THIS YEAR, I am going to…

Whether you’re focused on a New Year’s resolution for yourself, your dog, or both, you don’t have to wait for the ball to drop to begin. Work towards these goals at any time of the year for a healthier and more fulfilling life with your pup.

It’s the New Year and chances are you rang it in with a personal resolution you’re determined to keep. We bet a vast majority of human resolutions focus on diet, activity and fitness - eat healthy food, read one book per month, start going to yoga (again). And if you’re a pet parent, you want to ensure your best fur friend kicks off the new year right, too. Setting and conquering goals together is a great way to bond with your furry friend and pick up some mutually beneficial habits. Need some inspiration to get started? Here are some suggestions for your dog’s happy and healthy 2020!

SHED THOSE EXTRA POUNDS

You might not be the only one who needs to focus on losing weight, breaking a sweat or getting organised in the New Year—your pet could benefit from your New Year’s resolution, too. Just like humans, overweight pets are also susceptible to health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even certain forms of cancer. A proper diet and regular exercise routine are essential for keeping your pet—and yourself— healthy and fit. You don’t have to hike for miles or walk for hours to reap the benefits; even just short bursts of active time can help burn off some anxious energy and calories. It can be as simple as playing a few rounds of fetch, or walking around the block after dinner. For these cold and dreary winter days, you can play hide and seek inside, or even put a leash on your dog while you walk up and down the stairs. Although resolutions are notorious for starting out strong and fading fast, remind yourself of the many benefits exercise offers your dog: mental stimulation, obedience training, healthy joints, increased metabolism, time to bond, and more. After a while, you will both likely crave exercise.

SAY NO TO LOW QUALITY-COMMERCIAL FOOD!