How to Create a Monthly Health Checklist for Your Pet in the New Year
The new year is upon us, and it’s a great time to make resolutions for ourselves—and for our pets. Keeping your pet healthy requires ongoing care. Think of it like maintenance care for yourself, or your vehicle, or your yard. Everything needs maintenance, and our pets are no exception.
A monthly pet health checklist can help you track what needs to get done for your pet to stay in excellent health. The team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital has a quick guide to creating a pet wellness checklist that’s easy to follow all year long.
Things to Include on a Pet Wellness Checklist
1. Regular At-Home Health Checks
Start your monthly pet health checklist with a physical inspection of your pet’s body. This is the ideal time to look over his fur, skin, and body for any unexpected lumps, bumps, or scratches.
Pay close attention to your furry friend’s ears, eyes, and teeth, too. These are common areas where unnoticed infections and irritations can flourish. Check your cat or dog’s weight, as well—maintaining a healthy weight is a key aspect of a pet health routine.
2. Grooming and Hygiene
Routine grooming does a lot more than keep your pet looking shiny and neat. It also keeps your pet comfortable and helps you notice health issues early on. For dogs and cats, brushing removes loose hair and dirt, and it also helps keep their skin healthy. Regular nail trims and ear cleaning should be part of your pet wellness checklist, too.
Remember those sneaky infections we mentioned? Overgrown nails and dirty ears can lead straight to these painful conditions.
3. Diet and Nutrition Evaluations
Regularly reviewing your pet’s diet is essential for your pawsome pal’s overall health. Evaluate her meals and treats. Take note of how enthusiastic she is about her food—or not. You want your pet to get the right balance of nutrients without overeating.
This step in your pet’s health routine helps prevent obesity, which can lead to other health complications, like diabetes and arthritis.
Finally, keep an eye out for changes in your pet’s appetite. If you see any strange or sudden differences, your pet should see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian can also help guide you in the best food to buy for your pet!
4. Exercise and Activity
An active pet is a healthy pet, so include exercise in your pet health tracking routine. Regular physical activity keeps your dog or cat’s muscles strong and mind alert. It can also help you notice any potentially concerning differences in your pet’s behavior.
Say you have a dog who usually jumps up in glee at the mention of the word “walk.” If that same pup loses interest in the cherished routine, a visit to the vet is in order. Something could be causing your pet discomfort or pain, leading them to dread, instead of love, their daily exercise.
5. Medication and Preventive Care
A checklist goes a long way in helping you stay up-to-date on your pet’s medications, especially for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Mark these treatments on your pet wellness checklist to make sure you give them consistently every month.
6. Regular Vet Visits
Most pet parents bring their furry family members in for a yearly vet visit, but some pets can benefit from more frequent check-ups. This is particularly true if your pet has underlying health issues or is considered geriatric. On your monthly checklist, include a reminder to schedule your pet’s appointments and/or keep track of whether the dates you’ve already scheduled still work for you.
Keep a record of vet visits, treatments, and vaccinations as part of your pet health tracking. Having these details at your fingertips will help you and your vet make informed decisions about your pet’s health.
If it’s been a while since you scheduled a vet visit for your pet, reach out to our caring veterinary team at MarketPlace Veterinary Hospital. Call us at (916) 939‑1705 to schedule a wellness appointment and start the year off strong!