Doggy breath is something no pet parent wants to face, especially when your dog tries to cover you in kisses. Many pet parents may consider stinky dog breath just a normal reality of having a dog, but that’s not the case. In fact, bad dog breath can be a key sign that your dog may be suffering from a more serious health concern such as dental disease, diabetes or kidney and liver disease. Here are 5 quick tips on how to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and their breath fresh:
1. Take your dog to the veterinarian annually:
The most common cause of bad dog breath is poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease. Your veterinarian is also your dog’s dentist, so ensuring your dog has their annual checkup is key to keeping them healthy. Should there be signs of dental disease, your vet can perform a professional cleaning. During this procedure, your vet will remove plaque and tartar, evaluate and resolve mouth infection and extract any loose or compromised teeth. This will not only have your dog feeling a whole lot better, but it helps reduce the overall bacterial presence that were key contributors to your dog’s bad breath.
2. Keep their mouth clean – Brushing:
It takes as little as 24 hours after a professional cleaning for bacteria to start accumulating on teeth as plaque. To help keep this in check, the gold standard technique is to brush your dog’s teeth every day with special doggie toothpaste (never use human toothpaste). Brushing mechanically removes plaque from the teeth, leaving them clean and leaving the mouth smelling fresher.
For most pet parents, the thought of brushing their dog’s teeth creates feelings of anxiety and stress. Hence, it’s not surprising that only 2% of dog parents brush their dog’s teeth every day. An easier approach to cleaning your dog’s teeth is to use a scientifically proven dog dental chew like WHIMZEES Dental Treats. These dental treats work like a toothbrush because as a dog chews the treat, the WHIMZEES rubs against the teeth to remove plaque and bacteria. Best of all, designed with ridges, grooves and nubs, WHIMZEES Dental Treats ensure the treat reaches the whole mouth including the back teeth which are usually hardest to reach.
We all know dogs tend to eat some inappropriate things if given a chance such as feces, garbage or other stinky substances. Should this be your dog, ensure their yard is always clean, they are kept on a lead during walks and that they no longer have access to garbage bins. Prevention is the cure on this one!
5. Keep them healthy:
Feeding your dog a high-quality natural, balanced diet and providing them with plenty of water, activity and exercise is key to keeping them in good health. Along with these daily habits, be sure to visit the vet at least once a year to ensure your dog is at an optimal weight and to check for other health problems that could present with bad breath such as diabetes. Should dental disease not be the cause of your dog’s bad breath, the annual checkup can help your veterinarian pick up on the underlying cause of your dog’s bad breath before it gets serious.
Getting a new puppy can be an exciting – and sometimes overwhelming! – experience. But don’t worry. With the right supplies and lots of love, you’ll be the best puppy parent in no time! Below is a list of things your new puppy needs when he comes home to live with his forever family.
Now that you know what your new puppy needs, keep reading to see why he needs them!
1. Quality puppy chow.
Make sure to provide your puppy high-quality food that has the right mix of nutrients specifically formulated for his age, size and development. Wellness Pet Food has an array of yummy wet and dry recipes made just for puppies! Made with premium natural proteins, wholesome whole grains and antioxidants, your puppy will receive the right nutrients he needs as he transitions into adulthood.
2. Puppy treats.
Keep some healthy treats on hand to reward your pup. Try out these Wellness Soft Puppy Bites, which are formulated without meat by-products, corn, wheat, dairy, artificial colors or flavors. They also come in two great flavors that your puppy will love!
3. Identification.
You’ll want an identification tag with your puppy’s name and your current contact information in case of emergency. Also talk to your vet about microchipping, which is a simple and permanent form of ID that can help reunite you with your lost puppy.
4. Water and food bowls.
When looking at water and food bowls, purchase stainless steel, which collects less bacteria.
5. Puppy pads.
When house-training your puppy, arm yourself with some absorbent puppy pads to make the clean-up job easier.
6. Leash
Look for an adjustable leash to hook onto your puppy’s collar for walks around the neighborhood.
7. Crate.
Whether you’re crate training or need a portable crate to transport your puppy, choose the appropriate size to keep him feeling secure. You might need to purchase larger sizes as he grows into adulthood.
