New Year’s Vet Checklist: Healthy Pet Habits for 2026 | Paddington Vet

A new year is the perfect time to reset routines. We set goals for ourselves, refresh habits, and plan ahead. Your pet deserves the same thoughtful start.

Whether you have a playful puppy, a curious kitten, or a senior companion, staying on top of their health early in the year helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones later on.

Here’s a simple vet checklist to guide your pet into a healthy year ahead.

1. Stay Up to Date with Vaccinations

Vaccinations are the foundation of preventative care. They protect your pet from serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases.

At the start of the year, check:

• Whether your pet’s core vaccinations are due

• If lifestyle changes mean additional protection is recommended

• That reminders are set so nothing is missed throughout the year

Keeping vaccinations current helps protect not just your pet, but the wider pet community too.

2. Book a Dental Health Check

Dental disease is one of the most common health issues we see, and it often goes unnoticed until it becomes painful.

A dental check can:

• Identify early signs of gum disease or tooth decay

• Prevent infections that can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys

• Improve your pet’s comfort, appetite, and overall wellbeing

Starting the year with a dental assessment makes it easier to plan treatment early if needed, rather than waiting for discomfort to appear.

3. Prioritise Preventive Care

Fleas, ticks, worms, and parasites do not take a break, even when life gets busy.

A New Year is a good time to review:

• Flea, tick, and worming schedules

• Heartworm prevention for dogs

• Any changes in your pet’s environment or lifestyle that may affect their risk

Consistent preventative care helps avoid avoidable illnesses and costly treatments later in the year.

4. Schedule a Wellness Exam

An annual health check allows your vet to assess your pet from nose to tail.

During a wellness exam, we look at:

• Weight, mobility, and body condition

• Skin, coat, ears, and eyes

• Behaviour changes you may have noticed at home

These visits are often where early signs of health issues are picked up, before they become serious.

5. Make Pet Care Easier with a Vet Membership

One of the simplest ways to stay on track with your pet’s health is having a plan in place.

The Paddington Vet Membership is designed to support your pet’s care all year round, with:

• Included vaccinations and health checks

• Discounts on dental procedures and preventative treatments

• Peace of mind knowing essential care is covered

It takes the guesswork out of planning and helps you spread the cost of routine care across the year.

Start the Year with Confidence

A healthy year starts with small, consistent steps. By ticking off this vet checklist early, you’re giving your pet the best chance at a happy, comfortable year ahead.

If you’d like help creating a personalised care plan or want to learn more about our membership options, our team at Paddington Vet is always here to help. Book a visit and start the year knowing your pet’s health is in good hands.