New Year resolutions for you and your pet

By Kristia Goodnight

The start of a new year brings the perfect opportunity to reflect and commit to making positive changes - not just for yourself but for your furry companions, too. These pet resolutions for the new year are designed to improve your pet's quality of life – and strengthen your bond.

Why make New Year resolutions for you and your pet

The New Year is a time for fresh starts, and including your pet in your resolutions benefits both of you. Many pet-related goals, like regular exercise or better nutrition, align with personal resolutions, creating healthier lifestyles for both of you.

Plus, spending intentional time with your pet, whether through training or play, builds trust and deepens your relationship.

Pets are vital to our lives, and improving their well-being strengthens the bond you share while enhancing your own habits.

1. Commit to daily movement

Exercise is one of the best ways to keep both you and your pet healthy. It provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of dogs and 60% of cats in the U.S. are overweight. Regular exercise can help manage their weight and overall health.

Creative ways to get active:

• Structured walks: Add variety by changing the route or terrain. If you usually walk in your neighborhood, try a hiking trail or a dog-friendly beach.
• Interactive play: Fetch, tug-of-war, or even hide-and-seek are excellent ways to engage your pet.
• Canine sports: Activities like agility, flyball, or dock diving are great for high-energy breeds. For cats, try interactive chase toys and feather wands.

Monitor your pet’s behavior during exercise. Overexertion can lead to heatstroke or fatigue, especially in breeds with short snouts or older pets.

2. Focus on pet nutrition

Nutrition forms the foundation of your pet’s health, impacting their energy levels, coat quality, and longevity. Many pet owners unknowingly overfeed or offer inappropriate foods, leading to long-term health issues.

Understanding pet nutrition:

• Tailored Diets: Your pet’s age, breed, size, and health status all impact their dietary needs.
• Healthy Treats: Replace calorie-heavy treats with nutritious alternatives like carrot sticks, apple slices (without seeds), or cooked plain chicken. Always avoid toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, artificial sweeteners, and onions.

Steps to upgrade your pet’s diet:

• Your veterinarian can recommend the best food for your pet’s specific needs.
• Use a measuring cup or scale. Pay attention to feeding guidelines on food packaging.
• While consistency is key, occasional additions like plain pumpkin (good for digestion) or fish oil (for a shiny coat) can provide extra nutrients.

Feeding your pet a well-balanced diet supports their immune system, keeps their weight in check, and reduces the risk of chronic illnesses.

3. Schedule regular vet visits

Many pet health issues go unnoticed until they become serious. Regular vet visits can catch these problems early, saving your pet discomfort and potentially reducing treatment costs.

Why preventative care matters:

Vaccinations, dental checkups, and routine screenings help detect problems like diabetes, kidney disease, or dental infections before they worsen.

How to stay on top of vet visits:

• Set reminders: Use a calendar app or physical planner to track appointments, vaccinations, and treatments like flea prevention.
• Know the basics: Learn how to check your pet’s vital signs at home, like their gum color, heart rate, and breathing, to monitor their health between visits.
• Don’t forget dental care: Oral health is often overlooked but is a foundational aspect of your pet’s overall health. Periodontal disease affects 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by the age of two. Regular dental care can help prevent it.

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4. Prioritize training and mental stimulation

Training isn’t just about teaching your pet tricks, it's a lifelong process that improves their behavior, keeps them mentally sharp, and strengthens your bond. Mental stimulation is equally important, as boredom can lead to destructive behaviors.

Benefits of training:

• For your pet: It helps them understand boundaries and builds confidence.
• For you: A well-trained pet is easier to manage and integrates better into daily life.

How to incorporate training:

• Start small: Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to focus on training. Use positive reinforcement like treats or praise.
• Practice regularly: Even if your pet knows basic cues, practice them in new environments to reinforce learning.
• Teach fun tricks: Beyond “sit” and “stay,” teach unique tricks like “spin” or “fetch a specific toy.” This adds variety and keeps them engaged.

