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CBD Oil for Dogs: Will it Help Their Anxiety?

Posted on June 26, 2020October 16, 2020 by Above1 Support

CBD Oil has been the talk of medical journals for years, and in the past few years has popped up frequently in mainstream news as an alternative medical approach to a variety of health issues. As more and more has been discovered about the uses for CBD oil, its use in pet health treatment has gained in popularity, particularly for the treatment of anxiety. CBD Oil for dog’s anxiety is a focus of discussion, and many pet parents are asking the question: will CBD oil help my dog’s anxiety? The topic itself (as with all CBD products) is a complex one, but as with all health treatments, there are pros and cons. Here’s what we know about CBD oil for dog’s anxiety:

CBD Oil: What is It?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound derived from hemp, and to be classified as CBD, the oil must contain less than 0.3 percent of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the ‘high’ feeling. Because CBD contains less than 0.3 percent THC, there is no psychoactive reaction. Most CBD oil is derived from hemp.

Benefits of CBD Oil

It’s important to start by saying that there is not definitive scientific data supporting the use of CBD oil for dogs, but there is a growing amount of anecdotal evidence from pet parents that lends to CBD’s use for pain, particularly neuropathic pain. CBD is also used to help control canine seizures. The use of CBD oil for daily health treatments in dogs is growing in popularity, and many dog owners swear they have seen a striking difference in their dog’s health, including treatment for inflammation, cardiac problems, nausea, lack of appetite and anxiety, both in daily anxiety management and in short-term anxiety treatment, such as travel or the sounds of Fourth of July celebrations.

Chronic anxiety in dogs is not only miserable in the moment, but it can produce more serious long-term effects, such as cardiac problems, high blood pressure, stroke, higher susceptibility to illness and even a shortened lifespan. CBD can produce a calming effect, and for many dogs that suffer from chronic anxiety, CBD Oil can offer much-needed relief and rest, over time leading to overall health and wellbeing.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

As with all health treatments, the user must weigh potential benefits against potential risks or side effects. It’s important to note that perhaps the most important (and preventable!) risk is that the CBD market is still fairly new and is not yet regulated or tested for safety. So when purchasing CBD oil for pets, many dog owners can’t be sure of what they’re buying. Is the product good quality? Are there any toxins present? Is the CBD oil properly formulated? Is there even CBD oil in there at all? The easiest way to avoid risks in this area is to speak with your veterinarian and purchase oil directly through them. This allows you and your vet to formulate a plan for consistent and accurate use of CBD oil, as well as test regularly to ensure proper dosage and receptiveness.

Other potential side effects can include dry mouth (which will increase your dog’s thirst), lowered blood pressure (which could cause lightheadedness and dizziness) and drowsiness. Because CBD oil treatment for dog anxiety is somewhat new, it’s important to note that other side effects could be present, so it’s important to closely monitor your pet and start with the smallest dosage available to ensure no allergic or otherwise adverse reaction.

A Well-Balanced Treatment Plan

Anxiety in dogs can be the result of internal and external factors, so responsible pet owners should develop a well-balanced treatment plan:

Take Away the Stressors

Is there a loud television constantly blaring? Does the vacuum cause anxiety? Does the sight of the mailman throw your dog into a fit? Your dog is relying on you to create a safe environment with as few stressors as possible, so take away anything in your dog’s immediate environment that might be causing anxiety.

Create a Safe Place

Of course you can’t tell the mailman not to deliver the mail, and you can’t control a thunderstorm’s arrival, but you can offer your dog a safe place in your home, one that is created just for them. Choose a small room (bathroom, laundry room) that’s far from your home’s main entrance, and make sure your pooch has a snuggly bed and plenty of food, water, snacks and toys. This should feel like a safe place, one that he can retreat to when anxiety starts to take over.

Start an Exercise Plan

Just like with people, animals need the opportunity to shed stress through exercise, even if just for a quick walk around the block each morning and evening. Without regular exercise, the stress manifests as tension, which leads to chronic pain, digestive issues, and other health problems.

Incorporate True Nutrition

If we constantly put junk food into our bodies, there’s nothing for the body to pull from when it needs sustenance to combat illness and stress. Just as we must maintain a balanced diet with true nutritive values to perform at our best, dogs need an equally nutritious and wholesome diet to live healthfully and combat illness and anxiety. Try Wellness CORE, a completed and balanced, high-protein diet. Wellness CORE has no fillers, contains meat as the first ingredient and is available in grain free and with wholesome grains options. Wellness CORE is natural and free of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. Ingredients like beef and salmon can pack a powerful stress-fighting punch.

CBD oil for your dog’s anxiety might be the right choice for your furry friend, or there may be a different option that works best for you. When you’ve removed every stressor you can, created a safe place, and have incorporated the right dog food and regular exercise and your dog is still suffering from anxiety, speak with your veterinarian about treatment options. No dog should have to continue suffering with anxiety, so find the plan that works best for you and your buddy as soon as you can.

Is Your Cat a Couch Potato? 5 Ways to Give Her Mental and Physical Stimulation

Posted on June 26, 2020December 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

Cats do nap a lot. But extended napping could be sheer boredom. Contrary to the assertion that they are aloof and independent, cats do like to engage with their favorite people. Here are some quick fixes to offer your kitty both mental and physical stimulation and, at the same time, boost your quality time together.

