Get into good pet-ownership habits in 2025

IT might be February, but it’s never too late to make a few resolutions when it comes to your pets. Let’s look at a few important habits that are good to keep up when it comes to the health and well-being of your pets.

Regular visits to the vet for a health check, worming and vaccinations can pick up problems at an early stage and possibly prevent minor issues becoming big ones. Resolve to ensure you book a visit sooner rather than later if it’s been over a year, and remember to make it an annual thing.

At this time of year especially, it is essential to make sure that those pets who live outdoors (in kennels or sheds for example) have clean, warm and dry bedding in secure, draft-free and dry housing. Have a good look and replace any worn-out, dirty bedding and fix any drafts.

Dog owners, make sure your legal requirements are up to date – dog licence, microchipping, etc – especially as we approach lambing season.

Perhaps as you continue to keep your own New Year’s resolution on getting regular exercise you could bringing your dog along on walks if you don’t already. Dogs need exercise also to stay in physical and mental shape, and the company would benefit you both. If you’re out on a public road in dusk or darkness, make sure that your pet wears a hi-viz vest, as they can cause a serious accident if they slip their collar or lead. And of course, when you’re bringing your dog for a walk, always bring poop bags with you, especially when walking in public places.

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Tackling bad habits works just as importantly for pets as it does for us humans. Why not try to tackle some of your pet’s bad habits also with a bit of training. All sorts of unwelcome behaviours – including destructive chewing, jumping on strangers and visitors, food aggression, digging the garden up and raiding the bin – can all be successfully tackled with a bit of knowledge and persistence. Do some research into how you might help your pet break some of their own bad habits. Talk to your vet or a local trainer about this too.

If you haven’t had your pet neutered, perhaps you should make a resolution to get this job done this year. There are so so many unwanted puppies and abandoned kittens. Please don’t add to the problem by neglecting this aspect of responsible pet ownership.

By adopting these good pet-ownership habits, you’ll soon find them becoming routine and a natural part of your relationship with your pet. There are so many little things we can do to make our pets happier and healthier; the important ones mentioned here a great place to start.