Commentary: 5 healthy new year’s resolutions to make for your pets

Making new year’s resolutions for better health? Don’t forget our furry companions that have been there with us every step of the way. 

In Singapore, Euromonitor International reports around 114,000 pet dogs in 2023, up nearly 3 per cent from 2019. For the pet cat population, this numbered around 94,000 in 2023 — a growth of 10 per cent from 2019.

With a recent proposal from the authorities, those of us living in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats may soon be allowed to own up to two cats in each flat from the second half of 2024 onwards. Many people will likely be looking to expand their household with a feline member. 

As more of us seek to enrich our lives through pets, let’s make an effort to preserve their health and happiness, the way they have and will continue to do for us. 

By focusing on different aspects of our pet’s health and making the following resolutions, we can give our pets the best chance of leading long, fulfilling and healthy lives alongside us.

RESOLUTION 1: ENSURE REGULAR PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS FOR COMMON ILLNESSES 

Pet ownership comes with a responsibility to proactively seek preventive treatments. 

A study conducted by German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim found that 47 per cent of dogs and 43 per cent of cats in Southeast Asia are infected with parasites. If left untreated, parasite infections can cause serious illnesses, including seizures, blindness, heart failure and even death. 

In Singapore, dogs are prone to tick-borne blood parasites and cats are susceptible to harbouring ear mites, which causes intense itching and secondary ear infections.

Dr Tan Do Yew, regional technical manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, estimated that ticks infest 10 per cent of dogs in Singapore, while ear mites infest 19 per cent of cats here. One in three Singapore cats is infested with fur mites, Dr Tan reckoned.

Monthly administration of broad-spectrum parasitic treatment, which are readily available in veterinary clinics, are highly effective in preventing common parasitic infestations such as fleas, ticks and heartworm. Such treatments also mitigate the potential transmission of such infestations to humans, thereby maintaining optimal health in both us and our pets.

RESOLUTION 2: LEARN TO RECOGNISE TELLTALE SIGNS OF ILLNESS

It is important to keep an eye out for any indications that our pet may not be feeling well. Signs can include visible and unusual bouts of fatigue and disruptions in their dietary habits and unwillingness to play.

Just like us, if our pets display persistent coughing or sneezing, produce discharge from their eyes or nose or have difficulty breathing, they may be showing signs of respiratory problems.

Other less obvious signs that could indicate significant disease include an increase in water intake or urination volume.

Dental disease is also an often overlooked aspect of our pets’ well-being, with dental tartar and decay causing hidden pain and infection.

Furthermore, itchiness or changes to the animals' skin or coat may suggest a parasitic infection such as tick or lice infestations, while an abnormal change in weight such as sudden weight gain or loss, or a decrease in appetite, could indicate chronic health issues or parasitic infections.

RESOLUTION 3: SCHEDULE ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK-UPS FOR PETS

Visible signs aside, when our pets are unwell, they cannot tell us so. Therefore, we must proactively seek a professional’s advice on the health status of our pets. 

Scheduling annual health check-ups for our pets is essential, even if they live indoors, to catch and address any potential health problems early. Middle-aged to senior pets should have a health check-up semi-annually.

Vaccinate pets annually to prevent common infections, even while they are very young. Dogs, for instance, should be vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper virus, hepatitis virus (otherwise known as C3 or DPH vaccine) and kennel cough (also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis) regularly throughout their lives. 

Thanks to modern innovation, some of these vaccines are now available as painless, needle-free oral solutions.

In cats, annual vaccination against cat flu (feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus) is recommended, as well as regular vaccination against panleukopenia virus (or feline parvo). Rabies vaccinations are also important to protect both humans and animals.

Regular veterinary visits are important for senior pets and those suffering from chronic and endocrine diseases. There are now various solutions for osteoarthritis and mitral valve disease — a highly common cardiac disease in dogs. Feline diabetes is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats, and can be fatal if left untreated. 

RESOLUTION 4: MONITOR PETS’ DIET

As much as we want to give treats to our “good boys and girls”, chronic health issues such as obesity and diabetes are now becoming increasingly prevalent in household pets. 

Diet and exercise matter. It is important to schedule feeding for pets at fixed times, rather than measuring out a certain amount of food and leaving it out all day for them. 

It is also necessary to monitor potential symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, appetite, weight loss and lethargy. Many chronic diseases can cause damage long before pets show any definitive symptoms. 

RESOLUTION 5: INCORPORATE EXERCISE AND PLAYTIMES INTO THEIR DAILY SCHEDULE

Exercise has significant physical and mental benefits not just for humans, but pets as well. 

In addition to helping them maintain a healthy weight, exercise also keeps their minds sharp, while reducing stress and anxiety that can lead to unwanted behaviours. 

This is especially true for dogs, which are active and outgoing animals. Fit in a game of fetch with your canine friend to improve their social skills and strengthen your bond with them. 

Studies by the American Heart Association have also shown that pet owners typically have lower stress levels and risk of cardiovascular disease, due to the increased physical activity and emotional support that comes with caring for their furry companions.

By sticking to these resolutions and taking a more active role in our pets’ health, we can ensure that our beloved companions stay safe and age well in the long run. 

In 2024, take the time to become more aware of your pets’ health and commit to making their well-being a priority, so that we can spend another happy and fulfilled year in their company.  

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Dr Brian Loon is principal veterinarian at Amber Vet Group. Claudine Gordon is head of companion animals business segment for Asean, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand at Boehringer Ingelheim.