New Year’s Resolutions for Chicago Pet Parents: Prioritizing Health, Fitness, and Bonding in 2025

As we welcome 2025, Chicago pet parents have an opportunity to make resolutions that will significantly improve our floofins’ lives. Today, we’re exploring three key areas to focus on this year, backed by Chicago-specific statistics and expert advice, because I like numbers. I also know we, the pet parents of Chicago, can do better in 2025!

1. Prioritize Veterinary Care, Especially Dental Health

Recent studies have revealed alarming statistics: 70% of adult cats and 80% of adult dogs exhibit symptoms of oral disease. Unfortunately, many pet parents overlook this crucial aspect of their pet’s health. In Chicago, the growing awareness of pet dental care is reflected in the expanding market for these services. Check out this article by Mid North Animal Hospital to learn more about what vets do to maintain our pets’ dental health.

The U.S. pet dental health market was estimated at $2.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.13% from 2024 to 2030. This growth indicates an increasing recognition of the importance of pet dental care.

In this pet health column, Dr. Mallory Kanwal, a resident in dentistry and oral surgery at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive oral health assessments and treatments (COHAT) for pets. These procedures go beyond simple cleanings to ensure overall oral and general health.

Resolution Ideas:

• Schedule annual dental check-ups and cleanings
• Implement daily tooth-brushing routines once your pet’s teeth are clean, starting with a clean slate, so to speak
• Invest in dental chews and toys that promote oral health, discuss best options with your veterinarian
• Ask your Floofins & Co. pet sitter to help with your pet’s dental care during visits; we’re always happy to try, as long as your pet is comfortable

2. Focus on Exercise and Weight Management

Chicago’s urban environment offers unique challenges and opportunities for pet exercise. With the city’s numerous parks and lakefront areas, there’s no shortage of spaces for outdoor activities.

Alarming Statistics:

• According to a study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 58% of cats and 53% of dogs were overweight in 2014.
• This post by the nonprofit organization, For Kitty’s Sake, dives into how our pet population has become so overweight.

Urban Pooch, a canine lifestyle center with two Chicago locations, offers various fitness programs for dogs, including treadmills, open gym time, and agility training. They also provide nutrition consultation services to help pet parents manage their furry friends’ weight effectively.

For those hoping for more convenient pet exercise options, count on us to help with midday dog walks and kitty playtime. We come to your home, which provides immense benefit, especially this time of year with weather conditions making transit hard enough.

Resolution Ideas:

• Commit to daily walks or park visits
• Delegate your pet’s exercise and playtime to a dog walker or cat sitter like us if you’re short on time
• Add cat shelving to your home to keep them active when you’re away
• Monitor your pet’s weight and adjust their diet accordingly

3. Increase Quality Time Together

With the hustle and bustle of city life, it’s crucial to carve out dedicated time for your pets. Quality time strengthens your bond and contributes to your pet’s overall well-being, not to mention their behavior.

Spending quality time with your pet significantly influences their behavior by strengthening your bond, leading to a happier, more well-adjusted pet with reduced anxiety and improved obedience, as consistent positive interactions create a sense of security and trust. Learn more about how social interactions influence dogs positively here.

Chicago’s animal shelters are facing significant challenges. In 2023, the city shelter saw a record high of more than 2,100 animals euthanized, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. By spending more quality time with your pets and considering adoption or fostering, you can help combat this crisis.

Resolution Ideas:

• Participate in Chicago’s pet-friendly events and activities, especially as spring and summer approach
• Create a daily routine that includes focused interaction and put it on your calendar
• Consider fostering or adopting to help alleviate the city’s shelter crisis

New Year’s Resolutions for Chicago Pet Parents

As we enter 2025, Chicago pet parents have the power to make a significant difference in our floofins’ lives. By focusing on dental care, exercise, weight management, and quality time, we can ensure our furry companions lead healthier, happier lives. As a partner in your floofins’ care, we are happy to help make these resolutions a reality!

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. Please give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

Learn more about our in-home pet care new client on-boarding process here. If you are an existing client, please schedule services here.

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead for Chicago’s pet parents and our floofins!