Wellness Global Service Day

day of service

This past month the entire Wellness organization celebrated Global Service Day! Over 250 Wellies’ spent their time at local shelters and other animal rescue organizations around the world. Teams were spread out all over the U.S , Germany, Japan, Singapore, Australia and Canada.

Take a look at some of the photos!

grs

Great Dog Rescue New England – Woburn, MA

meg

Cape Ann Animal Aid – Gloucester, MA

aus

West Australian Dingo Association, Australia

s

Salem Animal Rescue League – Salem, NH

can

Save My Tail, Canada

We’d like to thank all of the organizations who let us spend the day with them. If looking to adopt a new pet, check out the list below.

  • Lowell Humane Society, Lowell, MA
  • Salem Animal Rescue League, Salem, NH
  • Cape Ann Animal Aid, Gloucester, MA
  • MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Methuen, MA
  • Animal Rescue League of NH, Bedford, NH
  • Northeast Animal Shelter, Salem, MA
  • Paws, Wakefield, MA
  • Operation Delta Dog, Hollis, NH
  • Great Dog Rescue of NE, Woburn, MA
  • Albuquerque Best Friends
  • Best Friends LA
  • Burlington Humane Society
  • California Animal Shelter
  • Carver-Scott Humane Society, Minnesota
  • Feline Café of Ottawa
  • Greenville North Carolina Humane Society
  • Humane Society of St. Joseph County, Indiana
  • Hunter T Cronin Cat Room
  • Best Friends, Kanab Utah
  • PAWS, Chicago IL
  • Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary
  • Salt Lake City Best Friends
  • Shamroq Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute
  • Rescue of Queensland, Australia
  • South Bend Animal Rescue
  • The Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Singapore
  • West Australian Dingo Association, Australia

We know that every home is better with a pet, and so we are so happy to have had a chance to spend time working with a Best Friends Animal Society partner shelter that helps homeless pets find a forever home.

To learn more about our Wellness Foundation, watch a video from our CEO Camelle Kent and Join the Movement visit: https://wellnessfoundation.org/
 

10 Things That Make Someone a Cat Person

October 29th is a special day. This is the day we celebrate National Cat Day. If you share your life with cats, you most likely believe every day is National Cat Day (or should be), but this special day gives people a chance to educate others about how wonderful cats are. It’s also a day to celebrate what it means to be a cat person. 

1. A cat person is someone who loves and appreciates the language of cats.

Cats can make 100 different vocal sounds, as well as having quite an extensive body language. They also rely heavily on scent communication. The cat person loves the cat for the soft purr heard during times of closeness, but also loves that same cat for the unrelenting meow at 5 a.m. in the morning when kitty thinks breakfast is overdue.

2. A cat person enjoys the delicate and exquisitely elegant movements of a cat.

Stealth and speed combine to create beauty in motion. Whether the cat is stalking prey or just walking through a room, the gait is pure poetry. A cat person loves the cat for how beautiful and silent his movements can be and marvels at how a 6 pound cat can also sound like a team of horses galloping down the hallway when chasing a toy. A cat person appreciates the beauty of a ballet and the pratfalls of a comedy.

3. A cat person provides for the unique requirements that enable a cat to live a happy and healthy life.

Many people think cats are low maintenance and that it’s responsible for their appeal for cat people. That is not accurate at all. While cats don’t need to be walked and can be left alone for longer periods, they aren’t second-rate substitutes for dogs. The care of a cat differs in some ways from the care of a dog but still requires commitment, time, patience, love and attention 

4. A cat person knows it’s not about shortcuts.

While the cat may enjoy looking out the window at activity in the trees, it’s better to have one’s own tree indoors. A cat person is also good at role playing and can use toys to imitate birds, mice and other critters. It’s not about throwing a ball and having the pet fetch, but rather, mimicking a mouse so the cat can stalk and pounce, using accurate timing, precision and athleticism. A cat person knows playtime is the feline version of playing chess. It’s all about the right moves at the right time.

5. A cat person understands everyone needs some personal space.

Cat people don’t expect the cat to follow close behind and wait for the next command. When the cat is looking away and appears distant, it means he feels safe… he trusts. He’s also doing a favor by keeping watch for any mice, spiders or flies that try to sneak into the room. A cat person knows the cat has a job to do.