1. Tricks and Treats

Believe it or not, felines will work for praise and tasty rewards. Consequently, clicker training works well with cats.

Let’s Start with “Sit”

Hold a treat low above her head, just far back enough so that in order to reach it, she has to sit. Say “sit” as you are performing this action and offer lots of praise when she does. And, of course, give the treat!

Teaching her to sit on command is a plus to get her to wait patiently for her food bowl instead of winding around your legs and getting underfoot. That way, you are actually spending quality time together at mealtimes. Cats are fast learners and repetition will soon have her sitting on command without the treat.

Kitty High Five

Photo by Jonas Vincent on Unsplash

Once she’s sitting on command, you can move on to this simple trick that will certainly impress.

To teach the high five “slap,” wiggle your fingers and move your hand in front of her paw on the ground. When she pats your fingers with her paw, click and treat.

When she’s consistently patting your moving fingers, slowly raise your hand off the ground until its up in the air aligned with her shoulder height. When the cat raises its paw, put your hand in the path of the movement and click the instant the paw touches your hand.

Next move your hand slightly so the cat has to aim for your hand with its paw to get clicked and treated. Finally, add a cue such as “high five” or “paw up” when you hold out your hand. Click and treat.

Choosing her favorite treat will of course be an added incentive. Stock up on her favorite Wellness Kittles. They are all natural, grain-free, crunchy and only contain 2 calories per treat so they are perfect for training. Flavors include chicken, duck, tuna, salmon, turkey and whitefish, all with healthy cranberries.

Clicker training can be used to teach cats all kinds of fun tricks including playing Three Blind Mice on a piano. It’s a great way to spend quality time together.

2. Let the Indoor Hunt Begin

Cats in the wild are used to hunting and working for food. So, set up a treasure hunt in your home by hiding treats and some favorite catnip-filled and kicker-styled toys in different locations. Include toys that roll and wriggle too so that your cat has lots to discover in her own time. This is a great way to prevent boredom and keep felines engaged and ‘on the hunt’ especially when they are home alone.

There is also a great selection of specially designed cat puzzle toys and treat balls which are ideal for hiding scrumptious morsels and offer excellent stimulation as felines work out how to retrieve them.

3. Wind It Up with Wands

Wand games are a great way to engage your feline and spend quality time with her too. Actively engage her with a wand toy making sure you always swing sideways like a pendulum so that she doesn’t pounce forward and inadvertently scratch you. A wand should be light weight so it’s easy for you to play with too. Cats are attracted to those with realistic bugs or furry, feathery critters on the end. Games don’t have to be only airborne. Many cats enjoy watching the toy being trailed along the ground so they can pounce on it. When she has the critter firmly under her paw, wriggle the string gently so that it moves. When she releases it, then swing it in the air to start the games again. Often cats will pick up the wand (from the toy end) and carry it over to engage you in more games. If you throw it a short distance, you can encourage her to run after it and retrieve it and bring it back for more.

4. A Room with A View

Photo by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash

There is nothing like a nice tall cat condo, strategically placed at a window to keep your cats in engaged in observing outdoor activities whether its birds flying by, people walking and even cars coming and going. Apart from the outdoor view, cats really enjoy vertical space as it offers them a personal space to watch the activity in the room too as well as a place to escape to from other household pets for a snooze.

5. Leash walks Versus a Cat Stroller

Photo by Emily Nettleton on Unsplash

Training a cat to walk on a leash is a great way to enrich her lifestyle by safely allowing her to enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. It’s also an excellent way of revving up her exercise routine.

However, a cat’s personality will play an important role in deciding if she is game for a fresh air challenge. An adventurous cat will probably embrace this opportunity to sniff around outside and even stop and lie down to survey her surroundings. While skittish scaredy cats may resist, preferring the view from the kitty condo instead. It also depends on your neighborhood. If there are lots of dogs out and about on the route, or you live in a neighborhood where coyotes roam even in the day time, consider a cat stroller as an outdoor alternative.

They are an excellent option for a change of scenery. You can even stop and sit on a bench and let her watch the world go by. Cats, if they are allowed outside on their own will often go and hang out under a bush and watch insects, butterflies and birds from this vantage point. And they can do exactly the same thing from the comfort and safety of a stroller.

It’s also a great way to get you to spend time with her and out and about too!

8 Top Photography Tips for Pet Photo Challenges

Posted on June 24, 2020December 15, 2020 by Above1 Support

With the increase in social media accounts just for pets, and fun social media photographic and video challenges, cats and dogs are turning into internet sensations. Whether you are planning to join in the fun, or simply want to take some great pix for the family photo album, here are some photographic tips to capture some memorable entertainment.Before you start, be sure to stock up on treats in order to offer tasty rewards for their efforts!

1. Action Ready

Smart phones have very sophisticated built-in photographic, editing and enhancement features. So, it’s very easy to always be camera ready to capture funny pet antics and then crop and re-touch before posting. Knowing your phone’s settings from portrait to panorama and its basic lighting features are a good place to start.

