The start of a new year is the perfect time to set goals for your self-improvement, but it’s also a great opportunity to make positive changes for your pets. After all, they rely on us to provide the best possible care and lifestyle.
In 2025, why not make a few resolutions that will enhance your pet’s well-being, happiness, and overall health? From enrichment activities and better diets to regular grooming and consistent training, here are some resolutions you can set to make your pet’s year even better!
Add More Enrichment for Mental and Physical Stimulation
Pets, especially dogs and cats, need more than just food and shelter—they require mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive. This year, consider setting a resolution to enrich your pet’s daily routine with activities that challenge both their mind and body.
Interactive Toys: Invest in puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls or snuffle mats for your dog or cat to keep them engaged and mentally stimulated.
Regular Playtime: Set aside time each day for a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek. Even 15–30 minutes of active play can make a big difference!
Rotating Toys: Rotate your pet’s toys to keep things exciting. Pets can get bored with the same old toys, so a little variety can go a long way in keeping them entertained. Subscribing to receive a monthly BarkBox (www.barkbox.com) is a great tool for obtaining new and fun toys each month.
Trick Training: Training is great stimulation and trick training is fun! What better way to show off your dog than to have them do something fun such as “sit pretty” or “dance?” Check out trick training videos by KikoPup on YouTube. (https://www.youtube.com/@kikopup)
Outdoor Adventures: Explore new walking or hiking routes with your dog. Drive your dog to a nearby neighborhood for their daily walk! Giving your dog new smells, sights and sounds is a great way to give them additional stimulation. For cats, consider leash training routine so you can explore the outdoors in a safe way.
The goal is to provide a well-rounded environment that caters to their instinctual needs and keeps them engaged.
Improve their Diet and Nutrition
A healthy diet is one of the most fundamental ways to show your pet love. In 2025, take a closer look at what your pet is eating and consider any changes that could improve their health and longevity. If you’re unsure about what’s best for your pet, your vet can help you choose the right food based on their age, breed, and health condition.
Fresh, Whole Foods: Look for high-quality, whole-food ingredients in your pet’s meals. Some owners opt for fresh pet food delivery services that provide customized meals designed for their pet’s needs. We recommend “Just Food For Dogs” which can be purchased at Petco or formulated for in-home delivery via their site.
Portion Control: Overfeeding is a common problem. Be mindful of portion sizes to help prevent obesity and avoid excessive treats.
Healthy Treats: Choose healthy, low-calorie treats and use them sparingly. You can also make your own treats with pet-safe ingredients. Great choices are blueberries, plain yogurt and frozen green beans. Whole Dog Market is a great place to pick up healthy treats. They have several locations including Buckhead, West Midtown and Morningside.
Improving your pet’s diet can have lasting effects on their energy, coat quality, and even their mood!
Grooming for a Healthier Coat and Skin
Just like you, your pet benefits from regular grooming to maintain healthy skin and fur. Whether you have a long-haired cat or a short-haired dog, grooming is an important aspect of keeping them clean, comfortable, and looking their best.
Brushing: Brush your pet regularly to remove dead hair, prevent matting, and reduce shedding. This also helps to keep their skin healthy and free from irritants.
Bathing Routine: Establish a routine for bathing your pet. Dogs generally need a bath every 1–3 months, but it can vary based on breed, activity level, and skin conditions.
Nail Trimming: Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. If you’re unsure how to trim nails, ask your vet or a groomer for a tutorial.
Ear Cleaning: Some breeds are prone to ear infections, so regular ear checks and cleanings can prevent unnecessary discomfort or health issues.
Teeth Cleaning: Brush your dog’s teeth to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to painful dental diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Not only does dental care helps avoid bad breath but also prevents more serious health issues, such as heart disease, that can result from untreated oral infections.
A grooming routine is not only great for your pet’s appearance, but it also helps strengthen your bond with them while ensuring their comfort.
Consistent Training and Behavior Goals
Training isn’t just for puppies or kittens. All pets, regardless of age, benefit from learning new skills and behaviors. Whether it’s basic obedience or more advanced tricks, training provides your pet with structure and builds a stronger bond between you.
There are some wonderful positive reinforcement trainers who have cultivated great training libraries on YouTube. Our favorites are Pawsitive Futures and Victoria Stilwell’s Teacher’s Pets series.
Basic Obedience: If your dog isn’t already familiar with commands like sit, stay, or come, make it a goal to teach them. Regular practice sessions will reinforce these behaviors and help with everyday life.
Leash Manners: Dogs that pull on the leash can make walks stressful. Training them to walk calmly by your side will make outings more enjoyable.
Training for Enrichment: Learning new tricks and playing interactive games like hide-and-seek, fetch, or agility courses are so much fun for us and for our pets! Dogs, in particular, thrive with mentally stimulating challenges.
Behavioral Adjustments: If your pet has any behavioral challenges (e.g., anxiety, excessive barking, or destructive chewing), consider enrolling in private, in-home training sessions with a credentialed, professional positive reinforcement trainer to address the issue.
Training doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Short, consistent sessions are the key to long-term success. And, of course, plenty of positive reinforcement!
Creating a Safer and More Comfortable Environment
While it’s not exactly a “resolution,” ensuring your pet’s environment is safe, comfortable, and stress-free is crucial. As your pet’s caretaker, it’s important to provide a space that promotes relaxation, security, and well-being.
Comfortable Bedding: A soft, clean bed or designated sleeping space can significantly improve your pet’s quality of rest. For affordable dog beds, we recommend TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshall’s and Ross. All have locations in Buckhead and Midtown.
Safe Toys and Chews: Always ensure that toys and chews are safe and non-toxic, especially for pets prone to swallowing or chewing things they shouldn’t. Some of our favorites are Bully Sticks, The Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball and our new favorite, The Pupsicle!
We like Pupsicle because they are easy to fill silicone trays we fill with our favorite foods pureed sweet potato, yogurt or peanut butter but they also have their own fillables such as Calming Pops and Beef Pops.
Pet-Proofing Your Home: Regularly inspect your home for potential hazards like toxic plants, sharp objects, or small items your pet could choke on.
Conclusion: A Happier, Healthier Year for Your Pet
Enhancing your pet’s quality of life and strengthening the bond you share is the goal. With a focus on mental and physical enrichment, a balanced diet, proper grooming, and consistent training, you can help your pet thrive in 2024 and beyond.
Make incremental changes to your pet’s routine. Whether you’ve had your pet for years or just adopted them, the little bit ofextra effort will go a long way toward ensuring they enjoy a fulfilling, happy life. Happy New Year to you and your pet!
Have any pet resolutions you’re excited to try in 2024? Share them in the comments below! Contact us when you need dog walking and pet sitting services in Atlanta: Buckhead, Midtown, West Midtown, Morningside.
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