With the New Year comes new resolutions, here’s a list of some fun and easy resolutions you and your beloved furry side kick can work on into the New Year!

1. Diet: One of the best and easiest way to improve you and your pet’s well-being is simply through diet. Live-active probiotics are great for the digestive system and can be found in plain yogurt, and by yogurt we do not mean the kind that is packed full of sugar and preservatives. Fresh fruits and veggies such as apples, carrots, green beans provide a great source of vitamins and minerals. These low-calorie options make a great snack for any dog and are also a great option for any pet looking to shred a couple pounds. Be sure to feed your pets fresh fruits and veggies and avoid canned products due to the high unhealthy salt content. Be sure to check out our post on What Not to Feed Your Dog for a list of food your pets should avoid.  

2. New Activities: From doga to hiking, to going to the dog park more often than once a month, trying new activities can be beneficial for you and your pup. Exercise is necessary for pets and owners alike for maintaining happy and active lifestyle. If getting to the dog park once a week isn’t going to happen, try taking your pets on daily walks to get them out of the house. Pent up animals can easily become anxious and restless, it’s important to keep your fury ones moving to avoid pet anxiety. If the weather is cold and rainy try playing inside with their favorite indoor toy, the idea is to keep them moving!

3. Routine Checkups: When was the last time your pets visited the vet’s office? Visiting your pet’s vet annual is vital to maintaining a good bill of health. It’s important not to wait until your pet is sick to take them to the vet, schedule a checkup right away. Make sure your pets are all up to date on vaccination.

4. Brushing your dog’s teeth: Brushing your dog’s teeth at least once a week can help prevent the build-up of plaque, and tarter which can lead to serious infections such as gingivitis and gum disease. Bacteria left under the gun cab travel to the heart and kidneys. Remember a pet with healthy teeth equals a pet with better breath! Be sure to check out WebMD for recommendations on maintaining your pets oral health. 

Are you trying any New Year’s resolution this year with your pets? Leave a comment below to share!

 The holiday season is a time of giving thanks and spending time with friends, family and most importantly our beloved dogs. ZenCrate has taken it upon ourselves to collect a handful of helpful tips to keep your four-legged loved ones safe during the hustle and bustle. 

Creating a Safe-Haven

When planning your holiday parties, keep in mind your pets need a place to relax and destress from all the excitement. Create a safe-haven filled with a few toys, water, and a comfortable place for your pets to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed. 

No Sneaking Table Food

As tempting as it may be to treat your pets to a few table scraps, it’s best to avoid that due to the digestive problems caused from human food. As much we may find it harmless, if every person who attends your party slips a piece of food to your pet, it could cause upset stomach and a very untimely veterinary bill.

Dangerous Holiday Plants

Mistletoe, holly, and poinsettia plants are extremely poisonous when ingested and can cause your furry friends severe nausea and even diarrhea. The good thing is that there are plenty great of artificial plants made from silk or plastic to choose from! 

Hazardous Décor 

From tinsel, to tree ornaments it’s important for these holiday essentials to be kept high and out of reach from your pets. Tinsel and broken ornaments can cause potentially cause intestinal blockage.  

Here at ZenCrate, we strive to create and ensure our pets are as safe and relaxed during the busy holiday time as possible. We hope you and your furry ones have a wonderful and safe holiday season filled with lots of holiday cheer and treats!

For those of us that love to travel, making sure that our pets are well taken care of can pose a challenge. If you’re not into boarding your pet, the only option is to bring him or her with, and for those lucky dogs, we’re compiling our favorite pet-friendly hotels across the United States. These properties welcome pets and often provide dog beds and bowls, but as you’ll see with some of our favorite pet-hotel, some amenities are over the top luxury for your canine companion.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Here in sunny Miami, we’re all about the pampered pet. The Mandarin Oriental will walk your dogs once a day for free and also offers access to trainers through their Play Date and Training Dates. Your dog will also enjoy his own bed and doggy turn-down service.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort, Coronado

Surf’s up at the Loews Coronado Bar Resort. Known for their annual dog surfing content held in June, the Loews offers a pet program with a twist. Sign your dog up for doggy surfing complete with the whole surfer get-up. He or she will be hanging ten in no time.

Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek

The Ritz is known for unparalleled service and luxury and the same philosophy applies to your pets. Dogs at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch can enjoy tons of space to roam and run, in-room massages, a special room service menu, and plush dog beds. Dog fees range from $25 to $125 and are donated directly to the ASPCA.

The Muse Hotel by Kimpton, New York City

Specially made for city dogs, the Muse offers a doggy welcome package including treats, an umbrella, and even a dog mani-pedi for pampered pooches. Kimpton properties across the country are known for the dog-friendly policies and eccentric, boutique décor. Various Kimpton properties host doggy happy hours a couple times per week where dogs can enjoy treats and water while their owners opt for a more adult human beverage.

The W Hotel, Scottsdale

We love the the W Hotel in Scottsdale because of our shared love of “doga” or dog yoga. Dogs that stay at this property can get their child’s pose on, or opt for a more heart-pumping activity with their daily bootcamps.

For a complete list of dog-friendly hotels, check out DogFriendly.com to find a resort located in your next vacation destination!