2. Backgrounds That Can Enhance

If you’re planning a photo session with your dog or cat, keep the area clear of clutter. And, if you planning to introduce a background material or throw, choose something that will show off your pet’s fur coloring to its best advantage. If possible, “dress up” a favorite snooze place where you pet is comfortable instead of trying to entice them over to less familiar area of your home.

3. Getting Creative from the Ground Up

Get down to your fur kid’s level, even if it means lying down on the ground. This is a great way to also learn about your pet’s world from their perspective. Even if your pooch or feline isn’t looking directly at the lens just keep snapping! You will be pleasantly surprised with the expressions that can be captured.

Further, experiment with interesting angles by moving around. Stand on a chair and shoot directly down. Lie on your back and try to capture your cat peering over the edge of her kitty condo. Consider both vertical and horizontal shots. And, if you have a glass-topped table, and taking their weight into account from a safety stand point, place your cat or small dog on the surface and lie underneath to snap away.

Positioning your feline or favorite pooch either one- or two-thirds across the screen, will instantly create an interesting composition too.

4. Let There Be Light

As any professional photographer will confirm, good photography is all about lighting. If your cat has an indoor lifestyle, try to position her so that she is bathed in natural light. However, don’t put her directly in front of a window because you’ll black out her features and create a silhouette. And be aware that a flash can give pets green eyes, the equivalent of red eyes in humans.

If your cat is leash-trained and you are able to take her outside for a photographic session, the best light is a bright overcast day because you won’t get shadows spoiling your shots. Planning a photographic session for early morning or late afternoon will also work well for similar reasons. If the sun is shining, try to keep it behind you. Use the flash outdoors too; it can help erase shadows.

5. Treats, Treats and Some Props …

To capture some really interesting shots, be sure to keep some tasty morsels handy to offer as scrumptious rewards. Cats will enjoy Wellness Kittles, natural, grain-free, crunchy cat treats. At only 2 calories per treat, Kittles are available in six flavors including chicken, turkey, whitefish, salmon, tuna and duck and all contain healthy cranberries.

Pups love soft, meaty WellBites or crunchy, oven-baked WellBars offering pets a healthy treat in a variety of favorite flavors such as chicken and cheddar cheese and peanuts and honey.

Also work with props just off-camera vision. All cats will respond to visual stimuli such as a laser beam or their favorite feathered toy on a wand. Even a piece of string will create some lively actions and reactions. You will certainly get your dog’s attention if someone holds a tennis ball (or treat) off camera at different angles.

6. Love Is in The Peanut Butter

Putting some catnip around your camera lens will “reel in” a feline for some fun and quirky close-ups. And, if you have two pets that get on well together, rub a bit of butter or peanut butter behind the ears of the more obliging pet and encourage the other to try and clean it off, making it look as if they are kissing and cuddling.

7. Is Your Pet the Next Video Star?

Smart phones have capabilities to produce excellent video footage too. Social media has given pets a platform to share their opinions and it can be fun to create a talking dog public-service-styled announcement like Pluto the Schnauzer, who uses her YouTube channel to advise humans how to handle Coronavirus issues.

There are Apps and video software designed to produce such fun footage. Alternatively, you can get creative by filming 15 – 20 minutes of your cat meowing or your dog chewing or barking. Upload the footage to a video editing program on your computer and select one to three minutes of the best footage. Write a brief script. Add it to the footage by “stretching out the footage” into play-by-play seconds in the editing process, and, using the computer’s microphone to record your audio onto the footage.

Currently, DogTV, the 24/7 digital TV channel scientifically developed for dogs, is looking for talent for their new show DOGSTAR featuring user-generated videos of furry friends. Check them out for a chance to be featured and win a subscription to watch your pets in action entertaining others from your own couch. One of the video categories focuses on “dogs at home”.

8. Rise to the Challenge

There are lots of fun pet challenges circulating on social media. the latest hilarious viral cat vs. dog challenge which shows how differently cats and dogs deal with obstacles placed in their way.

The Getty Museum also has a very creative challenge inviting people to recreate iconic artworks using just three objects lying around home. And pets make great subjects. Check the hashtags #betweenartandquarantine and #tussenkunstenquarataine on Twitter and Instagram.

And of course, we’d love to see how creative you are with your fur kids enjoying treats or their favorite food. Please share your photos with us by tagging #wellnesspetfood and @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social pages!

Benefits and Risks of a Raw Dog Food Diet

Posted on May 29, 2020January 18, 2021 by Above1 Support

If you’ve ever searched raw dog food diet, then like many pet parents, you may be questioning if a raw dog food is right for your dog. Some pet parents add raw dog food as a treat or kibble topper, and others passionately feed it with the belief that raw dog food offers real, natural ingredients that provide unmatched nutrition with a minimally processed advantage. It goes without saying that superior nutrition has been proven to support a long and healthy life for pets and contributes to both their physical and mental wellbeing. That said, what format is truly the best way to feed our dogs?

