A Fresh Start for You and Your Pet This New Year

With the end of December and the start of the new year, it’s become somewhat of a tradition to take an honest look at our lifestyles and habits to identify where improvements can be made.

New Years Pets - Dog, cat, and legs of runner on field under golden sunset sky in evening time.

Committing to an outdoor exercise routine with your pet in the new year can help you get healthy together.

We promise ourselves that a fresh start in the New Year is just what’s needed to make these changes stick.

If you’re making a list of New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget to include your pet! In many cases, the lives of our furry companions could use some tidying up as well. Our cats and dogs rely on us for everything, which is why it’s often easier to keep our promises to them rather than ourselves.

We’ve outlined some of our favorite New Year’s resolutions for pet owners that improve the health and vitality of our four-legged friends, and are easy to start any time of the year.

Room for Improvement for You and Your Pet in the New Year

The holidays allow us to catch up on a bit of rest and relaxation, so we’re ready to hit the ground running in the new year. Not surprisingly, many of the most important New Year's resolutions for cats and dogs are similar to our own self-care lists.

Get Moving with Your Pet

Are you feeling the effects of spending too much time on the couch and not enough time outdoors? If so, your pet probably is too. Get up, get moving, and bond in the new year with your pet.

Try incorporating your dog into a new exercise routine like running, hiking or kayaking. Not only is it a great way to strengthen your bond, but it will encourage healthy physical activity. Make it a group activity and invite a few friends!
Cats enjoy the thrill of the chase. Carve out some time each day for a supercharged playtime session chock full of a little aerobic activity. Experiment with toys that satisfy different play patterns (hunt, swat, interactive) to see what really gets your cat up on all four paws.

Experiment with a New Diet for Your Pet

Make sure your pet’s current diet satisfies the requirements of their life stage.

Younger, growing cats and dogs need specific nutrients to ensure they grow up healthy and strong.
Senior pets may have lower energy requirements but other medical conditions that can be controlled with the right diet.
Be sure to always measure the correct amount of food so you don’t overfeed; this catalyzes weight gain. Most pet foods contain recommended feeding guidelines for daily intake directly on the package.

New Years Pets - Cat sits on woman's lap as she brushes her fur.

Starting the new year with daily brushings strengthens your bond, while letting you spot injuries on your pet.

Clean It Like You Mean It: Your Pet's Dental Health

Daily tooth brushing with pet safe toothpaste is the best way to maintain good oral hygiene. Unfortunately, not all cats and dogs cooperate when it’s time to polish those pearly whites.
The good news is there are plenty of dental treats available that are designed to keep plaque and tartar at bay.

Brush Your Pet Daily

Aside from removing excess hair and distributing natural oils from skin to fur for a shiny, healthy coat, daily brushing allows you to identify any injuries or abnormalities on your pet in a soothing manner.

Check Your Pet's I.D. Tags

Throughout the year, a lot can change. Make sure your pet’s ID tags or microchip is up to date with your latest contact information to ensure they make their way home safely if they ever become lost.

What are your New Year’s resolutions for you and your pet? Post them on our Facebook page or connect with us on Instagram.