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.