When the ball drops in Times Square marking a new year, people often begin their New Year’s resolutions. They vow to be healthier, or to stay in touch with friends and family more, or to stop bad habits like smoking. If you’re contemplating changes in 2024, don’t forget about your pets! Here are some resolutions you may want to help your dog or cat achieve this year.
Walk More to Improve Health
Dogs are just like us — come rain or come shine, they need exercise. Luckily, NoVA is home to multiple hiking and walking trails perfect for all dogs, from the couch potatoes to the ones with everlasting zoomies.
Stop Jumping on the Counter
Cats naturally love to jump, pounce, and get into things they shouldn’t. If you’re looking to curb counter jumping behavior, the Animal Humane Society recommends tips that include confining your cat during mealtime and making counters unrewarding by clearing them of food. Sometimes, adding a new animal to the mix can help. If you want to try fostering a dog or cat first, experts offer some advice.
Stop Begging for Food
When delicious smells begin wafting through the kitchen, most dogs and cats morph into their best Puss in Boots from Shrek imitation. It’s important (especially during family get-togethers when it’s hard to keep an eye on your pet all the time) to not give in to their begging — no matter how cute they are!
Toddler Toys Are Not the Same as Dog Toys
If you have little humans and little canines too, chances are you’ve noticed how similar toddler toys and dog toys can be. Make sure your dog understands what toys belong to them and which ones are for their human siblings. Often, getting a basket for your dog’s toys can help differentiate human versus pet. If that doesn’t work, take them shopping! Here are some local dog boutiques perfect for your furry friend.
Make New Friends
Fortunately, dogs have it easy when it comes to making new friends. One butt sniff and play bow and they’ve made a new friend or two at the dog park instantly. If your pet is a bit shy, we put together a how-to on planning a fun-filled playdate for your dog to get them excited about making some new buddies.
Learn Some New Tricks
For the pet that hasn’t learned any new commands or tricks since they were young, check out this piece on three easy dog tricks you can teach your pet.
Work Through Anxieties and Fears
Just like us, pets can develop fears and anxieties. It’s important to address them early, whether your pet is afraid of Fourth of July fireworks or developing separation anxiety post-holidays.
Stop Passing Gas in Front of the Family
Unfortunately, stinky odors are a fact of pet life. If only dogs were more self-aware and walked to a different room when they decided to let loose, so to speak! If your dog seems to be excessively passing gas, you may want to rule out other conditions like canine colitis, IBS, or intestinal parasites.
Make Time for Self-Care
While your dog or cat may be stubborn about nail trims or haircuts, investing in their self-care is a win for the whole family. Frequent salon visits allow for less shedding or scratched up furniture from too long nails. Plus, cats and dogs seem to know just how cute they look strutting out of the salon, with their new bandanas or decorative bows around their necks.
Get Out More
Sometimes, it’s easier to just stay in your home with your pet. But if one of your resolutions is to get out and about and explore your community more, you’re in luck: Northern Virginia is full of activities perfect for humans and their furry counterparts. There are lots of dog-friendly bars and restaurants, pet-friendly options for a doggie day out, and a new indoor dog park and bar that opened in December.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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