New Year, New Routine: How to Reset Your Dog’s Health After the Holidays
The holidays are magical… but let’s be honest, they can also turn even the best-behaved dogs into opportunistic snack goblins. Between dropped food, guests handing out “just one little nibble,” and routines thrown out the window, many pets start January feeling a little off-track.
No worries — January is the perfect time to refresh your dog’s habits and set the tone for a healthier, calmer year. Here’s how to gently reset their routine without stress for either of you.
⭐ 1. Reset Their Feeding Schedule (Gently!)
If your dog’s eating habits changed during the holidays, don’t worry — it happens to all of us. The easiest reset is a simple return to predictable meal times and measured portions.
Try these tweaks:
Feed at the same times each day
Go back to your normal food if you changed brands during travel
Reduce high-fat holiday treats
Measure meals instead of guessing
If you want to support slower eating and better digestion, a slow-feeder bowl can make a huge difference.
Recommended product:
👉 Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl — amazing for gulpers and great for weight control.
⭐ 2. Support Their Digestive System After Holiday Snacking
If your dog stole a cookie, licked a plate, or investigated the trash… welcome to the club. Minor tummy upset is extremely common in January.
Signs your pup may need a digestive reset:
Soft stools
Gas
Eating grass
Mild discomfort with eating
Adding a gentle probiotic for a few weeks can help get things back on track.
Recommended product:
👉 Purina FortiFlora Probiotic Powder — vet-recommended and extremely effective.
Pumpkin puree (plain, unsweetened) is also a wonderful, natural option.
⭐ 3. Rebuild the Exercise Habit (Inside or Outside)
Between cold weather, early sunsets, and busy schedules, many dogs get less exercise in December. January is your comeback month.
Here’s a simple weekly rhythm:
3 brisk walks
2 enrichment days
1 training day
1 “fun adventure” day (park, sniff walk, or playdate)
If outdoor time is limited, enrichment toys help bridge the gap.
Recommended product:
👉PETSTA Dog Puzzle Toy — perfect for mental workouts on cold days.
⭐ 4. Refresh Their Enrichment Routine
Mental exercise is one of the best tools for improving behavior, reducing anxiety, and preventing boredom.
Great enrichment ideas:
snuffle mats
puzzle toys
treat-dispensing balls
scent games
frozen Kongs
Recommended product:
👉 AWOOF Snuffle Mat — burns energy through nose work (dogs LOVE it).
⭐ 5. Re-establish Grooming & Health Checks
January is a wonderful time to reset your grooming routines too:
Brush a few times weekly
Check ears and nails
Wipe paws after walks
Monitor skin dryness (winter can be rough!)
If your dog suffers from dry winter skin, omega supplements or a humidifier can help — I can recommend products if you want them.
⭐ 6. Create a Simple Weekly Routine That Sticks
Here’s a ready-to-use weekly template:
Weekly Health Reset Plan
Monday: Walk + grooming check
Tuesday: Puzzle toy day
Wednesday: Morning walk + evening training
Thursday: Enrichment activity
Friday: Brush & wellness check
Weekend: Family adventure
Predictability makes dogs feel safe, grounded, and well-balanced.
❤️ Final Thoughts
January doesn’t need to be about strict rules or sudden changes. It’s simply a chance to ease back into healthy habits, help your dog feel their best, and start the year from a calm foundation.
Your dog doesn’t need perfection — just consistency, love, and a solid routine.
Recommended Products:
If you want to upgrade your dog’s routine, here are the highly recommended products mentioned above:
When you shop using our Amazon links, you directly support our work and help us continue educating and helping dog owners in our community. Thank you! ❤️
References:
Veterinary Sources & Organizations
AVMA – Canine Nutrition & Wellness
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/dog-nutritionAAHA – Canine Preventive Care Guidelines
https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/ACVIM – Gastrointestinal Health
https://www.acvim.org/American Kennel Club – General Canine Health
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/Merck Veterinary Manual – Digestive System Disorders
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/digestive-disorders-of-dogsVCA Hospitals – Probiotics for Dogs
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/probiotics-for-dogs
Nutrition & Enrichment Research
AAFCO – Dog Nutrition Standards
https://www.aafco.org/consumers/what-is-in-pet-food/Canine Enrichment for the Real World (Book)
https://www.dogsdecoded.com/bookJournal of Veterinary Behavior – Enrichment & Stress
https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-veterinary-behavior
Exercise & Routine Sources
AVMA – Dog Exercise Recommendations
https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/exercise-your-dogAAHA – Life Stage Guidelines
https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/life-stage-guidelines/