9 New Year’s Resolutions For You — and Your Pet

Turn your self-improvement journey into a team sport.

January 5, 2023

Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. (Then give them a treat.)

We’re all ready to be happier, healthier, more fulfilled version of ourselves this year. And while we’re busy dropping our vices and picking up new hobbies (this is the year jogging will be fun!), we can’t forget to give time and attention to our pets.

Luckily, many of our personal goals can be shared with our furry friends. Below are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions and suggestions for how you can include your pet in the self-actualization fun. Grab that overpriced 2023 planner and start making lists.

1. Exercise more

One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is also one of the easiest to make a team effort. Your dog will benefit from your newfound passion for long walks and maybe-not-so-long (yet!) runs. It’s easy to hike with your dog — as long as they’re trained, well-equipped, and you’re on the watch for ticks. If you’re more of a cat person, no worries: You can teach a cat to use a leash and blaze a trail, too. Check out our recommendations for cat leashes and harnesses here.

A woman wearing colorful activewear running on the beach with her dog.

Dogs Make Great Exercise Partners

Helpful tips on shaping up with your dog.

2. Get organized

You promised yourself you’d be cleaner and less cluttered this year? Try starting by organizing your pet papers. Then check out our advice from certified KonMari consultants on how to find the joy — and toss out the rest — in your pet’s toy collection.

How to Marie Kondo Your Pet’s Toy Collection

5 tips for decluttering dog and cat toys, according to KonMari certified consultants.

3. Learn a new skill

Whether you’re planning to take up knitting or boxing, you’re not the only one who’s craving some stimulation and horizon-broadening. Try teaching your pet some new tricks or buying them a puzzle to keep them active.

Nine Useful Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Go beyond the basics.

4. Save money

Inflation is no joke, and your pet’s definitely not pulling their weight when it comes to chipping in for all those toys and treats. Cut some spending by saving money on your vet bills and cooking homemade dog food.

French bulldog being examined at the vet via stethoscope

9 Tips For Saving Money At the Vet

Ways to lower your bill — without compromising your pet’s health.

5. Travel more

Your pet wants to see the sights, too. Find everything you need to travel with a cat, everything you need to fly with a dog, and read our advice on planning a dog-friendly roadtrip. Undecided on a destination? Check out our dog-friendly guides to LA hiking and camping, Oregon beaches, Midwest cities, and New England getaways.

Flying With Your Dog? Don’t Just Wing It

Here’s a step-by-step guide, plus all the essentials, from airline-compliant carriers to calming chews.

6. Practice self care

We at The Wildest strongly endorse this resolution. We could all stand to up our wellness game — our pets included. To help your pet unwind, try a dog or cat massage, check out alternative wellness therapi es, such as Reiki, and maybe provide a little CBD for anxiety. Together, the two (or more) of you can practice mindfulness and try dog yoga.

Dog sitting in a tent surrounded by candles and crystals

Alternative Therapies Can Zen Out Your Pet, Too

Wellness treatments like acupuncture, Reiki, and sound baths are helping pets heal and bond with their parents.

7. Spend more time with family and friends

You aren’t the only one craving connection; your pet needs to socialize, too. Learn how to get a shy dog to socialize and why socialization, believe it or not, is equally important for cats.

Two tabby cats cuddling each other with their eyes closed

Cats Aren’t Loners, After All

Cat behaviorist Kristiina Wilson on the importance of socializing cats.

8. Practice better sleep habits

If you aren’t getting your CDC-recommended seven (or more) hours a night, you aren’t alone — though your dog or cat is probably blowing your numbers out of the water. Luckily for both of you, there are health benefits to sleeping with your dog and a few good reasons why your cat might want to join you in your sleep sesh, too.

Woman lying in bed with two golden retrievers

13 Reasons to Sleep with Your Dog

It’s science (and adorable).

9. Eat healthier

Your pet might not seem to have the most discerning taste, but trust us: They want in on 2023’s healthy-food agenda. Start by reading up on the qualities of healthy dog and cat food; then look into options for food toppers and dog and cat supplements. You and your pet can even share superfoods and some dog-and cat-safe fruits and vegetables.

10 Superfoods to Share With Your Dog

From kale to quinoa, these nutrient-packed picks deserve a spot in your dog’s food bowl.

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