New year's resolutions for pet people

Almost half of Americans make New Year's resolutions. These resolutions range from losing weight, to quitting smoking, to spending more time with family. However, we often forget to include our furry friends in the resolutions. This New Year, aim to make a few resolutions that will improve the relationship between you and your pet.

When you find yourself getting caught up in life, take a breath and spend a little more time with your pet. It's easy to get distracted by all the important events going on, but don't forget that every time you head out for a dinner with friends, you are leaving your furry family member behind. Devote more play time with your pet and try to stay in one or two nights to show your pooch or kitty how much you care about him.

Rain or shine, Rover deserves his exercise. Not only will this get you and your dog away from being couch potatoes, it will also allow for some much-needed bonding time for the two of you.

Get away for a weekend. Find somewhere that will accept your dog as well! Try renting a pet-friendly Airbnb to get away from the hustle and bustle of your life and give your dog a new experience.

The start of a new year is the right time for a fresh start for pets needing a change in their routine. For example, with over 50 percent of pets in the United States classified as overweight, there's no better time for pet parents to commit to a new healthier diet for their furry family members.

From walking to hiking, skijoring to kayaking, it's easier than ever for people to incorporate their pet into a new exercise routine. It's a great way to bond, it will get you both out of the house and you both can reap the rewards of being physically active.

Resolve to groom your pet every day, especially if you have a long-haired dog. The knots in their hair can become very painful against their skin. Brushing your dog a few times a week will distribute oils evenly along their coat, which will make them shinier. Not only will you have one good-looking dog, but he'll feel better too!

Don't forget your cat! She also needs some daily attention and exercise. Toys that trigger a cat's predatory instinct are a great way to get them off the couch and engaged in a little aerobic activity. Experiment to see what really gets your cat going - in addition to laser, catnip toys, crinkly balls and climbable cat trees, a cardboard box can become a cat cave that satisfies a cat's desire for a hiding place.

Studies show that mental stimulation can help reduce cognitive deterioration in aging animals. In other words, keeping your senior pet's brain active can actually make it healthier. Teaching your pooch new tricks and practicing those they already know are a great way to keep those neurons firing. Puzzle feeders, which force a pet to think through a task in order to be rewarded with a treat, are also an excellent way to keep your pet's mind engaged.

Over the course of a year a lot can change - people move, get new phone numbers, and forget to update their pet's tags. Often, they only remember once their pet is lost. If any of your contact information has changed in 2018, don't wait - update their tags and microchip information today. It's the best way to ensure a lost pet makes their way safely home.

Resolve to bring more joy into your pet's life this year. One easy way is by setting up pet play dates. Play dates for your furry friend will help socialize him and get Rover used to new faces and other animals and people. Call up a friend with a dog that is similar in size to yours and get together at a nearby park. Interaction with other animals is great for your pet's mental health and can help vastly improve their social skills.

Perhaps the most important resolution for any pet parent to make is to bring your pet to the veterinarian this new year. Make your pet's health one of your biggest priorities.

Pets need to visit the vet once per year; for older pets, the visits should be more frequent (about twice a year). Many medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or obesity are common in aging pets and much easier to manage when detected in the early stages of the disease process. Veterinary visits are also the perfect time to ask for advice, update your pet's dietary needs, or get an expert opinion on any behavioral issues that may be affecting your bond with your pet.

Whether it's putting a few dollars in the "homeless pets" jar at the pet store check-out line, or volunteering to walk dogs at your local shelter a few days a week, make sure to give back to those four-legged friends who don't have as much as your own furry friends.