Here, we’ll share the pros and cons of a raw dog food diet in order to help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your dog:

What suits one may not suit all

Just like us, dogs are individuals and a diet that might work for your friend’s dog may be completely inappropriate for your dog especially when you consider the unique nutritional requirements that come with breed, size, age and health differences. If you are thinking of changing your dog’s daily diet, a great first step is to always consult with your veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the very best personalized care.

What is a raw dog food diet?

A raw dog food diet is based on the combination of raw, uncooked meat (often muscle and organ meat), whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, raw eggs and some dairy which are freshly prepared prior to feeding.

Conflicting and confusing information

When researching the benefits of raw, you quickly find that scientific support if often thin, causing veterinary and medical skepticism but, you will also find anecdotal enthusiasm from fellow raw feeders who convincingly detail the clear health benefits they see in their dog.

The case for a raw dog food diet

Think about your dog as having a carnivorous heritage with omnivore evolution. One of the main reasons pet parents consider feeding a raw dog food diet is based on how dogs evolved. The Grey Wolf, the ancestor of our dogs, was without a doubt a carnivore and fierce predator who thrived on a meat-based diet.Today however, dogs have evolved over thousands of years into 400 different breeds ranging from a tiny Teacup Poodle to enormous Great Danes with vast visible, genetic and lifestyle differences to their ancestors.

Unlike cats, dogs have evolved genes that give them the ability to produce amino acids from carbohydrates, which traditionally would come from a meat-based diet. In simple terms, dogs are now classified as omnivores—animals who can thrive on both meat and vegetable ingredients.

Raw does not have to mean home cooking and a good relationship with your butcher.

Today, raw dog food diet options come in a variety of commercially prepared offerings. From fresh or frozen, to kibble with raw pieces, the convenience of “scoop and pour” can still be achieved if desired.

Raw dog food diet advantages

Devout raw dog food enthusiasts tout raw as the most natural way to feed a dog. They anecdotally report that feeding their dog raw food results in a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, higher energy levels and smaller stools. And it goes without saying that dogs love a bowl of fresh meat for the ultimate palatability.

delicious flavor for your dog
healthy skin shiny coat
higher energy levels
healthier stools

Raw dog food diet disadvantages

Many mainstream veterinarians as well as the FDA agree the risks of raw diets are well documented with several studies published in veterinary journals. Some home diets have been found to contain high numbers of pathogenic bacteria. These bacteria may cause minor or major health upsets ranging from mild stomach sensitivity to fatalities in rare, serious cases. Also, there’s a legitimate contamination risk to humans should they be immuno-compromised, elderly or young.

Feeding raw bones come with potential risks like choking, intestinal blockage and chipped or broken teeth.

Additionally, if you’re formulating a raw dog food diet, it’s crucial that the diet be complete and balanced to give your dog all the nutrition they need. If the food is not complete and balanced, dogs can develop nutritional deficiencies. Many pet parents need the help of an expert in animal nutrition to achieve a safe diet, or need to add commercial supplements to their raw foods to ensure their dog gets all of the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals.

A final consideration of feeding a dog raw food diet is the financial and time investment costs. Home prepared raw foods with premium high-quality ingredients can become a costly way of feeding a dog, especially for larger breeds who will require significant volumes of food to achieve their total calorie needs.

Pet parents may be able to feed raw at home, but travel and holidays can make it quite challenging and inconvenient.

Raw dog food diet risks recap

potentially dangerous bacteria or pathogens in raw food
risk of contamination with raw meat that could make humans sick
raw bones can pose a choking hazard to dogs and may chip their teeth
high cost and time investment

Commercially prepared raw dog food diets

If you’re interested in the benefits of feeding a raw food diet but keen to avoid the health risks, then it’s worthwhile to consider a commercially prepared raw recipe. At Wellness, our Wellness CORE RawRev recipes allow you to add raw easily and safely with every meal.

Wellness CORE RawRev is a complete and balanced high-protein kibble (in grain-free or wholesome grains options) with the addition of 100% raw freeze dried meat pieces. This combination results in a savory, nutrient-rich meal packed with everything your dog needs to thrive.

Why Your Cat Has a Sensitive Stomach (And Foods That Will Help)

Posted on May 29, 2020October 16, 2020 by Above1 Support

Our cats fill us with pure joy, but some of the ingredients in their food may be filling them with anything but. Cats with sensitive stomachs may have allergies or food intolerances that develop over time from giving them the same foods and ingredients. And some foods may be too rich for kitties who are prone to vomiting after eating.

Some breeds of cats are at a higher risk for allergies and sensitivities than others. Your cat may be experiencing a mix of inhalant allergies alongside their food allergies. For instance, Siamese cats or Siamese crosses are genetically at higher risk for developing food allergies.

Symptoms of Food Allergies in Cats

So what does a food allergy in cats look like? Well, food allergies often result in things like over-grooming, chronic itching and other skin issues. Your cat may groom so heavily that they break the skin or even tear their own fur out.

Symptoms of Food Intolerance in Cats

A food intolerance looks a little different; it will often result in the regurgitation of the food and/ or having diarrhea. A food intolerance may present with a cat vomiting after eating. (Always seek a veterinarian’s diagnosis if your cat is experiencing new or extreme symptoms of any kind)

If you’ve noticed your cat has a sensitive stomach or other potential allergy or intolerance symptoms and you’d like to get to the bottom of it, taking a look at their diet is the first place to start.

