Heading into 2026? Here’s the dog care checklist every owner needs

Summary: A new year is the perfect moment to refresh your dog’s routine. Add these to your list:

• Annual vet check and vaccinations

• Parasite prevention

• Grooming and coat care

• Restock treats and long-lasting chews

• Update microchip and ID details

• Set new training and behaviour goals

• Refresh enrichment toys and activities

• Assess diet, digestion, teeth and joints

• Add functional treats for daily support

A fresh start for you and your dog

A new year is the perfect excuse to hit refresh on your dog’s life. A few simple tweaks to their health checks, daily routine, and treat stash can set them up for their best year yet. 

This guide gives you a comprehensive feel-good dog care checklist that’s practical and easy to follow!

Your ultimate new year dog care checklist

New year, fresh start. It’s the ideal moment to give your dog’s routine a bit of love—check the health stuff, set some new goals and tidy up the everyday bits that make a big difference. 

We’ve split everything into easy sections so you can breeze through your checklist. First up: the essentials.

Health and vet care

A healthy year starts with the basics — let’s give your dog’s health checks a quick refresh.

Annual vet check-up

A yearly check-up helps catch early changes in your dog’s weight, joints, teeth, skin, digestion and overall wellbeing. It is also the ideal time to ask breed-specific questions or discuss any changes in behaviour or energy levels.

General health disclaimer: Always consult your vet for advice tailored to your dog.

Vaccination reminders

Take a moment to review your dog’s vaccination timing. Most dogs need boosters every one to three years, depending on their health and lifestyle. If you’re unsure when your dog’s last round was, a quick call to your vet will clear things up.

Parasite prevention

Review your dog’s parasite prevention schedule and set fresh reminders for:

• Flea treatment

• Tick prevention

• Heartworm medication

• Intestinal worming

Late spring, summer and early autumn are peak periods for parasites in Australia, so staying consistent matters.

At-home grooming

Start the year with a simple coat refresh you can do at home. This may include:

• A thorough brush

• A bath with a gentle dog shampoo

• Nail trimming (if your dog is comfortable with it)

• Paw moisturising

Professional grooming

For dogs needing more detailed coat care, a visit to a professional groomer can help. They can assist with:

• Full-body trimming or breed-specific cuts

• Thorough deshedding

• Ear cleaning

• Hygienic clipping

• Nail trimming and filing

• Deep conditioning treatments

Skin, ears and paws check

Look for signs of dryness, redness, itchiness or grass seeds caught between toes. If something does not seem right, your vet can guide you.

Support skin and coat through diet

Nutrient-rich, natural proteins and Omega-3s can help maintain a glossy coat. Consider adding WAG favourites like Kangaroo Jerky, Forage Fish or Functional Skin & Coat Jerky to your treat rotation.

Teeth and oral care

Let’s talk teeth, because fresh breath and strong chompers never go out of style.

Dental assessment

A new year is the perfect moment for a quick mouth check. Have a look for tartar, funky breath or red gums. Dental issues sneak up fast, so catching them early keeps those chompers in top shape.

Add natural dental chews

Long-lasting chews are a brilliant natural way to help keep teeth cleaner while giving your furry friend something truly satisfying to gnaw on. Some of our most-loved options include:

• Goat Horns

• Deer Antlers

• Bully Cheek Sticks

• Collagen Sticks

They offer an effective, natural way to support daily dental hygiene.

Nutrition, treats and pantry refresh

Let’s give your dog’s pantry a little glow-up. Fresh treats and good nutrition start here.

Restock your treat jar

Clear out expired treats and refill with single-ingredient, air-dried options such as: 

• Kangaroo Cubes

• Forage Fish

• Chicken Breast

Refresh your long-lasting chew supply

Most dogs love a good chew session a few times a week, especially during those long summer afternoons. Try adding:

• Collagen Sticks for everyday chewers

• Goat Horns for power chewers

• Bully Sticks for longer, calming chewing sessions

Add functional treats for wellbeing

Functional treats are like a sneaky health hack for your dog. Our Functional Jerky blends natural proteins with targeted ingredients and superfoods to help support specific needs, all wrapped up in something seriously tasty.