8. Collar.
Find an adjustable soft collar that will fit comfortably around your puppy’s neck. You might go through a few collars as his size increases.
9. Bedding.
Keep your puppy warm and snuggly during naptime with soft and comfortable bedding. Make sure it’s easy to throw in the washer to keep smells and accidents at bay.
10. Shampoo.
Find a gentle puppy shampoo to keep your pup clean and smelling fresh. There are an array of products available, so search for the perfect one suited to your dog’s coat.
11. Grooming Brush.
Look for a soft-bristled brush or metal comb for puppies with longer hair to keep his mane tamed and healthy.
12. Ear cleaning solution.
Find a quality ear cleaner to keep your new puppy’s ears clean and healthy.
13. Teeth cleaning supplies.
Find dog safe toothpaste and a toothbrush to get him accustomed to having his teeth cleaned.
14. Dog nail trimmer.
Puppies have sharp nails that grow quickly and need regular trimming. Purchase a quality dog trimmer to prevent scratches and your dog’s nails from cracking and breaking.
15. Puppy gates.
Puppy gates or playpens are a perfect way to let him roam a certain area of your home while keeping him safe when you’re not around.
16. Puppy toys.
Puppies love to play, and playtime is important as your puppy teethes and becomes part of the family. Look for interactive toys so you can join in on the fun!
17. Flea and tick medication.
As your pup explores the great outdoors, keep him safe from pests with flea and tick medication.
18. Enzyme cleaner.
Accidents happen – enzyme cleaners destroy the scent of your puppy’s accidents so he won’t try to use the same spot again.
19. Anti-chew spray.
As you puppy proof your new home, look for a natural spray that will deter him from chewing items you can’t keep out of his reach.
20. Veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will be able to address your concerns, while keeping your puppy up-to-date on vaccinations.
When preparing for your new pup, remember to keep him looking and feeling his best with quality chow from Wellness Pet Food. When you give your puppy Wellness Pet Food, you can be sure that your puppy will receive the best nutrition to fit his growing needs, since our food and treats are made with natural ingredients and crafted with your pet’s wellbeing at heart.
Puppies grow quickly, building muscles and bones, developing organs and strengthening vital systems such as their immunity and brain function. During this physical development they are facing important first-time encounters with food and experiences. With so much going on, it’s not uncommon for a new pup to occasionally get a mild upset tummy. Signs of a sensitive stomach in a puppy can include indigestion, diarrhea or loose stools, constipation, excessive gassiness and vomiting.
First, ensure there is no serious health issue with your puppy by talking to your veterinarian. If not, there are many things you can do to improve your puppy’s sensitive stomach, including finding a puppy food for sensitive stomachs. Below are our Top 10 tips for puppies that show signs of a sensitive stomach:
1. Don’t rush into a new puppy food, yet:
With a new puppy at home, some initial stomach upset can be normal. A puppy’s first few days at their new home can be stressful, leading to loose stools for 1-3 days. To help ease them into their new home, it’s best to continue feeding what the breeder or shelter gave you for the first week. Ensure that your pup has plenty of water and rest.
Once your pup starts to get settled you can gradually transition them to a new food. I recommend our Wellness Complete Health for Puppies recipe for a wholesome option with grains, or our Wellness CORE Puppy grain-free dry formula for puppies with very active lifestyles. Each of these options are made with high-quality, natural ingredients.
2. Avoid overfeeding your puppy:
Depending on the breed and age of your puppy, their stomach can range from the size of a chestnut to a tennis ball—both are rather small.
That said, it’s important to ensure you’re not overfeeding your new pup which can lead to stomach upset. A high-quality, meat-based food will be nutrient-rich so you can feed less to suit their unique needs and stomach size, but it is key to check the recommended feeding amounts. These change as a puppy grows so make sure to always turn the bag over and check the exact amount to feed your pup.
3. Avoid giving table scraps:
We all know and love those puppy dog eyes, but it’s important to resist giving them food off your plate. Even giving them a small piece or two of what you are eating can easily cause an intestinal upset in your puppy from the sudden difference in nutrition. For example, giving your puppy a single piece of bacon is comparable calorie-wise to a human eating 13 pieces of bacon!
