10 ways to keep pets healthy and happy

Make the holidays a healthy and enjoyable time for your furry friends with this list of 10 ideas:

1. Spend more time with your pets during the holidays. You usually have some extra time off at the end of the year, so resolve to spend a little more time with your pets. An extra rub on the head goes a long way in showing your pet how much you love him or her.

2. Get your pet caught up on vaccinations. Call your local veterinarian and make sure your pet is current on all required immunizations.

3. Resolve to exercise your pet more during the holiday season and the upcoming year. Exercise will help you as well as your pet.

4. Remember that some of us travel during the holidays with our pets. Keep your pet confined while riding in an automobile and always stop every 1 ½ hours for a water break and a stretch.

5. Take some new photos of your pet. It's always nice to have current photographs. Use the photograph as a Christmas card to friends.

6. Get your pet an identification tag or microchip.

7. Pet-proof your home during the holidays. Keep plants that may be toxic and electrical cords out of reach of pets.

8. Learn a new fact about your pet's breed and share it with the family.

9. Find a few healthy treats that you can make in the kitchen for your pet.

10. Finally, make a contribution to your local shelter in honor of your pet.

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