10 Vet-Approved Resolutions Every Pet Parent Should Make in 2026
Being a pet parent, whether you are welcoming your first furry family member or caring for a lifelong companion, can feel overwhelming at times. From breed-specific needs and proper nutrition to dental care, weight management, and preventative health, there is a lot to keep track of each year. When you are only seeing your veterinarian once or twice a year, it is not always easy to get every question answered in a single appointment.
That’s why we created this easy-to-read guide you can return to throughout the year. Life gets busy, and caring for your pet does not have to mean making big, complicated changes all at once. Small, thoughtful adjustments can make a meaningful difference in your pet’s overall health and happiness. Best of all, these resolutions are backed by veterinarians and designed to complement the care and guidance you already receive from your regular veterinarian.
Resolution #1: Determine your pet’s optimal weight and strive to hit it
“For 2026, let’s all resolve to help our pets fit back into their ‘summer bodies,’” says Dr. Katharine Holder of Raleigh. “Those extra pounds aren’t cute, and they put extra stress on joints, increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease, and can slow pets down long before their time.” The good news? Small changes, like measuring meals, cutting back on “just one more treat,” and adding extra playtime and walks, can make a big difference in mobility, energy, and overall comfort. The result? You get more quality years with your loved one. “A healthy weight is truly one of the most impactful gifts we can give our pets,” she added. Not sure what your pet’s optimal weight is? Check with your veterinarian!
Resolution #2: Ditch the scoops
Dr. Shannon Bass of Concord says “Measure your pet’s food with an actual measuring cup so you truly know how much food you are feeding your pet.” Did you know that a standard red solo cup holds about 2 cups of food when filled to the line? When you use something without true measurements, you risk overfeeding. This small change can help your pet meet its goal weight. If you do not know the appropriate amount to feed, take a picture of your pet’s food bag and take it with you to your next appointment to talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of food to feed your pets to hit those goal weights.
Resolution #3: Retrain yourself
“People can’t resist those puppy dog eyes and start feeding their pets from the table when they are very young, training both themselves and the dogs that this is normal,” says Goldsboro veterinarian Dr. Brian Stuber. It becomes a slippery slope, and it is very habit forming for pets. “Start retraining the family this year to stop feeding dogs from the table,” says Dr. Stuber. Not only do the extra calories lead to extra pounds, but some human food can cause vomiting and diarrhea or can lead to pancreatitis or worse. By avoiding this move, your pet will also be less likely to do other things like take food from a toddler’s hand, counter surf or knock over the trashcan.
Resolution #4: Prioritize preventive care with annual veterinary visits
One of the most important steps you can take for your pet’s long-term health is staying current with annual wellness exams and keeping vaccinations up to date. These routine visits are more than just a checklist. They help establish a trusted relationship with your veterinary team and create a clear plan for your pet’s care.
Dr. Karyn Smith of Wilmington emphasizes the value of building that connection early: “Get to know your veterinarian so that you both are comfortable with each other and are familiar with goals. That way you are both on the same page and know where you are coming from in case of emergency.” Being established with a veterinary practice ensures your pet can receive timely care when illness or injury arises, rather than scrambling during a stressful situation.
Regular annual or semi-annual wellness exams also allow veterinarians to detect potential health concerns early. As Dr. Smith notes, “these visits often help catch problems before they become more serious, and more costly, to treat.” Open communication during appointments is key, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and discuss any changes you have noticed with your pet. Preventative care not only protects your pet’s health but also provides peace of mind for you as a pet parent.
Pro-tip: Keep a list of questions in your phone as they arise so you have them handy on appointment day. It can be easy to forget them in the hustle of the appointment.
Resolution #5: Be prepared before your pet has an unexpected emergency.
Emergencies happen when we least expect them and often at nights, on weekends, or over a busy holiday. Dr. Ashley Gray used to run a pet ER in Charlotte and shares “having a plan can reduce stress and help you focus on your pet.” Make sure you know if your primary veterinary takes after hours emergencies and save the location and phone number of your nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Calling ahead with your pet’s emergency helps the team prepare, and they may be able to provide advice over the phone.
Keep your pet’s medical records accessible, either digitally or in a folder, and bring details of any medications (name, dose, frequency, and amount) with you. Dr. Gray found this made it a lot easier on her veterinary team because the majority of the time an emergency is happening when your vet is closed.
Pets are also known to ingest unsafe items, from plants to human medications, so keep a pet poison number saved in your phone. There is a fee to call to speak to their specialists, and they can help determine if a vet visit is necessary. They will provide you with a case number so be sure to save it for the veterinary team so they can call to work together with poison control. Preparing in advance ensures you can respond quickly in a stressful situation and will give your pet the best care.