Let’s get into what are considered the top 5 foods that are most-often the causes of allergies in cats.

Some of the most common food allergies in cats include:

Beef
Chicken
Fish
Dairy
Eggs

(some preservatives or additives may also trigger allergic reactions)

These are extremely common ingredients which is unfortunately why they are also common allergens. It is important to give your cat a balanced diet with some variety. Giving them both wet and dry food, as well as keeping some kind of rotation of proteins will help them to avoid developing these allergies.

Cats may experience allergies in food that go hand-in-hand with environmental allergies such as seasonal pollen, so it can be pertinent that you determine the exact cause of your cat’s symptoms.

Elimination diet

Figuring out what ingredients are triggering your cat’s reactions can be done through a process of elimination by feeding your cat a new diet that does not include any proteins that they would have had previously. Once you’ve determined the exact cause and have found a diet that seems to work and resolves the symptoms that your cat is experiencing, you want to keep them on that diet for around 6 to 8 weeks in order to ensure symptoms do not come back and that no new symptoms arise. Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian during this time.

Quality makes a difference

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it’s important to feed them high quality ingredients that are made from whole meats or novel proteins, as well as the right balance of vitamins and minerals through things like vegetables or whole grains. Also, be sure to choose a brand that does not add unnecessary fillers or preservatives to their cat foods as those can trigger sensitivities.

In Wellness cat foods, we use high-quality, real ingredients, and let you know exactly what is going into every bite. A proper diet can help improve the function of your cat’s digestive tract, along with their quality of life.

If you have a cat with a sensitive stomach, here are a few of our top food suggestions:

Go chicken free

If your cat has a chicken allergy or intolerance, the Wellness Complete Health Grain Free Indoor: Salmon & Herring dry food is a great option as it is entirely chicken free.

Try turkey

If your cat seems to have a problem digesting their current food, our Complete Health Pâté Turkey is highly recommended. Turkey tends to be easier on the stomach and the solid, smooth pate texture may settle more easily than something with gravy or chunks.

Opt for lower fat food options

Similarly, our CORE Pâté Indoor Chicken & Chicken Liver has lower fat levels which makes it easier for your cat to digest. This may also be especially beneficial to indoor cats who may be putting on weight from a higher fat content in their current regiment.

Feeding your cat with quality ingredients and making sure that their diet is well-rounded can be the key to helping your cat with a sensitive stomach get back to a happy and healthy journey. Our cats mean the world to us, so it is important for us to feed them a world of different foods.

Grain-Free or Non-Grain Free Dog Food: Which Is Healthier?

Posted on May 29, 2020December 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

With so many pet food brands, recipes and flavors available, selecting the best dry dog food is tough. One feature that many pet parents have historically used is by determining if a product is a grain free or non grain free dog food. But, what does that mean for the health and wellbeing of dogs? Is one better than the other? Are all grain-free diets the same? And can a pet parent expect significant differences by feeding one over the other?

What makes grain free or non grain free dog food? The carbohydrate source.

Before we start, let us get clear on the bigger picture as to what both grain and grain-free ingredients are, carbohydrates. As a macronutrient, the starch in carbohydrates is a vital source of energy to fuel dogs’ activities. Carbohydrates are a rich source of fiber that support dogs’ digestive health. Carbohydrates nourish good intestinal bacteria and include essential nutrients like protein and key vitamins and minerals. As with most foods, the quality of the carbohydrate ingredient is paramount to its nutritional value. Higher quality ingredients deliver an abundance of nutrition especially when compared with over processed carbohydrates such as flour.

Grain and Grain Free Ingredient Sources:

Within carbohydrates, different ingredient sources are classified by sub-groups including grains/cereals, legumes and tubers which can also be split into a larger group of grains (cereals) and grain free (everything else but cereals).

Grained recipes: can include common cereal sources like wheat, corn, barley, oatmeal, rye and rice.
Grain free recipes: include other carbohydrate sources like potato, sweet potato or legumes such as peas, lentils or beans.
Whilst the Grey Wolf ancestor of today’s modern dog rarely ate carbohydrates, the dogs we know and love today have thousands of years of evolution to now possess several new and modified genes.

These new genes enable dogs to easily digest carbohydrates. So if dogs can digest carbohydrates and use them as a good source of energy, why is this such a topical issue for some pet parents?

Why Choose Either Grain Free or Non Grain Free Dog Food?

Allergies & Food Insensitivities:

An adverse food reaction is defined as any abnormal clinical response that occurs following ingestion of a food or food component. Adverse reactions can be initiated by single chemical elements within a food, may be caused by larger components of the food or may only be seen when a whole commercial diet is fed and not if the individual ingredients are fed.

To make it even more complex, adverse reactions may be seen with very small amounts of food or may require overfeeding for extended exposure and will often present with signs of a skin or intestinal upset. Food allergies in dogs are uncommon, but they can occur. Looking at the top 10 ingredients that have been diagnosed as food allergens, the main culprits are beef or chicken but some grains such as wheat, corn and rice do make the top 10. This is why it makes sense for some pet parents to avoid grains.

