The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence—for both humans and their pets! Between festive feasts, disrupted routines, and extra treats, it’s not uncommon for both you and your furry friend to feel a little out of sync by the time the holidays wind down. But fear not: transitioning back to normal life after the holidays is entirely doable and can even be an opportunity for you and your pet to bond and set healthier habits for the new year.

Here’s how you can ease your dog or cat back into a regular routine while shedding those extra holiday pounds—together.

1. Reestablishing a Routine

Holidays often disrupt daily schedules, from mealtimes to exercise routines. Getting your pet back into a predictable schedule is one of the first and most important steps.

• Set Regular Mealtimes:
  During the holidays, pets often snack on festive tidbits or receive extra treats throughout the day. Transition back to fixed mealtimes and measure their food portions carefully to avoid overfeeding. This predictability helps regulate their digestion and energy levels.
• Bring Back Consistent Walks and Playtime:
  If your dog’s walks or your cat’s play sessions were sporadic during the holiday season, gradually reintroduce regular exercise. Start with short but consistent activity periods, like daily walks or 10-15 minutes of interactive play for cats.
• Stick to a Sleep Schedule:
  Pets thrive on routine, so try to restore their usual sleep environment and schedule. Ensure their bed or crate is in a calm, quiet space and that bedtime aligns with what they’re used to.
• Limit Guests:
  If your home was bustling with holiday visitors, your pet may need time to decompress. A quieter home will help them feel more secure as they transition back into normalcy.

2. Losing Those Holiday Pounds Together

Let’s face it: all those festive snacks and big meals can leave both humans and their pets feeling sluggish. The good news is that you can work on getting back into shape together.

For Dogs

• Daily Walks or Hikes:
  Add an extra 10-15 minutes to your daily walks to gradually increase activity levels. If the weather permits, try going for hikes on pet-friendly trails in Colorado to make exercise fun for both of you.
• Play Fetch or Tug-of-War:
  Engaging in high-energy games is an easy way to burn calories while strengthening your bond. Use a favorite toy or introduce something new for added excitement. Check out Mammoth’s tug ropes or Chuckit’s ball launchers if you need some practical ideas.
• Use Puzzle Feeders:
  Replace treat-heavy rewards with food puzzles or slow feeders. These stimulate your dog mentally while encouraging slower eating, which can help with digestion and portion control.

For Cats

• Interactive Toys:
  Use feather wands, laser pointers, or small motorized toys to get your cat moving. Even 10 minutes a day of active play can make a big difference.
• Climbing and Jumping Opportunities:
  Encourage your cat to stay active indoors by setting up a cat tree, shelves, or window perches that entice them to climb and jump.
• Monitor Treat Intake:
  After the holidays, switch to low-calorie cat treats or reward your cat with affection and play instead of food.

For You and Your Pet Together

• Set Exercise Goals as a Team:
  If you’re trying to get back into shape too, take your dog along for a brisk jog or light run. For indoor cats, spend time engaging in play that gets both of you moving—maybe even a little stretching together!
• Incorporate Training:
  Teaching new tricks or commands is a great way to work your pet’s brain while keeping them physically engaged. Plus, it doubles as exercise for you if the commands involve movement like running or jumping.
• Try Dog Yoga (Doga):
  Believe it or not, yoga with your dog can be a calming and active way to exercise together. Cats might also enjoy participating—or just watching you—while you stretch!

3. Cleaning Up Your Pet’s Diet

Both pets and owners are often guilty of a bit of overindulgence during the holidays. Here’s how to reset your pet’s diet:

• Portion Control:
  Measure your pet’s meals according to their weight and activity level. If you’re unsure, consult with your veterinarian to determine the right portion size.
• Choose Healthy Treats:
  Opt for natural, low-calorie treats. Freeze-dried meat treats, fruits like blueberries, or small veggies like carrots are excellent options.
• Hydration Is Key:
  Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh, clean water, especially if they’ve been eating richer holiday foods that may have dehydrated them.
• Transition Slowly:
  If you’re switching back to a stricter diet, do so gradually to avoid upsetting your pet’s stomach. Mix their holiday diet with their regular food, reducing the holiday indulgences over several days.
• Avoid Leftovers:
  Ensure that no leftover holiday foods are given to your pet, especially those toxic to animals, like chocolate, onions, or rich gravies.

4. Stress Management Post-Holiday

The holidays can be overstimulating for pets, leaving them feeling unsettled even after the celebrations have ended. Here’s how to help them unwind:

• Create a Quiet Environment:
  Set up a designated “safe zone” where your pet can relax. Include their bed, favorite toys, and maybe a comforting item like a worn piece of your clothing.
• Calming Aids:
  Consider using pheromone diffusers or sprays to create a calm atmosphere. Herbal calming treats can also help reduce anxiety for pets still feeling on edge.
• Keep an Eye on Behavior:
  If your pet seems particularly withdrawn or aggressive after the holidays, consult your veterinarian for guidance.

5. Make Routine Vet Visits a Priority

The new year is the perfect time to schedule a wellness checkup for your pet. Post-holiday visits allow your veterinarian to assess any changes in weight, behavior, or overall health and provide personalized advice for transitioning back into a healthy routine.

6. New Year, New Habits

Why not use the new year as an opportunity to set some goals for you and your pet? Here are a few ideas:

• Start a Training Program: Teach your dog or cat a new skill, like fetching specific items or using a scratching post.
• Track Your Pet’s Health: Use a pet fitness tracker to monitor activity levels and adjust their routine as needed.
• Plan Regular Playdates: Socialization is just as important as exercise for many pets.

Transitioning into the New Year: A Fresh Start for You and Your Pet

The transition back to post-holiday life doesn’t have to be daunting. With a little planning and a commitment to healthy routines, both you and your pet can start the new year feeling refreshed and energized. By focusing on reestablishing structure, improving nutrition, and incorporating more exercise into your daily lives, you’ll not only strengthen your bond but also set a positive tone for the year ahead.

From all of us at Doggie Dude Ranch and the O’Cat Corral, we wish you and your furry friends a happy, healthy, and stress-free start to 2025!