Resolution #6: Build comfort through routine and connection
Routine creates comfort. Just as pets seem to instinctively know when it is time to eat, walk, or sleep, they rely on predictable patterns to feel safe and secure. Consistent daily “anchors” like meals, walks, and bedtime give pets a sense of control over their environment, helping reduce stress and unwanted behaviors while supporting their emotional well-being.
Equally important is carving out intentional time for connection. As Dr. Liliya Nusbaum of Raleigh reminds us, “our busy days can cause pets to become an afterthought, but even 15 minutes of focused time each day can make a meaningful difference.” A walk, a short training session, or a few minutes of play strengthens your bond, improves physical and mental health for both of you, and may even prevent behavior issues. When misbehavior happens, try reframing it as a request for more quality time. Our pets are one small part of our lives, but we are the entirety of theirs.
Resolution #7: Keep drugs where they can’t be knocked off the table or snatched off the counter
Emergency veterinarian Dr. Lisa Olsen of Greensboro says she frequently sees pets in the ER that have ingested items they find around the house. “These items include human prescriptions, other pets’ prescriptions, recreational substances or “edibles,” over-the-counter medications, or supplements,” she said. “Unfortunately, even items that may be safe in small quantities or ‘harmless’ at the doses prescribed, can be hazardous or even life threatening for pets or if consumed at higher doses.” The simple step of keeping items contained in a drawer or cabinet can keep pets safe, and avoid the time and expense of a visit to the emergency room.
Before you leave your home, take a moment to pet-proof your house. Secure trash can lids, drawers, and cabinets. Consider creating a safe zone for your pet like a crate or area that is blocked with baby gates. Cats can knock things down that dogs may ingest. A little prep helps prevent accidents.
Resolution #8: Invest in safe boundaries
Creating safe boundaries is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, especially for rural families. Dr. Donna McLamb of Dobson in Surry County encourages pet owners to consider physical or electronic fencing as a proactive investment in their pet’s safety. “This investment of love could save a pet’s life and also save thousands of dollars in veterinary care associated with trauma,” she explains. Secure fencing helps prevent accidents, injuries, and unexpected emergencies, giving pets the freedom to explore while keeping them protected.
Resolution #9: Perform a monthly nose-to-tail check.
While your veterinarian performs a comprehensive exam during annual wellness visits, getting into the habit of doing a simple nose-to-tail check at home each month can help you catch changes early. Pets age faster than humans, and small issues can progress quickly if they go unnoticed. A consistent, systematic check allows you to spot potential concerns and determine when it may be time to schedule a veterinary visit.
You don’t need medical training to do this effectively. The goal isn’t to diagnose but to notice changes from your pet’s normal so you can share accurate information with your veterinarian. Dr. Ashley Gray of Charlotte created a practical approach for you here that any pet owner can follow.
Resolution #10: Start dental care early, and avoid bigger problems later
One of the most impactful resolutions a pet parent can make is to prioritize dental health early, and start with your pet’s first professional dental procedure at one year of age. Dr. Marguerite Gleason of Charlotte shares that “this visit should always include full-mouth dental x-rays, which are essential because up to 60% of dental disease hides below the gumline and can’t be seen otherwise.” Just like us, pets need daily plaque removal at home through brushing and supportive options such as dental diets, chews, and water or food additives. Skipping home care between cleanings is the equivalent of a person seeing a dentist once every seven years and never brushing in between.
Home care doesn’t replace professional cleanings. It works alongside annual dental visits to truly prevent disease. Dr. Gleason shares that “by age three, 85–90% of cats and dogs already have dental disease, even when their teeth ‘look fine,’ making early prevention critical.” Untreated dental disease doesn’t just cause pain, it can negatively affect major organs and worsen conditions like diabetes. Dr. Gleason notes that “most pets continue to eat and act ‘normal’ despite significant oral pain, and it’s often only after treatment, sometimes involving extractions, that families notice dramatic improvements in energy, comfort, and happiness.” Preventive dental care, even as pets age or develop other health concerns, is one of the kindest and most powerful investments you can make in their long-term well-being.
Dr. Rachel Sassone of Smithfield reminds us that progress begins with appreciation. “Meaningful change often starts with gratitude. Take time to reflect on the unique bond you and your pet share,” she says. She encourages pet owners to intentionally honor that connection, suggesting simple practices like monthly photo-journaling to create a visual history of life with your pet for memories that become a gift for years to come.
As you head into 2026, remember that meaningful change does not require perfection, just intention. These small steps can lead to lasting improvements in your pet’s health, happiness, and quality of life. Our vet-approved top 10 pet resolutions, supported by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association (NCVMA), are designed to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Looking for a trusted veterinarian to support your pet’s journey in the year ahead? Visit NCVMA.org to find a veterinarian near you and start 2026 on the right paw.