4. Give healthy treats in moderation
Owning a new puppy means lots of training to ensure good manners as well as fun tricks you both can perform together! The role of positive reinforcement training is fundamental and offering treats is an easy, effective reward. Remember, though, puppy treats should be the same high-quality as their food. Avoid high-fat sausages or strips, inferior quality ingredients and high levels of salt, all of which can cause stomach upset in puppies.
Instead, use a healthy puppy treat like Wellness Puppy Bites Soft Lamb & Salmon. Wellness Puppy Bites contain DHA for puppies’ brain development and contain no meat by-products, corn, wheat, dairy, artificial colors or flavors which could contribute to a sensitive stomach. These super-moist treats can even be cut or ripped so you don’t overfeed while training.
5. Avoid a hard transition between puppy foods:
In a pup’s first year you may experiment with different foods. Whilst it’s vital to ensure your pup is eating high-quality nutrition, you must introduce all foods gradually over at least 4-7 days, longer than the recommendation for adult dogs (3-4 days). Your puppy’s intestinal tract is still developing. Prevent diarrhea by slowly mixing your pup’s new food into their existing diet, subtracting a little more of the old food each day.
6. Support their microflora:
Your puppy’s diet and environment have an impact on the trillions of good and bad bacteria that live in their intestinal tract. Puppies usually maintain a healthy balance of bacteria; however, in cases where a pup eats spoiled leftovers in the trash or has periods of significant stress, bad gut bacteria can increase, leading to an upset stomach. To help improve your pup’s gut health, choose a puppy food rich in prebiotics and guaranteed probiotics.
Not many puppy foods have guaranteed levels of probiotics, so it’s important to check the Guaranteed Analysis on the back of your puppy’s food bag. Wellness dry recipes for puppies have guaranteed levels of probiotics to support gut health, including Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus in equal amounts. Our Wellness dry food recipes for puppies also include a prebiotic, Chicory Root Extract.
7. Manage their stress:
One of the most common, least suspected causes of diarrhea in puppies is stress. To a new puppy that first car trip, day out at the dog park or trip to the veterinarian can cause anxiety and worry that may present as loose stools. Help them acclimate gradually—keep car rides short, pick a slow time at the dog park and make sure they get plenty of positive reinforcement whilst at the vet. This will give your pup confidence and reduce stress.
When teething, puppies love to ease discomfort by chewing and can accidentally get a hold of household items or clothing. If your pup has serious vomiting or diarrhea, it’s possible that something is stuck in their intestinal tract. If you suspect your puppy got into something and may have a blockage, you should immediately bring your pup to the veterinarian.
9. Investigate the possibility of a food allergy:
New pet parents often suspect a food allergy is the culprit of their pup’s upset tummy. Although dogs can have allergic responses, the true number of dogs diagnosed with food allergies is quite small. Common food allergies for dogs are chicken, beef, dairy products, corn and wheat. Allergies trigger an immediate immune response, can develop at any age and can start even if the dog has been eating the same food consistently without a previous allergy. Symptoms include upset stomach, itchy skin and hair loss. Although you’ll need to have a veterinarian diagnose your pup’s allergies, switching them to a limited ingredient or natural diet with high-quality ingredients may help your pup feel better. All Wellness recipes are made with high-quality ingredients and do not contain corn, wheat or soy, or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
10. Investigate possibility of a food sensitivity:
Like food allergies, food sensitivities can cause itchy skin and hair loss, but symptom onset will often be more gradual and doesn’t involve an immune system response. Food sensitivities in puppies can be caused by individual ingredients or could occur when a puppy food’s macro nutrients (either carbohydrates or fats) are included in excess. Symptoms in food sensitive pups can often be resolved by moving them to a high-quality, natural, balanced diet that has the right balance of macro nutrients (and no fillers) and avoids common food ingredients that dogs are known to react to.