Overall Carbohydrate Levels

Grain Free and Decreased Amounts of Carbohydrates:

Whilst grain free does not always mean less carbs, there are numerous brands that deliver a grain free recipe with up to 55% less carbohydrates when compared to their non grain free dog food. For some pet parents, seeking a diet with lower carbohydrates and more high-quality animal proteins is something that appeals to them. This approach can create a tastier meal for fussy dogs while supporting optimal digestion, improving skin and coat health and building strong lean muscles. Transitioning on to a grain free recipe can make sense; however, it’s important to note that this approach does not suit all dogs.

For some dogs, a non grain free dog food makes more sense. For example, keeping the protein lower and the carbohydrates higher in a healthy, balanced meal lowers the richness of the recipe for dogs with sensitive stomachs. A high-quality non grain free dog food will still deliver complete and balanced nutrition to promote wellbeing, just in a different overall format to suit dogs’ nutritional needs.

chart

Safety and Wellbeing:

When selecting a pet food brand, trusting in the company you choose is key. In most cases our dogs will eat the same food every day. That’s why it’s important to ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need.

A couple years ago, concerns with some brands were raised by the FDA due to their association of potentially causing heart health issues. If you’re feeding a grain free food, here are a few steps you can take to ensure the brand you choose is safe:

Confirm that taurine is listed in the ingredients.
Reach out to that brand to understand what commitment they have to the safety and quality of their recipes and manufacturing process is like.
Know whether they meet the Association of American Feed Control Official’s (AAFCO) pet food guidelines.

bag ingredients

So what should you pick?

The decision ultimately comes down to what you—and your dog—prefer. Look for a food that is complete and balanced. This means the ingredients provide the recommended levels of protein, fat and essential nutrients in the appropriate ratios and concentrations. Verify that the brand is one you can trust, undertakes scientific studies and meets the Association of American Feed Control Official’s (AAFCO) pet food guidelines. Then, look at the overall ingredients. Are they real and wholesome ingredients? Is the recipe formulated to match any unique nutritional needs your dog has?

At Wellness, all our recipes deliver the highest quality complete and balanced, scientifically-proven nutrition to promote superior wellbeing. We have something for dogs of all sizes, breeds and nutritional needs. Wellness CORE high-protein dry dog foods are offered in both Grain Free and with Wholesome Grains options. And our CORE RawRev high protein kibble has 100% meat pieces mixed in for a taste your dog will crave—also available in Grain Free and with Wholesome Grains options.

9 Times Dogs Saved Us During Quarantine

Posted on May 15, 2020December 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

During this time of uncertainty as the COVID-19 virus stretches across the globe, many are turning to their dogs for emotional support. Here are a 9 heartwarming stories of dogs coming to rescue their owners from sadness, fear and anxiety,

1. Autism service dog calms owner having panic attack

Marley is a trained autism service dog. In this video, his owner is having an anxiety attack. Marley stays by her side and slowly begins to step in as the attack becomes worse. While Marley’s owner tries to push Marley away, Marley jumps up on her lap and hugs her to which Marley’s owner hugs back. It’s moments like these that remind us dogs are so much more than animals. They are compassionate beings that want us free from suffering.

2. How Daisy has turned into my family’s comfort dog during the pandemic

While we may not be able to hug others during this time of quarantine and social distancing, our pets are stepping in for support. For the Biemer family, their dog Daisy has been a support for not only mom Joanne, but her three grade-school-aged kids who are now at home indefinitely. Daisy gets the family out of the house for long walks, eats dinner with the “pack” and snuggles up for movie nights and bedtime routines.

3. How one therapy dog is going virtual to support neglected kids

A special pup named Jordan is helping kids at the Kid’s House in Seminole Country, Florida. Kids House is a center for abused and neglected children offering a safe space for kids to play and heal. Dogs, offering unconditional love, is something these kids desperately need, says the staff. Jordan is that source of joy for everyone at Kid’s House.

Because of the pandemic, Kid’s House is working through teleconferencing to ensure their kids maintain therapy routines and are staying safe. Jordan is present for those calls and kids are instructed to pet their stuffed animals just as they would Jordan. Jordan has also been a huge support to the staff during this trying time, going to them for a hug or snuggle when things get tense.

4. Dog providing stress relief to elderly during pandemic

In Nebraska, the K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry is getting their furry friends out to as many elderly people as possible to provide comfort and solace during these uncertain times. While residents at Greene Place senior living cannot pet the dogs at this time due to safety guidelines, they still get weekly visits where they can see their good friend Nico through their windows, bringing comfort and familiarity to the hearts of all.

Staff says seeing Nico is a connection to normalcy and something for residents to look forward to each week. Nico will say a big hello from the porch, giving residents a moment of peace during this trying time.

5. Therapy dog at Massachusetts General Hospital brings comfort during coronavirus pandemic

Eduardo is a therapy dog at Massachusetts General Hospital. It’s his job to cheer up patients and staff, and right now, he’s working overtime. He brings smiles to everyone he sees acting as a reminder of hope during long days and even longer nights.

