The New Year is typically a time for making resolutions, and many times, we keep them for a week or two at most, and then fall back into old habits.

When it comes to our pets, though, we should make and keep resolutions that will keep them happy and healthy. The first resolution should be to make an annual veterinary appointment and to keep certain vaccinations and medicines up-to-date and for a general check-up.

Cats, especially, tend to be neglected when it comes to appointments with the veterinarian. That’s because, frequently, cats are harder to transport. Many dogs like car rides, so it’s easy to get them in the car and to the veterinarian’s office. Even dogs who are reluctant to get in the car can generally be lifted in with not a lot of struggle.

Cats, however, tend to protest, and that protest is often in the form of claws out and fangs bared. If your cat reacts like this, start now to work on teaching her to like, or at least tolerate, the cat carrier. Put a comfy blanket or pillow in the carrier and set the carrier on a chair or table. Most cats like high places, so your cat may be more inclined to explore, and enter, the carrier if it’s not on the floor. If you can remove the carrier door, do it. Otherwise, fasten it so that it can’t accidentally close on the cat.

Feed your cat in the carrier. If you feed both wet and dry cat food, only feed the wet food in the carrier. If your cat enjoys a particular treat, offer it only in the carrier. At intervals during the day, you might even lure your cat into the carrier with a small piece of deli turkey.

Do this for at least two weeks, and maybe longer. You’re the best judge of when to move on to the next step, but remember, this is a slow process. Rushing it will only postpone the desired results.

When your cat seems completely comfortable in and around the carrier, shut the door while the cat is eating. Open it and let the cat out as soon as she has finished her meal. Gradually increase the time she’s in the carrier with the door closed. You can offer her treats through the door grate to help keep her calm. If at any time she panics, you’ve gone too fast. While your cat may never love the carrier, at least she should be more willing to get into it, making any car trip more pleasant.

If you have a dog who was not crate-trained as a puppy, you can use this same process to get him used to a carrier. Just omit the part about putting the carrier up high.

Once you get your pet to the veterinarian, the staff will let you know which, if any, vaccinations are due. You can make your own decisions about most vaccinations, but the rabies shot is mandatory in New York State for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Your veterinarian will likely look in your pet’s mouth. While dogs and cats don’t generally get cavities, your veterinarian will be looking for broken teeth, abscesses and gingivitis. Dental care is an important part of a check up, because left untreated, harmful bacteria can be carried by the bloodstream to other parts of the body, and can lead to serious problems of the heart. Follow the recommendations of your veterinarian as to any treatment. A “little broken tooth” may not be so little.

Don’t pass on heartworm prevention. While cats don’t react in the same way as dogs to heartworms, they are a nasty parasite, and can cause death if left untreated. Since the treatment itself is time-consuming, expensive, and sometimes dangerous, prevention is the way to go. My dogs are on heartworm medicine all year round. While mosquitoes aren’t much of a threat this winter, if there’s a warm spell, it doesn’t take long for mosquitoes to appear.

Guard against fleas and ticks, too. Fleas can torment your pet with itching, and, with smaller pets, can cause death. Ticks are becoming more and more prevalent, and they spread nasty diseases to both our pets and us. Yes, some of these preventatives can be expensive, but your pet will never ask for expensive clothes or a car, or help with college expenses.

Make a resolution to keep your pet healthy in 2018, and, make that a resolution you keep.