If you recently adopted a large breed puppy, get ready for a wonderful rollercoaster fun ride as your rambunctious new family member discovers different things with boundless energy and delight. In terms of nutrition, puppyhood is an important life stage to ensure the puppy grows up to be a healthy and happy adult dog. And the best way to give him a great start in life is with a diet that specifically addresses large-breed puppies.
What is considered a large breed puppy?
Although there is some minor variation, most veterinarians and pet nutritionists consider a puppy a large breed if they’ll be 55-100 lbs when fully grown. If a puppy will weigh over 100 lbs when fully grown they are considered a giant breed (think Great Danes and Newfoundlands). The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines a large breed dog as any dog that weighs over 70 lbs when fully grown.
What is different about large breed puppy food?
The main difference is that large breed puppy food has less calories as compared to regular puppy food.
This is because larger breeds are not considered adult dogs until they are 18-24 months old, explains pet nutritionist Mark Finke, PhD.
“The goal is to allow the connective tissue, muscle and bones to grow in proportion with the rest of the puppy.” Finke cautions that “puppy fat” is a misnomer. “Puppy fat is not always cute because in terms of your puppy’s overall health, if they put on too much fat, they are putting extra stress on developing joints and bones which can be detrimental in the long term.” This means that the best way to help your large breed puppy grow into a healthy adult is to feed them a diet that will help them grow more slowly over a longer period of time.
What are some recommended large breed puppy foods?
Puppies usually start to eat some solid food as a supplement to their mother’s milk when they are about four weeks old. By the time they are fully weaned and ready to be adopted at around eight weeks of age.
Once a puppy is around 8 weeks old, we recommend starting your large breed puppy on a high-quality, natural diet that’s specifically formulated to meet their unique nutritional needs.
One great option is the Wellness CORE Large Breed Puppy Deboned Chicken, Chicken and Turkey Meal dry food recipe. It includes DHA from salmon oil to support healthy brain development, and guaranteed levels of calcium and phosphorus for bone, tooth and muscle development. The diet is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system and is high in protein to ensure your large breed puppy has everything it needs to thrive.
Both our CORE and Complete Health Large Breed Puppy recipes are formulated by taking into consideration the longer growth period of large breed puppies.
According to Finke, a well-balanced diet includes the vitamins and minerals a growing puppy needs, so there is no need to add supplements.
“In fact, doing so can be harmful,” warns Finke. “Giving a puppy too much calcium can interfere with the absorption of other important nutrients such as zinc and copper and could actually cause a nutritional deficiency. Copper is important for cartilage growth and zinc for bone formation,” he explains.
Feeding your large breed puppy the right amounts
When it comes to a feeding regimen, never just fill a food bowl and let a puppy graze. Instead, start your puppy off right by introducing a schedule of controlled feeding amounts as detailed in the feeding guidelines on the packaging. “The recommended feeding guide on the bag asks questions such as how old is your puppy and how heavy is your puppy in order to gauge feeding amount. It’s a good idea to re-check every two months,” suggests Wellness veterinarian Dr. Danielle Bernal. “It’s a guideline, and every dog is different. Use your eye— if you think your puppy is gaining too much weight, reduce the amount by 10 percent.”
“It’s important to remember that even large breed puppies have quite small tummies. When they are as young as eight to 12 weeks, they tend to have bursts of energy and then flop and sleep. It’s okay to take the required feeding amount and initially divide it into three or four small meals. But by the time they are 12 weeks old, divide that amount into two meals per day,” advises Bernal.
When measuring food amounts always use a standard measuring cup to measure. Never grab any cup or mug in the kitchen as they usually hold different and arbitrary amounts. Also, be sure that it’s a level cup. Anything heaped is extra food and ultimately will cause a puppy (or an adult dog) to gain weight.
When should I switch my large breed puppy to an adult food?
Because large breed puppies have longer growing periods, they should remain on a puppy formula until they are at least 18 months old, and giant breeds until they are two years old. It’s a good idea to transition slowly over to the adult formula instead of going “cold turkey” from one recipe to another.
Choosing Between Wet And Dry Recipes
Whether you feed kibble, canned food or a combination of wet and dry food is a personal pet parent choice.“Do be careful, though, if you start by feeding wet food only,” warns Finke. “It may be difficult to transition a dog over to dry later. And whatever you decide, always ensure there is a large bowl or dog fountain offering fresh water.”
