As the calendar year advances, ideas of progress and change loom large.

We all want to be the best versions of ourselves, and that momentum shouldn't fall short of our pets. Setting the bar high for excellent pet wellness is not a trend bound for the backburner. Priorities tend to shift throughout the year, but if you set goals for positive changes at home, pet wellness can soar in the new year.

What We Can All Do

As our objectives for the next 12 months start to come into focus, we'd like to remind pet owners of the importance of preventive care. Whether we're supposed to see your pet once or twice a year, we encourage you to keep these important appointments. As a measure of overall health, these exams help you stay in front of developing an illness. Furthermore, we can detect problems before they get out of hand.

If you only make one New Year's Resolution this year, make it a priority to schedule and keep your pet's routine wellness exams.

Upholding Positive Changes

Establishing a diet is a huge trend every January, only for results to backslide by March. It's incredibly difficult, but if your pet is overweight or obese, it is essential to get a handle on their potential for disease. Osteoarthritis, heart disease, and diabetes are just a few consequences of weight gain.

While it may be necessary to help your pet lose weight, making sudden changes to their food can have a negative impact. Pets are highly attached to their food's flavor, texture, and frequency. Slowly reduce their portions over time, and add in their new food until it makes up the majority of the meal. Also, try to replace tasty treats with rewarding play or exercise time.

Getting Out and About

A fantastic dovetail to your pet's nutritional needs is, of course, upholding a daily exercise routine. Whether you play feather chaser with your cat or go hiking with your dog, aim for at least 20-30 minutes of focused exertion every day.

Exercise helps keep the pounds off and helps to keep them mentally sharp and engaged. Make the new year all about motion and fitness; the benefits will impact both you and your pet.

And Then, the Teeth!

A major facet of pet wellness hinges on the health of their teeth and gums. Without adequate attention to this area, pets can suffer from pain, swelling, bleeding, breaking teeth or loss, and more. Oral bacteria can seep into the bloodstream, causing major havoc to the body's internal organs.

Don't allow your pet to go on another year without proper dental care. Routine brushing at home a couple of times a week paired with annual cleaning and polishing under anesthesia can make all the difference.

Enriching Opportunities

To really enhance pet wellness in the new year, make a point of providing opportunities that enrich your pet's life. This could mean traveling together more often or visiting public places to meet new people and pets. Perhaps the new year is the perfect time to expand your pet's family and adopt a new friend for them.

However you decide to embrace the new year, we hope you'll call us at (727) 381-3900.

with any questions or concerns about pet wellness. We're always here for you at Bayshore Animal Hospital & Avian Practice.