Resolutions for Healthier Pets Resolution #1  Spay or neuter your pet.  By doing so, not only do you not add to the horrible problem of pet overpopulation (five to twelve million animals are euthanized each year in US shelters), but you also decrease the odds of certain health problems. Resolution #2  Get your pet on a good diet.  The quality of your pet’s diet has impact on his or her health, and once you switch from a supermarket brand to a premium brand, you will see the difference in your pet’ s coat. Resolution #3  Keep your pet well groomed.  Keep up with brushing as necessary for your breed and don’t let it get away from you.  Grooming can be an excellent opportunity to bond with your pet.  Healthy cats usually do an adequate job keeping themselves clean, but dogs should be bathed every month or two with a good quality pet shampoo. Resolution #4  Conduct periodic at home checks on your pet.  This is in no way meant to replace his annual exam with a vet.  However, take a few minutes every month to nip some potential problems in the bud.  First, run your fingers through the coat, against the grain.  Does it feel greasy?  Is there dandruff?   Are there little black specks?  Is the skin a normal gray-white, or is it pink (indicating irritation)?  After touching the coat, do your fingers smell rancid or fishy?  Have there been any changes in stool, water intake, or urination?  Do you see wax inside the ears?  Do they look oily?  Check gums for a red line along the roots (sign of potential disease). Are the teeth brown?  Contact your vet if you discover anything unusual. Resolution #5  Exercise your pet every day.  If you have a yard, don’t put the dog out to amuse himself, play fetch with him.  Take him for walks.  If you’re out all day, take your dog to doggie daycare or hire a dog walker to exercise him.  Not only will these things keep him in shape, but also they’ll make him calmer in the house.  Likewise, cats need to be exercised.  Turn your cats’ favorite playthings (ping pong balls, bread bag ties, crumpled paper) into prey by tossing them around and away from your cat.  Cats who love to watch birds might be more stimulated trying to catch things in the air.  Tie the toy to a piece of string and make it fly above your cat but let him catch it every so often to keep it fun. Resolution #6  Stimulate your dog through training.  Even if your dog has been through puppy kindergarten and knows basic commands, there is more to be learned.  Adult dogs find stimulation through taking advanced classes, many trainers offer classes in areas such as agility, fetching, or coming when called.  Such classes will benefit your dog by surrounding him with friends, engaging his mind, and strengthening his bond to you. Resolution #7  Resolve to spend lots of quality time with your pet.  Your love and affection will make your pet happier – and thus healthier in the New Year, and all those that follow.