Finke suggests if you have more than one puppy or dog, to feed them at three to six feet apart and preferably block their view of one another.“This allows them both to eat comfortably and peacefully and will prevent any food aggression or competitive eating problems from developing,” he explains.
Choosing a large breed puppy formula can give your growing dog the best start in life and, feeding the right amounts now, and through adulthood, will ensure that as a beloved family member, he remains a healthy weight with boundless energy for endless fun and games.
Do you have a large breed puppy? Please share your photos with us by tagging #wellnesspetfood and @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social pages!
Cats are often labeled picky eaters. In truth, they are not deliberately being difficult; they have very discerning palates! It’s how the food feels in their mouths and the ease with which they can pick it up that attracts them to certain textures over others. While pâté texture wet food is popular with cats, flaked and shredded textures are also feline favorites.
What is flaked wet cat food texture like?
Pet nutritionists, the “feline chefs” tasked with creating nutritionally balanced meals that will appeal in both texture and, of course taste, best describe flaked recipes as the protein presented in long, thin, flat “chipped” pieces of varying sizes in a light broth. Flaked wet cat food has a similar texture to a can of tuna in water—imagine how the fish breaks apart as you separate it with a fork.
If your cat is used to eating only wet food, getting your cat to try switching to a flaked recipe is as simple as replacing their current wet food with a flaked option. However, if you usually feed dry food or a combination of wet and dry food, you’ll need to consider the total amount of calories your cat is consuming to ensure you are not overfeeding.
Combining Wet & Dry Foods
When combining wet food with dry, decrease the kibble amount to consider the amount of the flaked recipe you are adding to the meal.
Below is a general recommendation on our flaked recipes on the amount to feed your cat per day based on can size, their weight and whether you are feeding wet food alone or a mix of wet and dry:
About 3 to 3½ cans per 6 – 8 lbs of body weight per day
Reduce dry by 1/8 cup for every 1 can wet
5.3 oz
About 1½ to 2 cans per 6 – 8 lbs of body weight per day
Reduce dry by 1/8 cup for every½ can wet
Keep in mind that every cat is a little different, so optimal feeding amounts may vary with age, size, activity level, breed and environment. Please use feeding guidelines as an initial recommendation and adjust as needed. Always refrigerate the unused portion.
Customizing the food bowl with a flaked mixer or topper
Another way to try incorporating a flaked texture into your cat’s meals is by adding it as a treat, topper or mixer! Wellness CORE Simply Shreds Flaked Wild Salmon & Tuna and Tuna & Shrimp options are complements to your cat’s full meal that can be served as a “side dish,” or added to your cat’s kibble to make it more enticing. Cats are excellent “nose detectives” and know when you are trying to conceal medication in their food. CORE Simply Shreds also work as a great reward for kitty when she’s taken her medication to remove any the bitter taste from a pill or liquid.
Apart from flakes and shreds, the Wellness cat food shelf features many other texture options that your cat may enjoy such as pâté, minced and morsels to name a few. Often, it’s a matter of testing to see what appeals the most to your favorite feline. Always consider your cat’s age and her teeth as dental issues can also govern her choices in terms of what is easier to pick up and eat. For more details on how to find a wet food your cat will love, check out Wet Cat Food Textures Decoded: How a Cat Chooses Her Favorite.
And keep in mind that Wellness has a Catisfaction Guarantee, so if there is something kitty really doesn’t like, you can return it for a refund.
Do you have a cat that enjoys CORE Signature Selects Flaked recipes? Or a kitty that enjoys snacking on CORE Simply Shreds? Please share your photos with us by tagging #wellnesspetfood and @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social pages!
We don’t have a lot of extra room in our tiny home, but one thing we made sure to include is a space for Koda to play.All of his toys and bed get their own little corner. This gives Koda his own space to do whatever he wants and helps him feel not so cooped up! We also make sure to let him out for lots of breaks to run around in the yard and get out his zoomies!
