As We Say “Hello” to 2021, Our Pets Can Help Reach Our Goals

2020 was a horrible year, let's hope 2021 is much better.

Thanks to the Best Friends Animal Society, there is good news as we head into 2021. Our cats and dogs can provide us with the motivation to get 2021 started on the right track for us, who knew?

Here are a coupe ways your pets can be the best resolution buddies according to Best Friends Animal Society.

Let's start MOVING

Dogs love to get exercise and do it with such enthusiasm, they’re sure to make you smile as you head out the door. Walking at a vigorous pace for just 30 minutes, five times a week can provide the moderately intensive cardiovascular exercise most physicians recommend. (If you and your dog aren’t quite ready to hit that goal at the moment, try a 10 minute walk at your own pace and boost your time by five-minute increments each week).

Cats also, believe it or not, love to take walks, too. Keep on a routine with your dogs and cats.

Ease stress 

Our pets are good for us. As research has shown, spending quality time with pets can lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and bolster your immune system—health benefits many of us can use.  

An option with stress option is to break out a yoga mat and do some poses with your cat or dog, which will not only ease stress, but also provides a gentle workout. 

Eat better 

 Start sharing some good-for-you snacks with your pet. 

Dogs can eat raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds, plus produce like watermelon, blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, bananas, apple slices, and baby carrots (but no grapes or raisins, which can be toxic). Cats can get in on the fun, too. Felines are able to enjoy fish like salmon or mackerel, meats like plain boiled chicken, and even a bit of cheese or egg. **Check with your veterinarian about certain snacks for your furbabies. 

Wait...what? You don’t have a pet?

2020 was the year of the pet-boom. So many dogs and cats were rescued from shelters in 2020. There's no better time than now, as we head into 2021, to adopt a new best friend.