Dog enrichment toys:

• Puzzle toys: Hide treats inside a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat to challenge your pet’s problem-solving skills.
• Varied walks: Let your dog sniff around during walks, it’s mentally stimulating for them to explore new scents.

Training older pets:

It’s never too late to start training. Senior pets may learn at a slower pace, but training keeps their minds sharp and strengthens their bond with you.

5. Create a consistent grooming routine

Grooming your pet isn’t just about them looking cute, it’s an important part of their overall health. Regular grooming sessions are an opportunity to check for health issues like skin lumps, injuries, or parasites.

Why grooming matters:

• Physical health: Brushing removes dirt, debris, and dead fur, reducing the risk of skin infections.
• Comfort: Long nails, tangled fur, or dirty ears can cause discomfort or pain.
• Bonding time: Grooming can be a calming activity that strengthens your connection.

How to create a routine:

• Brushing: Choose a brush suited to your pet’s coat type. Pets with longer fur likely need daily brushing while pets with shorter fur may only require weekly sessions.
• Nail trimming: Trim nails every 3 weeks or so to prevent issues like splitting. If you’re unsure how, ask your vet or groomer to teach you.
• Bathing: Bathe your pets as needed, using species-appropriate shampoo. Most dogs benefit from a bath every 4-6 weeks, while most cats groom themselves and need baths only in special circumstances.
• Ear and eye care: Check ears for debris or signs of infection. Wipe away eye discharge with a damp cloth.
• Dental hygiene: Only use pet-safe products to brush your pet’s teeth. Additionally, dental chews can also reduce plaque buildup.

Tips for reluctant rets:

• Start slowly, at your pet’s speed, and use treats to create positive associations with grooming.
• Break the process into smaller steps, like brushing one section of fur or trimming a single nail at a time.
• Use calming pheromone diffusers or sprays if your pet seems anxious.

6. Build quality time into your routine

Spending intentional, undistracted time with your pet is more than just an enjoyable activity; it fosters a sense of security and strengthens your bond. Pets thrive on connection, and they notice when you prioritize them in your daily life.

Ideas for quality time:

• Daily rituals: Establish a routine that your pet can rely on. For example, start every morning with a five-minute cuddle session or end the day with a calming brush.
• Interactive play: Use toys and games that require human interaction like tug ropes for dogs or wand toys for cats.
• Pet-friendly outings: For dogs, visit a nearby beach, dog park, or hiking trail. Many cities now have pet-friendly restaurants or breweries where you can grab a meal with your dog at your side. For cats or small pets, set up a safe outdoor area, teach your cat to walk on a leash, or invest in a stroller designed for pets to explore your neighborhood.
• Mindfulness together: If you practice yoga or meditation, invite your pet to join. Many dogs and cats enjoy the calming energy and will naturally gravitate toward you during these sessions.

Even if you’re swamped, short moments can count. Spend a few minutes rubbing your pet’s ears, talking to them softly, or tossing a toy while you prepare dinner.

7. Microchip your pet or update their information

Microchippingis a simple yet critical step for pet safety. Thousands of pets go missing every year, and a pet’s microchip can mean the difference between a quick reunion and prolonged separation.

Microchipping isn’t just for dogs and cats. It’s also recommended for small pets, birds, and exotic animals.

Why microchips work:

• Microchips are permanent and can’t be lost like an ID tag. They contain a unique ID number linked to your contact details in a registry.
• Veterinary clinics, shelters, and animal control officers typically have scanners to check for microchips, increasing the likelihood of reuniting you with your lost pet.

Steps to microchip or update information:

1. Schedule an appointment: If your pet isn’t microchipped, talk to your vet. The process is quick, painless, and relatively inexpensive.
2. Check registration: If your pet is already chipped, verify your contact information in the registry.
3. Keep a backup: While microchips are excellent, a visible ID tag with your pet’s name and phone number provides immediate information if your pet is found by a neighbor or passerby.

