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4 Eco-Friendly Activities to Do with Pets at Home

Posted on by Above1 Support
dog playing outside with people

This year’s Earth Month celebrations may look a little different for pet parents, but did you know slowing down and staying close to home can have a positive impact on the environment? 

Think about it: There are fewer cars on the road, we take more steps on foot, are more mindful of the things we buy and have the time and space for activities with a light foot (or, paw) print. 

Our furry family members love us unconditionally and are so happy to spend more time with their people! Here are some low-impact activities you can take up with your pet by your side:

1. Plant a pet-friendly garden

Now’s a great time to weed, turn over and clean out your garden plots to make room for new growth this spring! Vegetables, fruit bushes, flower beds…the possibilities are endless. If you have a safe, fenced-in outdoor space, your pet will love time in the sun while you work.

Pets and plants don’t always get along, though, so creating balance ensures the two live in harmony. Check out How to Plant a Pet Friendly Garden This Spring for more.

2. Stay active outdoors

In times of in-office work and school, we’d de-stress by looking at images of nature, which can have the same calming effects on the brain as being in nature. With that, just think of how powerful actually being outside can be for your mental health and the wellness of your pet!

Sitting outside and taking walks with your pet are wonderful opportunities to connect with the world and check in with the mind and body. To ensure you leave your path better than you found it, see these 5 Ways to Make Outdoor Excursions with Your Pet More Eco-Friendly. And while we are quarantining, remember to always follow social distancing guidelines. That said, you may need to slightly adjust your outdoor-time approach.

3. Get crafty with a Do-It-Yourself project

Now that you get to spend all this lovely time with your furry family member(s), showering them with attention might bring to mind new toys, collars and other accessories. Instead of buying new, take this opportunity to slow down and get creative by upcycling items you already have into treats your pets will love.

Turn old t-shirts into a ball toss toy for your dog, and toilet paper rolls into a lightweight ball for your cat. You can even make everyday items out of empty Wellness Pet Food packaging, such as a water bowl, treat holder, or a cute little cape for your mighty mutt! 

4. Keep recycling Wellness pet food and treat packaging

Now more than ever, recycling is an eco-activity that lowers your carbon footprint and protects the planet for future generations of pets! All Wellness dry food and treat flexible plastic packaging can be easily recycled through our free TerraCycle program. Just join, collect and download a prepaid label from your account.

Bonus: the more you recycle, the more points you earn in exchange for a cash donation to your favorite pet charity or nonprofit organization.

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Looking for more ways to make a difference while palling around with your pets? Check out How to be an Environmentally Conscious Pet Parent.

 

10 Ways to Feed Your Indoor Cat Right [Checklist]

Posted on by Above1 Support
indoor cat eating

There’s no question that cats that have an indoor lifestyle are much safer when protected from outdoor predators, social challenges and diseases. But they need additional mental and physical activities and the right indoor cat food diet specific to their everyday needs to ensure they don’t put on weight and lead happy and healthy lives.

1. Find the Best Indoor Cat Food

Cats are carnivores. But, because they tend to be less active, the best indoor cat food will contain the following ingredients:

  • Very digestible high-quality protein source as the #1 ingredient.
  • Calorie count is lower than standard recipes for weight management.
  • High fiber to aid digestion, control hairballs and help manage a healthy body weight. Plus, prebiotics (chicory root) and probiotics (all the fermentation products listed on the ingredient panel) to help reduce litter box odor.
  • Natural proteins that have the 11 essential amino acids cats require including Taurine, a dietary essential. Taurine deficiency in cats can cause a host of issues such as blindness, cardiomyopathy and heart failure, inadequate immune response and reproductive failure. 
  • Rich is essential fatty acids – Omega 3 and Omega 6 keep a cat’s skin and coat healthy. 
  • Essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, copper, thiamine riboflavin and pyridoxine for optimum body and immune function.

2. Control Feeding for Weight Management

Cats are nibblers and love to come and go to the food bowl. But, it’s important to control their daily allowance by measuring portion sizes and not free-feeding to ensure they don’t overeat.

  • Always use a standard measuring cup.
  • Don’t heap it – that’s extra food and extra calories!
  • Indoor cats are less active. So, weight management is key. Overweight cats are more prone to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and renal failure. Wellness CORE Indoor Deboned Chicken, Turkey and Chicken Meals recipe has 10% less calories than CORE Original recipe. It’s formulated to support the needs of indoor living with less fat and high levels of Omega fatty acids to nourish skin and coat and contains natural fiber for weight management
  • If your cat prefers seafood flavors, try CORE Indoor: Salmon & Herring which offers guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids and probiotics, to help indoor cats thrive.

