience.

Learn new tricks

Teaching your dog new tricks can be a fun and rewarding activity to strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion! It also helps to keep your dog's mind active and engaged, therefore preventing boredom and related behavior issues. Learning a new trick requires focus and attention, so it can also help to improve their obedience and communication skills as they learn to pay attention to you, follow commands and understand what you want from them. Practice a new trick with them once in a while and positively reinforce their progress with delicious treats!