Koda and I have spent the last three years moving around the country in search of our next adventure. Koda has lived in four homes across three states! Like most millennials, I’ve lived in mostly apartments and have had to adjust to living in a small space with a dog. Since moving back to Washington, we’ve found ourselves out exploring more than ever! Always on the move, we have seriously downsized our belongings and living quarters – we now live in a tiny house! Living in a small studio-style home with a big dog like Koda can seem intimidating, and has definitely taken some adjusting, but we’re figuring out how to live in a tiny home with a big dog.
Not only is Koda big, but he also is full of energy. My biggest tip for living with a big dog in a small space is prioritizing getting out and exploring every opportunity you get!
Taking Koda out into the mountains or to the beach on the weekends allows him to stretch his legs, get some exercise, and (most importantly) wear himself out!
On days we can’t get out to explore, we try to take Koda out to run quick errands with us. Whether it be running to the grocery store, going to pick up some dinner, or stopping into the pet store for a surprise, we try to get Koda out of the house as often as we can so he doesn’t get stir crazy!
Even with all of the adjustments he’s had to make, Koda loves our tiny home.
His constant need to keep a watchful eye on us at all times is easily fulfilled. Although he can’t climb up the ladder and sleep in the loft with us, he knows exactly where we are and is never too far away.Tiny home life can be difficult, especially when you throw a dog into the mix, but with some minor adjustments and prioritizing getting your dog outside to exercise, it can be the best experience and allow you to spend every moment with your best friend!
One of the best feelings in the world is being able to include your pup in the activities you’re passionate about. For me, that’s bringing my dog Kicker snowboarding through fresh powder. Snowboarding has been a huge part of my life since I was a kid and now it’s how I make a living. Kicker has been charging through the snow with me basically since the second I brought him home as a puppy.
Photo by: Mark Leblanc
If you want to see pure happiness just watch one of my edits of Kicker and I shredding through freshly fallen snow in the backcountry. That being said, it’s important to properly prepare for your pup’s safety before heading out in the backcountry with them.
Safety First
Photo by: Mark Leblanc
The number one priority is your dog’s well being. That means, that they are happy, warm, hydrated, and not in dangerous terrain. If you aren’t in control when skiing or snowboarding and don’t have experience in the backcountry with avalanche terrain it’s not a good idea to add your pup to that equation.
• Make sure you’re on terrain in your ability level.Start simple on a smaller slope going slow, especially if you’re with a puppy. Puppies shouldn’t overexert themselves so, unless you must, only go for a very short day or be prepared to carry your dog (if it’s well within your ability level). Kicker personally loved to be zipped into my jacket as a puppy when we were out for long periods, but l always operated well within my ability level. • Avoid avalanche terrain (35+ degrees) unless you are familiar with the best practices and the current snow conditions. Also if you’re in avalanche terrain make sure you have the right equipment (beacon, shovel, etc.) and don’t go alone. • Most importantly, make sure you don’t hit your dog with your edges. Be sure you have control over your equipment at all times because clipping them could result in a life-altering injury and even possibly death. Train your dog to avoid getting too close or running in front of you. • Should an accident happen, be sure you’re in an area you can easily and efficiently carry out your dog and get emergency medical attention. It’s also helpful to carry a small first aid kit with you.
Ideal Conditions
Photo by: Mark Leblanc
Depending on the breed of dog and their tolerance to cold, their fur should protect them and keep them warm in the snow. Regardless, you don’t want to go out on freezing cold days. Snow conditions are important as well. You want a hard base and want to avoid taking your pup when there’s a thick, breakable crust on the snow. They could break through while running and seriously injure their legs.
• Make sure there is a packed base layer of snow. • Ideally there should be 4-12 inches of fresh snow on top of the base depending on the size of your dog. • If it’s too warm outside the snow tends to clump up in Kicker’s fur which can be uncomfortable for dogs. To prevent this from happening I spray a little cooking spray between his toe pads and on his under belly. This helps the snow slide off. They also have paw balms you can purchase at your local pet store. • If it’s going to be chilly or your dog has short hair bring a jacket for the dog or something they can lay on and get off the snow to warm up for a bit. • Bring extra snacks for your pup. When it’s cold we burn more calories and it’s the same for dogs. Kicker loves the CORE 100% Salmon treats and Bowl Boosters! I love them because they’re lightweight and not messy in my pack. • Bring water for your pup to drink. Eating snow alone doesn’t hydrate them enough.
