The arrival of the New Year is an excellent time to focus on pet health care and find ways to save money on pet wellness. Will you be making any or all of the resolutions below?
Schedule Regular Visits to Your Veterinarian
I recommend semiannual veterinary checkups for most pets and especially encourage working with veterinarians who understand both conventional and holistic medicine. These professionals are more likely to be informed about modern vaccination protocols, including concerns about over vaccination and its potential role in chronic diseases. When possible, ask for vaccination antibody titers instead of automatically vaccinating annually for core viruses such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia.
For middle aged and older pets, annual to semiannual blood work is essential for monitoring blood counts, organ function, and early disease detection. If available in your area, consider choosing an AAHA accredited veterinary hospital, which often features state of the art equipment and high quality care.
Need help finding a veterinarian in your area? Use our free Vet Locator.
Rethink Your Pet’s Diet
Holistic veterinarians are often well versed in recommending healthier diets. For my clients, I prefer natural diets made with whole meats or named meat meals and preserved naturally with no artificial ingredients. Some of my long time favorite pet food companies include Wysong and Taste of the Wild.
Consider feeding a proper homemade diet as described in Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard Pitcairn, DVM, PhD or The Natural Cat by Anitra Frazier. I also recommend supplementing your pet’s diet with multivitamins, digestive enzymes, and Omega 3 fatty acids to help round out nutrition.
For supplements and wellness essentials, explore the PetMeds Dog Health and Wellness category.
Get Serious About Your Pet’s Dental Health
The New Year is a great time to start your pet on a dental care program. Seventy-five percent of pets over age three have some degree of periodontal disease, which can lead to oral discomfort, tooth loss, and even systemic diseases involving the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Brushing your pet’s teeth requires patience and routine. Begin slowly by brushing a few days each week until your pet becomes comfortable. For more information, read our guide on how to brush your pet’s teeth.
You can also find dental care products in the PetMeds Dog Dental Care category.
Familiarize Yourself with Proper Grooming Techniques
Routine grooming gives you the opportunity to examine your pet’s body and identify potential problems early. A helpful resource is All Breed Dog Grooming Guide by Sam Kohl, which outlines grooming techniques and appropriate tools.
Bathing your pet at home can save money, but always brush and remove mats and tangles beforehand. For additional guidance, read our guide to caring for your pet’s skin and coat.
Enroll Your Pet in a Pet Insurance Policy
If you do not already have pet insurance, now is a great time to research plans that fit your pet’s needs and your budget. Insurance helps protect your dog or cat and can save significant money since nearly 95 percent of pets may experience an emergency in their lifetime.
Another option is CareCredit, which offers instant credit to qualifying pet owners.
Vet Tip
The New Year offers a valuable opportunity to explore both conventional preventative care and holistic approaches to keep pets in the best possible health.
For additional health products to support your pet’s wellness goals this year, visit the PetMeds Dog Health and Wellness category.
