Call them New Years Resolutions if it helps!

Hello 2026! At this time of the year we tend to reflect and look forward to what the next year has in store for us. Life can be a bit uncertain however there are ways we can definitely help ourselves and our pets be as healthy as possible. Perhaps you have a new addition to the household and want to know how to keep them happy and healthy from the start? Or maybe you have a companion who is entering their twilight years and you want to know is there anything special you can be doing for them?

The good news is that what I say now will benefit everyone- maybe even you as well! I would call them New Years Resolutions if it doesn’t put you off!

The simple advice is the best- keep active and at a healthy weight. You and your pet will be happier in mind and body. Whether it be a little and often jaunt around the block or a 5 mile run with your dog, they will thank you for the stimulation and release of endorphins. Have a little play with your cat, mix it up a bit! You might find they come to you more often for some attention and fun. If you are struggling with getting your pet to a healthy weight then please ask us about our weight loss clinic and become a weight loss wonder!

Remember that our pets’ diets do not need to be over complicated and often a simple, good quality, diet is all that is needed.  Their gut biome will thank you for it! Diets can be specific to age, lifestyle and even breed. In human medicine there is certainly a lot of evidence behind having a healthy gut biome and its positive effects on the mind and behaviour as well as skin quality, immunity, metabolism and weight. If you have any questions about diets and treats then please give us a ring and a nurse will happily discuss any of your concerns.  Dietary problems could cause obvious symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea but can also cause more subtle symptoms such as ‘their appetite is a bit picky’  and ‘they’ve lost a little bit of weight but we don’t know why’.

Play dentist……ok this one won’t be everyone’s idea of fun but we all know how important it is to look after our teeth so let’s all make the extra effort to look after our pets teeth. If you have never looked in their mouths before and don’t know where to start then we will gladly show you and give you some pointers, our dental checks are free! You might be able to use a small, soft brush with some flavoured toothpaste (not human toothpaste please!) or you might need to use products where you do not touch their teeth at all that can go in their food or water. We can all probably do more this year (I know I can) . It is possible to use something even in hesitant cats!

And finally, whenever you see us we will ask the question, are your pets up to date with their flea and worm prevention…. so are you? Do you need to start getting it posted as part of our PowisPets Club? Do you need to put a reminder on your brand spanking new 2026 calendar (if you are old school like me) or just in your phone (like everybody else)…Did you know that not all products cover for all the fleas, mites and worms that your pets can be at risk of? Puppies are particularly at risk of lungworm but not all products cover for it. We provide free flea and worm consultations where we can give advice on what your pet is at risk from and how best we can reduce that risk.

So hopefully there is something here that might have inspired you! Do you have any New Years resolutions of your own? We wish you all the very best for 2026 and look forward to seeing all of our lovely clients.