Meet Ed (Eduardo), one of Massachusetts General Hospital’s therapy dogs. Our therapy dogs are “paw-fect” companions and have a very important job of comforting our patients and staff members. If you have a pet comforting you during this time of isolation, share a picture! pic.twitter.com/bY0LrQiB12
— MGH Cancer Center (@MGHCancerCenter) April 19, 2020

Eduardo makes his rounds, visiting staff and sick patients which gives everyone a sense of relief when they see his face. His main message is to remember that social distancing is important and to share your own “paw-fect” companion stories on social media.

6. Canine Companions service dogs helping their humans through pandemic

Located in Jacksonville, Florida, St. Augustine Rehab Specialists work with Parkinson’s patients on a daily basis, an illness that is already weighing on patients’ minds, but with the outbreak of COVID-19, anxiety fills the center.

Enter Harley, a 3-year-old pup who is a reminder of hope, peace, and joy. His job is to take patients’ minds off their illness, away from the virus and help them focus on living a full life without fear. Harley’s owner, physical therapist Melanie Lomaglio, sees a vast difference in her patients when Harley is around. During patient sessions, Harley helps patients forget the outside world and focus on health and happiness.

7. A service dog in training supports hospital staff during coronavirus

Credit: News 4 Jax

In Denver, Colorado, Dr. Susan Ryan works in the Rose Medical Center ER treating COVID patients around the clock. While the team is working hard to save lives, Wynn, Ryan’s therapy dog in training, has become their savior.

Ryan brings Wynn to work each day, but in these stressful times, Wynn has become a godsend. Petting Wynn calms the staff and first responders. Wynn is currently in training with Canine Companions for Independence to become a licensed therapy dog, but she is already well on her way to that title.

8. Forlorn dog finds new purpose

AP Photo/Michael Liedtke

Michael Liedtke suffered multiple loses in a two-week span, including the death of his father and dog Surfer. News of the pandemic was another unwelcomed conflict, and even though he felt it was toon soon after Surfer’s death, he knew he had to make a move.

Michael and family adopted Wookiee, a 3-year-old Surfer doppelganger. Immediately, levity was brought to the family, including the kids who feel Wookiee is a new constant since school and play are no longer viable options. While this family has brought stability and comfort to Wookiee, Wookiee has done the same and more for them.

9. Dogs could join the fight against COVID-19

In the UK, medical detection dogs are being used to try and smell the virus. With recent success in teaching dogs to sniff out malaria, there is hope that dogs could be able to smell the COVID-19 virus. If it works, this could be a game changer for reopening the economy around the world!

Whether we are a veteran pet owner, a new foster pet parent or we gather joy from watching pet videos online, animals are stepping up during this time of need to help foster mental health and wellness for all. If you have a pet story to tell, put #StayPawsitive on your next social media post and share your joy with the world.

How to Safely Foster a Pet During Quarantine

Posted on May 5, 2020October 19, 2020 by Above1 Support

With the impact of the COVID-19 virus came a wave of lockdown orders and voluntary sheltering in place. Staying inside can feel suffocating, especially for those who live alone or suffer from mental health issues/chronic health illnesses, but there is something we can do to bring joy into our daily lives—get a pet!

Pets have been proven to support their owner’s emotional needs, provide purpose and foster stability. Recently, thousands of people have adopted and fostered furry friends across the nation. Shelters are emptying at high rates because people know that pets equal love and support.

Maybe you aren’t ready to adopt. A great short-term alternative to adopting is becoming a foster pet parent. Fostering a pet follows the same concept as fostering a child. You will work with a shelter to find a good match and bring home your furry friend for a specific amount of time. The length of stay will depend on various factors, so be sure to work with the shelter to understand the maximum amount of time your pet will stay with you.

Fostering is a win-win. Your furry friend gets out of the shelter, and you have a new companion during a stressful and trying time. If you haven’t already and you have the means, consider fostering during this time of need; however, be sure to inquire how long the fostering will last, especially if you know your return to work date. Be open about your time frame and your needs to ensure fostering works well for you.

Starting the Process

When considering fostering during a pandemic where social distancing is the norm, you’ll have to get creative when it comes to the fostering process. Speak to the shelters in your area that offer foster programs and work with them to find the best way to safely foster a pet during this time. The goal is to have the least amount of contact with others as possible which means utilizing technology is key. Work with the staff over the phone, file paperwork through email and even conduct video meetings with staff and furry friends when possible.

While this is an exciting time to acquire a furry friend, remember that we are in a state of emergency. Ensure you and the shelter are doing everything you both can to stay safe and healthy.

Preparing for Your Pet

While you may be able to bring your pet home with limited social interaction, there are a few other things to keep in mind. If you haven’t previously owned a pet, you’ll need to stock your house with the necessary items. At an essential level, cats will need a litter box with litter and scooper, ample food, and a few toys. For dogs, you will need a leash for walks, food/food bowls and toys for entertainment. If possible, things like pet beds, blankets, and treats are a welcoming nod to new furry roommates, but only seek to acquire these items if you can do so safely.

To obtain your basic pet care package, you have a few options. Often times, shelters have basic care kits which include most or if not all of these essential items. You could ask that these items are put aside and given to you when you pick up your furry friend, and you could pay with your credit card over the phone to ensure limited interaction.