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8. Build a safe and stimulating home environment

Creating a home environment that caters to your pet’s physical, emotional, and mental needs can improve their quality of life significantly. Pets need a combination of comfort, safety, and stimulation to thrive.

Creating a safe space:

• Pet zones: Designate a specific area in your home where your pet can retreat for quiet time. For dogs, this could be a cozy crate or bed; for cats, a perch or hideaway.
• Hazard-free living: Secure cleaning supplies, medications, and small items out of your pet’s reach. Don't keep plants toxic to pets in your home.
• Safe windows: For indoor cats, install secure screens or window perches that allow them to bask in the sunlight without the risk of escape or injury.

Boosting Mental Stimulation:

• Rotating toys: Pets often lose interest in toys when they’re always available. Keep a collection of toys and rotate them weekly to maintain novelty.
• Interactive games: Invest in puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or cat tunnels to keep your pet’s mind engaged.
• Scent work: For dogs, create scent-based challenges where they have to find hidden treats using their nose. This activity is great for mental stimulation.

9. Learn more about pet health

The more you know about your pet’s health, the better equipped you are to make health decisions for them. Proactive learning can help you catch potential issues early, saving time, money, and distress for both you and your pet.

Ways to expand your knowledge:

• Pet first aid: Consider taking an online or in-person pet first aid course to learn how to best handle common emergencies, like choking, cuts, or heatstroke.
• Breed-specific research: Every breed has its unique quirks and vulnerabilities. Understanding these predispositions allows you to better monitor for any warning signs.
• Seasonal risks: Be aware of hazards that change with the seasons. In winter, pets can suffer from frostbite or ingest harmful antifreeze. In summer, dehydration and heatstroke are common dangers.

Building a health plan:

• Keep a record of your pet’s vaccinations, medications, and dietary preferences.
• Create a pet emergency kit tailored to your pet’s needs. Include items like gauze, pet-safe antiseptic, tweezers, and any medications your pet takes regularly.

Proactive health tips:

• Learn to check your pet’s vital signs, such as their resting heart rate and gum color, which can indicate health changes.
• Stay updated with advances in veterinary care, including treatments for common ailments or new pet-friendly technologies.

10. Capture more memories

Time with your pet is fleeting, and every moment spent together is a treasure. By consciously documenting and celebrating these memories, you not only honor your bond but also create a lasting record of the joy they bring to your life.

Why capturing memories matters

• Emotional Connection: Reflecting on happy memories can bring comfort and joy, especially as your pet grows older.
• Legacy Building: Your pet is a cherished part of your life, and documenting their milestones means they remain part of your story.

Ways to capture more memories

• Start a pet photo journal: Dedicate a notebook or digital album to your pet’s milestones. Include photos with captions that describe the moment, add keepsakes like paw prints, fur clippings (if groomed), or pressed flowers from special walks.
• Create social media accounts: Post updates, share milestones, and connect with other pet lovers. Record your pet’s daily antics, whether it’s a fun zoomies session, a slow-motion treat catch, or a snuggly nap.

Celebrate milestones and everyday moments

• Gotcha Day: Celebrate the day you brought your pet home. Make it special with a new toy, a treat, or a fun outing.
• Birthdays: Bake or buy pet-safe treats to celebrate their special day. Add party hats and decorations for a fun photo shoot.
• Training triumphs: Document their progress with videos and photos.
• Morning routines: Capture your pet’s excitement when they see you first thing in the morning.
• Playtime antics: Record how they interact with their favorite toy or invent a new game.

New Year’s resolutions steps for success

Small, consistent actions lead to long-term benefits for you and your pet. Pick a few resolutions that resonate with you and gradually integrate them into your routine. By prioritizing your pet’s health, happiness, and safety, you’ll create a more fulfilling life for both of you.

Your bond with your pet is one of life’s greatest joys - let this year be a celebration of that connection.