Checklist of healthy pet habits for 2021

Have you ever thought about making New Year’s resolutions for your pet? Here are some ideas for getting started on a happy and healthy 2021.

1. Schedule an annual wellness exam. Start the year off with a check-up. Because your pet can’t tell you how they are feeling—and some pets will even hide their discomfort—regular exams help spot problems before symptoms appear. The sooner a condition is caught, the sooner it can be treated or managed, which in many cases leads to a better outcome.

2. Keep vaccinations current. Your veterinarian can help you determine the proper vaccine schedule to fit your pet’s lifestyle.

3. Play! Enjoy your special relationship with your pet by having a good game of fetch or hide and seek. Introducing a new toy or scratching post can be a fun way to keep your pet moving.

4. Reassess their diet. Your pet’s nutritional needs change as they age—make sure you’re keeping up.

5. Monitor their weight. No one likes getting on the scale, especially after the holidays! But you should plan to weigh your pet and record the results every two months to catch any concerning changes that may indicate obesity or underlying disease.

6. Learn a new trick. Learning tricks is not only a great way to keep your pet mentally stimulated, it’s the perfect bonding opportunity. And, yes! You can teach cats tricks, too.

7. Brush their teeth. Investing time routinely brushing your pet’s teeth now may help avoid treatments for serious problems such as periodontal disease and abscesses, saving your pet discomfort and you time (and money) in the long run.

8. Groom them daily. Who doesn’t love a spa day? Your pet is bound to love your undivided attention and pampering they get during a grooming, and you will love how much less pet dander and hair is floating in your home.

9. Practice parasite prevention. Not only are parasites gross, they can cause irritating infestations and serious illnesses that can even affect your family’s health. The best way to fight disease-carrying parasites is to be vigilant with regular use of preventives. 

10. Join CareClub^®. Get what you need when you need it with CareClub’s made-for-real-life benefits, like unlimited exams, 24/7 Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional and a personalized care plan designed for your pet’s unique needs. Keeping your pet healthy and happy has never been easier.

Log in to your myVCA account to see when your pet’s annual exam is due. You can even schedule their appointment directly from there, too!

Download the myVCA App Today >>