The holidays are full of joy, family visiting, extra treats, a different routine, and maybe a few late nights. For pets, all of those changes can add up. Even if your dog or cat seems “totally fine,” January is a smart time to reset and make sure their health is on track. A little preventive planning now can help you avoid surprise illnesses later, and it gives you peace of mind as you head into the new year.
If you’re in Katy, Texas, January also lines up well with seasonal shifts, cooler weather, changing allergens, and a return to normal schedules after travel. A wellness visit at Circle B Veterinary Hospital can help you establish a clear baseline, set realistic goals, and catch small issues before they become big ones.
Think of a January wellness appointment as your pet’s “starting line” for the year. It’s a chance to check weight, review diet and activity, confirm prevention plans, and update any testing that protects your pet long-term. Even if your pet had a checkup months ago, the post-holiday period can reveal changes you didn’t notice while life was busy, like gradual weight gain, dental tartar, itchy skin, or low-level digestive upset.
A baseline is especially helpful because it gives your veterinarian something solid to compare to later. When you know what “normal” looks like for your individual pet, weight, exam findings, and routine screening results, it’s easier to spot early trends. Early detection is often what keeps treatment simpler, more affordable, and less stressful for everyone.
A proper wellness exam is much more than a quick look-over. It’s a full head-to-tail assessment paired with a conversation about your pet’s daily life. Your veterinarian will check things like heart and lung sounds, skin and coat health, eyes and ears, joint comfort and mobility, and oral health. They’ll also ask about appetite, water intake, energy level, stool quality, and any behavior changes.
This visit is also the ideal time to bring up “small” concerns, because those are often the clues to larger issues. Maybe your dog is slower getting up in the morning, your cat’s breath is worse, or your pet has a new habit of licking paws. These can be early indicators of arthritis, dental disease, allergies, or other conditions that respond best when addressed early.
At Circle B Veterinary Hospital, wellness exams are designed to feel supportive and collaborative. The goal isn’t to overwhelm you with a long list of “to-dos,” but to build a plan that fits your pet’s needs and your family’s routine.
Holiday calories are real, for pets too. Extra table scraps, more treats from visitors, and fewer walks during busy weeks can lead to weight gain surprisingly fast. And even a small amount of extra weight can affect a pet’s joints, energy level, and long-term health. The good news is that a simple, gentle approach works best: small changes that you can stick with.
During your January visit, your veterinary team can do a weight check, body condition score, and talk through realistic targets. They can also help you choose an appropriate food, portion size, and treat strategy, especially if your pet has a sensitive stomach, allergies, or a tendency to pack on pounds.
Here are a few easy wellness goals to start in January:
None of this needs to be perfect. Consistency matters more than intensity, and your veterinary team can help you adjust the plan as you go.
“Best food” is different for every pet. Age, breed, activity level, medical history, and even lifestyle (indoor-only, dog park regular, picky eater) should influence the decision. January is a great time to revisit what you’re feeding and why.
If your pet is on a grain-free diet, a boutique brand, or a fresh/home-prepared approach, your veterinarian can help you evaluate whether it’s meeting nutritional needs. If your pet is a senior, has digestive sensitivity, or is prone to urinary issues, a diet adjustment can make a noticeable difference in comfort and health. Nutrition is also closely tied to skin, coat, stool quality, energy level, and weight, so it’s one of the highest-impact changes you can make.
A wellness visit is the perfect moment to ask questions like: “Is this brand appropriate?” “How much should I feed?” “Are supplements helpful?” and “What should I avoid?”
Preventive care is what keeps small risks from turning into emergencies. In Texas, parasite prevention is a big one. Mosquitoes can carry heartworm disease, and fleas and ticks can be persistent even when the weather cools down. Your veterinarian may recommend testing (like heartworm testing or fecal screening) and consistent preventives based on your pet’s risk and lifestyle.
January is also a good time to discuss “routine screenings,” especially for adult and senior pets. Baseline lab work can help identify early organ changes before your pet looks or acts sick. Dental health should also be part of your preventive plan, because dental disease isn’t just about bad breath; it can impact comfort and overall wellness.
If your pet has any ongoing concerns, itchy skin, recurring ear infections, limping, coughing, or vomiting, January is a smart time to schedule a checkup rather than waiting for it to escalate.
A healthier year doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It’s built from simple, steady choices, wellness exams, realistic weight goals, solid nutrition, and preventive care that fits your pet’s needs. January is the perfect time to check in, reset routines after the holidays, and feel confident that you’re starting the year on the right foot.
If you’d like help setting a personalized wellness plan, Circle B Veterinary Hospital is here for you and your pet. Call today to schedule a January wellness exam or weight check, and let’s make this a healthy, happy year for your furry family member in Katy, Texas.