3. Address Excessive Grooming with a Diet for Hairballs

Shedding is largely influenced by the number of hours a cat is exposed to light in a day (called a photoperiod). Cats who live indoors, especially when they’re in homes with both heat and air conditioning, can be in a constant state of shedding because their biological system becomes confused by temperature controls.

  • Cats are efficient self-groomers. But when they groom themselves, they can ingest loose hairs, which cause hairballs. These, in turn, can lead to a dangerous intestinal blockage. 
  • In addition, excess dead skin and hair forms knotted clumps and mats. 
  • A diet specially formulated for hairball control such as Wellness Hairball Control with Wholesome Grains: Chicken Meal & Rice formula offers a precise blend of natural fiber formulated to help move hair through the digestive tract plus guaranteed levels of Omega Fatty Acids from flaxseed and added vitamin E for skin and coat health.

4. Vary Dry Food Protein Options 

  • Chicken and turkey are considered easily digestible proteins for indoor cats.
  • Read labels to gauge protein amounts. Veterinarians recommend between 35%-40% protein for their daily intake.
  • Be sure there is always fresh water alongside the food bowl so that cats can remain properly hydrated.
  • Apart from those options listed under Grooming above, the Wellness lineup includes the following high-quality protein recipe options: 
    Complete Health Indoor with Wholesome Grains Deboned Chicken & Chicken Meal.
    This recipe contains healthy fiber and L-Carnitine to support cats with a less active lifestyle. The food also helps maintain healthy hips and joints with added glucosamine and chondroitin as well as shedding support with Omega Fatty Acids for healthy skin & coat. 
  • CORE RawRev Indoor + 100% Raw Turkey: This recipe has been formulated with optimal levels of fat and calories to support cats with a less-active indoor lifestyle. This high-protein, grain-free kibble is also combined with pieces of 100% freeze-dried turkey liver to provide a boost of protein, enzymes and minerals in their most natural state.

5. Add in Wet Food Options 

Wet foods offer cats much needed moisture to help remain healthy since many cats do not have a high thirst drive. Popular indoor lifestyle menu options include: 

  • CORE Pâté Indoor Chicken & Chicken Liver 
    Formulated with lower fat levels for cats who live an indoor lifestyle. It’s made with wholesome ingredients that are free from grains, carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives to give your cat the energy it needs to thrive.
  • CORE Hearty Cuts Indoor Chicken & Turkey 
    This recipe has thick meaty cuts of chicken and turkey in a rich, delicious gravy mixed with superfoods such as carrots and spinach. It’s also lower calories to help indoor cats achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Some veterinarians recommend a wet food diet for a cat prone to Feline Urinary Syndrome/Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FUS/FLUTD) to help increase water intake and urine volume.

6. Feed A Combination Diet

Cats are often labelled finicky eaters. But in fact, they just have their favorites in terms of both taste and texture. They are also smart. So, giving them a diet of wet and dry food allows them to eat their wet food while its fresh and palatable and save the dry portion of their meals for little nibbles throughout the day.

7. Add Vertical Space for Your Indoor Cat

A tall cat condo or cat tree can greatly improve the lifestyle of an indoor cat as going vertical gives them more ‘real estate’.

  • Vertical space gives cats a place to escape for some privacy and a quiet nap. And, climbing up and down keeps them active.
  • Some cat trees even have food bowl attachments for high-rise eating which means your feline has to burn some calories at meal times.
  • Place at a window overlooking a garden or street view to keep them engaged with outside activity.

8. Use Food Puzzles and Games

Puzzles and board games can double up as feeders and encourage cats to work for their food.

  • They offer mental enrichment and physical activity as cats extricate kibble from such products.
  • Take a portion of your cat’s daily kibble allowance and allocate to placing it in such a toy.

9. Ensure Exercise for Your Indoor Cat

It’s important to encourage activity by engaging your cat in games.

  • Teach your cat to play fetch with a small toy that she can easily pick up and carry in her mouth.
  • Wand toys encourage a cat to hone her hunting and pouncing skills – and they get you involved too!
  • Catnip toys rev up your kitty’s inner lion too!
  • Place the food station far away from your cat’s favorite snooze zone encouraging her to walk there and back for meals and daily grazing.

