January 4, 2007 -- By Dr. Don Palermo

With the arrival of 2007, it is a good time to review three basic resolutions for your pets this year.

No.1. Re-evaluate what you are feeding your pets. Examine the ingredients of the pet food you are presently using. Check the percent of protein, fat and carbohydrates you are feeding your pet. Take the nutritional information to your local veterinarian and see if the ration is well balanced.

For example, diets that are high in carbohydrates and fats should not be fed to your pet if they are overweight. Likewise, feed your pet according to their age. As a rule of thumb all pets younger than 1 year should be eating a growth formula. Pets between 1 and 7 years old should be eating a maintenance diet, and always feed your pets that are older than 7 years a senior diet. We are what we eat, and your pet is no exception.

Oh yes, I almost forgot to tell you to stop all table food. We have a captured audience, and our pets can only eat what we feed them so let's resolve to feed them good, nutritious food only.

No.2. Take a long look at your pet's heath this year. Try to exercise your pet daily. Going on long brisk walks is one way to do that. Also remember to have your pet checked by your local veterinarian at least twice a year. Proper vaccinations, fecal exams, dental checkups, and good physicals are a must as your pet grows older. Don't take your pet's health for granted. Your veterinarian would much rather help you keep a level of wellness than to treat your pet for problems that could have been prevented.

No.3. Give more love and time to your pet this year. Often we look at our pets as something to be squeezed into our schedule. We made a commitment when we acquired our pets to take good care of them. That means spending some time with them. Remember that a few minutes of relaxation at home while brushing your pet's fur is as good for you as it is your pet.

Our pets love us unconditionally. They don't care whether we are a prince or a pauper. All they ask is to be with us as we journey through this crazy thing called life. The least we can do as owners is not to neglect them and give them a little more love in 2007. As Mother Theresa said, "It's not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters."

As I finish this article I would like to leave you with this thought concerning your pets as well as your family and friends that will surround you throughout 2007.

The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now. Happy New Year!

Dr. Don Palermo is a veterinarian at Bienville Animal Medical Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.