New Year Pet Resolutions

It’s almost the time of year when we start thinking in terms of ‘New Year, new you’. As we set our goals for the year ahead, it’s also the perfect time to think about fresh starts for our pets too.

Whether you share your home with a young pup, a curious kitten or a golden-oldie curled up on the sofa, small changes can make a big difference to their wellbeing. 

From health and nutrition to eco-friendly choices and sparkly new pet tech, here are some New Year resolutions to help your furry pal thrive in the months ahead.

1. Prioritise health and wellness

Start the year by giving your pet’s overall health a little check-in. Are they up to date with vaccinations, flea and worming treatments? How about their dental care?

Find out more about looking after your cat’s teeth, or doggy dental care.

If you’ve been meaning to book a routine vet visit, January is the ideal time to reset and get back on track. A simple wellness check can pick up early signs of conditions like arthritis, dental disease, skin issues or weight changes – all of which are far easier to manage when spotted early.

Daily enrichment is another key factor in pet wellbeing. Cats and dogs benefit enormously from mental stimulation, whether it’s food puzzle toys, laser pointer chasing with your cat, clicker training sessions with your dog, or time spent exploring outdoors. These small, achievable habits can improve behaviour, reduce stress and strengthen your bond together.

Here are some useful articles to help kick you off:

• Fun cat enrichment ideas
• Fun dog enrichment ideas
• How to help your dog lose weight and get fit

2. Try more sustainable, eco-friendly products

If you’re aiming to live more sustainably this year, your cat or dog can join in too. The pet industry is becoming increasingly eco-conscious, so it’s easier than ever to choose greener options without compromising on quality.

Some examples worth considering:

• Biodegradable poo bags, to help cut down on microplastics
• Sustainable grooming products, such as bamboo brushes or biodegradable cleaning wipes
• Toys made from recycled or natural materials
• Eco-friendly cat litter made from wood, paper or plant fibres, which can reduce dust and waste
• Bamboo bowls, which are lightweight and compostable
• Hemp collars or recycled-plastic leads

Even simple changes help, like opting for bulk-buy pet food to help cut down on packaging, or choosing refillable treat jars instead of pre-packed plastics. These small swaps all add up, and help to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint.

3. Refresh your pet’s nutrition and supplements

New year is also a great time to reassess what goes into your pet’s bowl. Make sure their diet is appropriate for their age and activity level, plus any health conditions they may have. If you’re unsure, your vet can help you decide whether your cat or dog would benefit from a new food, portion adjustment or specific nutrients.

Many pets can also benefit from supplements that support areas such as joint health, digestion, skin and coat condition. Others can help reduce anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotic blends and joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine are commonly recommended. Although always check with your vet before introducing anything new.

Good to know: If you’re a Petgevity customer, unlimited video calls to the experts at FirstVet are inclusive in your policy.

Don’t forget about hydration – especially for cats who naturally drink less than dogs. A pet water fountain or wet food can encourage better fluid intake throughout the year.

4. Check out the latest pet tech

Pet technology has come on in leaps and bounds, and the new year is the ideal time to take advantage of these innovations. Smart feeders can help with weight management by dispensing measured portions, while activity trackers monitor movement, sleep and overall fitness – ideal for pets needing a little motivation.

For anxious pets, smart cameras let you check in and interact with them while you’re out, offering peace of mind for both of you. Be sure to test this out to see how they get on though… While it can be reassuring for some individuals, it may be confusing for others.

For added cat convenience, you could also consider automatic litter boxes, or microchip-activated doors. Or you could enhance their safety with a GPS collar, which could also satisfy your curiosity of where they get to when out on the prowl.

Why not think about what technology could improve your pet’s long-term health and happiness this coming year?

Make this year your pet’s best yet

You don’t need to make massive changes to make a meaningful difference to your pet’s wellbeing. A few thoughtful adjustments can create healthier habits that last well beyond January.

Another way to look after your pet’s wellbeing is with peace-of-mind cat insurance or dog insurance.