New Year's Resolutions don't just have to be for the people in the family. Pets can have New Year's Resolutions too. Here are some suggestions from the veterinarian about how you can help your pet resolve to be healthier and happier.

Help me quit that table scrap habit.
I'm not actually hungry when I beg for scraps, so don't give in to me. It's for my own good. All of those scraps lead to weight gain, which can lead to health problems including diabetes and arthritis. The rich and spicy scraps can cause an upset tummy or even a more serious condition called pancreatitis. You can help me to stop begging by moving me to another room or putting me in my crate so I know that I will not be getting anything from your plate.

Help me prevent parasites all of the time.

It may be winter, but fleas and ticks can still bother me. If it warms up above freezing, they can bite me in no time. And you know how I love to track down wild animal poop and even take a lick of a frozen poopsicle full of parasite eggs. Please keep me healthy by remembering my monthly heartworm, intestinal parasite, flea and tick preventative.

Help me have a healthier mouth.
You brush you teeth every day. So should I. But I need your help. Read the September 2011 article on brushing teeth in our newsletter archive to learn how.   

Let's get more exercise together.
An extra walk every day will help both of us feel better and lose that extra pound. Even indoors, getting out those toys and playing a game will be stress relieving and fun for us both. Let's aim for adding 20 minutes of active play, walking or bonding every day. This will benefit both your health and mine.

Here's to a great 2013!