New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Pet

Keep your pet active

Like people, pets need regular exercise to stay healthy and fit. First, you need to determine the appropriate activity level for your pet. Certain dog breeds need more exercise than others, and your pet’s age and health status also play a role. Consult your veterinarian before drastically changing your pet’s exercise regimen. In general, try setting a daily goal of walking your dog or playing a fun, spirited game of fetch. For cats, use feather wand toys and laser pointers to get them running and jumping. Regular exercise will help keep your pet’s weight in check, build muscle, and prevent boredom.

Focus on a balanced diet for your pet

Any New Year’s resolution list for healthy pets should include their diet, which has a big impact on their health, and evaluating what you feed them is well worth the time. Ensure you give your pet high-quality food with all the nutrients they need. Avoid table scraps or too many treats, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues. In addition, determine how many daily calories your pet needs with a pet calorie calculator, and then accurately measure their meal portions to ensure they receive the appropriate amount. This will help prevent over- or under-feeding your furry pal. If you’re unsure what food is best for your pet, talk to your veterinarian about beneficial dietary changes.

Schedule regular veterinary visits

Preventive care is one of the best New Year’s resolutions for healthy pets, so make scheduling regular wellness visits a priority. These check-ups help detect potential health issues early when they are easier to treat and manage. For example, annual physical exams and blood tests can reveal signs of heart conditions, dental problems, diabetes, and kidney disease that may not be obvious. These visits are also a good time to discuss the best vaccinations and parasite-prevention medications for your pet. Your four-legged friend should be vaccinated against dangerous infectious diseases and receive year-round protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal worms. Most pets should visit the veterinarian at least once a year, but older pets and those with health concerns typically need more frequent check-ups.

Make your pet’s dental health a priority

When making New Year’s resolutions for healthy dogs and cats, dental health is often overlooked, but is crucial for your pet’s overall well-being. Unaddressed dental issues can lead to painful infections and other health problems, including systemic issues. Brushing your pet’s teeth may sound challenging, but special pet toothbrushes and toothpaste are available to make the process easier. Your pet should also receive regular professional veterinary dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from under the gum line where the most damage occurs.

Provide appropriate mental stimulation for your pet

Your pet’s mental health is as important as their physical health. Mental stimulation is necessary for dogs and cats to stay happy and avoid destructive behaviors, and can also help prevent cognitive issues as they age. Try new toys, training exercises, and puzzle feeders to make them think. You can also teach your pet new tricks, introduce them to new environments, or try a competitive sport, such as agility courses or flyball. Keeping your pet’s mind sharp will improve their mood and overall well-being, and strengthen your bond in a fun way.

Making New Year’s resolutions for healthy pets isn’t hard—these simple changes will support your pet’s health, happiness, and quality of life.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year for you and your furry friend. Contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian to schedule your pet’s wellness exam and ensure your pet is as healthy as possible as they start the new year.