New Year’s Resolutions for Your Dog

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Dog

 

No, we aren’t suggesting that your favorite furry friend is going to stroll up to your as the calendar comes to a close, sit you down, and begin explaining their many goals and desires for 2020, but that would be pretty awesome, right?

Instead, we’re suggesting that you take some time to think about what your canine companion may want to change in the new year. Since they can’t communicate—at least not with any human languages—we’ve put together a short guide to help you out.

Read on to discover some key New Year’s resolutions you can make for your dog!

Head to the Vet

Okay, we admit it—you’re pup probably wouldn’t choose to go to the vet. However, starting the new year with a checkup is always a good idea. A quick trip to the vet can set the tone for the rest of the year by confirming that your dog is healthy and addressing any potential issues that may be present or possible.

Knowing the way forward requires knowing your dog’s current state of health. From putting them on a diet and taking more walks to simply continuing what you’re already doing, the peace-of-mind that comes from a visit to the vet is irreplaceable!

Update Their Info

It can be easy to push updating your dog’s information to the backburner or simply forget entirely. The new year is the perfect time to make updating this information a priority. Whether it’s their tags, microchip, or both, having up-to-date information is vital to keeping your dog safe!

Reconsider Their Food

It’s no secret that dogs can have sensitive digestive systems. As the calendars change, it’s a good idea to take some time to evaluate what food your dog eats—whether it’s from your table or from the store—and consider how appropriate it is for them.

The most obvious place to start is portion size. Are you measuring your dog’s food each and every time? If not, committing to this easy task can help improve your pup’s health! Hand-in-hand with portion size is the type of food.

For example, dogs outgrow certain foods, so what used to be right for them may no longer be an ideal part of their diet. Ask yourself, is their food age-appropriate? If not, find new food to match their current stage in life!

Spend More Time Together

If there’s one thing your pup craves more than bacon—we know, this is a bold statement—it’s time with you, their best friend. You may already be great about spending plenty of quality time with your canine companion, but there’s no reason not to recommit to that prioritization!

Whether it’s cuddling up on the couch, playing a game of fetch, or getting outdoors for a leisurely walk (with plenty of breaks for sniffing everything in reach), spending time with your pooch is beneficial to them and to you!

Make New Friends

2020 is the year of new friendships, so head on down to the closest dog park, text that friend you haven’t seen in a while and setup a puppy playdate, or otherwise let your dog socialize a bit! The stimulation and interaction with other dogs will be good for them, and who knows—maybe they’ll make a new best friend with whom to spend the new year!