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10 New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Your Dog’s Health and Happiness

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This article has been updated.

Instead of making (and breaking) the same old New Year’s resolution, try something different this year: make your resolution about your dog.

Each year as your dog get older, her needs change, and you may need to reassess her everyday routine and long-term care to ensure you are doing the best for her health and happiness.

Here are 10 easy resolutions that can help make this year the best one yet for you and your dog.

1. Go for more walks.

By nature, dogs like to roam. It’s instinctual; wild (and stray) dogs roam in packs looking for food. Dogs tend to need to walk daily to be happy and healthy. Walking provides exercise and mental stimulation. Equally important, walks give your dog an opportunity to explore the world through their most acute sense: smell. To make their walk even better, vary your route to give your pups new smells (and sights) to explore.

Related: How to Have a More Mindful Walk for Both You and Your Dog

2. Take care of your dog’s health.

If your dog hasn’t been to the vet in forever, schedule an annual checkup. Stay up to date on vaccines. Add or renew flea, tick, and mosquito repellant, especially for the prevention of heartworm, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

3. Take care of your dog’s teeth.

While this is part of your dog’s overall health, it’s so important it deserves and resolution of its own. Dental health is at the top of the list of health issues in dogs. Get your dog’s teeth checked, and if necessary, schedule a dental cleaning; it can be expensive, but it will save money in the long run. Then make a plan for daily care to include: brushing, dental chews, and/or supplements. At the very least, resolve to give your dog one dental stick or dental treat a day and add a supplement to their food.

Our dental kit is a simple yet powerful way to help keep your dog’s mouth healthy, fresh and clean. No toothbrush required. 

Developed by veterinarians, Bye, Bye Dog Breath Dental Powder and Bye, Bye Dog Breath Dental Sticks are both packed full of natural ingredients to clean teeth and keep them free of plaque, while supporting gums and freshening breath.

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Related: How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth Without Him Absolutely Hating You

4. Provide more mental stimulation.

Your dog needs mental exercise as much as physical exercise. A dog that’s bored will look for ways to amuse himself, which often translates into destructive behavior such as chewing shoes and ripping apart pillows. Interactive puzzle toys are a good way to get your dog thinking. Some of these toys can be used safely when your dogs are on their own, and some need supervision. If your dog is alone for much of the day, consider a doggie cam so you can communicate. A schedule playtime for any of the games on this list.

Related: 19 of the Best Interactive Dog Puzzles and Games for Your Bored Pooch

5. Improve the quality of your dog’s food.

Your dog’s health (and happiness) is affected greatly by the food you give her. Food with tons of preservatives and filler can cause all kinds of health issues, from allergies to gastrointestinal diseases. The better the food, the more likely your dog remains healthy. Learn about ingredients to look for and avoid, so you can make an informed opinion. Or even better…

Related: We Compared the Top Dog Food Delivery Companies on Ingredients, Price and What Makes Them Special

6. Cook for your dog.

For many, the highest quality food is the food you make yourself (particularly because the pet food industry isn’t really regulated). Also, cooking up large batches of dog food ends up being significantly less expensive than buying top dog food by the can. Making dog food that is nutritionally balanced is not as hard as you may think (cats are a whole other story). Do your research on ingredients, ratios and supplements. Your dog will love you for it.

7. Groom your dog regularly.

Grooming includes bathing, brushing, and taking care of your dog’s skin, ears, eyes, nails and teeth. While some breeds need bathing more frequently for different reasons — some dogs are stinkier, some are closer to the ground and get dirtier, some have long hair that needs brushing — grooming is important part of your dog’s care as it gives you a chance to check on your dog’s health. It also makes them look good!

The perfect shampoo for our dirty dogs. The all-purpose shampoo nourishes the skin with a light, natural scent of cedarwood and sage, leaving your pup smelling fresh and ready for snuggles. 

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8. Teach your dog a new trick.

Whether you brush up on basic commands or teach your dogs how to high five, the activity keep your dogs sharp, makes them feel good about themselves, gives them confidence, and is great for bonding (and a well-timed high five from your pooch may also score you a free drink in the beer garden). Or encourage your future Olympians (Puplympians?), and sign them up for a dog sports class.

Rubber dog bone toy

These tough toys can keep dogs occupied for hours, helping with mental stimulation, problem solving, and giving you a little break. The natural rubber bone bounces, wobbles, and has a hole for hiding treats or peanut butter. Of course, always supervise your dog during playtime.

$14.00

Related: Meet the Two Rescue Dogs Who Just Made the Guinness World Records Book

9. Take your dog on an adventure.

Whether you bring your dog to the beach, on a canoeing trip, camping, hiking, or a road trip, it will enrich your dog’s life and give her some fun exercise. One of the best parts of being a dog parent is how it easy it becomes to meet new people. Going a new adventures is always better with a dog.

10. Stop and smell the roses.

I mean this literally. Learn from your dog how to live in the present. Sit on the grass and smell the breeze. Listen to the world. Look at the trees and the plants and the flowers around you. Sit on a bench and feed the pigeons (birdseed, not bread). Sit. Stay. Breathe. Live. Love your dog more than you ever thought possible.

By Jillian Blume

Jillian Blume is a New York City–based writer whose feature articles have appeared in magazines, newspapers, and websites including the New York Observer, Marie Claire, Self, City Realty, the ASPCA, Petful.com, Best Friends Animal Society, The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, The Pet Gazette, and many others.

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