We’re only a few weeks into the new year, so you still have time to grab hold of that renewed determination, and achieve goals that have been on your list for awhile. When focusing on improving your health, wellness, and happiness, consider these goals for your pet too. Make this year your pet’s healthiest year yet by setting resolutions to boost their wellness and overall health. Read our Oliver Animal Hospital team’s New Year’s pet wellness resolution ideas, and jump-start your furry pal’s health. 

#1: Tackle your pet’s bad breath by establishing an effective oral health care plan

If your pet has an unpleasant breath odor, they are not alone. Up to 85% of cats and dogs have odor-causing dental disease by 3 years of age, and many pets have developed periodontal problems well before then. One of the best actions you can take to improve your pet’s overall wellness is to put a daily oral health care plan in place. Oral bacteria cause painful dental disease, which can also lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems as they spread throughout your pet’s body. 

Take care of your pet’s oral health by following a two-pronged approach—at-home care and professional veterinary dental treatment. At home, strive to brush your pet’s teeth daily, or at least several times a week. You can also give your furry pal dental treats and chews, food and water additives, or a prescription dental diet. When your pet is due for an annual physical exam, our Oliver Animal Hospital veterinarian will evaluate their oral health to determine their dental disease stage, and recommend when you should schedule your furry pal’s professional dental cleaning. Together, routine at-home care and professional cleanings keep your pet’s oral bacteria levels low, prevent plaque from hardening into tartar, and minimize painful periodontal problems and systemic illness.

#2: Enhance your pet’s physical and mental health through exercise

A bored pet who receives little physical activity and mental stimulation is at risk for a host of health and behavior issues. Without adequate activity and enrichment, your furry pal can become obese, or develop urinary problems, destructive behavior, or cardiovascular disease. Keep your pet physically and mentally fit by following these suggestions:

  • Take the path less traveled by exploring new neighborhoods and parks.
  • Slow down your walks, and let your dog sniff as much as they want. 
  • Join a canine sport (e.g., dock diving, flyball, agility, scent work).
  • Clicker train your pet to help teach them new tricks.
  • Determine how your pet likes to play by varying their activities.
  • Swap out your pet’s food dish for a puzzle feeder.
  • Hire a pet sitter to play with your furry pal while you are at work.
  • Entertain your pet by providing them with interactive toys,

#3: Resolve to feed your pet a healthy diet

Many pets benefit from an updated diet to help them reach and maintain their ideal weight. If you always keep your pet’s food dish full, they are likely obese, and have an increased risk for osteoarthritis, heart disease, skin problems, hypertension, urinary issues, and some cancers. Resolve to make 2023 the year you introduce your pet to a healthy diet, potentially extending their life span.

A good way to begin improving your pet’s diet is by ensuring the food is appropriate for their species, life stage, and health status. Next, determine your pet’s appropriate daily calorie amount by using this calorie calculator for dogs and this calorie calculator for cats. Divide that amount into the number of meals you provide your pet each day, leaving room for calories from healthy treats. By also increasing your pet’s daily activity, their excess weight will begin melting away. Keep in mind that because of an underlying metabolic condition, such as hypothyroidism, some pets struggle to lose weight. If, despite your best efforts, your pet’s weight won’t budge, schedule an appointment with our Oliver Animal Hospital team to determine whether your furry pal has an adverse health condition.

#4: Ensure your pet receives regular wellness care

Regular wellness care is the best way to keep your pet healthy and happy. In addition, by ensuring your pet has an annual wellness exam, you can save you money in the long run because your veterinarian can detect and treat your furry pal’s health issues in their earliest stages, when treatment is not as complex and is less costly. Your pet’s wellness care appointment includes:

  • Comprehensive physical exam
  • Behavioral assessment 
  • Lifestyle-appropriate vaccinations
  • Parasite testing, prevention, and treatment
  • Early detection screening tests (e.g., blood work, urinalysis, blood pressure check)
  • Grooming task demonstrations, such as ear cleaning, nail trimming, brushing, and bathing, which you can then perform at home

When your pet is showing no illness signs, scheduling a veterinary exam is likely the last thing on your mind. You can help yourself remember to schedule your pet’s annual wellness visit by setting a reminder on your phone’s calendar. In addition, to help ensure your furry pal receives all the preventive care services they need to enhance their overall wellness, set reminders for their parasite prevention administration and dental cleanings. Staying on top of your pet’s wellness care will go a long way toward keeping your furry pal healthy for years to come.

The new year is only a few weeks old, and you still have time to set your pet’s wellness resolutions. Our south Austin veterinary team can recommend how you can help your furry pal reach their health goals, and suggest additional resolutions. To ensure 2023 is your pet’s healthiest year yet, schedule your pet’s wellness care visit with our Oliver Animal Hospital team.