New year for pet parents: Vet advises stable feeding routine, daily activity

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January 24, 2026 | 11:50am

LONDON, United Kingdom — The new year is an opportunity for everyone to go through a reset, but individuals with pets have to go through more steps in order to become a better fur parent.

Jads4 Animal Clinic's Dr. Roxanne Ignacio, resident veterinarian of pet wellness brand Dr. Shiba, suggests that fur parents can begin by simply starting daily routines.

This as pet wellness improves when the basics are consistent and not subject to quick change.

The veterinarian divides her advice on a daily health framework into three: a stable feeding routine, built-in daily movement, and a small amount of mental stimulation.

"When those are consistent, you support digestion, healthy weight, and calmer behavior," Dr. Ignacio explained. "That's also how pets feel secure day to day."

A stable feeding routine involves regular meal times, measured portions, and limiting unplanned extras.

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The doctor said she tells pet owners to schedule, not wing, the basics. Switching food must be gradual — dogs can adjust within a week while cats take longer.

Dr. Ignacio suggests building movement into a weekly schedule by treating such as an appointment like a short walk or play session in the morning then another later in the day.

"Consistency matters more than intensity because it's what you can sustain," she adds.

Pets that easily get bored can be stimulated by activities that into natural behaviors such as sniffing, licking, searching, and problem-solving. Some examples are food puzzles, scatter-feeding, "find it" games, and snifff walks.

Naturally a trip to the vet should always be on the table, and Dr. Ignacio says wellness checks should be done even when pets are doing fine.

"Once a year is a common baseline for healthy adult pets, with more frequent visits depending on age, health, and lifestyle. Puppies and kittens need more visits in the first year," the vet ended. "If symptoms show up or something feels off, consult your vet sooner rather than waiting it out."

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