pogo88 2025 New Year resolutions for your pet
A guide to make it your darling pet’s best year yet
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As 2025 rolls in, many of us are lining up our goals for self-improvement. But besides our personal growth, many of us have another aspect of our lives that needs tending—the lives of our furry friends, all of which can be improved through New Year resolutions for our pets.
A 2024 survey by Kantar Philippines discovered that 94 percent of Filipino households own a pet, making the country the highest rate of pet ownership in Southeast Asia. And so with these, come certain responsibilities.
To gain a deeper understanding of pet wellness, we spoke with Philip Renner, founder of pet wellness brand Dr. Shiba, who shares wisdom that comes with developing science-backed pet products alongside animal experts, to develop new year’s resolutions for pet owners this 2025.
1. I promise to take my pet to the vet regularly
As Dutch philosopher Erasmus famously said, “Prevention is better than cure.” This applies not just to humans but also to pets.
Regardless of age or health, it’s important to regularly bring your pet to the vet. An annual checkup can determine just how often you need to bring your furry friend. Think of it as a doggy or kitty APE.
“By the time symptoms are obvious, what could have been a simple issue might have developed into something more serious… regular wellness visits are crucial for catching potential issues early, notes Renner.”
READ: Eat your way into health this New Year
2. I promise to invest in feeding my pet healthy food
So much of a pet’s health is linked to what they eat. Diet and nutrition are crucial. Renner says that skin problems, dental concerns, and most digestive issues stem from a cat or dog’s daily meal.
“A common issue we see is dogs that are somewhat overweight because they’re being fed too much. Just like with humans, this can lead to health risks,” Renner explains. “When choosing kibble, look for options that prioritize real meat proteins with a protein content of at least 30 percent and include nutritious ingredients like sweet potatoes and carrots. That’s exactly what we focused on when developing our new Kind Kibble line.”
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Besides daily meals, don’t opt for the cheap treats, either as a New Year resolution for your pet. I’ve had firsthand experience with this where my dog got sick from eating the inexpensive treats on Shopee and Lazada, which are often made from scraps. As expensive as it can be, it’s worth buying more functional treats that are good for my pet instead of empty, tasty calories that are the equivalent of animal junk food and cause problems in the long run.
3. I promise to keep both my pet’s mind and body active
It’s depressing seeing animals kept in cages or in garages, and rarely getting their outdoor walks. This is one very ethical New Year resolution for your pet. Walks are often a pet’s only source of stimulation and to deprive a pet of their walk can be downright cruel, and can cause pets to develop behavioral problems like excessive barking or scratching up the furniture.
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Besides physical exercises, pets’ mental health has become equally important over time. These include changing up routes during a walk, using games similar to puzzles that make pets work for their treats, or playing training games. “These activities don’t need to be complicated,” says Renner. “Even simple changes like feeding from different locations or teaching basic tricks can provide valuable mental stimulation.”
4. I promise to plan for my pet’s future
It’s not nice thinking about the negative things that could happen to your pet, but sudden health emergencies can be a nightmare. Thankfully, there are options to be prepared.
Renner suggests having a dedicated “pet wellness fund.” “Even setting aside a small amount monthly can make a huge difference in emergencies,” Renner advises. “It’s about being prepared rather than having to make difficult decisions during a crisis.”
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5. I promise to keep my pet safe in any situation
Planning for your pet’s future doesn’t just mean having a savings fund but also being aware about other emergency situations and what you can do.
“It’s about knowing what to do when your pet needs you most,” says Renner. “Simple steps like keeping a pet first-aid kit at home, knowing your nearest 24-hour vet clinic, and having an emergency plan can make a huge difference in crisis moments.”
It helps to have essentials ready in a sort of go-bag, like a carrier with some food, medications, toys, and a pet blanket. This won’t just be helpful in emergencies but also in situations where you’re traveling out of town or even to the mall in the city with your pet.
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As the new year becomes less new as January moves forward at breakneck speed, starting these changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Pick one thing to focus on first—maybe schedule that checkup you’ve been putting off or start up that small savings fund for emergencies. The joy of seeing your pet happy and thriving makes it all worth it.
READ: Instead of resolutions, these 6 stages could lead us to positive changes
Through our pets’ eyespogo88, we are their whole lives. And what pet doesn’t give us their all every day? In this new year, the least we can do is to return that unconditional love to our fur darlings—and make 2025 their best year yet.