Most of us at one time or another have made New Year's resolutions in the interest of self-improvement. This year, why not make some for pet improvement?

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 decrease the odds of certain health problems. Mammary tumors and uterine infections in females, and testicular tumors and prostate problems in males are examples. Statistics show that pets that are neutered or spayed live longer than their unaltered counterparts. If you think you can't afford it, contact the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) or your local humane society for information.

Resolution #2: Get your pet on a good diet. I wrote more in-depth about this in my last column, but let me say a few brief words on this important subject. The quality of your pet's diet has dramatic impact on his or her health, and once you switch from a supermarket brand to a homemade diet or premium brand, you'll see the difference in your pet's coat. Most supermarket brands contain meat by-products (as opposed to real meat), low-grade additives, preservatives, and few nutrients. Look for brands with real meat and vegetables, whole grains and nutritional supplements. For information on homemade diets, check out Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale Press), available at most large bookstores.

Resolution #3: Keep your pet well groomed. Keep up with brushing as necessary for your pet's breed and don't let it get away from you. Remember that it's much easier (and more pleasant) to spend one minute a day brushing your long-haired cat than it is to spend half an hour trying to remove tangles and eventually mats. 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 to remove accumulated toxins that can make them more susceptible to disease. You don't want to bath too often however, as this will dry out the skin. Use a good quality castille soap or natural shampoo (most pet shampoos contain additives such as conditioners and lanolin, which you want to avoid). If your dog has fleas, add one or two drops of pennyroyal or eucalyptus oil to the shampoo.

Rather than plopping the dog in a tub full of water, place it in the tub as you gradually fill it with lukewarm water. Shampoo, rinse lightly, shampoo again and leave on for up to five minutes. Rinse thoroughly. You can follow this with a vinegar rinse (one tablespoon white vinegar to one pint warm water) to remove soap residue and prevent dandruff. Rub through coat and rinse again. You can also try an herbal rinse, which makes an excellent conditioner, helps promote a glossy coat and controls fleas. Steep a teaspoon of dried rosemary (or a tablespoon of fresh) in a pint of boiling water for 10 minutes (covered). Strain and cool to body temperature. Pour over the coat after final rinse, rub in and towel dry.

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, by taking a few minutes every few months, you can nip some potential problems in the bud. First, run your fingers through is coat, against the grain. Does it feel greasy? Is there dandruff? Are there little black specks (Bea excrement)? Is the color of the skin a normal gray-white, or is it pink (indicating irritation)? After touching the coat, do your fingers smell rancid or fishy? Has there been any changes in stool, water intake, or urinations? Look inside the ears. Do you see wax? Do they look oily? Check gums for a red line along the roots (a sign of potential disease). Also check the teeth. Are they brown? Contact your vet if you discover something unusual.

Resolution #5: Exercise your pet everyday. Everyone knows that labs and shepherds need lots of exercise, but small breeds such as terriers need a good workout, too. If you have a yard, don't just put the dog out to amuse herself, play fetch with her. Take her for walks. If you're out all day, take your dog to doggie daycare or hire a dog walker to exercise her. Not only will these things keep her in shape, but they'll make her more calm in the house. Likewise, cats need to be exercised too. 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 by trying to catch things in the air. Tie the toy to a piece of string and make it fly above your cat. Be sure to 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's more to be learned. Adult dogs find stimulation through taking advanced classes, many trainers offer classes in areas such as agility, carting, fetching, or coming when called. Such classes will benefit your dog by surrounding him with new friends, engaging his mind, and strengthening his bond to you. Finally, 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.

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Nancy Crowley, DVM owns the Beverly Animal Natural Health Center in Beverly, MA. She is certified by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. For more info contact: BANHC, 409 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915 or call 978-927-3622.

This article was originally published in Spirit of Change Magazine—not to be confused with OfSpirit.com Holistic "Internet" Magazine & Resource. We thank Spirit of Change, New England's Premiere Holistic "Print" magazine, for allowing us to give new life to this article and share it with OfSpirit.com visitors for education, entertainment and empowerment.
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