7 Gifts to Help Your Pet Keep His New Year’s Resolutions All Year Long

New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for people — your dog or cat may have something he wants to accomplish in 2016, too.

Maybe your pet has resolved to spend more time outside. Or maybe he’d like to drop a couple of pounds (with guidance from his veterinarian, of course) or correct a bad habit. From LED leashes to food puzzles to cat scratchers, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite gifts to help your pet stay on track with his goals in the New Year.

Just remember, as with any item you give your pet, it’s important to keep an eye out to make sure there’s nothing your pet could accidentally eat or injure himself with. That means supervising your dog or cat when he plays with toys and, when possible, carefully storing products with batteries when they’re not in use. We want your pet to have a happy and healthy 2016!  

Iron Doggy Hands Free Dog Leash

So your dog wants to run with you more in the New Year — great! This hands-free leash will help keep him — and you — on the right path so you both get the most out of your run. The leash is built with a bungee designed to absorb shock, should your dog lunge. And for times when that may not be enough to redirect your dog, there are also a series of knots and handles you can use.

Iron Doggy Runner's Choice Hands Free Dog Leash, $47.95

Trixie Fantasy Board for Cats

If your cat has resolved to stay both physically and mentally sharp in 2016, this just might be the gift for him. This plastic puzzle board comes with two ping pong balls and has four different games for your cat that reward him with treats when he manipulates things correctly.  

Trixie Fantasy Board for Cats, $43.98 at Amazon

Unleashed by Petco Reflective Dots Harness and Leash

This stylish dotted leash and harness are made from fray-resistant nylon and they're reflective to help your cat be seen if he’s walking with you at dawn or dusk. If your cat has resolved to get more active and spend more time in the great outdoors, this may be the right gift for him. And you can help him keep his resolution by checking out Vetstreet trainer Mikkel Becker's tips to teach your cat to walk on a leash.

Unleashed by Petco Reflective Dots Harness and Leash, $16.99

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

Has your cat resolved to stop scratching the sofa in 2016? This scratcher’s curves make for easier scratching — and it can double as a comfy spot to relax. It has a large surface area that provides plenty of scratching space, and it is constructed of dense, sturdy cardboard. It just might help your furry friend achieve his goals!

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge, $49.95

Nite Dawg LED Pet Leash

This bright red, LED-illuminated leash will help make it easy to spot your dog at dusk and dawn. It’s a great gift for the dog who’s resolved to take more walks in the New Year, regardless of the time of day. However, be sure to store the leash out of reach when it's not in use to prevent your dog from chewing on it, since it contains a battery that could be swallowed.

Nite Dawg LED Pet Leash, $17.49 at Nite Ize

PetSafe Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom

This plastic food puzzle is a great gift for the dog who’s resolved to keep his mind sharp or to work on managing his weight — or both! The toy randomly dispenses its contents when it's flipped, tipped or rolled, and you can adjust the size of the windows that dispense food to allow for a variety of options. In fact, your dog could eat his entire meal from this toy! Check the sizing chart to choose the best size toy for your dog. 

PetSafe Busy Buddy Magic Mushroom, $14.99 to $19.99 depending on the size

PetPace Smart Collar

This collar is a great gift for health-conscious and tech-savvy dogs and cats. It monitors your pet’s temperature, pulse, activity level and more, and it allows you to receive real-time data via an Apple or Android app. The collar is water-and dust-resistant and fits pets over 8 pounds. However, keep in mind that this product contains a battery, so make sure the collar isn't loose enough that your pet could chew on the battery's compartment.

PetPace Smart Collar, $149.95, with $14.95 monthly service plan

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