As we embark on a new year, many of us set resolutions to improve our lives. This year, we thought we’d take a cue from our furry friends and consider resolutions inspired by the unconditional love and wisdom of our pets. From staying hydrated to embracing rest and relaxation, here are five resolutions that our dogs and cats would undoubtedly endorse.
1. Drink more water. Fun fact: the current recommendations for daily water intake for humans and dogs are identical — as a general rule, you and your pup should be drinking 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. To increase your intake in the new year, every time you see your dog take a sip, have a glass yourself.
2. Rest and Relax. On average cats can sleep anywhere from 16-20 hours per day, dogs 12-14 hours. If there is one thing our pets model for us more than any other, it’s rest and relaxation. Even though humans only need a fraction of their downtime (7+ hours a day), we can certainly learn a thing or two from our pets about slowing down and taking time to recharge.
3. Look at things from a new perspective. Whether it’s a pup on his back begging for a belly rub, or a cat peering at you upside down from her sleepy perch, our pets are pros at seeing the world from different angles. If you feel stuck in a rut, take a page out of their book and see how things look from another vantage point.
4. Wag more bark less. You know when your dog wags his tail so hard the joy vibrates his entire body?!? We humans can have the same experience with a less literal wag. Experts agree, that approaching the world with an optimistic outlook can improve a person’s overall psychological and physical well-being, and has even been shown to increase life span. Next time you’re feeling the tension of a bark coming on, give your tail a little wag and try approaching the situation from a positive perspective, you might be surprised by how good it feels.
5. Love unconditionally. Isn’t this why most people have pets?!?! — They are our biggest fans! From their exuberant greetings to their knowing nuzzles, our animals always seem to be there loving us just when we need it. Imagine how amazing the world would be if more people loved and treated others the way animals do us.
So, let’s get this new year off on the right paw and make 2024 the best year yet by filling it with the lessons our pets teach us effortlessly every day!