The start of the new year is a time to reflect on the changes you want to make with the goal of self-improvement, or, even better, doing good for others like your dog. Here are a few quick suggestions that can make a big improvement for you and your dog.
- Exercise Mind & Body – Take your dog for more walks and exercise, because after all, it is good for both of you. Teach your dog a new trick, polish up on an old one, or enroll your dog in Central Bark’s Enrichment Doggy Day Care where they can play and learn in a safe and loving environment with the socialization, mental stimulation, and physical exercise their minds and bodies need to stay healthy and happy for a lifetime.
- Wellness Checkup – Take your dog for a yearly physical at your vet. Break down your dog-related tasks and create a calendar with daily, weekly, and monthly DIY “check ups” to your calendar – clean ears, clip nails, brush teeth, and at-home examinations.
- Check the Chip – Shelters can identify more than 70% of pets that enter their doors if they are implanted with a microchip. One of the reasons other dogs don’t get identified is because of outdated microchip information. Make sure your dog’s microchip information is current and registered. It’s also a good idea that they always wear another form of identification on their collar.
- Brush Those Teeth – Oral hygiene is so important in dogs. It’s important to brush your dog’s teeth regularly because bacteria can enter your dog’s bloodstream through the mouth and cause damage to internal organs.
- Bond More – While it’s fun to meet friends at doggy day care or at the dog park, the person your dog cares the most about is you. Make sure to build in some quality 1×1 time throughout your week. Take the time to appreciate your dog, as they do so much for you and ask little in return.
The New Year is the perfect time for setting goals and starting afresh. And while setting goals such as losing weight and getting more exercise are all worthy ambitions, our pets are sometimes overlooked in our New Year resolutions. And with the love and joy that they bring us every day, we believe that the health and happiness of your dog can be among your top priorities for the New Year ahead.
