New Year’s Resolutions for dogs? Sure, why not! It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Okay, so your dog isn’t exactly sitting down and hammering out a list of his own, but we pet parents do make plenty of resolutions involving our beloved canine companions. We also make plenty of resolutions that would be great for our dogs too. Like resolving to have a healthier year! Why not extend that resolution to involve Fido and Spot?
New Year’s Resolutions Have Gone to the Dogs, Literally.
(My dogs are receiving complimentary goodies in exchange for me sharing this info. The bulk of the info comes from Milk-Bone. The opinions are my own (and occasionally my dogs’, but I speak for them because they haven’t learned to type..yet).
Milk-Bone (the makers of my one of my pups’ favorite dog treats) recently conducted an original survey of 3,000 pet parents nationwide to find out which healthy habits families are pledging in the new year.
See the results below:
Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Pets and Their Pet Parents
(% of pet parents who are interested in each pet-oriented resolution)
1. “I will spend more time with my dog.” 52%
2. “I will help my dog to have better health and wellness.” 42%
3. “I will take my dog on more trips with me.” 34%
4. “I will brush my dog’s teeth regularly.” 31%
5. “I will help my dog get more essential vitamins, nutrients, and supplements.” 30%
6. “I will help my dog become less anxious and stressed.” 29%
7. “I will not feed my dog food from the dinner table.” 25%
8. “I won’t leave my dog home alone for quite as long.” 23%
9. “I will help my pet lose weight.” 21%
10. “I will take my dog to dog training class.” 15%
Of course, old habits die hard — which is why Milk-Bone has also fetched the best ways to make sure these resolutions stick.
Top Tips for Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
1. “I will spend more time with my dog.” 52%
According to the survey, 44% of pet parents say that having a dog brings a family closer together. Whether it’s taking Fido to a new dog park or adding a few minutes to your daily walk, you can easily increase quality time with your pup.
2. “I will help my dog to have better health and wellness.” 42%
In addition to plenty of play and exercise, consider providing your pup a daily vitamin supplement, such as Milk-Bone Good Morning Daily Vitamins, which promote well-being, longevity and overall good health.
3. “I will take my dog on more trips with me.” 34%
Taking your pup on vacation not only adds fun, but it also alleviates the worry of not knowing what’s happening wth him while you’re away. Be sure to bring his favorite toy or something he loves to keep him calm during travel.
4. “I will brush my dog’s teeth regularly.” 31%
Weary about brushing your canine’s canines? Start a new daily routine and try a dental chew, such as Milk-Bone Brushing Chews — which clean teeth, remove tartar and fight dreaded doggy breath. This daily dental treat also comes in a new ‘Fresh Breath’ flavor (in stores Feb. 2016) for an even tastier clean.
5. “I will help my dog get more essential vitamins, nutrients, and supplements.” 30%
Vitamins provide beneficial nutrients not found in regular dog food — which is why it’s a good idea for both of you to start the day off right with a daily vitamin supplement. Milk-Bone Good Morning Daily Vitamins support your dog’s immune system, brain, heart, and digestion.
6. “I will help my dog become less anxious and stressed.” 29%
If you have a timid dog, the key to reducing his stress is by building his self confidence. Start by teaching him to respond to basic commands — it will make him feel more comfortable in his environment.
7. “I will not feed my dog food from the dinner table.” 25%
Every dog loves (and often begs for) tasty table scraps. Next year, resist the urge and provide tasty pet treats instead. These Milk-Bone treats are ones that not only taste good but are (actually) good for them.
8. “I won’t leave my dog home alone for quite as long.” 23%
If you can’t leave work early, consider providing a new furry companion for your pup. Or perhaps you can arrange for a friend’s dog to make a house call.
9. “I will help my pet lose weight.” 21%
Just like us, some pups could stand to lose a few pounds. Next year, make Fido your accountability partner and commit both yourselves to eating healthier, along with plenty of play and exercise.
Cooper’s resolution: get in shape! And no, that snow isn’t from this year.
10. “I will take my dog to dog training class.” 15%
Experts are experts for a reason. Accredited dog trainers have tons of experience in teaching both pets (and pet parents) positive reinforcement techniques that are safe and effective.
My Dogs’ New Year’s Resolutions for 2016
I spend a lot of time with my dogs and feel like I have a good handle on their overall health.
Of all these resolutions, the one that I need to work on the most is ‘brushing my dog’s teeth regularly.’ According to the survey, 40% of dog parents do this… and I’d love to do this more regularly. My dog Maia is 14. Ever since she was a pup, she’s been kind of obsessed with dental hygiene. She used to pick her teeth! We thought she was chewing on her foot, until one day I realized she was actually sticking her back foot in her mouth and her using her claws to clean her own teeth. Then she’d hold down her “sister” Tasha and do the same to her, except she’d get in there with her own tongue to lick Tasha’s teeth clean. When she tried to lick Jacob’s teeth clean, I drew the line. I always said she was a dentist in a past life!
Of course, brushing your dog’s teeth is one of those things that’s a lot harder than it sounds. Thanks to Milk-Bone Brushing Chews, however, I don’t have to lift a finger. (Well, maybe that’s all I have to lift.) Basically, the Brushing Chew does all the manual labor in keeping my dogs’ teeth clean and breath fresh. Double win!
Tell me, what resolution are you planning to make for you and your dog in 2016?
I don’t even make resolutions for myself LOL, so no – I don’t make any for the dog. He’s perfect the way he is anyhow.
Our basset hound is fighting cancer, so we are working to keep her healthy and pain-free for another year. Really hoping.
Our dog needs to lose a few pounds. He always gets a little “winter weight”. We will have to start jogging with him again.
Lovely infobites! Unfortunately I do not own a dog but this would definitely come in handy to those who do.
I’m definitely going to say spending more time with my two furry friends! Our oldest Jasmine is going to be 11 years old this year and I know that now is the time for me to spend that time with her! With my little Yorkie Daisy I would say, take care of her teeth a bit better!
It’s definitely a good idea to set some healthy goals for the pets too. It looks like lots of people had some great dog resolutions!
One of my resolutions is to get fit which includes walking the dog everyday. Good for both of us!
This is really nice! I love how pet owners make an effort to make their pets’ lives better. I hope a lot of people who own dogs or any other pet would use this as a reference!
It surprised me that spending more time with their dog was the #1 for pet owners…. I would think people with dogs spend as much time as possible already!
That surprised me too! I spend a lot of time with my dogs and cats! They’re a constant part of my day and night.
This is a great list. If only all the pet owners will do this.
We are thinking of getting a dog this year. We’ll def. be taking Fido w/us if we do. 🙂
travel. I forgot the word ‘travel.’ 🙂
This list is so cute! My dog definitely could lose a couple of pounds.
Nice list. Now if every dog owner would follow them.
This is great idea! I will spend more time with my doggies.