2025: The Year of Your Dog — 10 Ways to Elevate Your Dog’s Health and Wellness

As we step into 2025, let’s make this the year of your dog! Our loyal companions deserve the best care to thrive, and small, intentional changes can profoundly impact their health and happiness. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or new to dog ownership, here are ten actionable steps to make this year the healthiest and happiest for your furry friend.

1. Upgrade Their Nutrition

A healthy diet is the cornerstone of your dog’s overall well-being. Evaluate what’s in your dog’s bowl—is it meeting their specific life stage nutritional needs? Can their meals be upgraded to support their strength, energy and longevity?

There are simple and easy ways to improve their daily meals, consider incorporating fresh, whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, and organ meats to boost nutrient density. Fresh food is more bioavailable, meaning your dog can absorb nutrients more efficiently, leading to better energy levels, improved digestion, and shinier coats. If a total diet change isn’t feasible, start small by swapping one meal daily with a nutritionally complete fresh commercial option. Adding moisture-rich foods can also aid hydration, making this a dual-purpose change.

2. Hydration Is Key

Speaking of hydration, proper hydration is essential for kidney health, digestion, and overall wellness. Dogs greatly benefit from moisture-rich diets, so consider adding water to dry kibble (the general rule is that 30% of the dry content should be water; 1 cup kibble=adding 1/3 cup water) or switching to moisture-rich food options. For dogs reluctant to drink, flavoring their water with a splash of low-sodium, pet-safe bone broth can encourage hydration. Always ensure fresh water is available, especially during exercise or hot weather. Adequate hydration supports detoxification, temperature regulation, and nutrient absorption, making it a critical component of their daily care.

3. Schedule a Wellness Visit

Kick off the year by scheduling a vet appointment for a comprehensive wellness check. During this visit, request complete baseline bloodwork to establish a reference point for your dog’s health. These records can help detect any deviations early that might otherwise go unnoticed. A proactive approach ensures your dog stays on track for a long, healthy life.

4. Encourage Chewing for Oral Health

Chewing isn’t just a favorite pastime for dogs; it’s essential for their dental and mental health. Providing safe, natural chews like bully sticks, antlers, or dental chews can help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, keeping their teeth and gums healthy. For a more interactive approach, offer raw, meaty bones under supervision—they promote oral health and satisfy your dog’s innate chewing instincts. Additionally, chewing releases endorphins, making it a calming activity for dogs. 

Chew safely—always secure your dog’s favorite chew in a safety device like the Bow Wow Buddy.

5. Engage Their Mind

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Introduce interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or scent-based games to challenge your dog’s brain. Hide-and-seek games, learning new tricks, or even teaching them to identify specific objects can be incredibly rewarding for both of you. Enrichment activities can prevent boredom, reduce destructive behaviors, and keep your pup mentally sharp and happy. As a bonus, those games you play together increase the strength of your bond together!

6. Monitor and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a leading health concern for dogs, contributing to joint stress, heart problems, and a shorter lifespan. Start by assessing your dog’s body condition—can you feel their ribs easily without pressing hard? It might be time to adjust portion sizes or caloric intake if not. Measure their food instead of free-feeding, and incorporate regular exercise tailored to their needs to help maintain an ideal weight. Healthy weight management extends their lifespan and significantly enhances their quality of life. 

Pro Tip: treats should never make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

7. Create a Consistent Exercise Routine

Tailor your dog’s exercise routine to their age, breed, and energy level. Activities like fetch, agility training, or swimming can provide excellent outlets for high-energy breeds. Senior dogs may benefit from gentle walks or low-impact exercises to maintain joint mobility. Exercise not only strengthens muscles and supports cardiovascular health but also releases pent-up energy, reducing stress and anxiety. Consistency is key, so aim for daily activity to keep your dog in peak physical and mental shape.

Bonus—exercising with your dog will also help you meet your exercise goals!

8. Introduce Enrichment Activities

Dogs thrive in enriched environments that cater to their natural instincts. Rotate toys frequently to keep them novel and engaging. Set up sniffing trails in your backyard, or invest in a snuffle mat to encourage foraging behavior. These activities reduce stress, provide mental stimulation, and can even help with behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing. Enrichment is an excellent way to meet your dog’s physical and psychological needs simultaneously.

9. Seasonal Wellness Tips

Pay attention to your dog’s needs as seasons change. In Winter, protect their paws with balms or booties to prevent cracking from ice and salt. In Summer, ensure they have access to shade and cool water to avoid heatstroke. Grooming routines should also adapt—brush more frequently during shedding seasons and consider a trim for breeds with thick coats in warmer months. Seasonal care ensures your dog stays comfortable and healthy year-round.

10. Reassess Supplements and Medications

As your dog’s needs evolve, so should their supplement and medication regimen. Discuss their current supplements with your veterinarian to ensure they align with your dog’s health status. Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for reducing inflammation and promoting coat health, while probiotics can improve gut health and immunity. For older dogs, joint supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin may support mobility. Regular reviews ensure your dog receives optimal support tailored to their life stage and needs.

Make 2025 Their Best Year Yet

By implementing these steps, you’re setting the foundation for a healthier, happier life for your dog. Remember, small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Let’s make 2025 the year for your dog—because they deserve nothing less than our best. We’d love to hear how you’re wowing your dog in 2025! Share your stories and tag Bow Wow Labs on social media—we can’t wait to see your happy pups living their best lives.

Johnna Devereaux is a Clinical Pet Nutritionist, canine wellness expert and Chief Nutrition Officer for Bow Wow Labs.

* This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical or veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon or perceived as specific medical or veterinary advice.

**The points of view expressed above are those of our clinical nutritionist and are supported by science, her education and experience. We are committed to providing the best, most straightforward, and most helpful information possible to help keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.