Some New Year's resolutions for you, and your dog

A new year means resolutions for many people. This may be the year you start eating healthy, take the trip of your dreams, or maybe even learn a new language. New Year's resolutions aren't just for people, though. Here are five resolutions to try with your dog this year!

Resolution #1 - Exercise

To be honest, I don't know who is a bigger couch potato - me or my dog. If your own New Year's resolution is to lose weight, try incorporating your pet into that goal, as well. A new exercise plan can be overwhelming for both you and your dog, so start small. You're not going to become a marathon runner overnight, and neither will your dog. As an added bonus, when your personal trainer is your four-legged best friend, you'll actually look forward to exercising every day!

Resolution #2 - Eat right

Many of us are guilty of showing our pets how much we love them by giving them lots of food and treats. Unfortunately, the end result of all that indulging is that our pets become overweight and develop a lot of health problems. In addition to added exercise, you can help your pet lose a few pounds simply by measuring their food at feeding time and offering only healthy treats - I even had a dog that was obsessed with carrots!

Resolution #3 - Try something new

Make 2015 the year you and your dog try a new activity together! Anything you do that gets your dog moving or thinking is beneficial to them and will make them both happier and healthier. Try hiking together, agility, scent training, or even learning to play Frisbee.

Resolution #4 - No more doggie breath

Doggie dental hygiene is often completely overlooked by pet owners. In addition to bad breath, poor dental hygiene can lead to a number of illnesses, like periodontal disease, heart disease, and kidney disease. Ideally, you should brush your dog's teeth several times a week. There are specially designed doggie toothbrushes that range from traditional looking brushes to smaller brushes that slip over one finger. Be sure to always use toothpaste that is designed for use with dogs. Start slow - if your dog is unhappy about getting his or her teeth brushed, don't force or punish them. Talk to your vet about the best way to help your dog learn to be comfortable with brushing.

Resolution #5 - Visit the vet

Your dog can get a 3-year rabies vaccine, but that doesn't mean it is OK to wait three years between vet visits. If you're not already doing so, get in the habit of scheduling your pet for a yearly exam. Yearly exams will help you better monitor your pet's health and, hopefully, catch any medical issues in their early stages.

Have a happy and healthy new year with your dog!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, two cats, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.