The whole goal is to spend time with your pup outdoors having fun. I typically use a split board with skins so I can tour up and then cruise down with Kicker in tow. If it’s a shorter run we’ll make multiple trips up and down, or depending where you are and how many people you’re with, you could do a shuttle with cars. If you can’t ski or snowboard, sledding with your dog is always a fun option as well. However you decide to get outside and enjoy the snow this winter just make sure to stay safe and have a blast!
With over 250 entries in our Ugly Sweater Photo Contest we are happy to announce our winners! First place takes home ONE YEAR worth of Wellness Pet Food. Runner-ups will receive a special Wellness treat pack! Read below to check out the winning photos!
The Christmas season is the perfect time to eat, decorate, get together and be merry! Remember your furry family member as you plan your celebrations this year. While the holidays are full of cheer, they can also be full of danger for your pet. With a little bit of preparation, however, you and your pets can enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season together!
Top Holiday Safety Tips
1. Protect your tree from your pet, and your pet from your tree.
For many families, it doesn’t feel like Christmas until the tree is up and the lights are lit! Pets may also be transfixed by the allure of the tree. If you’re using a real tree, keep pets away from tree water – it can get stagnant and breed bacteria that’s harmful to your pets. Tree needles are also a hazard – your pet may need surgery if needles are ingested. It’s important to fully secure your tree so your pet can’t knock it over. Consider handing lemon-scented air fresheners in your tree to deter your pet from climbing it.
2. Deck the halls with pet-friendly décor.
Lights, ornaments, tinsel and other decorations just make everything feel very festive, but are they safe for your pets? Pups and kitties alike may chew on electrical cords. Ornaments can lead to injury if broken or consumed. Consider using battery-powered lights and candles and plastic ornaments to minimize any danger posed to your pets by your holiday décor.
3. Reconsider decorating with plants.
Poinsettias and other holiday plants such as mistletoe, cedar, holly and pine can add a fun, festive touch to your holiday décor, but did you know that many of these plants are hazardous to your cat or dog? Do some research before bringing those plants into your home. And, as always, have a plan in place to get your pet to the vet if they accidentally ingest any poisonous plants.
4. Make sure your pet has a place to relax.
The holidays are the perfect time to get together with your friends and family to celebrate the season. Your pet, however, may not appreciate their home being filled with extra love, laughter and cheer. If you plan on having guests over, make sure your kitty or pup has a safe place to go. Prepare a hiding place for a cat. Dogs may enjoy the safety of a kennel or crate. If your pet is especially dismayed at the presence of visitors, consider putting them away in a separate room until the excitement is over
5. Keep human food away from your pets.
Much to your pet’s dismay, holiday goodies and table scraps may contain ingredients that just aren’t good for them. Some ingredients such as onions, chocolate and xylitol can be toxic to animals. Keep your pet safe by making sure your Christmas cookies, candies, and other foods are out of their reach – and ask your guests to do the same. Want your pet to also enjoy some Christmas goodies? Grab them some holiday treats from Wellness Pet Food – we have fun holiday flavors such as gingerbread for dogs and turkey and cranberries for cats, so your pets can stay healthy while joining the celebration.
6. Wrap up hazards before leaving your home.
You might be tempted to leave your Christmas tree plugged in when you leave the house. After all, pulling into the driveway seeing a lit Christmas tree in the window can give you that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling. If you have pets, however, it’s best to leave that tree unplugged – dogs and cats love to chew on electrical cords. Also, take out the trash before you leave so your pets can’t eat any of your leftover holiday goodies.
