With the new year just around the corner, we often make a list of resolutions to improve our lives. Have you ever thought about doing the same for your cat or dog? With a few small changes, you can ensure them a 2025 full of health, well-being and happiness. Here are some goals to take better care of your furry companion in this new year.

1. Keeping their health up to date

One of the best things you can do for your dog or cat is to make sure their health is always under control. Regular checkups at the vet and preventive medicine allow you to detect and prevent any problems before they become serious.

• Veterinary check-ups: make an appointment for a check-up at least once a year (or more frequently if the dog is older or has a chronic pathology). This will allow you to detect problems such as dental disease in dogs and cats, joint problems, overweight dogs or obese cats in time.
• Vaccinations and deworming: make sure their vaccinations are up to date and check their internal and external deworming schedule. Don’t forget that fleas can be a problem all year round, not only in summer.

2. Evaluate and improve nutrition to improve your dog’s and cat’s health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health of your dog and cat. A change in their diet can make a big difference in their quality of life.

• A balanced diet: consult your veterinarian for nutritional advice to determine if it is time to change your canine and feline companion’s diet. Perhaps it is time to adjust calories, add specific supplements or switch to a senior cat or dog diet.
• Control their weight: being overweight is a common problem in dogs and cats and can shorten their lives considerably. A balanced diet along with proper exercise can help maintain a healthy weight. We can also help with interactive, mentally stimulating feeders that help control the amount and speed of feeding, making eating a fun time and allowing dogs and cats to activate their foraging instinct while burning extra calories.

3. Increase exercise and mental stimulation

Both dogs and cats need to be active not only physically, but also mentally.

• Exercise: For dogs, this may mean more walks, playtime or even practicing a dog sport such as agility. Cats, although they don’t usually get intense exercise, the right environment can encourage them to move around. Interactive toys and structures such as scratching posts or shelves stimulate their hunting instinct and allow them to explore. Placing the feeder in high places also motivates them to jump and move more, integrating exercise into their daily routine. 
• Mental stimulation: toys that challenge their minds, such as puzzles or fetch games, are ideal for keeping your dog or cat entertained and mentally active. Also consider teaching them new tricks or commands.

4. Create a regular hygiene routine to improve your dog’s and cat’s health

Maintaining good hygiene is essential for your pet’s health, and a good routine can prevent problems in the future.

• Brushing and grooming: Regular brushing prevents knots, hairballs in cats, reduces the amount of loose hair and keeps the skin healthy, being especially important in long-haired animals. In addition, baths are key, especially in dogs, to keep their coat clean and free of built-up dirt.
• Dental care: Dental health is often overlooked, but periodontal disease in dogs and cats is common. Make it a point to brush their teeth or use products recommended by your veterinarian to keep their mouth clean.
• Nail and ear check-ups: Trimming their nails and checking their ears regularly is essential to avoid painful problems and infections.

5. Spend more quality time together

Our dogs and cats not only depend on us for their physical well-being, they also need emotional attention. Spending quality time with your life partner strengthens your bond and enhances their happiness.

• More petting and snuggling: while the amount of time you can spend with them may vary, make sure each day includes moments of connection through cuddling, playing or just being together.
• Create a comfortable space: make sure your dog or cat has a quiet, comfortable place at home where it can rest and feel safe.

6. Learn something new together

Training is not only useful for teaching them good behaviors, but it is also an excellent way to stimulate their minds.

• New tricks: Both dogs and cats can learn new tricks at any age. Dogs can be taught useful or fun commands, and cats can also learn to respond to their name, use interactive toys or engage in reward games.
• Clicker training: Clicker training is a fun technique for teaching new behaviors to both dogs and cats. It is a popular and effective method to reinforce positive and beneficial behaviors.

7. Be more aware of their signs of well-being to improve your dog’s and cat’s health

Your dog or cat is constantly communicating with you, even if it’s not always obvious. Being attentive to their signals can help you detect health problems or changes in their well-being before they become more serious.

• Observe their behavior: changes in appetite, activity level or attitude can be early signs of a health problem. If you notice anything unusual, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
• Home check-ups: spend time checking their body for lumps, sores, or any visible changes. This routine can help you identify problems before they become more serious.

This year, in addition to setting goals for yourself, take time to think about how you can improve the life of your feline or canine companion. They give you all their love and loyalty, and these small changes can make a big difference in their well-being and happiness throughout 2025. Set out to make this year an unforgettable one for them!

Remember that in Balmesvet, at 205 Balmes Street in Barcelona, our team of veterinary professionals are available to guide you at every step in the care of your life companion and help you to fulfill these welfare resolutions for your cat or dog. Do not hesitate to contact us at 931 173 173 to make an appointment or resolve any questions about how to improve the quality of life of your dog and cat in the new year.