By Dr. Kathy Boehme

Most of my personal New Year’s resolutions are centered on my health and relationships. In the past, I have promised myself to work out regularly, eat healthier or call my family back East more often. But what if I broadened my resolutions to include my pets? What would that look like? Could I find resolutions that would truly benefit both of us?

These resolutions are integrative in nature as they address various aspects of the pet’s well-being, such as diet, exercise and social and emotional needs.

Resolution #1: Feed myself and my pet in a healthier way

Feeding a pet a healthier diet may seem daunting, but it really involves no additional effort than simply doing it for myself.

Fruits and vegetables are important components of a human diet, but are greatly valuable to pets as well, especially dogs. Canine bodies benefit from the addition of fiber and phytochemicals in the same way that our bodies do. Fiber-rich vegetables like beans or leafy greens also alter the glycemic index of our foods as well as the carbohydrate-laden kibbled diets we feed our dogs.

When adding fresh fruits and vegetables to a dog’s diet, it is important to start slow, introducing one new item per week, and work up to a wide variety. Try to include all colors for the greatest range of nutrients. Root vegetables, such as carrots and yams, are starchy and can add weight if fed in large amounts. Legumes, such as beans and lentils, give protein as well as antioxidants. Be sure to avoid the onion family as well as grapes and raisins as these are toxic to most pets.

Because cats are strict carnivores and do not have a requirement for plant-based food sources, vegetables are less beneficial for our feline friends.

Resolution #2: Exercise with my pet

Walking or jogging with my dog is a great way to exercise both of our bodies and strengthen our bond.

This type of activity does entail some discipline if I want a good workout, however. Both dogs and humans need aerobic exercise to stay in good physical shape, but ambling down the sidewalk and letting the dog sniff every bush won’t cut it. A “workout walk” requires training to keep the dog focused on what you want him/her to do. The dog may then be “released” from this focus at the end of the walk to play and socialize.

There are numerous creative ways to exercise with pets, but common sense rules apply. Like all exercise, a gradual introduction to avoid physical injury and pain is important. If your dog is painful after a walk, there may be more going on and it should be checked out.

Resolution #3: Make room for more social time with my pet

Pets are masters at socializing and often act as magnets—or bridges—to other people. It is so much easier for me to let my defenses down with another person when they are fawning all over my dog or cat. I automatically connect with another animal lover.

Getting out in my neighborhood with my dog exponentially increases my interaction with my neighbors. Being adored by other people provides great socialization for my pets and a great social interaction for me. Feeling like we are part of a community is good for our health.

Resolution #4: Build upon my relationship with my pet

The tremendous benefit of the human-animal bond to both the human and the animal is not in question. Countless studies have shown the mutual benefit of having this type relationship and I’m sure there are even more advantages that have not been studied yet.

For some of us, our pets are our friends, companions, children, caregivers or teachers. Just bringing into my awareness and acknowledging the positive ways my life is affected because I live with my pet deepens the relationship the two of us have. Having them around helps me feel calmer and less concerned about the small stuff. What your pets do for you might be quite different, but beneficial none the less.

So, this year, my resolutions are to feed myself and my pets more fresh produce, briskly walk around the neighborhood three times a week, take some leisurely strolls for fun and socialization and remember on a daily basis all that my pets and I give to each other.

What kind of pet-inclusive resolutions will you come up with?