~ By Heidi Dahms Foster ~
New Year’s resolutions are a great way to look ahead to a fresh start. Don’t forget to include your best friend in your New Year’s plans. Make your goals for your dog doable by consistently making small changes and combining them with your own plans, and you’ll be surprised how much you accomplish in 2024!
Check out these six New Year’s resolutions that are sure to enhance your relationship with your favorite canine.
Weight – it’s the elephant (or pudgy pooch) in the room
Many human New Year’s resolutions begin with a goal to lose weight. This is a great time to take a look at your pet to make sure he’s not overweight. While it’s tempting to show your love to your dog by plying him with tasty treats (and most are world class beggars), excess weight can cause the same problems in pets as it does in people – wear and tear on joints, stress on organs, breathing problems, and lack of ability to exercise and enjoy life.
The American Kennel Club recommends looking at your pup’s body shape. Your dog should have a defined waist toward the rear and a straight build down the sides. You also should be able to easily feel his ribs without having to press hard. From the side, your dog should have a slightly tucked up waist.
With a little discipline, it’s not hard to get your dog back to a healthier weight. Many good brands of dog food on the market today have weight maintenance formulas. You can cut back on the food a bit if you add healthy vegetables such as green beans, pumpkin, carrots, broccoli, or squash. Experiment to find veggies your dog will like. Many dogs enjoy a crunchy carrot as much as they do a high calorie treat.
Getting your dog moving is another great way to shave off the extra weight. Going for a walk is healthy for both of you! A healthy weight will help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
Nutrition is the foundation of your dog’s health and longevity
Dog food has come a long way in the past couple of decades, with healthier ingredients and better processing. Many more choices are available to suit your pet, and doing a bit of research will ensure you’re giving your dog the best opportunity for a healthy life.
Whole Dog Journal (whole-dog-journal.com) annually publishes a list of excellent dog foods in kibble, canned, and dehydrated formulas. The standards are rigorous, and well explained. A Whole Dog Journal subscription is worth the price for this list alone, but you’ll also get a wealth of training and other dog knowledge for the price.
You don’t need to buy the most expensive food available, but do your research to find what’s best for your pet. Whatever food you choose, add some fresh fruits and vegetables. With attention to nutrition, you’ll save the money you spend on your dog’s quality food many times over in vet bills. If both of you eat better in 2024, it’s sure to be a healthier year!
Rub a dub dub – and don’t forget those toenails!
Whether you take your dog to a groomer or bathe and brush at home, regular grooming not only makes your dog more pleasant to live with, but you’ll catch any health needs much more quickly. Depending on your dog’s coat, daily or weekly brushing will eliminate dead hair and stimulate the skin. One of the best benefits, however, is the time you spend together with your pet. Buy a good brush suitable for your dog and take your time to avoid anxiety. Do a little each day. Grooming time can be relaxing for both of you.
If you bathe your dog at home, use a shampoo that fits your dog’s skin and coat needs. The options are endless, with brands to fit dry or oily skin, short or long hair, special skin conditions, and a variety of fragrances.
Make sure your dog is well saturated before shampooing, lather, and scrub, then after you’ve rinsed, rinse again to make sure the coat is completely free of shampoo. If you have a long-haired dog or one that easily mats, a good cream rinse may help keep the coat in good condition. Some cream rinses are “leave-in” which shortens the rinsing process.
While you’re grooming, don’t forget to trim nails. Nails that are too long can cause foot problems and can cause injuries if they become snagged in fences or other areas. If you have problems trimming your dogs’ nails, many vet offices and groomers will do it for you for a small fee. Some dogs do well with nail grinders, which makes it easier to not cut the quick. It takes a bit of time to familiarize your dog with the grinder, but some dogs tolerate it better than traditional clippers.
Whether you schedule your dog with a groomer or do it yourself, make sure your pet is groomed on a regular basis. It’ll make life more pleasant for both of you!
A daily loving touch can help you bond, and save on vet bills!
This is one of the most beneficial things you can do with your pet for its health and your relationship. By putting your hands on your dog every day, you may save hundreds of dollars on vet bills by catching problems early.
Look at the ears and eyes and be aware of any discharge or odors. Gently massage your dog all over and be aware of any sore spots or any areas where your dog flinches if touched, including his tummy. Look for lumps, bumps, or sores, especially on long-coated dogs that can harbor hot spots that you can’t see unless you part the hair. Finally, check your dog’s feet, parting each toe to look for burs or foxtails that can cause serious problems if not removed. Look for any cuts or sores on the foot pads.
This daily inspection is important for your dog’s health, and he’ll just enjoy the rubs and scratches!
Dental care is whole dog care
A smart unknown person said, “You don’t have to brush all your teeth – just the ones you want to keep.” That goes for your dog’s teeth, too. Pets are like people – some have excellent teeth and never have problems, while others are prone to dental issues. The importance of dental care has become even more apparent in the past few years.
With the spotlight on pet pearly whites, pet retailers have come out with a lot more products to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy. Healthy chews, dental sprays, and doggie toothbrushes and pastes have made it easier to care for your pet’s teeth. Look for natural chews appropriate to your dog’s size and chewing ability, and avoid rawhide, which can be swallowed and cause blockages.
Some dogs will need veterinary tooth cleanings on a regular basis, others less often. Your vet will be able to inspect your pet’s teeth during checkups, but you can do a lot at home by keeping an eye on his smile. If your dog has bad breath, difficulty chewing dry food or hard treats, drools, paws at his mouth or doesn’t want you to touch his face or mouth, it’s time for a vet visit. Dental health affects your dog’s overall health, so it’s important to keep it top of mind.
Dogs (and their people) just want to have fun!
In the past few decades, dogs have become a much larger part of our everyday lives, and the opportunities for things to do with your dog just keep emerging. Whether you have a registered purebred dog or a mixed breed, you can participate in such competition sports as agility, obedience/rally obedience trials, herding trials, scent work, flyball, dock jumping, lure coursing, and so much more.
If you prefer activities with just you and your dog or a few dog friends, you can hike, run, bike, or swim with your pet. You can teach your dog tricks and earn trick dog titles from novice to advanced.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that time spent with your dog, sometimes with a little friendly competition thrown in, will deepen and cement your bond in amazing ways and give you both a sense of accomplishment.
An online search for “dog sports” will bring up a wealth of ideas for New Year’s fun!
