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6 New Year resolutions to fulfill both you and your dog

By Beth Rush

SALT, SPAIN - JUNE 04: Seven-year-old Katalina brushes her teeth as her fifty-year old grandmother Doris Perez plays with their pet dog at the apartment of an occupied newly constructed building where Doris Perez moved last March with her three grandchildren after they were evicted a year ago after being unable to afford their rent on June 4, 2013 in Salt, Spain. In 2010 Spanish banks foreclosed on more than 100,000 households contributing to the already large number of empty houses in Spain. With as many as one million properties unsold victims of Spain's financial crisis have turned to squatting in the empty buildings. This building has stood empty for two years before the anti-eviction platform of Girona and several homeless families moved in three months ago. The community houses a total of 8 families who have to suffer water and electricity cuts and live with the fear of eviction. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
SALT, SPAIN - JUNE 04: Seven-year-old Katalina brushes her teeth as her fifty-year old grandmother Doris Perez plays with their pet dog at the apartment of an occupied newly constructed building where Doris Perez moved last March with her three grandchildren after they were evicted a year ago after being unable to afford their rent on June 4, 2013 in Salt, Spain. In 2010 Spanish banks foreclosed on more than 100,000 households contributing to the already large number of empty houses in Spain. With as many as one million properties unsold victims of Spain's financial crisis have turned to squatting in the empty buildings. This building has stood empty for two years before the anti-eviction platform of Girona and several homeless families moved in three months ago. The community houses a total of 8 families who have to suffer water and electricity cuts and live with the fear of eviction. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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A fresh start is an excellent opportunity to make positive life changes. It’s why everyone loves New Year resolutions. When you finish celebrating another trip around the sun, it’s time to start thinking about how your life can change in the coming year.

Dog owners have a special responsibility when setting their goals. What you choose to do with your time could also benefit your four-legged best friend. It depends on the goals you want to achieve, which are much easier to pick with inspirational tips like these.

Check out these New Year’s resolutions to fulfill you and your dog. You’ll achieve your personal goals while bonding with your pup, improving your lives.

Benefits of New Year resolutions for dog owners

Sometimes people get tired of setting resolutions for the new year, but there are many benefits to reflecting on what you want from your future. You’ll better understand your personal goals and set actionable steps to achieve them. It’s also good to use the new year as a long-term deadline since a timeline will help you stay on track with your progress.

If you’re ready to improve things for you and your dog, check out these inspirational New Year resolutions for pet owners that could guide your journey together for the next 12 months.

1. Eat More Mindfully

Mindful eating is a popular trend that has significant health benefits. You can practice it this year by tuning into your state of mind while eating. During each meal and snack, consider your sensations and thoughts to meditate on your experience. You’ll savor every bite, reduce daily stress and even prevent weight gain.

Your dog will love lounging in the kitchen with you while you eat, but they can also participate in slower eating patterns. Consider investing in a slow feeder bowl or a puzzle kit so they have to carefully extract each piece during meals.

2. Attend Preventive Medical Appointments

It’s always good for people and their dogs to attend annual medical checkups, but people often forget to schedule them. Get ahead of health problems by scheduling those appointments and asking questions while you’re there.

The vet may hear your dog’s current routine and recognize symptoms of potential conditions, like being disinterested in daily walks due to seasonal affective disorder. Your primary care provider could do the same for you. You’ll catch health problems before they develop and get the care you both need right away.

3. Get Less Screen Time

Spending your free time in front of screens is tempting when so much of modern life happens on the internet. Enjoy the newest movie or episode of a streaming show, but set a New Year’s resolution to step away for longer technology breaks.

Spending less time in front of your computer or TV reduces your risk for health conditions such as:

  • Depression
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Weight gain
  • Mood regulation problems

You’ll gain more free time, which directly benefits your dog. You could spend that time playing fetch in the backyard or socializing at dog parks. Having more quality time together while listening to a podcast will improve your bond and health.

4. Listen to New Music

Consider how often you listen to new genres or artists when you’re in the mood for some music. Exploring other options reveals more about your interest so you can learn about yourself. Self-exploration is crucial to New Year resolutions, but jamming to different tunes also benefits your dog.

What you decide to play in the car or around your home affects your pup. Recent research shows that reggae and soft rock relaxes dogs, while songs with higher pitches make them nervous. Trying new playlists or listening to different genres is one of the best New Year resolutions for pet owners because it’s fun, free and beneficial for your dog.

5. Follow a Dental Routine

Everyone could use a better dental routine, including dogs. Brushing your teeth twice a day is an excellent way to maintain your oral health, but when was the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth?

Something as simple as using an electric toothbrush will reduce your gingivitis risk by 11%, while daily brushing does the same for your pup. You’ll also help your dog avoid costly surgeries due to canine dental disease. Find toothpaste made for canines and a small toothbrush to create a healthier routine for the new year.

6. Visit More Outdoor Vacation Destinations

Travel more during the next 12 months by resolving to visit more outdoor vacation destinations. You could even pick pet-friendly locations so your pup can enjoy off-leash hiking trails, canoeing or camping. You’ll both get exercise and the chance to explore by setting this simple resolution.

Set better resolutions this year

These are some of the best New Year resolutions for pet owners because they’re easy and helpful. You and your dog could enjoy better dental health, get more exercise and have new bonding opportunities just by setting a goal or two for the upcoming year.

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