• Preventive care helps catch health issues early and supports long-term well-being
• Annual checkups, vaccines, dental care, and weight management are essential
• Consistent routines make pet care more manageable throughout the year
• Planning ahead can reduce stress when the unexpected happens

The start of a new year is the perfect time for a reset of our routines as we try to get healthier, or more productive. But it’s not just a great time of year for us. Our pets also can benefit from a reset and new routines so they can be healthier and happier. So, this year, make resolutions for yourself and to take control of your pet’s health. Here’s an easy and realistic preventive care checklist that will help you’re your pet healthy and happy all year long.

Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, it’s always a good idea to get an annual checkup. Plus, it gives your veterinarian a solid baseline to track health changes in your pet over time. These well visits are also useful to help spot potential concerns early, before they become serious issues.

Checklist tip: Schedule your pet exam early in the year so they don’t get pushed aside as life gets busy.

Protect your pet from disease and illness by getting your pets vaccinated. While monthly preventives help guard against things like fleas, ticks, and heartworm, your vet can recommend a vaccination schedule that’s tailored specifically for your pet. These are usually based around your pet’s age, lifestyle, and other risk factors.

Checklist tip: Set calendar reminders so doses don’t get missed.

Dental health is critical for your pet, and dental disease is one of the most common and overlooked health issues in pets. But with a little bit of brushing mixed with dental chews, and the occasional professional cleaning by your veterinarian, you can help prevent dental pain and infections. You might even be able to prevent future tooth loss.

Checklist tip: If brushing feels intimidating, start slowly and build it into your routine.

If a human gains a little weight, it usually doesn’t impact our overall health. However, with pets, even small changes in weight can impact their health. Carrying that extra weight is bad for their heart health and joints, and overall health, generally. Be sure to talk with your vet about appropriate portion sizes, types of food to feed them and their activity levels.

Checklist tip: Weigh your pet regularly to spot changes early.

Changes in your pet’s appetite, their energy levels, and even their mobility or behavior can be early signs that something isn’t right. Try to pay closer attention to these small shifts to help catch potential health issues early.

Checklist tip: Keep a simple note on your phone if something feels “off.” It could help your vet create a more informed diagnosis.

No matter how proactive you are, accidents and illnesses can still happen. Have a plan in place in case something goes wrong.

Checklist tip: Review your emergency contacts, local clinics, and coverage options before you need them.

As part of your preventive care plan, taking a moment to get a pet insurance quote can help you prepare for unexpected illnesses or injuries down the road.

Guest Author

Guest authors for the Healthy Paws blog contribute content based on their research and expertise.