5 New Year’s Resolutions For Dog Parents in 2022

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Back to results
Enter Your Information All fields are required

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

*Please note: Questions submitted and the answers will appear on our website as a benefit to all pet owners. Please make sure not to include any personal information in the box where you enter your question.

Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Thank you! Your question has been submitted.

You will receive an answer from Dr. Lindsay and our vet/tech team as soon as possible, usually the same day.

All answers are provided for informational or educational purposes only, and are intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your pet's veterinarian.

It may be necessary to consult your pet's veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations with respect to your pet's symptoms or medical condition.

Close
Ask the Vet
Lindsay Butzer, DVM
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Lindsay Butzer
Oops! Your question has not been submitted.

An error has occurred, please reload the page and try again.

Close
Ask the Vet
Got questions? Ask Our Vet Team:

While efforts are made to answer all questions as quickly as possible, if an immediate answer is required or if your pet is in need of urgent or emergency care, contact your pet's veterinarian immediately.

Do these answer your question?
Showing of | See All
Have another question, or can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
We're Sorry!

There is no answer related to your question

Can’t find your answer?
Submit your question
Category

Are you looking forward to another wonderful year with your dog? Like most dog parents, you might feel as though you always want to do more for their health, but feel overwhelmed with day-to-day responsibilities. The start of the new year is the perfect time to start some new, healthy habits. Try just one or two of these resolutions for an even happier, healthier dog this year.

Feed more fresh foods.
While not everyone has the time and resources to quit kibble, feeding your dog more fresh foods can make a difference in their health. Many fruits and veggies are safe for pets, as are many types of meat, fish, and eggs. You can add fresh foods as a topper to your dog’s kibble for every meal. Toppers should make up no more than 20% of your dog’s diet, the rest should be a complete, balanced food. If you’re considering a partial raw diet for dogs, talk to a holistic or integrative vet to find out if it’s right for your pup.

Help your dog lose weight.
If you’re hoping to help your dog lose weight in 2022, start with a vet visit to rule out any hormonal issues or other underlying health conditions. Once your dog has a clean bill of health, you can make healthy dietary changes. Simply feeding your dog less food can be detrimental, as complete, balanced foods contain the daily nutrition your dog needs in a specific serving size. Make sure you’re measuring each meal and consider switching to a lower calorie weight management food.

Wash your dog’s gear more often.
When was the last time you washed your dog’s bed and blankets? What about their collar, their harness, and their leash? Or even their toys? While dogs may not mind odors, they can suffer from infections and irritation from dirt and bacteria lingering on their belongings. You can gather up your dog’s items and put those that are machine washable in their own load, or hand-wash delicate items in warm water and mild detergent or dog shampoo.

Streamline your preventative schedule.
If you’re like many dog parents, you might forget when it’s time to give your dog their monthly heartworm medication or their flea and tick preventative. Make sure you always give them on the same day each month, and set up autoship so you don’t have to worry about running out.

Go on more adventures.
There is nothing dogs love more than exploring a new location full of new scents, sights, and sounds. Each month, take your dog somewhere they have never been before, whether that’s a downtown area a few miles away or a weekend trip to the beach. Though this might not be feasible for your dog if they struggle with anxiety or reactivity, it can be a great way to socialize a puppy or keep your older dog mentally stimulated.