10. Supplement Your Indoor Cat’s Diet With Greens 

cat eating cat grass

Supplement your indoor cat’s diet with fresh greens.

  • You can purchase ready-to-eat wheat grass for your kitty.
  • Alternately, consider growing your own cat grass. For variety, you could grow oats, barley and rye. They are even growing kits in pet stores and online.
  • A fresh catnip plant will also give kitty an exciting snack to nibble on. If your cat is not used to catnip or if you have not used it before, we advise speaking with your veterinarian to be sure they are comfortable with you offering it to your cat.
  • Place your kitty’s edible garden next to a water fountain. Flowing water encourages cats to drink and this is key to a healthy indoor lifestyle.

We’d love to see photographs of your cat and her favorite indoor menu options. Please share your photos with us by tagging #wellnesspetfood and @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social pages!

4 Protein Options for Dog Food Without Chicken

Posted on by Above1 Support

There are several reasons why pet parents may prefer a dog food without chicken for their adored fur kids. Primarily, it could be that their pooch is allergic to chicken. Secondly, there’s no question that dogs, like people, have their food favorites and may prefer another tasty protein flavor instead. And, this taps directly into the growing trend of rotating menu options and offering dogs a greater variety in the food bowl. After all, dinner time is a great bonding experience with your pooch.

And while we know that selecting the right taste and texture for mealtime enjoyment is important, here are some other reasons to consider a dog food without chicken:

  • Some recipes offer more protein that others and could be a better choice for high-energy dogs that have a very active lifestyle. 
  • Some menu options may offer higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin than others, a good option for dogs with joint issues. 
  • A recipe with higher levels of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids could be worth considering for a dog with skin and coat issues.

Here are four dog foods without chicken, all offering high-quality protein sources:

Protein 1: Lamb

lamb as option for dog food without chicken

Pet nutritionists consider lamb to be a popular protein choice for pets that are allergic to chicken or other commonly used protein sources. It is rich in high-quality, digestible protein, and often suggested as a meal for high-energy and very active dogs.

Lamb has a high myoglobin content, making it an iron-rich protein source and is an excellent source of vitamin B-12. 

Lamb is considered an excellent natural source of essential amino acids vital for canine growth, a healthy immune system, muscle maintenance as well as hair and nails and is an excellent source of carnitine for heart health and vital for helping metabolize fats in the body.

CORE SIX Free-Range Lamb Recipe

The CORE SIX ingredients, namely free-range Lamb, Lamb Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Pea Protein and Canola Oil make this a well-balanced diet. Apart from being completely poultry-free, it also doesn’t contain potatoes making it suitable for dogs with sensitive tummies.  

Protein 2: Whitefish

whitefish as option for protein dog food without chicken

The term Whitefish refers to any type of fish that has flaky white meat. Most whitefish such as cod and pollock are low in fat, but have a high amount of protein with lots vitamins and essential minerals. This makes it an excellent protein source for dogs. Whitefish is known for its high phosphorus content which is known to help maintain good bone structure and density in healthy dogs.

Whitefish contains lots of B vitamins–vitamin B12 essential for healthy nerve function and the production of new red blood cells, and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), for proper protein metabolism. While vitamin B3 (niacin) aids in energy metabolism and helps support the immune system. Plus, whitefish contains nutrients known to promote help promote healthy brain function.

CORE RawRev Wholesome Grains Ocean + 100% Raw Fish

This poultry-free fish dinner combines high-protein, fish-based kibble with pieces of 100% raw whitefish for a balanced meal that is naturally rich in omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. The raw fish pieces have been freeze-dried using the latest technology making it a safe and a convenient way of offering pets crave-worthy taste with the benefits of raw protein as a part of their regular diet. Wellness CORE RawRev contains no artificial ingredients, colors or preservatives. This single-source protein recipe is a great food option for dogs with chicken-sensitivities or those who enjoy the taste of seafood.

Protein 3: Beef

beef as protein option dog food without chicken

Beef has always been a popular protein choice for dogs because it has a well-balanced nutrient profile containing a wide range of vitamins including essentials like B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine) B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin), as well as minerals like iron, phosphorus and zinc and amino acids considered crucial for strong bones and building cartilage. Beef is an excellent source of carnitine including L-Carnosine for heart health and vital for helping metabolize fats in the body.

