NEW YEAR, NEW PET ROUTINES: 5 TIPS TO HELP YOUR PET START THE YEAR STRONG

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to reset routines — not just for us, but for our pets too. After the excitement (and disruption) of the festive season, many pets benefit from a return to structure, consistency, and habits that support their overall wellbeing.

Whether your pet enjoyed a few extra treats over the holidays or simply experienced changes in routine, these five simple tips can help them start the year feeling settled, healthy, and ready for what’s ahead.

1. Re-establish a Consistent Daily Routine

Pets thrive on predictability. Regular mealtimes, walks, play sessions, and rest periods help them feel secure and reduce stress or anxious behaviour.

If routines slipped over the holidays, don’t worry — gently reintroduce structure over the first couple of weeks of January. Consistency supports digestion, sleep, and energy levels, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.

2. Refresh Their Nutrition (Without Overdoing It)

The new year is a good time to take a closer look at what your pet is eating, especially when it comes to treats.

Focus on clean, simple nutrition and avoid overloading their system with rich or unnecessary extras. Treats should support good habits, not replace balanced meals.

Using single-ingredient, freeze-dried treats is an easy way to reward or enrich your pet without adding fillers or hidden nasties. They’re also helpful for reinforcing positive behaviours as routines fall back into place whether that’s training refreshers, calm greetings, or enrichment time at home.

3. Grooming & Hygiene: A Fresh Start for Summer

With warmer weather well and truly here, grooming becomes even more important. Regular brushing helps remove loose fur, improve airflow to the skin, and reduce heat-related discomfort, especially for pets with thicker coats.

Routine grooming sessions are also a great opportunity to check for:

• Dry or irritated skin
• Excessive scratching
• Hot spots
• Lumps or bumps that may need veterinary attention

Summer heat can sometimes trigger itchiness or skin sensitivity, so keeping coats clean and well-maintained can make a big difference. If your pet is prone to scratching or irritated skin, gentle support products like NAS Itchy Scratch can help soothe discomfort alongside good grooming habits.

4. Prioritise Movement and Mental Stimulation

Regular movement keeps pets physically healthy, but mental stimulation is just as important particularly after a quieter holiday period.

Daily walks, playtime, short training sessions, puzzle toys, and sniffing activities all help pets burn energy in a balanced way. Even small, consistent activities can improve focus, confidence, and overall mood.

5. Book a Pet Health Check-Up

The start of the year is a great time to check in on your pet’s overall health. Even if they seem perfectly fine, routine vet visits help catch small issues before they become bigger concerns.

A general health check can cover:

• Weight and body condition
• Dental health
• Skin and coat condition
• Mobility and joint comfort
• Parasite prevention

Starting the year with a clean bill of health gives you peace of mind and helps your pet stay on track for the months ahead.

Starting the Year with Intention

Helping your pet start the year strong doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Small, thoughtful changes to routine, nutrition, grooming, and enrichment can have a lasting impact on their health and happiness.

Keeping things simple and consistent is often what works best, especially when it comes to rewards. Clean, single-ingredient treats from The Paw Grocer are an easy way to support training, enrichment, and calm routines without adding unnecessary extras. Whether used as small training rewards, meal toppers, or enrichment fillers, a little goes a long way.