10 Tips for Safeguarding Pet Health and Happiness in 2025

As we ease into 2025, now is the perfect opportunity to safeguard your pet's health and happiness for the year ahead. From annual check-ups to grooming routines, proactive care makes a world of difference for pets of all types.

To help you, our team at Weybridge have put together a checklist of 10 things pets will benefit from across the year. Starting with booking your first pet health check of the New Year.

Why proactive care is important

Proactive, or preventative care, helps to protect against a range of illnesses and catch potential issues early to keep pets feeling their best. Whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, small mammal or another type of pet, check off the items from Weybridge's list below to best support their health and wellbeing.

Weybridge's checklist for year-round proactive pet care

1. Regular Vet Check-ups: Annual and bi-annual vet health checks at Weybridge are important for identifying health problems early. Even if your pet seems healthy, routine exams help maintain their wellbeing.

2. Vaccinations: Keep your pet's vaccinations current to protect against serious diseases like canine parvovirus, feline leukaemia, and rabbit VHD. Book your next pet's next booster now.

3. Parasite Control: Parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms can cause health issues for your pet and your human family. Year-round pet treatments help to keep everyone safe.

4. Dental Health: The most beneficial thing you can do for your dog or cat's oral health is to brush their teeth regularly. You can also give them specially formulated dental chews and food, as well as other oral care products. Small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs benefit from safe chew toys and hay to avoid overgrown teeth.

Your vet at Weybridge will check your pet's oral health at their annual vaccination appointment and health check. Six-month check-ups are a good idea to keep your pet's dental health in check too. If you have any concerns, give us a call on 01932 855856 and we'll book your pet in sooner.

5. Nutrition and Weight Management: Balanced diets and healthy weights are vital. Whether it's controlling portion sizes for dogs or meeting the dietary needs of rabbits, proper nutrition prevents problems like obesity and diabetes. Our veterinary nurses in Weybridge can help you with this.

6. Microchipping and Identification: Besides being a legal requirement for cats (in England) and dogs, microchipping increases the likelihood of finding a lost pet. Update your contact details regularly so you and your pet can be re-united.

7. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Active pets are generally happy pets! Dogs need daily walks, cats thrive with toys and climbing posts, and small mammals love enrichment activities. Mental stimulation, like puzzle feeders or foraging trays or mats, can reduce boredom for all pets.

8. Grooming and Coat Care: Weybridge's team advise that grooming helps to keep pets comfortable and healthy. All pets with fur will benefit from brushing, but the frequency and tools needed will depend on the length of their fur, with long-haired breeds typically needing more frequent care. Nail trimming and ear cleaning are good for dogs and cats too - ask our team for advice on how to do this safely and effectively.

9. Senior Pet Care: Older pets need tailored care, from joint supplements to age-specific diets and home adjustments. If your pet shows signs of slowing down, contact us to schedule a senior health check at our vet practice in Weybridge.

10. Emergency Care and First Aid: Prepare for emergencies with a pet first aid kit and save the number for your vet practice - here's ours: 01932 855856. Knowing basic first aid can make a difference in urgent situations. If you're not sure what you need in a pet first aid kit, ask our team at your next appointment.

A proactive care plan helps to safeguard your pet's health and happiness all year round. Contact us to create a customised care plan with one of our highly experienced vets at Weybridge!