CORE Simply Shreds Mixer or Topper Tuna, Beef & Carrots

This recipe comes in a pouch and is designed to be served as a healthy snack as part of a dog’s daily calorie intake or as a meal mixer to add additional flavor and protein to kibble. It’s made from five simple ingredients, with the tuna and beef proteins shredded and added to the diced veggies in a savory broth. 

Protein 4: Turkey

turkey as protein option dog food without chicken

Turkey is a lean meat known to be a very digestible, high-quality protein source for dogs. It is rich in B vitamins and loaded with minerals such as selenium which is known for its antioxidant properties. Plus, turkey is high in zinc as well as phosphorus. Phosphorus is essential for strong, healthy bones.

While turkey is considered poultry, its nutrient properties are different from chicken making it a safe protein alternative for chicken-sensitive dogs. 

CORE 95% Turkey with Spinach

This complete and balanced recipe features turkey as an antioxidant rich, single-source protein. Spinach is considered a superfood as its rich in magnesium and iron and the recipe is fortified with Omega 3s obtained from flaxseed. The recipe is grain-free and has a creamy pate-style texture making it suitable as a complete meal or topper on kibble for additional flavor and a protein boost.

Do you have a dog that enjoys any of these recipes? Please share your photos with us by tagging #wellnesspetfood and @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social pages!

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What Type of Dog Food to Feed to Prevent Itchy Skin

Posted on by Above1 Support
itchy baegle dog

Itchy skin is one of the most common signs of a dog food allergy or a food sensitivity causing fixated scratching, attempts to bite the area and even “butt ski” to eradicate an annoying irritation. Selecting a food with a single protein source and limited ingredients can be a good choice in finding a dog food for itchy skin and preventing it from being an ongoing problem.

Dog Food for Itchy Skin: Identifying the Allergy

Pets can be allergic to variety of things beyond the food bowl. Environmental inhalants like dust, pollen and mold are very common (especially in spring time). Not to mention parasites such as fleas. It can take just one flea bite to have a significant allergic reaction.

“Itchiness and skin upsets can also be sign of more serious underlying medical conditions so always work with your veterinarian first to try and identify what could be causing these issues,” explains Wellness Pet Food veterinarian Dr. Danielle Bernal. “If it is a food allergy, they will be able to recommend both a medical and dietary plan to help them recover.”

A Food Allergy Versus A Food Sensitivity? 

The immune system produces antibodies that protect against unwanted foreign bodies in the system that may potentially cause certain illnesses or infections. (This is the same for people and pets.)  A food-related allergic reaction occurs when the immune system makes antibodies that identify a protein as harmful, when in fact, it isn’t. This is what veterinary professionals describe as an inappropriate immune reaction to a protein ingredient in a pet food recipe.

A food intolerance, or sensitivity, is a temporary tummy upset in the digestive tract and doesn’t involve the immune system. An allergic reaction is longer lasting and can continue even after the offending protein has been eliminated until the immune system gets back to normal.

A food sensitivity issue or a full-blown allergic reaction can happen to a dog literally “out of the blue” and, at any age. 

“However, they usually appear after the pet is six months of age, with the majority of affected dogs being over one or two years of age,” adds Bernal.

Typical Signs and Symptoms of a Food Allergy or Intolerance

  • Itchiness, most often affecting the face, causing a dog to constantly paw at its snout. 
  • Recurring ear issues including ear-scratching, head-shaking and ear infections.
  • Hot spots on the feet and between the toes.
  •  Redness and swelling around the anal area.
  • Other symptoms can include digestive issues such as vomiting, a bloated tummy, diarrhea and nausea and a refusal to eat. 

hot spots on dog

Team Up with Your Veterinarian

If you notice any of the above symptoms or anything else out of the ordinary, the best course of action is to initiate a conversation with your veterinarian who knows your pet’s unique health profile and who can best help you identify if it is a food allergy or a food sensitivity and suggest the right dog food for itchy skin and eradicate the problem.

Most likely, your veterinarian will want to start with a series of diagnostic tests to get to an actual diagnosis. Determining food allergies is not usually a quick fix. Discuss the possible need for a medication such as an anti-inflammatory or an antihistamine to bring the situation under control more quickly. And, if it is food-related, the next step would be to work together to find the right dog food for your dog’s itchy skin.

How to Find the Culprit Protein 

Tests done at the vet’s office will steer you in the right direction to change your dog’s diet. The food trials begin! It can be a slow process. And it takes patience.  

