Veterinarian Shelby Neely shares expert tips on healthy habits to start in 2026 for a healthier pet.
Everyone likes to make resolutions at the beginning of a new year. It seems like the perfect time to reset routines, and actually, for pet parents, that reset can make a big difference in your pet’s long-term health and happiness. An additional advantage is that many of the resolutions you make for your pet will also benefit you. Here are five realistic, vet-approved habits to start in 2026 that will mainly help your pets, but could also improve your own well-being, too.
- Commit to daily movement (not just exercise)
One of the most potent health tools we have for pets and people is engaging in regular movement. For cats, we now know that it’s not good for them just to lie around sleeping all day. They need daily interactive play. This can be short, frequent sessions that imitate hunting behavior. For dogs, that may mean consistent walks, play sessions, or structured activities like nose work.Why is it good for pets? Daily movement can help your pet maintain a healthy weight, improve joint health, support digestion, and reduce anxiety. The bonus for the pet parent is that you are also getting movement breaks. Even 15 to 20 minutes a day adds up for both of you. - Build a nutrition routine (instead of grazing or guessing)
Over time, we get a little lax with our pets’ feeding routines, allowing free feeding, frequent treats, inconsistent portions, or too much table food. In 2026, aim for more intentional nutrition in the way of measured meals, treats that actually serve a purpose, and consistent timing.Why it matters for pets: You will be supporting your pet’s metabolic health, weight management, and GI stability if you engage in predictable feeding. It also makes it easy to observe early changes, such as changes in appetite. The bonus for you is that sometimes people are inspired to plan better for themselves when it comes to diet if they are doing it for their pet. Wouldn’t you like to have fewer of those “what are we eating tonight?” moments? - Make preventative care non-negotiable
It’s so easy to skip regular visits with your vet if you feel like your pet is doing well. But it’s important to schedule those wellness visits. Stay current on parasite prevention, and address minor issues before they become larger.Again, why that matters for pets is that early detection saves lives, reduces long-term suffering, and is almost always cheaper than crisis care. In turn, you, as the pet parent, will have less stress and guilt, and you’ll feel more in control of your pet’s health instead of being just reactive. - Prioritize dental health
While there’s been an increase in dental care for pets over the last years, there’s still far too much dental disease in pets. Starting or restarting a pet dental routine in 2026 can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.Why it matters for pets: Dental disease doesn’t just affect the mouth, although it can certainly cause chronic pain and tooth loss, but it also contributes to heart, kidney, and liver issues. Regular brushing, a dental diet, or vet-recommended chews are all essential. The bonus for you as a pet parent is keeping your pet comfortable and saving money because it’s much less expensive to clean teeth than to pull them or treat systemic disease. - Protect rest and mental health
Healthy pets need a routine, not just a random schedule. They need quality sleep, low stress, and mental enrichment. Just providing food and exercise is not enough. Look at your pet’s environment: do they have quiet, comfortable resting spaces? Have you established a predictable routine? Do you engage in mental stimulation?Why it matters for pets: Chronic stress is a significant concern for both pets and people. It affects digestion, behavior, immunity, and cognitive health. Your pet will age better if their life is calm and enriched. The bonus for you is that calm routines for your pets often lead to calmer households.
The Bottom Line
Healthy habits don’t have to be complicated. In fact, the easiest and best ones are small, repeatable, and realistic. If you focus on movement, nutrition, prevention, dental care, and mental well-being in 2026, you will be investing in your pet’s health while also building routines that quietly support your own. Because when pets thrive, their people usually do too.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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