New Year, New Resolutions: For You & Your Pet

Happy New Year!

As we start a new year, 2018 brings an opportunity to start aiming towards new goals we have set for ourselves. If you are like the majority of people who set a new year’s resolution, then you are also among the 90% of individuals who aren’t successful at completing them. Instead of jumping into the year with high expectations for yourself and no one to keep you motivated, how about including your pet as your reliability partner? Not only can you both work towards improvements together, but you will feel more of a responsibility to continue moving in the right direction. Here are some resolutions that could benefit both yourself and your fur baby!

Try a New Activity

Being bold is something that many of us struggle with. Taking risks is easier for some than others. But, trying something new can really bring out a new side of us that we never saw before. The ability to see things from a fresh and new perspective is something that can easily be done through trying a new activity. Plus, you never know how much you could enjoy something if you have never tried it before right? Keep in mind, there are plenty of things that can be a new activity for both yourself and your pet. Whether it’s trying a new dog park, trying the dog beach for the first time, or even going to a new bar/brewery around town. As we’ve discussed before, these places will also present the chance to meet others with similar interests that might introduce you to other new activities you could really enjoy! Bringing your dog (and even cat in unique cases) can socialize them in a healthy way, just as it does for yourself.

Measure / Portion Food

About 50% of pets in America are overweight. I’ll spare the statistics for the average American to keep both you and myself from feeling too bad, but let’s just say we could all use a more healthy routine when it comes to eating foods. I myself am constantly battling with what I want to eat and what I should eat. By portioning our foods, we are allowing ourselves to enjoy while still limiting. Doing the same thing for our pets can truly make as much a difference in them as it does for us. Our pets are a big priority in life, and we want to love them for as many years allowed, so helping them to be more physically tuned and managing a healthy weight is a wonderful start. Make sure to pay attention to food labels and give the appropriate amount for the age and current weight of the dog. When we have an idea of what is excessive and what is appropriate, then we can be consistent and improvements will begin.

Set Up A Date With Friends

Now that you and your pup have tried new activities together, you more than likely have met some new friends. Take time in your busy schedule to set up playdates for your pup and yourself. Make it a point to plan ahead of time, or you will most likely get caught up in the day and the day will turn into weeks. These playdates are important, not just because they are fun, (which they absolutely are), but because it allows for us to unwind and get out unwanted stress and anxiety that can build up throughout our regular routines. The same goes for your pup! With establishing a regular playdate, they can socialize with buddies and can eliminate negative energy / stressors in a positive way. While your animals play, you can talk and share ideas with your friends that may be rather enlightening and helpful.

Start Saving

Finances are never the most thrilling thing to focus on, unless you’re super into that kind of thing, and I do know a couple (cheers to yall). It truly can make a world of a difference to have some money set aside in case an emergency may happen, or if a vet visit unexpectedly arises. As our pets get older, their bodies require more attention, just as ours do. Starting a savings can really also help to ease worry during difficult times. If you prepare ahead of time, you are ultimately setting yourself with a safety net, and that is something we could all benefit from. In addition to being ready to handle financial obligations, if you have a savings established you will likely have some extras to spend on things you and your pet also enjoy! 

Treat Yourself

Balance is a beautiful thing! Keeping a well rounded diet, getting regular exercise, and emotional stability are all components that help us to be the best version of us we can be. Overindulgence is easy, but not ideal. However, it is important to treat yourself every now and then because you DO deserve it. Life can be hard and we are constantly doing something it seems, so taking a break and rewarding yourself every now and then is actually very beneficial to your well being. Although our pets aren’t continually on the go like we are, bringing home a treat or new toy can get their brains working in a different way.

Bring in the new year with a chance to reach those resolutions you’ve set for yourself and your pet. The goal is to offer variety and opportunities to help us grow into a renewed version of us. Keep yourself on track by keeping your furry friend by your side through it all. After all, they are there for us throughout everything else in life. Have a Happy New Year!!!