Happy 'Chew' Year! 10 New Year’s resolutions for you and your dog

The New Year is here and that means it’s time to start thinking about resolutions. Get your pup involved in your promises for 2018, and know that every time he gives you sad puppy eyes, he’s reminding you to follow your goals!

While I’m sure we are all trying our best to be the best pup-parent to our canine family members, there is always something that you can be doing better. Here’s our list of New Year’s resolutions for dog people!

Promise to take your dog for one long walk every day.

Rain or shine, Fido deserves his exercise. Not only will this get you and your pup away from your Netflix binge-session, it will also allow for some much-needed bonding time for the two of you. Who says your workout partner needs to have two legs?

Resolve to give back to other pups in need.

Whether it’s putting a few pounds in the “homeless pets” jar at the pet shop check-out line, or volunteering to walk dogs at your local shelter a few days a week, make sure to give back to those four-legged friends who don’t have as much as your own fur ball.

Spend more time with your dog.

If you find yourself getting caught up in life (the holidays will do that to you!) vow to take a breath and spend a little more time with your dog. It’s easy to get distracted by all of the important events going on, but don’t forget that every time you head out for a dinner with friends, you are leaving your fuzz butt behind. Devote plenty of time for snuggling with your furry friend, and try to stay in one or two nights to show your dog how much you care about him.

Promise to feed your dog only the best!

While healthier dog food brands are sometimes costlier than the generic brands, they will truly make a difference in your dog’s life. Try to find foods that have real ingredients instead of words that you can’t pronounce. The more natural, the better.

Take your pup somewhere new.

Looking to get away for a weekend? Find somewhere that will accept your dog as well! Try renting a pet-friendly Airbnb to get away from the hustle and bustle of your life, and give your dog a new experience.

Let your dog make friends with other dogs.

If your pup is a fan of playing with other canines, allow him that socialisation. Bring him to a dog park, or join a dog-walking group in your area. The time spent with other pups will help them build positive relationships, which in turn helps them avoid altercations in the future. Unsocialised dogs can become nervous around other animals, and may even get defensive. Avoid that with plenty of play dates!

Measure your pet’s food out every single time!

Instead of just simply guessing around how much food your pet is having poured into his bowl, try meticulously measuring it out every mealtime. Get the recommended feeding amount from the bag of food, and also from your veterinarian. Overfeeding can result in laziness and this in turn can lead to overweight doggos plus other health problems!

Make sure your pup is getting a yearly “physical.”

Just like people, dogs need yearly check-ups with their doctor to make sure everything is A-OK. Don’t just take your dog to the vet when he’s sick - make sure you bring him in at least once a year to check for conditions like diabetes, arthritis and other diseases that could be prevented. Also, don’t forget the teeth! Your pup should have his teeth cleaned regularly, no matter how much they hate it. Just remember, it’s for their own good!

Get your pup groomed or groom him yourself.

This is really important for long-haired dogs. Don’t wait too long to get them groomed, or the knots in their hair could become very painful against their skin. Brush your pup a few times a week to distribute oils evenly along their coat, which will make them shinier. Not only will you have one good-lookin’ pup, but he’ll feel better too!

Think about possibly fostering a homeless pet.

If your pup is dog-friendly and could maybe even use a friend, consider fostering a pup at a local shelter. Not only will this show the dog compassion, but they will have a warm place to sleep that isn’t a kennel. Dogs who are fostered are typically better socialised and easier to place in a forever home. And who knows - you may fall in love and make him your forever pet!