With a new year upon us comes the age-old tradition of resolutions. Did you know that vowing to diet and exercise is the most common pledge people make? Did you also know that many pets need you to make weight loss and exercise a priority for them, too?

The buddy system is a great motivator. If you are one of the many people who are going to follow through with a responsible diet and exercise program, consider including your faithful pet.

A recent survey indicates that more than 80 percent of pet owners think their pets are the right weight or underweight. But veterinarians report at least 25 percent of the pets they examine in private practice are overweight. Learn to think in percentages: 3 extra pounds on a cat can be 30% extra weight. Eight extra pounds on a dog that should weigh 40 pounds is 20% too much!

Do you think your cushy tabby cat is just right? Most cats only need to weigh 8 to 10 pounds. Think your dog's wide silhouette is just due to his fluffy hair? You should be able to feel your dog's ribs with slight fingertip pressure, and your dog's shape when viewed from the top should not remind you of your favorite ottoman.

Just as you should ask your physician about your weight loss program, the same is true for your pet. Always check with your other family doctor - your veterinarian - first. He or she can tell you how much weight your pet needs to lose. It is also very important to make sure that your pet does not have any other diseases which can be caused by the obesity, and which also must be managed. A complete physical examination is needed, and sometimes blood tests are indicated.

Extra weight places extra demands on all of the body's organs. Some of the serious complications of obesity found in our pets are damage to joints, difficulty breathing, increased stress on heart function, lack of stamina, diabetes and an overall decrease in the quality and length of life. Obesity can also be a sign of thyroid and other hormonal imbalances.

Your veterinarian will recommend a nutrition plan that is tailored to your pet's needs, and will advise you on the level of exercise your pet can tolerate. You can get some helpful hints on healthy treats for your pet and how to deal with begging.

For pets, exercise can be fun time spent with you. Cats will often run around after a toy on a string. Even in chilly weather, your dog can benefit from an abbreviated walk or some time spent playing outside with you.

Consult your veterinarian soon about a diet and exercise program that's right for your pet. Make sure you and your pet have many healthy, active years ahead of you.

Winter weather means finding ways to combat the chill for both you and your pet. But since your dog can’t put on a sweater or add a warm blanket to his bed at night, it’s up to you to make sure that your pet is safe and comfortable during the upcoming months.

A good rule of thumb is that if you are bundling up to take out your dog, you should do the same for him. Warm coats or sweaters are important for any dog that shivers when the weather is cold.

And, just as you may dread going out for regular potty trips, your dog probably does too. The problem comes when regular trips are not scheduled and the carpet or floor becomes more convenient. A schedule that includes a morning trip, two during the day, and a final one at night will help regulate your dog’s functions and make things easier during the winter months.

When your dog steps outside, make sure to protect and insulate his paws from the harmful effects of snow, ice, and salt. Remember, the snow is cold, but the salt used on icy roads and sidewalks can cause a dog’s pads to become dry, cracked, and painfully sore. If your dog doesn’t wear booties, be sure to wash his toes and pads in warm water after he goes outside.

Turning in for the night should be a pleasant experience for your dog. When it comes to doghouses, the smaller the better. The house should be big enough to allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but small enough to help trap body heat and maintain warmth. Instead of a blanket that can feel damp and chilly, try lining the house with cedar shavings, straw, or hay. Position the house in the yard where it will receive the most sunlight and elevate it on a low platform to keep it off the frozen ground.

Finally, since dogs are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, take steps to keep the water dish from freezing. Deep, and/or dark colored plastic dishes don’t freeze as quickly as shallow, and/or light-colored metal dishes.

So, if you haven’t done so already, take the time to prepare your pet for the cold months ahead. Keeping your dog comfortable will make for a happy, healthy, and safe time this winter. Enjoy!