🐾 Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Happy — 2025 Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

Pets don’t just share our homes—they share our hearts. They rely on us for everything. In return, we get unconditional love and companionship. This 2025 pet health guide covers all the essential elements to keep your pet thriving—from dental hygiene and nutrition to vaccines and enrichment. 💙

🦷 1. Dental Care

Bad breath isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a warning. Just like humans, pets can suffer from gingivitis, periodontal disease, and even tooth resorption. These issues can lead to systemic infections affecting the heart, kidneys, and liver.

• 🪥 Brush with pet-specific toothpaste
• 🩺 Schedule annual dental checkups with your vet
• 🦷 Consider professional cleanings under anesthesia when needed

🏃‍♂️ 2. Exercise & Play

Exercise prevents obesity and boosts mood. It’s vital for mental stimulation and bonding.

• 🐕‍🦺 Dogs: Daily walks, fetch, hikes, agility, or sniff walks
• 🐈 Cats: Climbing trees, puzzle feeders, wand toys

🩺 3. Regular Checkups

Yearly exams catch problems early. For seniors or pets with conditions, every 6 months is ideal.

• 📋 Full physical exams
• 🦴 Muscle, joint, and body condition checks
• 🩺 Early screenings = better outcomes & lower costs

🔍 4. Microchipping

Collars can fall off—but a microchip is permanent. It improves the chances of a safe return home if your pet goes missing.

🥕 5. Nutrition & Water

Your pet’s food should be balanced, age-appropriate, and AAFCO-approved. Always provide fresh water.

• 🐶 Look for labels confirming nutritional adequacy
• 🧊 Clean water daily for hydration & kidney health

🐛 6. Parasite Control

Protect your pet and your family by preventing these risks:

• 🪳 Fleas → anemia, skin infections
• 🕷️ Ticks → Lyme, ehrlichiosis, Cytauxzoonosis
• 🪱 Worms → internal damage, zoonotic risk
• 🫀 Heartworms → fatal but preventable

🧠 7. Enrichment & Mental Health

Keep boredom at bay with mental engagement:

• 🧩 Puzzle feeders, scent games, interactive toys
• 🛏️ Safe spaces like crates or cozy corners
• 📦 For cats: Hideaways, windows perches, toys

🐾 8. Training & Socialization

Positive reinforcement builds confidence, prevents behavior issues, and strengthens your bond.

• 🎓 Start early—puppy/kitten classes help!
• 🐕 Consistent praise & reward-based training

💉 9. Vaccinations

Core vaccines are essential. Dr Duncan Houston tailors schedules based on geography and lifestyle.

• 🦠 Dogs: Rabies, distemper, parvo, hepatitis
• 😺 Cats: Rabies, panleukopenia, calicivirus
• 🌍 Lifestyle-based extras: Bordetella, Lyme, FeLV

🏥 10. Spay or Neuter

This simple procedure prevents health issues and behavioral problems:

• ♀️ Females: Prevents mammary tumors, uterine infections
• ♂️ Males: Reduces roaming, spraying, aggression

⚖️ 11. Weight Management

Obesity leads to numerous diseases—prevent it by:

• 🥗 Measuring meals
• 🚫 Limiting high-calorie treats
• 🏃 Regular daily activity

🧼 12. Grooming & Skin Health

Keep coats healthy and prevent skin conditions:

• 🛁 Regular baths with pet-safe shampoo
• ✂️ Nail trims every 3–4 weeks
• 🐾 Brushing to reduce mats and detect issues early

🧓 13. Senior & Special Needs Pets

Older pets need tailored care:

• 🔁 More frequent vet visits
• 🍽️ Specialized diets (renal, joint, low-calorie)
• 🛋️ Comfortable, accessible environments

📉 14. Behavioral Changes & What They Mean

Unusual behavior often signals pain, illness, or anxiety. Common red flags:

• 😾 Aggression or fearfulness
• 🥱 Changes in sleep or appetite
• 🚽 Litterbox or house-soiling issues

Always discuss these signs with your vet promptly.

❤️ 15. Final Thoughts

Your pet’s best life is built on consistent care and proactive choices. From puppyhood to senior years, your time, attention, and love are their greatest needs.

📲 Get Help from Ask A Vet

Have questions about your pet's diet, behavior, or health? Download the Ask A Vet app to get expert answers from licensed veterinarians like Dr Duncan Houston—anytime, anywhere. 🐾