At the end of each year Americans pledge to make a change in their lives in the coming year. But how often do people pledge to make a change for the better in the lives of their pets?

Dr. Robert Goldstein, a veterinarian and Medical Director of Animal Nutrition at The Blue Buffalo Pet Food Company, the makers of "Blue for Dogs", offers five suggestions for a New Year's Pet Resolution. Keep in mind that coming from a pet food company there is some self-promotion in here, but still some very good suggestions for dog owners:

Resolve to be more careful about what you feed your pet by learning how to read the label on your pet food. The first ten ingredients listed on the label are the key to the foods' nutritional value. Take special note of the first ingredient listed, because this is the one that is most prevalent. Chicken, lamb or other meat should be listed first, followed by whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and other quality fat and protein sources.

Resolve to feed your dog a healthy pet food. All pet foods are not created equal. Most makers of dogs and cat foods process their foods with heat up to 350 degrees. This heating process can degrade many heat-sensitive antioxidants and vitamins making them less active. Opt for a nutritious brand like BLUE, which has cold formed LifeSourceBits containing a blend of antioxidants, nutrients and vitamins which aren't exposed to high levels of heat, so the added protection stays in tact. Pets can benefit from a diet rich in antioxidants which defend against free radicals -- activated molecules that bang around inside the body and can cause inflammation, premature aging, degeneration and disease.

Resolve to reduce your pet's exposure to harmful substances. Environmental factors can cause cancer in dogs and cats, particularly toxins found in common fertilizers, pesticides and household cleaning agents. Because pets are small in size and closer to the ground, they can often have direct contact with these harmful toxins. Do not use chemical cleansers or pesticides that have warning labels that state they are not safe for animals and people. Consider purchasing "green" products sold at human health food stores instead. Keep your pet's skin clean and free of chemicals by washing your dog with a natural shampoo every 2-4 weeks and grooming your cat with a comb or brush weekly.

Resolve to make regular visits to the vet. Every pet needs to be examined by a veterinarian yearly. Illnesses that are caught early are often treatable, and regular exams are your best weapon.

Resolve to give your pet lots of exercise. Plenty of exercise helps to prevent obesity and illness in pets and can limit visits to the vet. Insufficient exercise can contribute to behavioral problems including chewing, digging, hyperactivity and unruliness. Dogs can benefit from twice-daily long walks or even runs. Pet parents can benefit as well from daily runs in partnership with their dogs. Indoor cats should have plenty of toys they can play with independently like balls and hanging strings that can keep them active.