• Hip & Joint Jerky – Supports everyday mobility with ingredients chosen to help keep your dog’s joints comfortable and moving well.

• Digestion Jerky – A gentle daily boost designed to help maintain healthy digestion and support a happier tummy.

• Calming Jerky – Made to help promote relaxation and ease everyday stress, ideal for anxious or easily overwhelmed dogs.

• Immunity Jerky – Supports your dog’s natural defences with a blend of nutrient-rich ingredients for everyday wellbeing.

These are simple additions that can complement your dog’s balanced diet.

Safety and admin

Quick admin check, big peace of mind — let’s make sure your dog’s details are up to date.

Update microchip details

If you moved house or changed phone numbers last year, update your microchip registry. Out-of-date details delay reunions with lost pets.

Important note for pet owners: The HomeSafeID microchip registry shut down at the end of June 2025, which means pets previously registered with HomeSafeID may no longer be traceable.

Check your dog’s microchip status via petaddress.com.au, and if their details no longer appear or were linked to HomeSafeID, re-register them with an active microchip registry (such as Australasian Animal Registry, Central Animal Records or Petsafe) as soon as possible.

Refresh your dog’s ID tag

Check that the phone number is correct and the tag is still securely attached. Replace worn or unreadable tags early.

Review pet insurance

Check your policy inclusions, exclusions and whether your coverage still suits your dog’s age and needs.

Set new training goals

Training is a brilliant way to add structure and keep your dog’s brain buzzing. Pick one or two fresh goals to kick off the new year, such as:

• Recall refreshes

• Polite greetings

• Loose lead walking

• Confidence around new environments

• New tricks for fun and enrichment

Use high-value treats like Bully Bites or Kangaroo Cubes to keep training sessions engaging.

Reinvent your walk routine

Even one extra 10–15 minute walk a week can put a spring in your dog’s step. Switch up the route, add new sniff-stops and explore safe off-lead spots to keep things exciting.

Add enrichment activities

Enrichment is the secret to beating boredom and keeping your dog’s brain buzzing. Try things like:

• Snuffle mats

• Puzzle toys

• Frozen lick mats

• Treat trails around the garden

• Longer chew sessions for relaxation

Home and lifestyle

Small tweaks around the home can spark big joy for your dog…here’s where to start.

Declutter your dog’s space

Say goodbye to the chewed-up toys and tired old bedding, and bring in fresh gear that actually lasts.

Rotate toys

Swap toys in and out each week and watch your dog act like they’ve hit the jackpot. A little novelty goes a long way, and it makes their best-loved toys last even longer.

Plan dog-friendly adventures

Bushwalks, beach days, new parks and road trips all count as enrichment gold. Planning a few adventures for the year ahead keeps your dog happy, stimulated and living their best life. And if you’re thinking of hitting the road, check out our guide to road-tripping with your dog for tips that make travel a breeze.

FAQs

1. How often should I update my dog’s ID tag?

Any time your contact details change, or if the tag fades or gets damaged and becomes hard to read.

2. How many long-lasting chews should my dog have each week?

Most dogs enjoy one to three, depending on size, age and chewing style. Always supervise and choose a chew suited to your dog.

3. Do adult dogs need training refreshers?

Absolutely. Ongoing training keeps your dog’s mind switched on and makes everyday behaviour smoother and more confident.

4. What are the best treats for training?

Small, soft, high-value treats such as Kangaroo Cubes, Bully Bites or Chicken Breast work well.

5. Should I add functional treats to my dog’s diet?

If your dog has concerns such as anxiety, stiff joints or sensitive digestion, functional treats can offer additional support. Speak with your vet for tailored guidance.

Start the new year strong

A new year is the perfect chance to reset your dog’s routine and lift their health and happiness. 

A few simple check-ins, some fresh enrichment goals and a well-stocked stash of natural WAG treats can set your dog up for an absolutely brilliant year.