The new year is an excellent time to focus on fresh starts and prioritize the health and happiness of every family member—including your cherished pets. At Braescroft Animal Clinic, we understand how much your animal companions mean to you, and we are here to help you ensure their well-being with practical wellness tips for 2025.
Wellness Exams at Braescroft Animal Clinic
Braescroft Animal Clinic prioritizes your pet’s health with personalized wellness programs and routine checkups for every stage of life. We highly recommend bringing your pet in for regular exams. Often, undetected health problems can become more serious when left untreated, so checkups are important even when your pet appears healthy.
Recommended Check-Up Schedule:
- Adult pets: Twice a year
- Senior pets: Twice a year if healthy, more frequent to follow illnesses or changes
- Puppies/kittens: Every 4 weeks from 6–8 weeks to 18 weeks
- Exotic pets (e.g., rabbits, turtles, birds): At least once a year, though more frequent visits may be necessary for species with unique health needs.
Adult Wellness Care Includes: Vaccinations, heartworm testing, deworming, parasite control, and guidance on behavior, diet, and chronic conditions.
Puppy/Kitten Wellness Includes: Vaccinations, deworming, parasite checks, microchipping, and developmental exams to support rapid growth and healthy development.
These preventive services ensure your pet receives the best care at every stage of life.
Pet Wellness Tip: Call us today to schedule your pet’s annual check-up and start 2025 with good health for your pet.
Is Your Pet Getting the Nutrition It Needs?
Obesity is a widespread problem among pets, as it can be easy to over-feed a pet that knows how to beg. But being overweight is a severe problem for animals and can cause real health problems as they get older. Additionally, pets’ nutritional needs change as they enter various stages of their lives. So it can be challenging to know what food to feed your pet and how much.
Pet Wellness Tip: The best way to ensure your pet meets its nutritional needs is to consult with us about a diet specifically for its breed, lifestyle, and age.
Regular Exercise and Physical Well-Being for Pets
Exercise is essential for your pet’s physical and mental health. Daily walks, playtime, or interactive activities like agility training help keep dogs active. Cats also thrive with regular play sessions, climbing opportunities, or puzzle toys. Being active with your pet helps prevent obesity, supports joint health, and strengthens your bond. For more information, see our blog Staying Active with Your Pet.
Pet Wellness Tip: Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to active play with your pet, whether it is a walk for your dog or an interactive toy session for your cat.
Focus on Dental Health for Long-Term Pet Health
Tartar and plaque buildup on your pet’s teeth can cause minor and serious health problems. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even issues with the heart, liver, and kidneys. Prioritizing dental care for your pet is vital. Establishing good oral hygiene habits for your pet is essential in battling dental disease.
Pet Wellness Tip: Schedule a dental check-up and teeth cleaning for your pet and learn how to maintain oral hygiene at home.
Mental Enrichment for Pets of all Kinds
Mental stimulation is as important as physical activity for your pet’s well-being. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing games, or teaching new tricks can help prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Our team can suggest creative ways to keep your pet mentally engaged.
Pet Wellness Tip: This month, pick up a new enrichment toy or teach your pet a fun skill.
Grooming is Not Just for Looks
Regular grooming is essential for your pet’s health and comfort. Brushing your pet’s coat prevents matting, reduces shedding, and promotes healthy skin. Nail trims and ear cleaning are also crucial to their overall care.
Pet Wellness Tip: Set a consistent grooming schedule to keep your pet looking and feeling its best.
Parasites are More Than a Nuisance – They Carry Diseases!
Pets are constantly exposed to internal and external parasites. Staying alert and using preventive measures can keep your pet safe and healthy.
Pet Wellness Tips:
- Keep up with regular veterinary care, including stool checks and parasite prevention.
- Avoid areas with feces from other animals. Look for clean parks, trails, and beaches.
- Instruct children to wash hands after playing with pets or handling soil.
- Promptly dispose of pet waste to reduce the risk of parasites.
Make 2025 a Year of Wellness for Your Pet
At Braescroft Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to helping your pets thrive with comprehensive care, from wellness exams to nutrition plans, dental health, and more. Let us work together to make 2025 a year of health and happiness for your furry companions.
Call us today to schedule your pet’s next visit and let us start the new year with healthy habits that will keep tails wagging and whiskers twitching with joy.
Happy New Year from all of us at Braescroft Animal Clinic! We look forward to supporting you and your pets in 2025 and beyond.
