Leap into 2023 like a Labrador launching into a lake by resolving to develop habits that will help your dog be healthier—and happier. And the good news is that while some “healthy” new year’s resolutions for people may seem as appealing as dog hair in your ice cream, these healthy resolutions to share with your pup are actually enjoyable—for both of you.
Plus, you’ll have a better chance of keeping them longer. One third of people who set New Year’s resolutions don’t make it past the end of January (others don’t make it past the cinnamon rolls at New Year’s brunch). But people who set goals with a friend have a greater chance for success. And what better buddy to resolve with than your furry family member?
Resolution #1: Go on More Walks
Walking your dog provides so much more than a chance for potty breaks. Strolling and sniffing exercises both the mind and the body. Every step gives a boost to their cardiovascular, immune, digestive and joint health. Walking burns calories and helps maintain a healthy weight—more than half of all dogs in the US overweight or obese, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. And, slim dogs live longer, healthier lives than chubby dogs.
Mentally, walks provide critical enrichment. Boredom-busting excursions give dogs the opportunity to catch up on the pee-mail along their usual route—or explore new sights and smells on new ones. Walking your dog also cultivates the bond between you and your favorite furball.
How long should you walk? That depends on the age, condition and breed of your dog. For example, a senior mutt may be happy to slowly peruse the neighborhood for 20 minutes while a 2-year-old Boxer mix can bounce around block after block for an hour. In general, if you’re just starting, aim for 15 minutes a couple times a day. Then, work up to 30 minutes. Pay attention to whether your dog begins to appear tired or sore and adjust accordingly. And don’t forget the poop bags!
Tips for Success
- Check in with your vet. Make sure your plans are appropriate for your dog’s age and fitness level before you begin. Your vet can also help you develop a strategy for safely increasing the length of walks as your dog (and you) get in shape and set some goals that may help keep you motivated.
- Make it routine. Build your daily walk(s) into your schedule. Not only will it help hold you accountable, but dogs love routine and consistency. It can help build confidence and even help reduce anxiety in some dogs.
- Track your walks. There are lots of phone apps and dog collar gadgets that can help you record time and distance. Gamifying your dog walks can make them even more fun—plus, you’ll feel good about the progress you track.
Resolution #2: Play More
Whether it’s fetch, tag, or rounds of collective zoomies with the dog park pack, playing is seriously important for dogs’ mental and physical health. It provides exercise that helps bodies stay healthy. Movement helps keep all canine systems go, from snout to tail. Plus, playing provides mental enrichment that keeps brains healthy and dogs happy.
Playing helps satisfy dogs’ instinctive needs. Your pampered pup’s ancestors had to keep their foraging, chasing and wrestling skills sharp so they could survive. That’s part of the reason they played so often. Though today’s dogs may enjoy regular meals served in bowls with their names on them, those instincts still run strong. And if they don’t have outlets, it may result in unwanted behaviors like digging, chewing and barking. A playful romp with you or their doggy pals helps satisfy these natural instincts in a healthy way.
Even if they live with only you (and a herd of fluffy, squeaky toys), dogs are still pack animals. The social interaction they enjoy while playing with other dogs helps keep them happy and builds confidence. Playing cultivates the social bonds between your dog and other dogs and between your dog and you, bonds that are important for mental wellbeing.