The idea behind a food trial is selecting to feed a protein that your dog has not eaten within the last 6 months. For example, if he’s been eating chicken, take it off the menu. When your dog is on a food trial and trying out a new recipe, be sure you eliminate the protein you are suspicious of completely from his diet, including switching to different treats and even toothpaste if it is flavored while you are doing the food trial. 

A recipe with one animal protein source and a limited ingredient list is a good place to start to help a dog with itchy skin especially if it’s identified as a food intolerance problem. Wellness CORE SIX recipes are limited-ingredient, (six main ingredient sources) high-protein diets that delivers the balanced nutrition your dog needs to thrive from the core. Each recipe contains only one thoughtfully-sourced novel animal protein and a short list of hardworking, powerful, non-GMO ingredients. They are: 

Wellness CORE SIX Cage-Free Duck

Wellness CORE SIX Free-Range Lamb

Wellness CORE SIX Sustainably-Sourced Salmon

Wellness CORE SIX Small Breed Sustainably-Sourced Salmon

The Wellness helpline is a great resource to provide answers to questions that address your dog’s dietary needs. Tel. 800-225-0904. Monday – Friday 8.am – 5pm ET. 

If you have dog that is thriving on a Wellness CORE SIX recipe, please share your photos with us by tagging #wellnesspetfood and @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social pages!

To Our Fellow Pet Parents:

Posted on by Above1 Support
purple header

March 30, 2020

To our fellow pet parents,

Our Wellness family, including all the pets who enjoy our food are located all over the world, so you can trust us to be here for you, as we remain committed to supporting your pets’ nutrition.

I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Wellies who are doing extraordinary work to make sure your pets have their favorite food. Even as the demand on us to supply food is great, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our employees and to ensure that we continue to maintain the highest quality standards of pet food production.

We know this is a concerning time, and so I want to share steps we’re taking to keep our team safe and to continue to deliver the highest quality food:

•    We have adjusted operations so that our non-production employees are all working from home
•    Flexible hours are available for our employees who are managing things like school and childcare facility closures
•    Our production facilities are limited to essential personnel only
•    We are staggering production shifts to protect our employees, setting up additional break rooms and maintaining social distancing
•    While we’re always vigilant about sanitation, we have significantly enhanced these protocols and implemented CDC recommendations to keep our sites and employees safe
•    All of our employees receive paid leave and sick time benefits

Given these important updates, you will continue to be able to find the products you need and your pets enjoy. If we can help you find a product, or if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Consumer Affairs team at 800-225-0904, info@wellpet.com or on social media via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Please continue to support pet specialty retailers, many are now offering curbside pick up, home delivery and online shopping.

Wellness is also supporting the wellbeing of pets through our Wellness Foundation, by supplying pet food where it is needed within the Best Friends Animal Society shelter network. If you are looking for ways to help pets during this crisis, check out this link from our blog for a few ideas.

We appreciate your loyalty to Wellness and our family of brands. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted.

Our dogs and cats are a source of comfort every day, but now more than ever they are helping ground us and give us hope during this crisis. We will get through this together.

Stay well and take care,

Camelle Kent

Camelle Kent

CEO, Wellness Natural Pet Food, a member of the WellPet family of brands

How to Avoid Overfeeding Our Pets When We Are Home

Posted on by Above1 Support
dog begging for food

Whether you work from home or are currently transitioning to a home-based work environment due to the current pandemic, there is a lot to consider when it comes to our pets. It may seem silly but interacting with our pets should be on the list of items to consider when creating a home office because spending more time at home can warrant behavior changes and disruption at mealtime for our furry friends.

If you aren’t home all day, you’re probably unaware of what your pet’s routine is like (unless you spy on them with a pet cam). Because you aren’t there, they have to fend for themselves. This is why behavior disruption can take place when you spend more time with your pets. If you start to work from home, your pet will look to you for attention, affection and food. And the more you’re around, the more they will seek to gain. These behaviors may seem harmless at first, but it’s important to ensure you react to them appropriately by keeping their health and wellness a top priority.

 

Avoiding Overfeeding at Mealtime


When humans are home more, a common issue tends to be overfeeding. Overfeeding can occur in two ways: mealtime and treats. When it comes to mealtime, you want to stick to a routine that works for everyone involved. If you don’t have a set work schedule at home, create one. The more routine you can create, the less likely your pet will be to beg for food or treats. Try to feed your pet at the same time every morning and night to show them there is a proper time to eat. This will help cut down on begging and other negative behaviors.