Bringing Your Pet Home

While becoming a foster pet parent is an exciting milestone, we need to ensure everyone stays safe. When you go to pick up your pet, be sure to follow the correct protocol put in place by your state. Wear a mask, always stay six feet away from others and wash your hands before and after the interaction. Work with your shelter to devise a plan on how they will get your pet and your items to you in a safe way. You could have them load your car, or you could have them place all items outside the shelter where you can drive up and easily place everything in the car yourself.

When you get home, be sure to disinfect all items you bring into your home. Wipe down transport boxes/carriers and all other items purchased from the shelter/stores. You can also give your pet a bath to ensure nothing has been transmitted. When you are finished, be sure to wash your hands and discard/wash your mask. While this placement is only temporary, the loving memories you make will last a lifetime for you and your furry friend.

Fostering a pet at any time is such a monumental moment in a person’s and a pet’s life. Here at Wellness Pet Food we are committed to making the world a better place for pets everywhere. That’s why we started the Wellness Foundation, with a mission that goes beyond nutrition to help pets be #RaisedWithLove. As the Official Pet Food Partner of Best Friends, we are proud to provide natural pet food for the animals they rescue, so they have access to the healthiest nutrition possible.

Your Dog’s Mental Health – 5 Ways to Exercise A Canine’s Mind from Home

Posted on April 23, 2020December 15, 2020 by Above1 Support

You have been cooped up in the house with your dog for a month and he is bouncing off the walls. You have done everything you can to make sure he is getting enough exercise, but have you done enough to exercise his mind?

“Dogs benefit from new learning experiences and challenges, and will look good, feel good, and live longer as a result” says Dr. Ros Dench – Veterinarian Advisor at Wileypup.

Psychology Today reports that up to 25% of canines display signs of depression. Turns out that our canine companions are intelligent and social animals that need to exercise their minds just as much as their bodies.

If your dog is engaging in anxious, nervous, or even destructive behaviors, try these 5 ways to be sure they are getting the mental workout they need to stay balanced and happy during COVID 19 quarantine:

1. Train a New Trick

One of the best ways to get your dog thinking without leaving the house is to used positive reinforcement based training to teach your pooch some new tricks. Now that you have some time on your hands, it is a great time to perfect rewards-based training techniques, such as clicker training, to get your dog thinking and build a bond based on trust and joy.

Here are a few tips to make training your dog a new trick fun and rewarding for you both:

•   Keep sessions positive by ignoring the wrong behavior and rewarding the right behavior with food rewards and praise.
•   Use a marker sound or word to let your dog know exactly when they are doing it right, always followed by a reward.
•   Set your dog up for success. Break the trick into small parts and reward any behavior that gets closer to your ultimate trick. Rewarding success often is what will keep your dog motivated to learn more!

2. Doggy Puzzle Toys

Many people find themselves working from home for the first time. While you may be getting some extra time with your dog, you may also need a way to keep your dog occupied while you get some work done.

One of the best solutions to this problem is to invest in some dog puzzle toys. These innovated dog toys are the next generation of dog toys – they use positive reinforcement training to get your dog thinking through a series of puzzles to earn their rewards.

Dog puzzle toys are a great hands-off option to keep your dog from going stir crazy due to boredom during quarantine. If you are worried about your overweight dog putting on some pounds, simply use a portion of their regular kibble rations to get them working a little harder for their din-din.

3. Find It!

Playing games with your dog has benefits for both you and your canine companion. It helps you to access the joy and stress relieving benefits of time spent with dogs. One of the best games to play is “Find it!” which is easy to train and will provide hours of fun for your dog.

Hiding a favorite toy or treat can be a great way to get your dog using their head and sniffer. Start by making this game really easy, even letting your dog see you hide their reward. Then, increase the difficulty for more of a challenge once they “get it.”

4. Impulse Control

Training your dog to learn that patience can have its own rewards is another way to stimulate their mind and build focus. Training tricks such as stay, wait, leave it, and holding a down are great behaviors to have on tap and they also keep your dog’s mental gears engaged.

The trick to teaching any of the delayed reward behaviors is to start by rewarding even the smallest success, even as little as a second or two. Don’t expect your dog to “stay” for 5 minutes right off the bat. Instead, reward a few seconds of a stay 5-10 times before raising the bar.

If your dog is failing a lot to meet your criteria, then it is your job to lower the criteria to set them up for success. Over time you will keep your dog’s attention when they are rewarded often for success rather than failing often because you set the bar too high.

5. Dog Obstacle Course

If you happen to have kids in your household, here is a dog physical and mental exercise that will help everyone stave off the boredom of quarantine. Use household items such as sheets, buckets, broomsticks, pillows, doormats and even furniture to make a homemade doggy agility course in the house or back yard.

Teach each of the obstacles to your dog using positive reinforcement. Once they have mastered each of the individual obstacles, line them up to create an agility course of your own. Keep the tone positive and exciting, rewarding often, to keep your dog engaged in the process while activating his mind and body.

About This Page

Pet Type:

DOG

Topic:

Exercise Health & Nutrition

Date:

23/04/2020