A brand-new year means it’s time for a new list of resolutions, and if you’re like many Americans, you’ll be dedicating your New Year’s resolution to getting and staying healthy. Encouraging exercise and eating right is important for the whole family, and doesn’t just apply to the humans. Here are some tips on including your pet in your New Year’s resolutions to get fit.
Eating Healthy
If you’re committed to making better choices when it comes to food this year, you can do the same for your pets. An estimated 54% of all dogs in US homes are overweight, according to Pet Obesity Prevention, and the first step you need to take in order to get your pet healthy is to closely monitor their food.
Don’t feed your pet table food, no matter how sad his puppy dog eyes look when you’re eating your dinner.
Huffington Post says that starting to measure out your dog’s food can also have a positive impact on their weight—you may have been slightly overfeeding your pet all this time by accident if you haven’t been carefully measuring.
Choose brands that use whole ingredients, rather than processed, and consult your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s food.
Exercising
Plenty of people start exercise plans in the New Year, and your pet can, too. If you like to hike or go for a run outside to get your steps in during the week, bring your dog along. If he or she isn’t into the outdoors, schedule puppy play dates with dogs in the neighborhood. Any extra activity is good, and can help your dog get fit while you do the same.
Visit the Doc
Dogs need yearly checkups, just like humans, so if your pet hasn’t been to the vet in a while, make an appointment and make sure that you request all the yearly tests and services your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.
If one of your resolutions involved bringing a new pup home, click here to check out some of the puppies available here at Family Puppies! Call us today at (574) 354-2428 for more information.
