It’s New Year’s Eve, the perfect time to sit down and ruminate over the past year while planning for the future! New Year’s Resolutions are always a wonderful tradition to begin a new calendar year. This year, make your resolutions even more special by including your pet! We have a few ideas for making the most of this next year with your favorite furry friend…
Get More Exercise
Exercise is important not only for your dog, but for you as well! It boosts endorphins, energy, and improves your mood and mental health. For your dog, it keeps him or her in shape, combats anxiety, and promotes healthy aging in bones and joints. Exercising your dog regularly also promotes healthy socialization, overall wellness, and a happier pup! You and your dog will create a stronger bond the more you exercise together.
Healthier Diet
You and your pet can tag-team on this resolution– start by eating healthier foods, and less treats! For your pets, making sure they have healthy and organic food is imperative. Be sure to buy food with the “organic” label rather than “natural,” since natural labels can still include ingredients that aren’t the best for your pet.
Stop Feeding Your Dog Table Food
Although it’s tempting to feed your dog scraps from dinner, it’s best not to. While there are some human foods that are completely harmless for dogs, teaching your dog not to beg at the table is a necessary part of obedience training. If you do choose to feed your dog select human foods, make sure they are nutritional and beneficial for your dog– and don’t give it to your pup at the dinner table. Rather, give these snacks during a different time of day, or place the snack in your dog’s food bowl.
Travel to New Places
What’s better than a grand new adventure? Not much! If you live in a place where there are hiking trails and dog parks galore, take your dog exploring with you! Discovering new places to go is a great way to get out of the house and to get up and moving. It’ll stimulate your mind and your dog’s, and introduce you to places you never knew even existed! You’ll get to know your own little part of the world better, and your dog will be so much happier from it.
Play with your Pet More
Just as getting more exercise creates stronger bonds between owner and pet, so does playing with your pet! It’s a form of exercise, and will keep your pet happy and feeling well-loved. Pets need extra special attention in the midst of this past year, and so do you.
Walk Your Dog Daily
Walking is not only great physical exercise, but also exceptional mental exercise! Walks stimulate a dog’s mind, allowing them to explore and learn about the world. While taking your dog on a routine path is great, it’s also fun to switch it up and find new paths to explore. This will stimulate your dog’s mind even more, and it’ll stimulate yours as well!
Try Something New!
Teach your pet a new trick, find a new go-to outdoor spot, or even try making homemade pet treats! There are so many new and creative activities to do with your pet. The possibilities are endless! Whatever you do, be sure to have fun. This new activity could be a great bonding experience for you and your pet, and just might be your (or your pet’s) new favorite thing!
Happy New Year from the Lilly Brush team!!
Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.