 

 

Avoid Overfeeding Treats

 

While you may have mealtimes set in stone, another way our pets trick us into getting more is through treats. Just like scheduling mealtime, set up a treat schedule with your pet. If you normally offer treats after you walk your dog or to your cat after playtime, stay consistent, but if those behaviors happen more frequently, be aware of the extra treats that are being served.

If you don’t have a treat schedule, consider creating one. You may not realize how many treats you are offering. Keeping a tally directly on the treat bag is a great way to track and monitor your pet’s intake.

If you are often home and like to offer your pet treats, look for some low calorie options especially if they are unable to receive excessive time to exercise. All Wellness treats are made with healthy, natural ingredients, so you know your pet is getting some nutrition while enjoying a delicious snack.

For our feline friends, check out Kittles. These grain-free treats offer a variety of irresistible flavors and are only 2 calories per treat. With all-natural ingredients and teeth cleaning goodness, these treats will keep everyone happy.

 

The Nutritional Cost


We may love our fur babies, but if we don’t monitor and control what they are eating and how much, we can set them up for future health complications. Overfeeding can cause overweight animals that are more prone to arthritis, heart and kidney disease, cancer, and more. Love your pet with kisses, hugs, and your time, not with food.

 

 

Alternative Options


Just like us humans, when pets are bored, they get hungry. If you have more time at home, spend some of it with your furry friend. Take your pup out for a walk, drag a feather toy and play with your cat and if you’re working from home, schedule in some time to ensure your pet feels loved and cared for. This is especially necessary if they are not used to having you home. Create boundaries when it comes time to work but use your breaks to show them you care. If you take the time to show them attention before you start your day, they will give you the peace and quiet you need to complete your tasks.

 

The bottom line here: don’t give in. They will whine and beg, but you have to stay strong if you want to break the behavior. Remember, your pets are fine all day at home without you. Don’t let them make you think otherwise. Create a schedule and stick to it. This is the best way to love your pet.

5 Boredom Busters for Dogs While We’re All Home

Posted on by Above1 Support
dog playing with a toy

Are you frustrated with your pup because of bad behavior? Are they restless, chewing things they shouldn’t, pawing for attention or digging holes in your yard? While these behaviors may seem like typical puppy play, you could be dealing with a case of doggy boredom.

Doggy boredom occurs when your pup has too much energy. Essentially, it means your pup isn’t getting enough stimulation, and that physical energy is building up inside of them with no form of release. Dogs can also grow bored of a monotonous routine, just like we can. They are smarter than they sometimes let on. Here are a few ways to shake up your pup’s routine and get them back on track to good behavior and a happy way of life.

1. Play:

pit bull kdog running playing

The simple answer here is play with your dog! Dogs are a bundle of joy and want to spend as much time with you as they can. Play tug of war, play a game of fetch or invent a game of your own. Roll on the ground, run around the yard, and see the world from your dog’s perspective. A little playtime is good for you and your pup!

2. Walk:

dog getting ready for a walk

Photo via Tim Umphreys, Unsplash

Take a walk! It seems simple, but more often than not, our pups simply need more exercise. Think of your dog as a growing child. They have a ton of energy and need a way to release it. Add more walking time into your routine and see the changes take place, but don’t stick to the same old route. Try something new. Walk down a different path, head to a new location, or even travel to a hiking trail. Just like people, they enjoy a change of scenery.

3. Training Games:

Just like people, dogs can become bored when they aren’t challenged. Try some new tricks or new training activities with your pup. Do they know how to sit, stand up, or twirl? Do they know how to fetch and rollover? Get creative and teach your dog to fetch certain items in the house or even the paper outside. Wearing your dog out isn’t just about physical movement. Get them thinking and keep their brains active.

4. Fun Treats:

There are a lot of great treat options out there that will please your pup’s palette, keep them healthy and keep them busy. Try a Kong filled with peanut butter or yogurt and pop in the freeze. If your dog likes to chew, check out WHIMZEES—all-natural, long-lasting daily dental chews scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth while keeping them busy. For more great options, check out our full line up of Wellness natural dog treats for lots of healthy, delicious options for dogs of all ages.

5. Interactive Toys:

While a ball or stuffed animal can provide a dog a few moments of joy, interactive toys offer a whole new world to our furry friends. Let some of the great new technology work for you! You can find automatic ball launchers, battery-operated toys that move and dispense food, along with puzzle toys that foster brain development and physical movement. If you need a break, sit back and let the batteries do the work!

