Have you set any New Year’s resolutions for 2023? If you did and you’re a pet parent, you’re in luck! One of the benefits of being a pet parent is that your pets can be a great source of motivation — and inspiration — to stick with your goals. Let’s take a look at some common resolutions and how our pets can directly affect them!
Resolution #1: Increase the amount of fresh, healthy foods in your diet
There’s a reason every Freshpet recipe starts with fresh, whole ingredients. Indeed, fruits, vegetables and meat contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and other essential nutrients for the maintenance of good health. But the freshness of food is not only important for the health of your pet, it is just as important for you! Research has shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may actually reduce your risk of developing cancer and other chronic diseases. One of the benefits of being a pet parent is that our pets can directly help us keep that resolution. Indeed, if one of your goals for 2023 is to switch to Freshpet () for your pet, every meal will remind you to go for fresh choices on your own plate!
Resolution #2: Mix up your exercise routine
The start of the year is the perfect time to adopt — or mix up — a consistent exercise routine. No matter which category you fall into, one of the benefits of being a pet parent is that you not only have someone to motivate you, but also to join you! A fun way to motivate yourself to follow this new routine is to engage in an activity that your pet can also participate in.
- Agility: Agility training is not only a great way to increase your pet’s athletic abilities, it will also help you stay fit! You might not run over obstacles, but you’ll run alongside your pet like they do.
- Walking: Walking is a great low-impact workout for two- and four-legged creatures of all ages. This is also a great time to help your pup master leash walking, an essential skill he’ll need if you want to transition to running.
- Running: If your dog has mastered loose leash walking and has been cleared by your vet to start running, you’re good to go! Remember to build up your strength and endurance slowly, adding small bursts of running to your walks and building up over time.
- Swimming: If you have a water-loving dog, swimming is a great sport you can enjoy together during the summer months. With their leash securely attached, choose a quiet, shallow spot that is designated for the dogs to swim and begin exploring the shoreline. You may need to walk alongside your dog first, but as he becomes more confident, you can swim alongside him..
Resolution #3: Try new things
It can be easy to get stuck in the same old routine, but your pet can help you get out of this cycle. Another benefit of being a pet parent is that your pets can be a great motivation to try new things.
- Cook new recipes: Challenge yourself to try a new recipe every week – bonus points if you can share it with your pet! Start by checking out our list of human foods that are safe for pets and see what tasty creations you can make using only the ingredients on this list.
- Try a new sport: If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to change up your exercise routine, this is the perfect opportunity to try a new sport that you and your pet can enjoy, like agility. The nice thing about agility is that it’s not just a sport for dogs – cats can also enjoy navigating through obstacles you set up in your home or yard.
- Visit new restaurants, cafes and bars: A growing number of hospitality establishments are offering pet-friendly seating areas so guests can grab a bite to eat or have a drink with their four-legged friends. Make a list of all the pet-friendly restaurants, cafes, and bars in your area and try to browse them over the next 12 months.
Resolution #4: Prioritize Your Mental Health
The past few years have been tough, to say the least, so it’s no surprise that many people are looking every day for ways to put their mental health first. A great benefit of being a pet parent is that pets naturally provide several mental health benefits.
- Reduce stress: Research has shown that pets have a natural ability to reduce parent stress simply by being around them. One study found that after just three months as pet parents, there was a significant decrease in blood pressure and stress reactivity.
- Look for new social links: Having a strong social network can play a big part in your overall happiness. A huge benefit of being a pet parent is that your pets can help you build new relationships in your community. Whether it’s meeting new people at the dog park or exchanging cat sitting with neighbors, your pets make it easy to make ice cream and meet new people.
- Structure your day: Having some form of structure in your day can help you feel more grounded and give you a sense of purpose and achievement. Pets are creatures of habit, so they will naturally help you stick to a daily routine, even if it only revolves around their food, walks, and hobbies!
Resolution #5: Start volunteering regularly
Research has proven that regular participation in volunteer activities has a wide range of benefits, such as an increased sense of purpose and meaning, as well as reduced stress and feelings of loneliness. Another benefit of being a pet parent is that your pet can open doors to a whole world of volunteer opportunities.
If your pet was adopted locally through a shelter or shelter, ask about volunteer positions with them. These can range from hands-on work with animals or even fundraising and administrative work if that’s what you prefer.
Another good idea is to research organizations in your community that provide ongoing support for pet parents in need. For example, some organizations offer pet sitting services during hospital stays, transportation to vet appointments, or even repatriation assistance if pet parents are no longer able. to care for their animals due to age or serious illness.
For more great ideas for volunteer opportunities you can do with your pet, check out this list of random National Kindness Day ideas.
We hope we’ve given you some ideas for resolutions you and your pet can work on together in 2023!
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