If you’re thinking of New Year's resolutions, don’t forget to include your furry companions!
Let's make this the best year yet for you and your beloved pets! Here are 10 New Year resolutions to kickstart a year of joy, health, and unforgettable moments with your four-legged family members.
1. We Will Exercise/Play For At Least 20 Minutes Per Day
We love cuddling with our pets as much as you do, but being a couch potato can seriously affect you and your pet’s health. Boost physical health, enhance mental well-being, and address pet behavior issues—all through the power of exercise!
Commit to spending at least 20 minutes of quality playtime or exercise with your pet daily. Fetch, tug-of-war, or walking around the block can strengthen your bond and keep your pet mentally stimulated. To ward off obesity and other health issues, take time for a fun workout.
Lazy to wear rubber shoes for your walk? Wear a pair of Archies Footwear! Recommended by podiatrists and worn by athletes, Archies slippers won’t hurt your feet when you go walking with Fido!
2. We Will Travel To A New Place At Least Once This Year
A daily workout routine can get boring fast. Shake things up by planning a trip to a new place with your pet. You can go on a nature hike, plan a day at the beach or resort, or explore a new city or province. These outings provide exercise, mental stimulation, and a chance for your pet to explore new scents and sights.
If you’re worried about budget, go to your local dog park. Some free places are SM By the Bay Paw Park at Pasay, Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, SM Aura Premier Paw Park in Taguig, and The BarkYard in Ayala Malls. The fresh air and sunlight will do wonders for you and your pet. Just make sure you read the dog park’s rules before visiting!
3. We Will Include Wholesome Meals In Our Diet
Explore new, nutritious recipes for you and your pet's meals. Search for online articles like The Spruce Pets’ Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes. You can also incorporate pet-friendly superfoods like Moringa (Malunggay), which has proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.
If you don’t have much time for meal planning, try ready-to-eat healthy meals for your pets. Mo & Bear’s Purr Delight in classic tuna flavor is a guaranteed favorite for kitties. Each can is fortified with Moringa and Omega-3. It’s a budget-friendly nutritional boost to help you avoid those costly vet trips!
4. We Will Schedule Routine Wellness Checkups
Schedule regular checkups with your doctor and pet’s veterinarian to ensure you’re in tip-top shape. Prevention is key, and early detection of any health issues can lead to a longer and healthier life for your furry friend.
If you’re wondering how often your pet should have these checkups, it’s best to consult your vet. You can download an app like PetPal for free online vet consultations. Remember, the regularity of complete wellness exams depends on the current health status of your pets. Expect more visits when they’re young or sick. The average healthy pet should have annual checkups.
5. We Will Have Mindful Pet Spa Sessions Every Month
Is bath time and grooming usually a stressful experience for your pet? Turn them into a relaxing and positive experience for your pet by investing in high-quality grooming products. Remember, regular brushing, nail trims, and dental care contribute to your pet's overall health and well-being. You can even give your furry best friend a gentle massage during their pet spa sessions.
Choose eco-friendly pet-care brands that are good for you and your pet’s skin. Of course, we highly recommend Happy Life Bath Time bundles, the perfect grooming companion. Our all-natural soaps, shampoos, and conditioners are naturally antiseptic.
A tidy space is a happy space! Keeping your pet’s area clean and organized benefits both you and your furry friend. Clean spaces help reduce stress, keep your pet’s belongings in good condition, and ensure there are no hidden hazards like broken toys or chewed up leashes.
Start with a small achievable goal: clean and organize your pet’s space once a month. Wash their bedding, clean their toys, reorganize their pet food and treats, and sanitize their feeding and water bowls. You can also rotate toys to keep play time exciting for your pets.
And don’t forget to take a look at your pet’s emergency kit. Make sure all items are updated, from first-aid supplies to any medication your pet may need. A well-organized pet space makes life easier and more enjoyable for both of you.
Learning never stops! This common saying should also include your furry buddy! Commit to teaching your pet a new trick or command each month. Mental stimulation is as crucial as physical exercise for your pet's happiness and development. Plus, it's a fantastic way to strengthen your communication and connection.
We guarantee you’ll enjoy teaching these fun tricks to your cat or dog:
Encourage positive interactions with other pets and pet parents. Whether it's playdates, pet-friendly events, or a stroll in the neighborhood, socialization is vital for your pet's well-being. A decades-long Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that the secret to a long life is not professional achievements, money, or even exercise–positive interactions will keep you happier and healthier!
Socializing is also good for you, even if you’re an introvert! You don’t need to attend loud parties with lots of people. You can have a doggie play date with a good friend at a pet cafe or pet-friendly restaurant. A cat may not love socializing outside as much as a dog, but you can invite a friend to visit you instead!
Admittedly, this is more for you than your pet. Pets love taking naps throughout the day, so why not join them? An afternoon nap keeps you fresh and alert the whole day, especially if you lack night-time sleep. It can boost your mood and memory and help keep stress at bay.
You don’t need to take long naps. The Sleep Foundation recommends an ideal nap length of 20 or 30 minutes so you wake up feeling refreshed. A well-rested furparent is a happy furparent. You can better enjoy precious moments with your furbaby if you get enough sleep!
It’s no secret that a pet’s life is shorter than ours. It’s best to cherish those happy memories when they’re active and healthy. Try creating a pet journal or starting an Instagram account dedicated to your furry friend. Document your adventures, milestones, and adorable moments. It's a beautiful way to cherish the memories and connect with a community of fellow pet lovers.
Your New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be limited to this list. Create your own and remember to:
Remember, these resolutions are not just for your pets; they're for you too! Here's to a fantastic year filled with wagging tails, purring companions, and a whole lot of love. Cheers to a pawsitively wonderful new year!