Every pup is different, so it may take some time to figure out what works for you and your furry friend. Start by introducing a few of these options into their routine and note the changes. Be sure to give your pup time to adjust to new items and environments, especially when socializing. Just like us, a few weeks with a new routine can change our perspectives and our lives.

6 Tips for Working at Home with Pets

Posted on by Above1 Support
person working from home with cat

If you are new to the work-from-home scene, you may be feeling mixed emotions about your new gig, but working from home can be quite beneficial, especially if you have a furry friend!

Think about it. You have the comforts of home, you can dress in your pajamas, and you have your favorite being in the entire universe next to you while you get paid to work, but, and there is always a but, how do you effectively work from home with a pet?

Here are some ways to get yourself into a new working routine when you have pets at home to keep you company:

1. Create a Workspace:

When it comes to a home office, some of us may have more options than others. If possible, try to separate yourself from your pets to ensure you have a functional workspace. Go into a room and use a door as a barrier. This will set a clear message that you are unavailable to play or cuddle. If a separate room isn’t possible, try using a space that is higher up, such as a table or countertop, so your pet cannot disrupt your papers, computer or other materials.

dog making a mess

2. Work Time vs. Play Time:

If you have a needy pet, you may have to set some work-from-home boundaries. Just like you normally leave the house for the day, head to your “home office” and shut the door, physically separating you from your pet. If this isn’t possible, set up times to play. Take some time to tire your pet out before you sit down to work, so they will be less likely to bother you. When you get up for a break or a snack, include your furry friend so they learn to understand the difference between work time and playtime.

3. Setting a Schedule:

Working from home is a great option, especially if you get to make your own hours, but sometimes too much freedom can be a curse. Just like working in an office or at a site, set up a schedule to keep you and your pet in a working routine. 

  • Meals: This may mean changing meal times, but they will adjust. No matter what you choose, pick a schedule, stick to it, and always feed them before you start your day in the home office.
  • Walks: If you have a dog, be sure to pencil in an appropriate time to take your furry friend out. This is a great way for you both to release some energy and spend some quality time together.

4. Treat Tricks:

Working from home means your pet will see a lot more of you than they normally would. With that said, be sure to watch those treats! It can be easy to overfeed our pets when we are with them for long periods of time. Keep a running tally at your desk to keep you and your furry friend on track. For a healthy option, check out WHIMZEES, all-natural daily dog dental treats that also double as a long-lasting chew to keep your dog occupied. 

5. Creature Comforts:

Your pet may simply want to be near you while you work without being a bother, and that’s great to hear! Move your pet’s bed or favorite blanket into your workspace, so they can keep you company in comfort.

6. Don’t Give In:

If working from home is new for your pet, they will most likely try some tricks to get your attention. This could include begging, whining, or scratching at the door. Stay strong, just like when they were small. Set firm boundaries and good behavior will follow.

While we treat our pets like family, it’s still a good idea to set boundaries and stick to them. This is the best way to ensure you can create a working environment that works for you and your pet. At the end of the day, remember to be flexible and work with your furry co-worker to create a space that works for everyone.

It’s also important to remember that change takes time for them just as much as it does for us. Give your furry friend some time and space to process your presence during the day, especially if they are used to being home alone. With these tips, you are both on your way to a happy and healthy working future.

How Your Pets Can Help with Anxiety When You’re Under Quarantine

Posted on by Above1 Support
woman with cat

Pets can sense more than we realize. They know when we are sick, they know when we’ve had a bad day and they know when we need some extra love as we traverse a tough breakup. Heck, they can even sense natural disasters before they happen! But when the world hits pause, and we are told to stay in our homes, we enter uncharted territory. How do we combat the fear of the unknown when we can’t leave our homes? Two words–our pets. 

Let’s take a moment to turn away from our fears and toward our furry friends. It’s time we realize all the benefits our four-legged family members have to offer.

It’s Science!

As we approach and experience lockdowns and quarantines from the COVID-19 virus, this new territory can cause our nerves to rattle and our anxiety to rear its ugly head, but this is the time where our pets can shine. Did you know the medical field encourages furry family members based on real data? Scientific research has shown the relationships between pets and their owners decrease anxiety, depression and loneliness and support general wellness. Through a series of testing, scientists have seen pet interactions lower blood pressure and heart rate which reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels. Animals causing humans joy is literally science!