7. Take extra precautions when traveling.
Whether you’re taking your furry family member with you or leaving him behind, it’s important to ensure his safety. If you’re traveling with your pet, check state and international laws to see if you’re required to obtain a health certificate from your vet. Taking a car to the holiday celebration? Make sure your animal is always properly restrained in a carrier or harness. If you’re thinking about boarding a plane with your canine or feline, it’s important to talk to your vet for any air travel tips. Maybe you’re leaving behind your four-legged friend this year – make sure they’re up-to-date with vaccinations before boarding them.
Keeping your pet safe this holiday season means that you and your furry family member can enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season together. Remember to include your cat or dog in the Christmas celebrations this year! Pick up some yummy, wholesome food and treats from Wellness Pet Food. Made with natural ingredients and crafted with your pet’s wellbeing at heart, our treats are the hit of every howliday gathering.
For most people, their beloved cats and dogs are more than just pets – they’re family. If you have a four-legged furry family member who you’d like to pamper a bit this holiday season, read below for some stocking stuffer ideas to include your pets in your holiday celebrations.
Top 10 Stocking Stuffer Ideas
1. Dog Toys.
Kids aren’t the only ones who would be excited to receive new toys for Christmas! Get your dog a new squeaky ball, frisbee or chew toy so they too can enjoy a new toy on Christmas morning. Pet stores always have fun holiday-themed toys if you’d like to keep playtime festive.
2. Cat Toys.
Just like dogs, cats will enjoy seeing a new toy that Santa left in their stocking! Maybe buy your feline friend a new teaser toy, crinkle mouse or jingle ball. If you want to give your cat a bit of a fun challenge, buy a challenge toy – perfect for stuffing with a Wellness Holiday Treat!
3. Leash or Collar.
Give your animal a new look with a different leash or collar to wear! Look for fun holiday designs so they too can get spruced up and fancy for the holidays along with the rest of the family.
4. Catnip.
Give your kitty the gift that makes cats go crazy – literally. Let your cat go wild and get into the holiday spirit with a new toy or ball filled with catnip. Look for refillable toys so you can keep the catnip fresh.
5. Clothes.
Is your furry friend a fashionista? Does your pet get cold or have to wear clothes for other reasons? Do you just think it’s cute to dress them up? Stuff their stocking with a new outfit! Look for fun holiday attire online and in pet stores – just make sure to snap a quick pic of the new outfit before your pet scampers off in her new duds.
6. Grooming Supplies.
Show your puppy or kitten some love with some new grooming supplies to help keep them looking and feeling their best! Maybe your dog could use a new brush to keep his coat looking shiny. Your cat could use some new nail clippers to keep those claws at bay! Shampoo, cleansing wipes and ear cleaner are also great ideas! Your pets will love getting pampered, and you’ll love keeping them clean and healthy.
7. Food & Water Dishes.
We all know how much pets love to eat. Why not buy them a new bowl or dish for them to enjoy their grub and drink out of? Pour the bowl full of yummy Wellness Pet Food, and watch your pet chow down and drink out of shiny new bowls and dishes.
8. Blanket.
If an animal’s first love is food, sleep is a close second. Cats and dogs alike would love a new blanket to relax on or roll around with. Look for soft, comforting textures to keep your fur baby comfy and relaxed while they drift off to pet dreamland.
9. Heating Pad.
Animals love to find a place in front of the window to soak up some sun. Don’t let them miss out on that comforting warmth just because the days are shorter. The holidays come with cooler temperatures and less sunlight – give your four-legged friend his or her very own warm spot! Cats and dogs will love cozying up to a warm heating pad during the coldest days of the year! Make sure to choose a pet-safe heating pad.
10. Holiday Themed Treats.
Show your pup or kitty some extra love this Christmas in the form of special holiday treats. We all love to indulge in seasonal favorites during the holiday season, so why should your pets be any different? With fun flavors such as gingerbread for dogs and turkey and cranberries for cats, your pet will love this special treat, and you’ll love knowing that your pet is getting the very best with Wellness Pet Food.
Remember to include your cat or dog in the Christmas celebrations this year! If you’re hanging a stocking for your pet by the chimney with care this holiday season, make sure to fill it with wholesome goodies from Wellness Pet Food. Made with natural ingredients and crafted with your pet’s wellbeing at heart, our treats are the hit of every howliday gathering.
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