It’s a fresh calendar year, which means a fresh start when it comes to tackling pet care. Life can get incredibly busy, and it’s all too easy for things—like scheduling your pet’s next wellness check—to fall off the radar.
At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we get it. And we’re here to help! Here’s what we suggest to help you ring in the New Year with resolutions for healthy pets in 2026.
3 Tips for Hitting Veterinary Health Goals for Pets in 2026
1. Schedule Preventive Care First
Our number-one tip is to schedule your pet’s preventive care visit right away—and make sure your calendar is clear for the appointment. Take this time to also set reminders for:
- Vaccines or boosters to keep your pet’s immune system strong
- Parasite prevention refills (aka flea, tick, and heartworm preventives)
- Dental cleanings—your pet should be getting a full cleaning every year!
Ask your veterinarian which bloodwork or screenings your pet should get based on her age and breed. Keep a list of additional questions to ask in the days and weeks before the appointment—for instance, if your pet seems to be spurning her food, make a note of it for your vet. If he’s scratching his back more often than usual, write it down.
That way, your concerns will be noted and ready to go when your vet asks about them! If your pet is terrified of going to the veterinarian or you’re unsure how you’ll be able to squeeze in a visit to your vet’s office, consider mobile veterinary care.
2. Get Moving Every Day
You and your pup or kitty don’t have to walk 2 miles together every single day, rain or shine. While it would be lovely if this type of movement fit into your schedule, it might not be sustainable over time.
Instead, start with doable movement goals. For dogs, set a goal to go on one brisk, 15-minute walk a day—plus 10 minutes of training or a brain game like hide-and-seek.
For cats, aim for three 5-minute bursts of play with a wand toy, laser, or robotic mouse. As you get used to squeezing these bite-sized bits of exercise in, you can add sessions and get more movement in for your pet.
Remember—motion is lotion for your pet’s body, and especially their joints.
3. Make Dental Care a Priority
One of the most important pet health resolutions you can make is a commitment to brushing your pup or kitty’s teeth at least three times a week. Or, even better, every single day. But let’s just begin with a thrice-weekly goal to keep it manageable.
The benefits of weekly dental care for pets are enormous. It can prevent plaque buildup, tartar formation, and painful oral diseases that can put your pet’s health at risk.
Pair thrice-weekly brushing with vet-recommended dental chews or water additives to help support your pet’s oral health.
Doable Pet Wellness Tips = A Happy, Healthy New Year
With the pet wellness tips outlined above, you can take small steps that make a big impact on your pet’s overall health and wellness.
If you want to schedule a convenient, stress-free vet visit in your own home, reach out to our caring team at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital. We serve pets throughout Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Call us today at (818) 614-9929 to schedule an appointment.