6 New Years Resolutions for You and Your Dog

As the year comes to an end we all look forward to the new year ahead and all that it may bring. The anticipation of a healthier, happier you in the new year.

While making new years resolutions for yourself, it's the perfect time to make some for your dog too!

Here are 6 resolutions that will not only improve your life, but your dog's life too.

 

1. Eat healthier

A common New Year's resolution is to eat healthier and this is something that can apply to your dog as well.

A healthier diet for your dog can increase your dog's longevity. 

Did you know that more than 50% of dogs in the US are obese?⁠

An overweight dog is not a healthy dog and will not live a happy life.⁠

Overweight dogs are at increased risk of metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, joint diseases, a lowered immune system, and many other health problems. ⁠

They also are less mobile and can’t run, play, or do other activities as much as they’d like.⁠

So do your dog a favor and keep them at a healthy weight by maintaining a healthy diet and healthy exercise. Which leads us to resolution number two.

Related: Human Foods Safe for Your Dog to Eat

 

2. Regular exercise

This is another one of the most common resolutions made every year and oftentimes it's forgotten about within a month.

Maybe all you need is a furry accountability buddy!

Regular exercise will benefit both you and your dog's health and the bond that you share.

Try to commit to daily walks. You could go for a hike or a swim once a week. Maybe once in a while switch out those walks for a run or a bike ride.

The possibilities of exercise with your dog is endless!

 

3. Create better habits

Most people struggle to break their bad habits because they don't replace those bad habits with good habits.

Maybe you want to quit smoking or drinking or quit eating sugar or fried foods. Find a healthier habit to replace it.

Maybe you want to stop going out to the bar every Friday night. You could replace it with taking your dog on a hike or start competing in agility with your dog.

Maybe you want to spend less time on social media. You could replace it by spending that time training your dog instead.

 

4. Practice self care

If there's one thing us Americans are good at, it's getting stressed.

Take time out of your day every day to practice self care and let your dog help.

Petting and cuddling your dog can relieve stress. Sit and enjoy the moment with your dog and watch them act silly and put a smile on your face.

If you don't take good care of yourself you may not be around long enough to take of your dog. And if you don't take good care of your dog they may not be around very long either.

Related: How to Show Your Dog You Love Them

 

5. Try new things

After being stuck in quarantine for an extended period of time, we all have realized just how short life can be and how we need to cherish the life we do have. Don't be afraid to get out there and try new things!

Join a dog agility competition. Go on a roadtrip with your dog or go camping together. Take a fun dog training class. Do something you've been wanting to do but keep putting off.

 

6. Do more good deeds

It always feels good to give back to those who need it. And what better way to do that than with your dog?

You could foster dogs. Offer to walk an elderly neighbor's dog. Purchase treats and toys to donate to a local shelter.

When we help others, our brains release oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. AKA helping others boosts our mood.

This helps to boost your dog's mood because they sense our emotions. When we're mad and stressed our dog's feel that. And when we're happy, they feel that too.

 

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