Just seeing the term “New Year’s resolution” can put pressure on some individuals. After all, we’re hardwired to seek comfort and routine. So with these calendar-driven promises to alter a large aspect of our life and behavior, it’s no wonder that most people fail to stick with their resolutions! With an almost 90% failure rate when resolving to improve our own lives, it may seem unworthy to discuss the topic of resolutions for our four-legged family. However, the countless expressions of love we see among the RAWZ family towards their dogs and/or cats show us that the desire to improve pets’ lives is strong enough to explore further. Surely we’re all familiar with vows to stop smoking, exercise more, or begin budgeting that seem to crop up this time of year, but what are some changes we can make for the sake of our pets?
Maintain Regular Vet Visits
For both humans and our four legged family, achieving physical health is paramount to having a good quality of life. While some health aspects can be assessed through outward appearance, many animals require physical examination and testing by a veterinarian professional. A great first step is to make sure your pet is up to date on their regular checkups. If you have a veterinarian, a phone call to the office will be all you need to determine this. If not, the new year is a great time to establish such a relationship and keep up with routine veterinarian checkups as an important preventative measure and for maintaining general health.
A Weighty Issue
Don’t worry, we won’t be discussing our own waistlines today! However, with over 50% of pet cats and dogs in North America and Europe being overweight, obesity in our pets is a serious concern. Fortunately, determining whether your pet’s weight is reaching an unhealthy range is a well-documented topic here on the RAWZ Family Blog. Whether you’re curious about how much your cat should weigh or how much food your dog should be eating, we’ve got you covered!
Exercise - Regular walks with your dog will benefit the health of you and your pet. Remember, consistency is important and some movement is better than no movement at all! I’m sure most kids don’t consciously think that they exercise, but that’s the beauty of play, it makes exercise fun. Whether it’s a walk around the block with your pup, a game of fetch, or some engaging play with your cat, get moving with your pet!
Don't Forget the Mind and Spirit…
The condition of our physical bodies isn’t the only aspect of our lives that we can improve during the new year. The health of our minds is equally important. Let’s consider some ways we can promote canine and feline enrichment in the new year:
Feeding Fun - By now, we’re probably all familiar with snuffle mats or lick mats for pets. These fun feeding devices provide enrichment for pets by increasing mental stimulation, calming their nerves, and spurring their inner hunting instincts. As an added boost, the cognitive workout provided in their quest for food can boost mood and self-confidence.
Just an old fashioned cuddle sesh - It’s well documented that playing with a dog or cat can help us feel happier and more relaxed. While we can’t ask our four-legged family if the good feelings go both ways, studies have shown that a strong, mutual bond can be fostered through physical contact. Now you have an excuse to cuddle up next to your pet and snuggle all day long!
No Matter How, Let's Improve Pets' Lives
While it is true that January 1st is somewhat of an arbitrary date in the grand scheme of things, a calendar flip to a new year allows us to reflect on the many ways we can work to benefit the lives of our beloved pets. Whether it’s improving their diet with minimally processed nutrition from your local RAWZ retail partner, improving fitness, or developing a closer bond, let’s resolve to make 2025 a great year for our four-legged family!
