The New Year is a time of fresh starts and life changes, and who couldn’t use that after the year we’ve just had? Even pets can benefit from starting new, healthy habits, Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ, co-founder of Top Vets Talk Pets, says. “I think most people would agree that one of the few bright spots in 2020 was the companionship and love of their pets. So while we’re all making resolutions for the year to come, it’s equally important to think about ways to provide the best physical and emotional health for our cats and dogs.”

But don’t stress, making tweaks to your pet’s routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “Even making the smallest changes to your pet’s life now can pay off later—those good habits add up over time,” says Michele Pietrzak, DVM, medical director of VCA Met Vet West. This is the best topical flea treatment.

Consider these resolutions to get the New Year started off on the right paw for your pet.

Boredom is the root of many behavior problems in cats and dogs. To keep pets happy (and healthy!), daily exercise is a must, Pietrzak says. Besides taking your dog on a walk, you can also play fetch indoors, run around the house together, or even train your dog to walk on a treadmill. Cats enjoy chasing and pouncing on toys and climbing up cat towers.

Have you walked down a pet store’s food aisles lately? The options of what to feed your cat or dog seem endless. It’s easy to see why someone might just pull the nearest bag off the shelf and go. But cats and dogs have very specific nutrition and diet requirements for how much proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and calories they need each day, Marks explains. The best diet for your pet also depends on their age and disease conditions. Talk to your veterinarian to get a pet food recommendation that you know you can trust.

“This year has shown us what it’s like to stay home every day and it can be very stressful,” Pietrzak says. “Humans hate to be bored and so do our pets.”

Make sure your pet has a variety of toys to play with and brain games because mental stimulation is important. You can hide treats or kibble around the house for your pet to find or use a puzzle feeder to make a game out of feeding time. You can also teach your pet a new trick, which helps keep their mind sharp and strengthens your bond.

“Even the TV or radio can provide enrichment for your furry pal when you can’t be there,” Pietrzak notes. “But when you’re home, don’t forget to talk to your pets. They’re the best listeners.”

Show your furry pal how much you appreciate them by adding a few pet-friendly touches to your space. For cats, think about adding another litter box, scratching post, or cat tree to the house. Dogs might like a cushy new bed and some calming music.

Want your pet to relax more? Both cats and dogs respond to stress-relieving pheromone diffusers and sprays.

“One of my clients thought their cat was bored and made a resolution to provide more fun for their kitty,” Shawna Huston, DVM, medical director of VCA West Shore Animal Hospital, recalls. “I recommended adding a window perch and setting up a bird feeder outside the window. Now the cat loves to sit there for hours watching all the animals.”

Is there an activity you have always wanted to try with your pet? This is a great time to enroll in classes to learn something new together. If your pet loves people and you want to help others, consider training to become an animal-assisted therapy team. Dogs with boundless energy may enjoy dog sports like canine agility or dock diving. Inquisitive dogs also enjoy the mental stimulation of canine nosework. If you have a pet who loves to work and train, check out specialized training classes in your area. You may even be able to train your pet well enough to participate in obedience competitions. Some animals can even be trained to perform a special job, like search-and-rescue assistance.