Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for your Pet

December 28, 2014

by Natalie Secretan

Healthy New Year's Resolutions for your PetAs much as we love to spoil our pets, all those extra treats can add up. And now at this time of year when it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions, most of us are looking at our waistlines. Your pet is probably no different. Extra weight is uncomfortable, it slows you down and it can lead to all sorts of health issues down the road. So this New Year’s, why not promise your pet to get healthy and play more.

Let’s face it, we all carry around a little extra weight in the winter time, but whenever I notice my dog’s waistline begin to bulge, I know for certain we are 1) not getting enough exercise and, 2) spending too much time sitting and eating. But instead of going on a dreary lettuce diet and spending hours and hours in the bum-numbing saddle of a stationary bicycle, let your pet inspire you.

Healthy New Year’s Resolutions for your Pet

  • Measure your pet’s food – the only true way to know how many calories your pet is ingesting is by measuring their food every time you feed them. That includes treats. Once you start getting into the habit of portion control, you can apply the same method to your own meals. Focus on a healthy, balanced diet and cut out the people food, or in your case, the junk food.
  • Going to the dog park is not enough – while going to the dog park is fun, spicing up the routine will boost your pet’s emotional health no end. Check out different parks in your neighbourhood and go to a different place each day. Invest in a fitness tracker and put you and your dog on a 10,000-step program. Your dog will be excited to explore new territory and the extra cardio will do you both good.
  • Play with your pet more – even cats love a game of tag. Invent new ways to entertain your pet, buy some new toys, or enroll in some agility classes. There are lots of ways to play with your cat or dog, you just need to remember to set aside half an hour each day to invest in this rewarding time together.

Getting into shape doesn’t have to be boring and restrictive. If you make your New Year’s resolutions simple, attainable and most importantly, fun – you and your pet will have a better chance of succeeding and living a long and healthy life. Happy New Year!

 

Resources: http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/seasonal/top-10-new-years-resolutions-for-your-pet-you

Photo Credit: Meknits: Chuy and Neko