As far as New Year’s resolutions go, getting healthier is usually right at the top of most people’s lists. We’re all prone to a bit of over-indulgence during the festive season and it’s easy to put on a few extra pounds and feel a bit lethargic going into 2025. The same goes for our dogs.
Starting a new calendar year gives us the opportunity to make a fresh start and in this blog we’ll share our ten top tips to help your dog look and feel healthier as we move into the new year.
1. Ensure a Balanced, High-Quality Diet
For us humans the new year may mean less cakes and pastries, more fruits and veggies, however it’s also as good a time as any to re-evaluate your dog’s diet too. Nutrition plays a pivotal role in your dog’s health and wellbeing. Infact we’d say it’s probably the best place to start if you’re looking to make some improvements to their overall health.
Every dog is unique, so we aren’t going to say that any particular diet is ‘the best’ as this can vary based on a range of different factors. With so many different options on the table though, it can seem a bit daunting to switch to something new.
With the popularity of grain-free, fresh and raw diets on the rise, it might be the right time to explore something different. Speak to fellow dog owners to hear their experiences and do your own research about what might be best for your dog. We also recommend consulting your vet before making any major dietary changes.
2. Consider Supplements
We know that our four-legged friends can often be picky when it comes to food, so switching to something new isn’t always easy. Instead, why not consider adding a supplement to their diet to give them an extra boost in an area where they may need it; be it joint health, skin and coat condition or digestive health.
If traditional supplements aren’t your thing, why not consider supplementing your doggo’s regular food with something like bone broth. Bone broth is packed with collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin, which are all essential for maintaining healthy joint movement and improving the condition of your dog’s skin, coat, teeth and nails. Bone broth is also great for digestive health and helps support the immune system, helping your dog in fighting off illnesses.
This nutrient-rich supplement is a great all-rounder that can really make a real difference to your pet’s overall health, keeping them feeling healthy from the inside out. Our bone broth Happy Bones can be melted and poured over food, added straight to the bowl or served as a lollipop treat.
3. Weight Management
It’s down at number three but we can’t put it off any longer. It’s time for the big weigh-in. The PDSA reports that only 56% of pet owners know their pet’s ideal weight, however it’s crucial that you know where your dog is versus where they should ideally be weight-wise. Excess weight puts additional strain on your dog’s joints and increases the risk of adverse health conditions developing.
Why not pop into your vets and get your doggo weighed. Many vets have large weighing scales in their reception areas, which is often easier than trying to do it at home. If they are overweight, your vet can also help with a weight-loss or nutrition plan to help shed those extra pounds.
4. Regular Exercise and Play
All dogs need regular exercise to maintain their mobility, flexibility and muscle mass, whilst also keeping those all-important pounds off. If your dog isn’t as active as they should be or if they’re getting older and starting to slow down a bit, consider starting with some lighter play sessions. These are an ideal low-impact, low-intensity way of keeping your doggo physically and mentally stimulated without pushing them too far too soon.
Short regular walks will also help keep your doggo’s muscles and joints in good condition and you can build-up gradually to longer, higher-intensity walks. It’s important to be mindful of your pet’s limitations and adjust any activities accordingly. If your dog seems tired or uncomfortable, don’t force the issue and let them take the lead (pun intended!).
5. Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, particularly for older dogs. With cognitive decline on the rise amongst UK dogs (you can read more about this in our Caring For Senior Dogs blog), it’s super-important to provide your dog with adequate mental stimulation to keep their brain active and engaged.
Stimulate your pet's mind with puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games. These kind of enrichment activities are some of the best ways to help combat cognitive decline. Another great way of stimulating your doggo is through social interaction. If possible, arrange to meet-up with other dogs to socialise, or choose walking routes where you are more likely to encounter other dogs.
6. Regular Vet Check-ups
Routine vet visits are a great way to get your pet MOT’d and catch any potential issues early. An annual visit is recommended, although senior dogs or dogs with specific health needs may require more frequent visits.
Consider signing-up to a pet health club subscription, should your vet offer this type of service. These plans are becoming increasingly popular with pet owners as they cover a range of different preventive interventions including annual vaccinations and parasite treatments. They often also offer discounts on dental checks and treatments, discounts on pet food and medication, unlimited consultations and online access to a vet 24/7, providing you with extra peace of mind.
7. Regular Teeth Brushing
Yes, we know! Brushing your dog’s teeth is a pain in the backside, but it is really important in combatting bad breath and maintaining good oral hygiene. It’s reported that approximately 80% of dogs start to suffer with dental disease before the age of two, demonstrating the importance of good oral hygiene, which begins with teeth brushing.
Ideally, you should try to brush your doggo’s teeth several times a week using a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush, however we understand that there will be times when physical brushing isn’t a viable option. In these instances there are several other things you can do to help maintain their oral hygiene, including using dental chews/treats, using water additives or introducing herbal supplements to help. You can read more about oral hygiene in our Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell? Blog.
8. Regular Grooming
Regular grooming keeps your dog’s skin and coat healthy, whilst allowing you to check for parasites, lumps, bumps or skin abnormalities. It can also be a great bonding experience for both you and your pet.
For breeds with thicker or longer fur, routine brushing will also help prevent matting and reduces shedding. Regular bathing (using doggy-friendly shampoos!) is essential, however you should avoid over-bathing, as this can potentially dry out your pet’s skin.
If your dog has sensitive skin, consider hypoallergenic grooming products or talk to your vet about skin supplements.
9. Provide Joint Support
As we get older our joints naturally deteriorate as our bodies cannot produce the compounds needed to maintain them. That said, there are things you can do to help slow this process and help to maintain mobility and flexibility.
One of the most popular methods amongst dog owners is supplementing their pet’s diet with chondroitin and glucosamine. Our bone broth Happy Bones are packed with these two natural compounds, which are all essential for maintaining supporting the healthy formation of tendons, ligaments and cartilage around your dog’s joints.
You can read more about joint support in our How To Spot Joint Issues blog.
10. Parasite Prevention
Unfortunately fleas, ticks and worms are a year-round nuisance which can often pose further health issues if untreated. Aside from the horror of having a flea infestation in your house, the thought of your poor doggo being an all you can eat buffet for these pesky parasites is enough to make you run screaming to the vets for a solution.
Many vets will be able to treat your pet for a flea, tick or worm infestation however it’s worth considering a preventative method. Again it’s important to speak to fellow dog owners and do your own research about what method might be best for your dog. We also recommend consulting your vet for advice before introducing any parasite prevention routines.
Conclusion
It’s likely that if you’ve read this far, you’re already very much invested in your dog’s health and wellbeing. You’re probably already doing a lot of the things in this list!
We hope that this blog has helped to stimulate some thoughts around how you can best support your dog’s overall health and happiness. Even for the most experienced dog owner, there are always small changes we can make that will be mutually beneficial to both our dog and to us. After all, a happy dog means a happy owner. So together let’s make 2025 the year of the dog.
For more helpful advice and guidance, check out our Blog Hub or contact us directly by emailing hello@axelselixir.com and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.