Going into the new year, your pet may have different health and wellness needs than he has in previous years. Checking in with your veterinarian and creating health and wellness resolutions for your pet in the new year will help you stay on track and maintain your pet’s health and happiness. Take a look at these health and wellness tips for pets.
Visit the Veterinarian for a Check Up
The new year is the perfect time to visit the veterinarian for a check up and a clean bill of health. Your pet’s veterinarian will do a full physical exam, including checking your pet’s teeth, gums, and weight. You can also ask your veterinarian to do blood tests to determine if your pet has any unseen health risks, like vitamin deficiencies, pre-diabetes, or kidney issues. What you find out at the veterinarian may affect your health and wellness goals going forward.
Stay Active and Have Fun
This will probably be your pet’s favorite resolution! Staying active is fun and healthy for you and your pet. Without regular exercise and play time, your pet can grow bored and act out, displaying behavioral problems that affect your entire family. Try to get in a walk each day or schedule 10-15 minute increments of play time throughout the day.
Make Dietary Changes
Just as humans use their New Year’s resolutions to address changes in diet, you can take the opportunity to do so for your pet as well. As your pet ages, he will have different dietary and nutritional needs, and he may need special food to prevent age-related health issues like obesity, diabetes, and kidney problems. If your pet is 7 years old or older, he may need to be switched to senior pet food. Check with your veterinarian to find out if your pet has new dietary needs.
Your pet should be visiting the veterinarian for a checkup at least once per year. If you haven’t taken your pet to the veterinarian in the past 12 months, schedule a visit for early in the new year.
