If the idea of "New Year's resolutions" makes you roll your eyes, that's totally okay. You can skip this super awesome article and check out our previous blogs for healthy dog advice.

If you're excited to discover even more ways to help your dog be their best in the new year, then keep reading!

The New Year brings a clean page for us all—dogs included! It's a great time to think about starting some healthy routines for them. 

We can all likely agree that our pets were one of the best things about last year. So, while we're all thinking about our own goals for the new year, it's also super important to figure out how we can keep our dogs healthy, both inside and out.

Don't worry, you don't have to make huge changes all at once. Even the little things you do now for your dog can make a big difference down the road. These good habits really add up.

#1 Switch to a Healthier Diet

When we talk about our dog's health, food is a HUGE part of the picture. It's all about making smart choices, and that starts with us. 

When we're at the grocery store, we're looking at all the choices, from salads to snacks. It's the same when we’re picking food for our pets. It's important to think about what you're feeding them and also how much.

And that brings up a good point about healthy dog food. There are so many brands out there, right? Well, one thing that's worth thinking about is looking for companies that are focused on natural ingredients. For example, Healthy Dogma is a family-owned business that is committed to using high-quality, all-natural ingredients combinations and Midwest-sourced proteins. 

We've seen our premixes help dogs with so many common issues like weight struggles, hot spots, digestion problems, allergies, and even arthritis. It's amazing to see how much healthier they can become. And what's even more rewarding is when we hear stories about dogs with serious illnesses improving their quality of life after switching to our healthy dog food and premixes.

Now, how much food should your dog be eating? 

Make it a habit to measure their food portions. If your dog is like ours and loves to eat, avoid leaving a full bowl of food out all the time. It's called “free feeding” and it's not always the best idea. If you're not sure how much to give your pooch, your vet is the perfect person to ask.

Another great idea for both dogs and cats is food puzzles with natural treats! They're a fun way to make them use their brains and slow down their eating. Food puzzles give their tummies more time to digest the food and make them think about how to get each treat.

If your pet needs to lose a little weight, you can find a special healthy dog food with low-calorie weight-loss options that can help. For really overweight pets, there are even prescription foods available. Always get in touch with your vet before you switch their food.

#2 Commit to More Exercise

Exercise is necessary for a dog's mental health, not just their physical well-being. There's a good reason why people say, “A tired dog is a happy dog” and it is because exercise significantly affects their mental state. It acts as a great way to prevent boredom and restlessness.

When dogs don't get enough exercise, they can develop unwanted behaviors such as chewing furniture and other things during the day, barking too much, or anxiety. These behaviors often stem from a lack of mental stimulation.

To stimulate their minds, consider activities such as agility training, eco-friendly interactive toys, and puzzle games for dogs; these mental workouts help prevent cognitive decline and keep their minds active.

Finally, exercise is a great way for you to bond and socialize with your dog. Doing activities together creates a stronger connection and it helps them feel secure, strengthening the bond and promoting positive behaviors.

#3 Learn Something New Together This Year

Have you ever had an activity in the back of your mind that you've always wanted to try with your pet? Well, the New Year is the perfect time to do it! Why not sign up for some classes and learn something new together?

If your dog is a social butterfly who loves people and you want to give back, think about training to become an animal-assisted therapy team and bring joy to others. 

And for those dogs with endless energy, dog sports like scent work, flyball, agility, lure coursing or dock diving might be just the ticket! It’s a great way to burn some of that energy while having a blast. Also, dogs who are always curious and wanting to learn new things thrive with the mental stimulation these activities offer.

If you have a pet that loves to train and work, check out the specialized training classes in your area. You might even find out that your dog is a star and can participate in obedience competitions. Some breeds can even be trained for special jobs, like search and rescue. The possibilities are really endless.

#4 Start Brushing Those Teeth Regularly

Imagine if you only brushed your teeth once a year. Yuck, right? Well, unfortunately, that's kind of what happens to a lot of dogs and cats. Because of a lack of regular teeth cleaning, many pets have some sort of dental disease by the time they're three years old, which is crazy, and a real problem according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Maybe it's time for you to try brushing your dog's teeth more often. Use a pet-friendly toothpaste that is especially designed for them. If your pet isn't a fan of a toothbrush, no worries! Other options like special water additives or dental sticks are vet-approved, promoting clean teeth and fresh breath.

#5 Get Prepared for Dog Emergencies

This is a topic none of us really like to think about, but it’s important – being ready for emergencies with our dogs. Nobody wants to imagine something bad happening to our pets, but unfortunately, emergencies do happen. The good news is that being prepared can make a huge difference in how easily we can handle them.

You should have a complete first-aid kit and know how to use it. Learning pet CPR is also very helpful, if you can't take a class, ask your vet for advice. Knowing how to help if your dog has trouble breathing, is choking, or is bleeding can save their life. Many free CPR classes also teach other important first-aid skills, making it worth your time to explore what's available.

#6 Help Your Dog Make Connections

While some cats are happy being your only companion, many dogs love to hang out with other pups. Socializing is important for their happiness and well-being, and it's a great way for them to learn to be comfortable apart from you. 

A helpful option is taking your dog to dog camps where they can burn energy, play with other pups, and get used to being away from you for a little while. Other options to help your dog make new friends include setting up playdates with other dogs you know, visiting a dog park, or even getting your pet a companion. It's all about finding what makes them happy and helps them socialize.

Whether you're considering a New Year's resolution for yourself, for your dog, or for both of you, remember that you don't need to wait for a specific date to begin. You can work toward these goals any time throughout the year to create a healthier and more satisfying life together with your pet.

And, if you enjoyed these kinds of topics, you might be interested in signing up for our newsletter. Happy New Year 2025!