New Year, New Habits: Building a Healthier Lifestyle for You and Your Pet in 2023

Every day is a new opportunity to transform your and your pet’s life with positive habits, so why not start now? There are many simple changes you can make to your lifestyle to boost your wellness and that of your pet, and the best part is you can do it together.

Let’s make 2023 the year you get active with your pet, eat well, and improve your overall health together.

Step up the ball game

A classic game of fetch is a great way for your dog to burn some calories. One healthy habit you can build this year is to do a few quick lunges or squats whenever your dog is retrieving their tennis ball or disc. And let’s face it, sometimes just wrestling a toy away from your pooch is a workout all on its own.

Other games you can play with your dog include kicking a soccer ball, tossing a football, or bouncing a basketball. You’d be surprised how quickly some dogs can get the hang of it.

On Foot

If you’re intimidated by more strenuous activities, remember that you can’t go wrong with a simple walk around the block. Don’t underestimate the power of adding another walk during the week or extending your daily stroll with your dog from thirty minutes to forty-five. Every change that gets you moving more is bound to be good for you and Fido, too.

If the daily walk is starting to feel more like a chore than a relaxing experience with your best pet, change things up a little bit. Take a different route one day, or walk through a dog-friendly park or nature trail instead. If you’re feeling up for it, you can alternate between walking and jogging or even take up running with your dog and work towards a goal like a doggy 5K or 10K.

Whether walking, hiking, or running, ensure you stay safe outdoors with your dog and be aware of your dog's energy level and physical abilities. Some dogs will enthusiastically do their best to keep up at first, only to overwork themselves.

On Wheels

If your two feet aren’t fast enough for a particularly energetic dog, step it up with a pair of wheels. Rollerblading, cycling, or even skateboarding with your pet can be another fun way to get active together and learn a new skill.

Remember to wear your helmet and ensure that your dog knows their basic obedience skills before you get up to speed. The last thing you want is your distracted dog to bolt after a squirrel and yank you straight over the handlebars.

On the Water

Swimming is one of the healthiest active habits you can build for both you and your dog. The water’s buoyancy is easy on the joints, so it’s perfect for those with limited mobility. Swimming also promotes good circulation, and water resistance builds strong muscles.

Look for dog-friendly beaches or lakes in your area to give Fido the opportunity for a good doggy paddle. Or, if you’d rather be on the water instead of in it, your dog can also learn to enjoy fun water activities like canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.

However you enjoy the water, make sure your dog wears a well-fitted life preserver at all times.

In the Snow

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean being trapped inside. From the classics like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to canine-specific snow sports like skijoring and dog sledding, you can do plenty of winter activities with your dog to start building healthy habits right away.

While you’re enjoying the winter wonderland, make sure you’re keeping your dog warm, watching out for cold-weather dangers like deadly antifreeze, and following our other winter safety tips.

In the Ring: Canine Sports

Participating in a canine competition gives you and your dog the chance to have fun together, work towards a goal and establish a healthy routine.

From disc throw and agility to dock diving, flyball, lure coursing, and even dog dancing, there’s any number of fun canine sports the two of you can do together. These are excellent exercises for dogs, and many of them get you moving just as much as your pup.

If you’re unsure where to start, the AKC has a quiz to help point you and Rover in the right direction.

Don’t Forget Felix! Exercise With Your Cat

Harness training for your cat exists, and it’s a fantastic way to let your kitty explore the great outdoors safely. Of course, your cat’s casual stroll likely won’t be at the same brisk pace as if you were walking a dog — but at least it’ll get you out of the house.

Another great way to exercise your cat is to invest in some cat toys (especially wands and other dangly items) and commit to at least one active play session with your cat daily. A good fifteen or thirty minutes of active ‘hunting’ every day will help a plump kitty shed a few pounds and improve your bond with your cat.

Ready to make a change but don’t know where to start? Organizations like the AKC or LeashYourFitness can help you get started on exercising with your dog, while you can try out our healthy Vital Essentials treats, food, and toppers at your local independent pet retailer.

For more information on Vital Essentials and our full product line, follow us on TikTok and Instagram. And if you have any questions, be sure to check out our FAQ page for answers. Together, we can ensure your pet gets the proper nutrition they deserve.