#1 Move More

It’s said that weight-bearing bodies need to move throughout the day to for good brain health.  It has something to do with proprioceptive data sent from the body to the brain about where it is in space.  Kind of makes sense doesn’t it?  We also know that movement can help prevent and treat diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, hyper tension, osteoporosis and depression.  It’s even believed to help reduce the risk of developing some cancers.  So start your new year by moving more yourself, and getting your pets moving too!

#2 Get Outside More

This one is harder in winter, at least where we are in the Northeast…but it’s so worth it, just layer up.  The sunlight provides vitamin D, which our bodies need for heart, brain and skin health, but can’t make. We learned through the pandemic how important fresh air is for minimizing risk of viral infections.  Being in nature has been found to have multiple health benefits like easing anxiety and depression, lowering tension, reducing fatigue from overstimulation, as well as even helping to prevent near-sightedness.  Getting outside also enhances brain function for our animals by exploring new sights and smells, boosts confidence by using natural skills like running and jumping, and builds stronger bonds with their humans.

#3 More Whole Food

Whole foods are minimally processed and nutrient dense.  They are one of our most important front line defenses against diseases like stroke, heart disease, obesity, and some forms of cancer.  Whole foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, enzymes, pre-biotics and a whole world of phyto nutrients.  Many whole foods are naturally anti-inflammatory, which means they help fight and prevent chronic and auto-immune diseases. Whole foods are more filling and more hydrating.  Whole foods boost the gut biome, now believed to be the core of our immune system. The benefits are so powerful – why wait?  For your animals, start with their current diet, and add something whole on top.  Try bowl boosters from your local pet supply, in the form of frozen raw, freeze-dried or air-dried.   Moisten their meals with raw goat’s milk (available powdered too) or bone broth (frozen or shelf-stable and available in multiple proteins, not just chicken or beef). Experiment to see how they respond.  Add a couple of spoonfuls of plain non-fat yogurt from your fridge, or make a slurry out of fresh vegetables like broccoli, kale and carrots and pour some of it into their meals.

#4 Play More

It’s not all fun and games…play is actually a very serious subject!  It has a huge impact on your pet’s brain development, as well as the development of important social and physical/motor skills, confidence and bonds with their humans.  All of this applies to cats as well as dogs (and humans!).  It’s critical for relief of stress, anxiety and boredom.  It stimulates their senses of sight and smell and their innate hunting instincts. And of course, play brings all the benefits of movement too, like regulating metabolism, improving circulation, lubricating joints and more.

#5 Learn Something New

Pick a simple trick, and teach to your dog or your cat. Why?  They’ll love the interaction, attention and opportunity to bond with you.  The stimulation is great for mental health, and developing cognitive abilities and motor skills.  Encouraging them to problem solve builds confidence and creative thinking.  The communication involved builds trust, and improves behavior, and the physical movement needed can enhance coordination, flexibility and muscle tone.