5 New Year's Resolutions for Dogs, Cats and You!

While your pets may not understand what all of the fuss is about, you know that when the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve it's beginning of a new chapter. Many people use this as a time for fresh starts, but it's not just for humans anymore. Your pets may need some new goals during the coming months, and January first is the perfect time to make plans! Here are a few ideas that you and your pets can work on together during the New Year.

Diet

One of the first things humans think about when planning resolutions is their weight, and adjusting diet is the best way to combat overindulgence. Though dogs and cats don't think about their pudgy middles, as their owner you have to! Taking a closer look at their diet is always recommended, but the added push of resolution time will help keep you and your pets on the right path.

Many owners don't pay close attention to serving sizes for their pets. While eyeballing portions is acceptable once in a while, taking the extra time to measure out proper scoops may make a lot of difference. Also, as your pet gets older, he or she might develop allergies that weren't present in their youth. Adjusting meal size and contents will help them shed the pounds, and their weight loss may even spur you to do the same!

Exercise

It's not just what goes into your pet's tummy that affects weight. A dose of daily exercise does wonders for energy, health and happiness, too. As an added bonus, when you work to make your pet more active you gain the benefit of that extra exercise too! When you get in on the action you're bound to feel it as well, making physical activity and weight loss something you and your pets can share.

Taking your dog on more walks is obviously one way to invigorate the routine, but adding in some jogging is a great option to increase physical activity. Training your dog to heel while running will also help build a strong connection while stimulating your pup's mind as well. Cats are more difficult since most stay far away from leashes. A better option may be to increase their toy options and create special times for more active play. A cat tower is a great choice since it offers both a place for rest and multiple levels that they can work on their jumping and coordination, too!

Socialize

For many, staying inside and enjoying a good book is preferable to parties and bar hopping, but that can lead people to miss out on socializing and meet new people. Cats and dogs have a penchant for lazing about, but a lack of interaction can be just as lonesome for your pets as it can before you. Adding social times to your New Year's resolutions is a great way to make friends and let your pets run wild with furry companions, too.

Meeting new pet owners can be as simple as frequenting your local dog park. Not only is this great exercise, but it also gives your pup a chance to run free with other breeds and learn important social skills. Cats can also get in on the action but in different ways. Adopting a second feline may literally bring a new friend into their lives, while inviting more people around the house will help both dogs and cats learn proper behavior around strangers, too.

Teeth

Everyone has heard the same thing from moms and dentists for decades. Brushing your teeth twice a day is no joke and dental hygiene is something that many people overlook. Dogs and cats need to keep their chompers in top shape too, so a resolution to pay more attention to teeth will help ensure healthy mouths all around.

For some time, pets have had quite a few options when it comes to dental care. One of the best is to choose treats that specifically clean teeth and gums. While excessive snacking isn't good for any pet, offering a special dental treat works wonders. Some toys are designed with healthy mouths in mind, too, and focusing on playing with them may make a big difference. If you're interested in brushing teeth , it may take some getting used to for your cat or dog. Make it a daily routine at first to get them used to the idea, then you can make it every other day to keep their smile looking bright.

Education

One of the best things people can do for themselves is to learn something new. Whether it's for work or as a hobby, increasing your knowledge can make you feel that much better about yourself. When you train your pets to perform new tasks or modify their behavior, you'll be helping them exercise their brains as well.

While your dog may know how to sit and stay, there are so many other things you can teach. Don't be afraid to shy away from pet tricks, either. Dogs have been shown to have massive vocabularies, so you can work with them to differentiate between toys and even when to notify you that they want to go for a walk. While cats are a little more stubborn when it comes to hitting the books, they aren't completely untrainable. The feline mind may seem like they're ignoring you, but just like any repetitious task and reward system will help dogs learn new things, the same works with cats. It just takes them a little longer to come around to your way of thinking!

Making a New Year's resolution is very common for people, but many times these plans are left in the wind once the drive to reach their goal has passed. If you involve your pets in those new routines, you'll have built-in reinforcement and a buddy that will follow you every step of the way. Sharing your resolutions with your pets will not only help you get happier, healthier and wiser, but it will bring you closer to your favorite furry friends as well!