New Year, New Me (Pet Edition!) – Pet Health Checklist for Dogs and Cats

A Fresh Start for Your Dog or Cat’s Health in the New Year

The New Year is here—and while many of us are setting personal goals, it’s also the perfect time to focus on your pet’s health. Your dog or cat depends on you to help them live a longer, happier life, and the foundation for that starts with preventive veterinary care.

From routine bloodwork to dental cleanings and parasite prevention, here’s how you can set your furry best friend up for a healthy year ahead.

Woman jogging with dog on country road at sunset

Routine Bloodwork: Your Pet’s Hidden Health Hero

Your pet can’t tell you when something feels off—but bloodwork can.

Regular laboratory testing gives your veterinarian a look at your pet’s internal health, including organ function, hydration levels, and immune response.

Why routine bloodwork matters:

  • Detects disease early, before symptoms appear

  • Tracks changes over time for long-term health monitoring

  • Helps catch kidney, liver, and thyroid problems early

  • Essential for senior pets and pets on long-term medications

Catching illness early often means simpler treatment, a better outcome, and lower overall costs.

 

Vaccinations: Powerful Protection for Your Pet

Vaccines protect your pet from dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases, while also helping keep your family and community safe.

Core vaccines for dogs:

  • Rabies

  • DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza)

Core vaccines for cats:

  • Rabies

  • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Florida Pet Owners

If you live in a warm, humid climate, your dog should also receive the Leptospirosis vaccine. This bacteria thrives in standing water and wildlife areas and can infect both pets and humans.

Annual vaccines are a small step with a huge impact on long-term health.

 

Dental Care: More Than Fresh Breath

By age three, most pets already have dental disease—even if they’re still eating normally.

Untreated dental infections can lead to:

  • Tooth loss

  • Pain and appetite problems

  • Bacteria entering the bloodstream

  • Damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys

Professional dental cleanings help:

  • Remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup

  • Prevent tooth decay and infection

  • Improve overall health and comfort

  • Keep breath fresh and gums healthy

At home, brushing, dental chews, and oral rinses go a long way in maintaining good oral hygiene between cleanings.

 

Parasite Prevention: A Year-Round Necessity

Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites don’t disappear just because the weather cools down—especially in warmer states like Florida.

Heartworm disease:

  • Spread by mosquitoes

  • Can be fatal

  • Treatment is expensive and risky

  • NO approved treatment for cats

Learn more from the American Heartworm Society.

Fleas & Ticks can transmit:

  • Lyme disease

  • Anaplasmosis

  • Ehrlichiosis

  • Bartonella

  • Tapeworms

  • Flea allergy dermatitis

Some intestinal parasites can even infect humans. Monthly prevention protects your pet—and your family.

 

Highly Effective Preventive Options

Your veterinarian can recommend the right medication based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and location.

Dogs:

  • Credelio® Quattro – Monthly coverage for fleas, ticks, heartworm & intestinal worms

  • NexGard® Plus – Monthly chew protecting against parasites that cause serious illness

  • ProHeart® 12 – One injection for 12 months of heartworm prevention

  • Bravecto® Quantum Injection – 12 months of flea and tick protection with a single injection

Cats:

  • NexGard® Combo – All-in-one topical protection

  • Revolution® Plus – Monthly topical covering parasites and ear mites

Consistent prevention = fewer vet visits for emergencies and infections.

 

Pet Insurance: Peace of Mind When the Unexpected Happens

Emergencies don’t wait—and neither should care.

Pet insurance helps ease the financial burden when serious illness or injury happens, allowing you to make decisions based on your pet’s needs—not cost.

Benefits may include:

  • Emergency and illness coverage

  • Partial reimbursement for diagnostics and medications

  • Optional wellness plans

Pumpkin™ Pet Insurance is one option offering flexible plans and no upper age limits for enrollment.

 

Create a Personalized Wellness Plan

No two pets are the same—and their veterinary care shouldn’t be either.

Your pet’s plan may include:

  • Annual or semi-annual wellness exams

  • Bloodwork and diagnostics

  • Vaccinations based on lifestyle

  • Year-round parasite prevention

  • Dental cleanings

  • Insurance for emergencies

Your veterinarian can help build a care plan that fits your pet’s age, health, and lifestyle.

 

A Healthier Year Starts Now

Preventive care means fewer surprises, lower long-term costs, and a happier, healthier pet.

Let this year be the year you invest in:
More energy
More playtime
Fewer emergencies
Better health

Schedule your pet’s wellness visit today and give them the gift of thriving all year long.