As you turn the calendar page to a new year, you reflect on your pet’s wellbeing. Along with the gratitude you feel for their company and antics over the past year, you think ahead toward the next one—wanting to ensure their continued health and happiness.

Like you, your pet can benefit from a fresh start and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. That’s why the All Breed Pet Care team has compiled five paws-itively pet-centric New Year resolutions that will make 2024 the best year ever for your pet.

#1: I will not wait until something is wrong to visit the veterinarian

Proactive management is key for your pet’s good health. Vaccinations and preventives protect your pet from harmful diseases, while routine examinations and screening tests safeguard their wellness through early disease detection. Often, injury or disease go unnoticed in the initial stages until the pet is in serious condition or requires extensive—often costly—care. Your veterinarian looks for these subtle changes so your pet receives timely, less invasive treatment, and enjoys a long and healthy life.

 #2: I will learn how to feed my pet for optimal wellness

Elevate your pet’s nutrition by committing to a thorough understanding of their dietary needs. Your veterinarian can recommend appropriate food brands and formulas for your pet and help you determine the correct amount of food. Measure your pet’s portions with a measuring scoop or scale to ensure precise feeding and feed your pet at designated times to promote healthy eating habits and reduce grazing or boredom-based eating. Allocate no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calorie requirements for treats to prevent unhealthy weight gain. If your pet needs to lose weight, ask your All Breed Pet Care veterinarian for guidance.

#3: I will help my pet meet their daily exercise requirements 

Like us, pets often need motivation to exercise—especially if they’re out of shape or overweight. But, before you lace up your shoes to take your pet on a run or hike, schedule a physical examination to ensure their activity will not be limited by hidden pain or illness. Once your pet is cleared, start with small exercise sessions and gradually increase duration and intensity. Use your pet’s preferences and interests to ensure they enjoy their exercise time. For example, dogs who like to chase moving objects may enjoy catching flying discs, cats who love to stalk and pounce will prefer motion-activated toys, and dogs who like to keep their nose to the ground may enjoy scent work training or tracking.

#4: I will implement one dental health habit to care for my pet’s teeth

Many pet owners recognize that their dog or cat’s oral health is important, but they feel overwhelmed or intimidated about at-home care. This year, resolve to make a positive change by adopting one dental health strategy that you use consistently. Options include:

  • Toothbrushing with a pet-safe toothpaste at least three times per week
  • A dental diet
  • Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)-approved dental chews
  • A VOHC-approved plaque-fighting water additive to your pet’s drinking water
  • An oral exam, dental cleaning, and X-rays under anesthesia at All Breed Pet Care

Breaking large goals into small components will help ensure success. When it comes to dental care, small daily gestures can add up to lifelong health benefits for your pet.

#5: I will protect my pet from parasitic disease by not forgetting their preventives

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes may seem like a gross nuisance, but these pests transmit harmful parasites and diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and potentially deadly heartworm disease. Although year-round preventives virtually eliminate these dangerous risks, remembering to administer your pet’s monthly or semi-monthly dose can be challenging. 

This year, use these helpful hacks to prioritize your pet’s parasite prevention plan:

  • Set a recurring reminder on your phone
  • Sign up for email reminder programs provided by product manufacturers
  • Enroll in single-dose recurring shipments through an online pet pharmacy
  • Review your pet’s plan with your veterinarian to determine if alternative products (e.g., longer-lasting injectable preventives) are appropriate 

Resolutions are a great way to prioritize and enhance your pet’s health and wellbeing, but like other goals, they must be practical, achievable, and consistent. Let the All Breed Pet Care team be your cheerleader and your accountability buddy this year—contact us for all your pet’s care needs.