WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — When drawing up a list of New Year’s resolutions, be sure to include your pets, says Lorraine Corriveau, a wellness veterinarian at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Here’s her top 10 list of pet related New Year’s resolutions:

1. Spay or neuter your pets, adding more years to their lives and improving their behavior.

2. Provide age-appropriate health care so that you develop a good idea about their health and build a relationship with your veterinarian.

3. Give them a diet suited to their age and medical condition. Pets kept at their ideal body weight live longer. Look for foods designed for different stages of life and medical conditions.

4. Give them medicines regularly to prevent heartworm and fleas.

5. Groom them at home, especially the minor grooming procedures, because it causes less stress.

6. Exercise and play with them more often, each day if possible.

7. Ask your veterinarian or seek expert advice on behavior problems. A basic training class might be useful, especially for a new puppy.

8. Socialize pets with other animals and people by enrolling them in a dog park, an agility/training class or socialization classes.

9. Donate time, effort or resources to a local animal welfare group.

10. If your pet is especially social, patient and people-oriented, consider certifying it as a therapy animal. Studies have confirmed that pets increase a person’s life span, help speed recovery for both young and older patients, and are a great morale booster to people in various psychiatric and medical programs.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — As you shop for Christmas gifts for your pets or for pet owners, keep the pet’s health in mind, says Lorraine Corriveau, a wellness veterinarian at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Here are her top 10 holiday gift ideas for pets:

1. Chew toys. Chew toys prevent pets from chewing (and possibly swallowing) ribbons and wrapping paper while people open gifts.

2. Healthy pet treats. Give your pets treats and snacks made for animals to avoid the temptation of feeding them “people food”.

3. A new collar and leash, or a gift certificate for training. Remind owners to exercise their pets. Don’t forget to find out what works best for the type of dog and get an appropriate-sized collar.

4. A grooming kit or a grooming gift certificate. Grooming gives owners a chance to take a close look at and feel their pet’s coat and notice outward symptoms of certain health problems.

5. A dental gift certificate or a dental cleaning kit. Eighty percent of dogs and cats need dental care, and “bad breath” is almost always a sign of periodontal disease.

6. A new bed or a kennel. Even pets need alone time once in awhile, especially during stressful events like crowded holiday parties. A new bed or kennel will give your pets a warm place to curl up and relax — away from family activities.

7. Cages and crates for new or growing dogs. A collapsible cage is particularly appropriate for those who travel with their pets.

8. Microchip pets for permanent identification. Making a one-time investment with a small registration fee, owners have their names and addresses on file in case their pet is lost or is involved in an accident.

9. A thinner new year. Once the holiday season is over, introduce your pet to low-calorie food if the animal is overweight. Chubby dogs and cats may look cute, but extra weight is unhealthy and will ultimately shorten the animal’s lifespan.

10. Give the gift of health. Don’t give pets as presents, but give a certificate for pet health-care package. If someone has a new puppy or kitten, buy the first-year health-care package. Ask the clinic if it can package the first-year vaccinations, deworming, neutering and microchipping in one bundle.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A Purdue University veterinarian wants people to become more aware of how poor dental care can affect other aspects of their pet’s health, especially since studies show that proper dental care can extend a pet’s life by as much as five years.

In February, several veterinary groups, including the American Veterinary Medicine Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society, observe Pets Dental Health Month.

“It’s important for all pet owners to know that pets can lead longer and healthier lives with good dental care,” says Lorraine Corriveau, wellness veterinarian in the School of Veterinary Medicine.

A recent nationwide veterinary study shows that there appears to be a strong association between the health of the pet’s mouth and the incidence of other health issues, such as heart murmurs or even infection of the lining of the heart.

“Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care,” Corriveau says. “Approximately 80 percent of all dogs and cats have periodontal disease by the time they are only two years old. A recent American Animal Hospital Association report on compliance within veterinary practices showed that less than 35 percent of pets that need a dental cleaning ever receive one.” Read the full story