Pets also give their owners purpose by providing a consistent support that establishes routine. When we decide to get a pet, we essentially become a parent. Natural instincts kick in and enhance our self-worth by creating purpose through feeding, bathing, walking, and more. Believe it not, this type of stability creates certainty in the brain that fosters mental health and overall wellbeing.

While interacting with animals is scientifically shown to improve our moods, knowing you have an animal friend with you through tough times significantly impacts our hearts and psyches. Pets provide us with a sense of security, especially through difficult experiences. When you go home, you know you have a furry friend you can count on who doesn’t judge or cause emotional harm. Think about the surge of pet-therapy animals that are sweeping the nation ensuring their owners feel comfortable and safe everywhere they go, allowing them to regain a sense of confidence and peace in an ever-changing world.

Beyond pet therapy, everyday pet owners are reaping the benefits of being around their animals. In a survey from the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, three-quarters of people who owned pets reported their mental health improved simply from having animals in the home. The institute also conducted a study in which 80% of pet owners said they feel less lonely because of their pet, while

76% of non-pet owners agreed that interacting with animals can reduce the feeling of social isolation. Our animal friends keep our moods elevated and our spirits lifted by offering us constant companionship and unconditional love.

Finding Peace in a Time of Crisis

While it may feel difficult in the beginning stages of this pandemic, there is always a silver lining. We have time to slow down, get grounded and find peace in new ways. For many of us working folks, we only see our animals after a long day away from home. Now, we can find the time to give them the love they deserve, and more importantly, let them love us back. We can’t control the world around us, but we can control our time with our loved ones which include our pets.

Through time at home, we too can benefit from the advantages and benefits our pets naturally offer. You may be stuck in the house, but you are never alone when it comes to your pets. They wake up with you in the morning, help you cook your daily meals and if permitted, they get you out of the house on a daily walk. They are your TV buddy, your reading partner and of course, the best snugglers known to man. When you are feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, stop, drop what you are doing and go to your animal friend for a sloppy kiss or a long hug.

Make sure you reward your pets with some great treats during this trying time. Check out the array of products Wellness Pet Food has to offer. From all-natural food to healthy snacks for dog and cats, show your pets how much you appreciate them and reciprocate their unconditional love. 

5 Ways You Can Help Animals in Need During COVID-19

Posted on by Above1 Support

If you’re like a lot of people currently home and glued to the news during this health crisis, you may feel like there’s not much you can do to help. The good news is that there are things you can do as an animal lover now to help animals in need during this unprecedented time.

Many animal shelters across the country have had to shut their doors in recent days to protect against the spread of the virus.

First, it is important to know that according to multiple health organizations, animals are not at risk for contracting coronavirus. But they do need our help, now more than ever.

These are 5 things you can do right now to ease the burden on local animal shelters, compiled in part by our partner Best Friends Animal Society:

Best Friend Animal Society

1. Foster:

First and foremost, foster. It’s one of the biggest needs right now. If you can help even for a short time it will make a huge difference. Visit the Best Friends Animal Society network partner webpage to find an organization near you.

foster dog

2. Volunteer:

If you have the capacity to volunteer for local animal welfare organizations – even if from your home – reach out and see what support they need. Take an additional step and post those needs on your social media channels to spread the word.

3. Help Your Neighbor:

If you have neighbors who are self-quarantined or otherwise in need of help, make sure they have enough pet food, offer to walk their dog or to take pets for routine vet visits. (Be sure to follow the CDC’s guidance on interacting with quarantined individuals, make sure that local vet clinics are still open, and abide by their enhanced safety protocols.)

4. Donate:

Of course, animals still need to be fed and cleaning and medical supplies are still needed. If you’re able, donate to your local animal shelter, rescue group or at Best Friends. At Wellness Pet Food, we’re donating food and treats to shelters in need.

5. Adopt:

When Fort Bend County Animal Services saw the decrease in pet adoptions and people coming into the shelter, they quickly displayed some lifesaving ingenuity by kicking off COVID-19 compliant adoption services such as virtual and curbside adoptions in their community.

If you have the resources and desire to adopt an animal during this time, check with your local shelter. Shelters are quickly adapting their pet adoptions to keep people safe while helping clear the shelters. 
Now more than ever, this is our moment to help each other and to work together for the welfare of animals and people. 
 
If you have additional suggestions on how to help pets in need during the COVID-19 outbreak, please share with us by tagging @wellnesspetfood and @bestfriendsanimalsociety

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.

About This Page

Pet Type:

CAT DOG

Topic:

Pet Rescue & Adoption

Date:

19/03/2020

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