2013 was a year of plenty of healthcare changes for humans, but you might have missed a few announcements that are making waves for pets. From spay and neuter recommendations to pet treats, a few big strides and changes in the pet world are:

1. New FDA Regulations to Monitor Pet Treat Safety for First Time Ever

In the wake of almost 

, the FDA started making strides in 2013 toward the first-ever set of rules governing pet food production and sales. Under the proposed new rule, pet food and treat manufacturers — including those overseas in countries like China — must develop procedures to prevent any foodborne illnesses, or they could find their shipments stopped by the FDA.

2. New Law Targets Puppy Mills and Internet Puppy Sales

The rules for selling pets over the internet have long been in a legal gray area, allowing

, "sellers either must allow buyers to see animals in person before they purchase them or obtain a license and be subject to inspections by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service."Some breeders who run small businesses breeding and selling pets from their own homes fear the rules could regulate them out of business, but The Humane Society of the United States applauded the move.

3. Obamacare Could Raise Your Bills at the Vet's Office

A 2.3% tax on medical devices, folded into The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will affect some equipment that veterinarians buy, potentially raising the cost of care for pet parents.

4. Large Breeds Dogs Should Be Spayed or Neutered Later

5. Sterilization Drug Could Be Alternative to Neutering