As the year comes to an end, many of us are thinking about our own New Year’s resolutions. Things like starting a new workout routine, learning an instrument, or picking up a new hobby. But have you thought of resolutions to help your pets put their best paws forward? Just like us, the New Year is a time to reflect on ways to keep your furry family members happy and healthy all year long!
New Year’s Resolutions for Healthy Pets
Resolutions are like a promise you’re making to your future self. Just like any other goal, the more specific you can be, the more likely you are to succeed! So with each of these suggested resolutions, think about what will work best for you AND your pets.
#1: Stay Active
Just like us, our pets need regular exercise to stay healthy. Unfortunately, your dog can’t sign up for a gym membership or join a running club on their own! Instead, our pets rely on us to make sure they stay active.
Make sure to tailor activity levels to your pet’s particular fitness needs. If you have a certified couch potato, daily walks might be a good place to start. More athletic pups might benefit from regular runs, hikes, or visits to the dog park.
Cats also need to stay active to stay healthy! Bring out a favorite toy for regular play sessions. Don’t have a toy-motivated kitty? Try tossing out pieces of kibble or treats for them to “hunt”. Braver cats might even like to go on leashed strolls around the neighborhood! Just make sure to get them used to harnesses and leashes well ahead of time.
While the actual amount of exercise your pet needs depends on their species, breed, age, and health, most animals can benefit from 30 or more minutes each day.
#2: Schedule Regular Veterinary Visits
We’ve already talked about the importance of regular wellness exams. During these annual exams, your veterinarian will look at your dog from nose to tail. We check their ears, eyes, and mouth, examine their coat and musculature, and listen to the heart and lungs to make sure they’re functioning normally.
These wellness visits help detect problems early on, when they’re easier to treat and manage. In addition to a physical exam, we recommend keeping vaccines up-to-date, regularly checking for parasites, and cleaning the teeth at least once a year. Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping healthy pets healthy!
#3: Learn Something New
We’re not the only ones who can benefit from hobbies! Our pets also thrive with mental enrichment and regular cognitive stimulation. Enroll Fido in a basic obedience class, get your cat a new puzzle feeder, or try your hand at agility courses or flyball. Whatever you choose, learning something new with your pet is an excellent way to build a stronger bond.
#4: Make Smart Food Choices
Nutrition plays a big role in helping healthy pets live their best lives! Your food-focused resolution might be feeding a high-quality kibble, working with your veterinarian to find your pet’s perfect portion, or pledging to offer fewer table scraps.
Not sure where to start? Your veterinarian can help you find the food that’s best for your pet based on their medical history and lifestyle!
#5: More Quality Time
Ok, this one is a New Year’s resolution for both pets and their people. Healthy pets need to be cared for physically, mentally, AND emotionally. Quality time is an important part of keeping the human-animal bond strong.
This year, try to set aside more uninterrupted one-on-one time with your best friends. Even 15 minutes a day of no screens or distractions can make a huge difference in your relationship with your pets.
Ready to Make 2026 Your Pet’s Best Year Yet?
Whether you call them resolutions, goals, or intentions, now is a great time to make a plan for 2026! By implementing a few simple changes, you can support your pet’s health, happiness, and quality of life for years to come. Thank you for another fantastic year, Damascus! We’re so grateful for another year spent caring for pets and their incredible people. Happy New Year, from the team at Pine Point Animal Hospital!