Pet Parent’s Wellness Checklist: Expert Tips

November 14, 2025

By Petland Iowa City – Your Trusted Local Pet Experts Since 2006

October marks Pet Wellness Month, a time dedicated to helping our furry companions lead healthier, happier lives. At Petland Iowa City, we’ve proudly served the Iowa City community for nearly two decades. Our commitment is built on a foundation of hands-on experience, professional staff training, and a deep passion for animal welfare.

This guide combines our practical knowledge from helping thousands of local families with authoritative advice from the nation’s top veterinary experts.

Hear It From Our Expert
Want to dive deeper into this topic? For even more hands-on advice, listen to the “PAWSitively Petland Show,” hosted by our very own Ron Solsrud. In a recent episode, Ron shares his decades of experience and discusses practical, real-world tips for keeping your pet healthy and happy.

Listen Now: The Ultimate Pet Wellness Checklist

Available on Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!

Why Pet Wellness Matters

What is Pet Wellness?

Pet wellness is a holistic approach to animal care. It goes beyond just treating sickness; it focuses on proactively supporting physical health, mental stimulation, balanced nutrition, and preventive medicine. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), preventive care and early detection are the most effective ways to give your pet a longer, healthier life.

Real-Life Experience: Susie’s Story

We’ve seen the power of wellness care firsthand. One of our beloved store mascots, a Maltipoo named Susie, is a vibrant 17 years old. Her long, happy life is a testament to a consistent wellness routine, quality nutrition, and regular veterinary care.

The Pillars of Pet Wellness

1. Preventive Vet Care & Checkups

Annual Exams:

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends annual or semi-annual wellness exams for all pets. These visits are your veterinarian’s best chance to catch health issues before they become serious, update vaccinations, and keep your pet protected from common (and often costly) diseases.

Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention:

Core vaccinations and year-round protection from fleas, ticks, and heartworm are non-negotiable for a healthy pet. Our team partners closely with local veterinarians to ensure every animal from Petland Iowa City is up-to-date and protected before they go to their new home. You can read more about our commitment to health on our website.

2. Nutrition & Weight Management

A Balanced Diet:

Feeding a complete and balanced diet, as recommended by your veterinarian, is the cornerstone of long-term health. Obesity is a major health concern for pets, leading to issues like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Portion control and providing healthy treats are crucial.

Expert Tip:

Always check food labels for an AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutritional adequacy statement. This ensures the food you’ve chosen meets established industry standards for your pet’s life stage.

3. Dental Health

Why It Matters:

Did you know that dental disease affects over 80% of adult dogs and cats? The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) warns that poor dental health isn’t just about bad breath—it can lead to chronic pain, infection, and even damage to your pet’s heart, liver, and kidneys.

At-Home Care:

We educate all our new pet owners on the importance of dental care:

• Brush your pet’s teeth several times a week.
• Offer safe, effective dental chews and toys.
• Schedule professional cleanings as advised by your vet.

4. Exercise & Enrichment

Physical & Mental Benefits:

Daily walks, active playtime, and interactive toys are essential for preventing obesity and boredom. But don’t forget mental stimulation! Puzzle feeders, learning new tricks, or simply exploring a new path on your walk can significantly improve your pet’s behavior and quality of life.

Challenge: Try a new enrichment activity with your pet this week! Our staff loves exchanging creative ideas with the community.

5. Behavioral & Mental Wellness

A healthy pet is more than just physically fit; they need to be mentally happy, too. This includes:

• Using positive reinforcement training.
• Understanding your pet’s body language to know when they’re stressed or happy.
• Providing a safe, predictable environment.

If you’re a new pet owner, establishing a gentle routine is key. Our on-site pet counselors are trained to help you with the basics of crate training, socialization, and house-training.

6. Grooming & Hygiene

Routine care is preventive care. Regular brushing (to prevent matting), bathing, nail trims, and ear cleaning can prevent painful skin infections, parasites, and mobility issues. Our in-store grooming team has decades of combined experience and is always happy to provide personalized tips for your pet’s specific breed and lifestyle.

7. Senior Pet Wellness

As pets age, their needs change. They often require:

• More frequent checkups to monitor for age-related conditions.
• Joint support and supplements.
• Dietary adjustments.
• Extra comfort measures at home.

We’ve helped many senior pets, including those in our Puppies for a Lifetime Program, enjoy their golden years with tailored, compassionate care.

Our Commitment to You

Our advice is rooted in trusted veterinary guidelines, decades of hands-on experience, and a genuine love for pets. We believe an educated pet owner is the best pet owner. Thank you for celebrating Pet Wellness Month with us!

For more expert tips, visit Petland Iowa City in person or check out our blog online and remember to share your pet wellness stories with our community!