New Year, new goals… and yes, your pet is invited too. While we’re busy promising ourselves we’ll eat better, move more, and finally stop snoozing the alarm, our pets are right there with us—ready for a fresh start (and probably a few extra treats).
But pet resolutions don’t need to be intense or overwhelming. No guilt. No perfection. Just small, simple habits that make everyday life healthier and happier for both of you.
Goal #1: Build a Consistent Routine
Pets feel safest when they know what’s coming next. Same mealtimes. Predictable walks. Regular play and sleep. That kind of routine helps their day feel calm and balanced.
Consistency leads to:
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Less anxiety
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Better behavior
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Improved sleep
You don’t need a rigid schedule—just reliable patterns. Feed, walk, play, and wind down around the same times each day. For pets, routine isn’t boring. It’s reassuring.
Goal #2: Improve Daily Nutrition
The holidays are great… but let’s be honest. Extra snacks tend to sneak into your pet’s routine this time of year. A little reset in January can go a long way.
Start by taking a quick look at what your pet eats in a day. Food, treats, table scraps—it all adds up. Then make a few simple tweaks:
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Watch portion sizes: Even a little overfeeding can add extra weight over time.
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Dial back the treats: Treats should be a bonus, not a meal replacement.
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Boost hydration: Fresh water, wet food, or a splash of pet-safe broth helps.
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Add fresh foods or supplements only if your vet gives the green light.
No drastic diet changes needed. Just smarter choices that support energy, digestion, and overall health. Small improvements now = healthier habits all year long.
Goal #3: Get Moving (In a Way Your Pet Enjoys)
Exercise doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. A little movement, done consistently, makes a big difference.
Keep it fun and low-pressure:
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Sniff walks and relaxed strolls
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Indoor games and puzzle toys
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Short play sessions for cats and senior pets
The key is matching activity to your pet’s age and energy level. When movement feels fun, it’s easier to stick with—and healthier in the long run.
Goal #4: Prioritize Preventive Care
Preventive care is one of those things that’s easy to put off… until you really wish you hadn’t. A little planning now can save your pet a lot of discomfort later.
Make these a priority:
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Annual vet visits and wellness checks to catch issues early
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Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round (not just in summer)
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Dental care — brushing, chews, or cleanings all count
Think of preventive care as maintenance, not emergency mode. When you stay ahead of it, your pet stays healthier, happier, and more comfortable all year long.
Goal #5: Support Mental & Emotional Health
After the holidays, things get quiet—and for some pets, that sudden shift can feel stressful or confusing. Supporting your pet’s mental health is just as important as food and exercise.
A few easy ways to help:
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Reduce boredom with enrichment toys and short training sessions
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Create calm spaces where your pet can relax and recharge
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Spend one-on-one time through cuddles, play, or gentle grooming
Happy minds lead to happy behavior. A little extra attention goes a long way in helping your pet feel safe, settled,and loved.
Goal #6: Improve Grooming & Hygiene Habits
Grooming doesn’t have to be a battle. A little consistency—and a lot of patience—can turn it into a calm, positive routine instead of a dreaded chore.
Focus on the basics:
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Regular brushing to support healthy skin, reduce shedding, and prevent mats
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Nail trims, ear checks, and paw care to catch issues before they become painful
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Positive reinforcement like treats and praise to make grooming feel rewarding
Keep sessions short and stress-free. Even a few minutes at a time helps. When grooming is gentle and predictable, it’s easier on both you and your pet.
Goal #7: Track Progress (Without Obsessing)
You don’t need to micromanage your pet’s life to know if your new habits are working. Just pay attention. Small changes often say more than numbers on a scale.
Keep an eye on:
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Energy levels — more pep, less sluggishness
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Weight or body shape — subtle shifts over time
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Behavior changes — calmer, happier, more engaged
If it helps, use a journal, calendar, or pet app to jot things down. And if something doesn’t feel right? Adjust the goal or reach out to your vet. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about paying attention and responding with care.
Visit Dr. Jeff Werber’s Instagram account (@werbs_dvm) to view and submit questions and answers on weekly AMAs – or call and leave a voicemail at 424-835-0576. Your call will be returned posthaste. For emergencies, download Dr. Jeff Werber’s app Airvet, a video-chat option for veterinary needs at any time of day or night!