Must-haves for a happy dog in the new year

The beginning of the new year is the time for resolutions and changes. We help you identify things that can improve your relationship with your pet.

The beginning of January is a great time to list what you want to change in the new year. However, as a dog owner, it’s important for these plans to be in harmony with your pet’s needs. Let’s go through the aspects you should consider to reform your daily routine and make your dog happy at the same time!

Harmonize your tasks

Let’s begin with your resolutions. If you aim to be more active and plan to add an extra workout session each week or head to the treadmill twice a week after work, pay close attention to not disrupt your dog’s routine!

This advice applies to any new changes: schedule them in a way that doesn’t interfere with your pet’s daily rhythm. Alternatively, allow ample time for the transition, and gradually adjust your pet’s routine.

Not at any cost!

Staying on the topic of sports: if you aim to break personal records on the track, embark on hikes with your four-legged friend, or consider engaging in a dog sport this year, first ask yourself whether your pet is suitable for it.

It may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning that not every dog breed enjoys and can handle all types of physical activity. If you have a Border Collie and plan extensive hikes, it will likely welcome this goal with enthusiasm. However, a Beagle might not appreciate it, and more importantly, too sudden and excessive exertion could be harmful to its health!

Spend more time together = happy dog

Nowdays, the value of quality time spent together has become priceless for almost everyone. Just as it holds true for human relationships, the same goes for our pets – truly engaging in activities together with mutual attention has a very positive impact on the quality of the relationship.

So, if one of your New Year’s resolutions is to spend more time with your loved ones, let your dog be no exception! An extra walk or an extended playtime can bring great happiness to your dog, just as sitting down for a game of fetch or some cuddle time on the rug.

If your schedule and budget allow, starting a dog sport or enrolling in a dog training class can be an excellent and beneficial activity. The key is to genuinely dedicate that time to your dog and focus solely on them.

Take a look at the shape of your dog

On the resolutions’ leaderboard, if not at the very top, often stands weight loss or achieving a slimmer, more athletic figure. The primary motivation for these activities is usually the same.

In this regard, we would caution everyone against extreme goals and emphasize that health is always more important than aesthetics! However, since we are scrutinizing outlines, it’s worth taking a critical look at your dog as well.

It is a significant problem that a considerable number of pets are overweight. Obesity can lead to various serious, even life-threatening diseases. So, if it’s the New Year and resolutions are in focus, your dog’s health should also be a priority. If necessary, consider changing its feeding routine.

We strongly emphasize seeking the assistance of a veterinarian or a pet nutritionist in this matter! Never attempt to alter the diet on your own, as a poorly composed menu can easily result in nutritional deficiencies.

Don’t forget your routine vet check-ups!

As we have emphasized many times before, even a seemingly healthy dog needs at least one veterinary check-up annually. The prognosis for diseases that are currently symptomless but identified in a timely manner is much better than if you only seek medical attention when obvious problems arise.

Additionally, how often you visit the veterinarian also depends on your pet’s age. Older dogs or those living with chronic illnesses should ideally have check-ups every six months.