Top 4 2021 New Year's Resolutions for Dogs (& You!)
Written by: Richard Rowlands
2021 is finally here! And with the holidays over and a fresh start in mind, many of us are thinking about our New Year's resolutions. Maybe you're considering ditching the donuts in favor of more healthy snacks? Perhaps it's time to get more active, start a new hobby, or save for a rainy day?
Let's face it, New Year's resolutions can be tough to stick to when you go it alone. But If you're a dog parent, why not get your furry family member involved?
In this post, we'll share our top 4 New Year's resolutions for 2021 that will benefit both you and your dog. Sound better than ruffing it alone? Then let's get started...
1) Eat Healthier
Most of us could benefit from eating a little healthier, and the same can often be said of our dogs. A simple way for us humans to eat better is to cut down on unhealthy treats and snacks between meals – and the same goes for your dog.
Looking for some tips on choosing healthy treats that will complement and complete your dog's diet? Check out our previous article, Your Healthy Pet Treat Buying Guide. It's packed full of useful information about different kinds of healthy treats, including functional treats, freeze-dried treats, and paleo-inspired jerky treats.
Some dogs could benefit from a new addition to their diet, whether that's some healthy toppers, trying a new, less processed food (like cold pressed), or maybe just rotating through some diets. A big trend we're seeing is dogs becoming flexitarian - eating different, more sustainable meals once or twice a week.
2) Go on More Walks
Walking is great exercise for you and your pup! Dogs love to explore unfamiliar environments, and are attracted to new and interesting sights, scents, and sounds; so why not change things up and go on walks to new and exciting places in 2021?
You could also experiment with changing the pace and duration of your walks to prevent your dog becoming bored of the same old routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking each day in order to experience its benefits.
Maybe your planning a longer hike with your dog this year, or possibly even an overnight backpacking trip. This is a great time to get you and your dog in shape, and try out and break in some new outdoor dog gear.
3) Make Time for Play
Dogs and humans love to play and making time for it in your routine has lots of benefits for the both of you. Playing with your dog helps build a bond between you. It also aids physical and mental health.
Looking for some inspiration for games to play with your dog? You could set up an agility course in the house or yard, play a game of hide and seek, or kick off a game of backyard football.
Even just 15 minutes of play inside with an eco-friendly dog toy is a great way to bond and get in some extra exercise.
4) Get a Health Checkup
It's easy to avoid going to the doctor for regular health checkups, but it's always a good idea to keep a close eye on our health. Of course, dogs age much faster than humans, so it's vital that they see the vet for regular health checkups.
Being proactive can help you avoid costly surgeries and ensure your pet is as healthy as possible. So, why not go ahead and book that vet appointment this January?
Maybe 2021 is finally the year you look into getting pet health insurance.