6. A cat person understands the cat’s appreciation for viewing life from all angles.

For a cat, life is very vertical. Whether it’s the top of the refrigerator, balancing on the top of a door, sitting on the highest bookshelf, sleeping in the bathroom sink or napping in the dirty clothes hamper in the closet, the cat can find joy in multiple places we wouldn’t view as comfortable.

7. A cat person accepts that cat hair will be found in the most unlikely places.

8. A cat person has an amazing ability to stay in one position for what seems like an intolerable amount of time.

When a cat is curled up in a lap or sleeping close by, the cat person develops the remarkable strength to avoid scratching an itchy nose, sneezing, coughing, or the need to use the bathroom. The only weakness, however, is that the cat person can’t resist the urge to slowly and silently pull out the smartphone and take a picture of the sleeping cat. A cat person knows you can never have too many cat photos.

9. A cat person understands commitment.

With advancements in veterinary medicine, nutrition and a greater understanding of what’s required for happy, healthy lives, cats are living longer. In many cases, long after the kids have grown up and gone off to college, the family cat is still there. Years ago, when the cat was a kitten, a cat person used to struggle to make the bed as the rambunctious little kitty would insist on playing under the sheet. These days, the bed is left unmade so as not to disturb the senior cat still sleeping there. A cat person’s compassion grows deeper as every day gets more precious.

10. A cat person understands love.

 

Photo by Ramiz Dedaković on Unsplash

On October 29, celebrate your cats, but also celebrate yourself for the wonderful cat person you are!

 

Oktoberfest Breeds & Brews: Find Your Ideal Pooch and Beer Pairing!

You’ve heard the comments about how often pet parents end up choosing a pup that looks like them, but what about Brews & Breeds? This Oktoberfest, we’re having a little fun with beer and pooch pairings! First, find your favorite beer, and see which pup’s personality matches it!

1. Pilsner:

A bit more hoppy than your average lager and pleasantly lighter than a generic pale ale, a pilsner is, put simply, a refreshing beer with rich German roots.

Your dog:

You enjoy a brew that has a bit more hop than the average beer, but still remains light and easy to drink – meaning you enjoy a hardworking companion that offers energy when needed yet often remains tame. A German Shepherd is the perfect mix of spirit and calmness, just like your pilsner!

2. Lager:

Known for its crisp, light taste and smooth, mellow flavor, lagers are one of the less bitter, more subdued brews in the beer world. 

Your dog:

You like things low maintenance, no frills or fuss – your perfect breed is a Bernese Mountain Dog. These large-breed canines play into the name of a lager itself, but more importantly, they are the easygoing, well-balanced pooch perfect for your lifestyle. When they aren’t sleeping, they’re up for a relaxing cuddle or a hangout on the couch—while you sip your brew. 

3. Sour Ale:

Intentionally acidic to pack a punch, sour ales have a distinctive, zippy flavor. Available in an array of shades from golden to amber, this beer looks as good as it tastes. 

Your dog:

Lovers of sour ales can handle just about anything, especially a tart kick, making them the perfect pet parents to Poodles. High in energy, these elegant pooches can zip around the yard in a manner that catches you off guard, much like the lively flavor of a sour ale. Poodles are also known to sport colorful bows varying in shades and tones, mirroring the diverse colors of the beloved sour brew. 

4. Hoppy:

Bursting with citrus, floral, fruity or piney flavors, this beer is bitter in taste and intensely aromatic.

Your dog: For these beer lovers, the more hop, the better – so you gravitate towards Australian Shepherds. Speaking in literal terms, these canines truly have a hop, and a quality one at that. Known for their impressive jumping skills (both high and far), these dogs are as “hoppy” as it gets without any of the bitterness.  

5. New England IPA:

Often described as “hazy” or “juicy,” New Englanders have put their own twist on the traditional IPA. These brews are both smooth and creamy, unlike the dryer characteristics of other IPAs, and emulate a tropical-esque sweetness that veers from the standard IPA bitterness.

Your dog:

There’s no place like New England, and if you’re a die-hard fan of this IPA, you’re an all-around Northeast fanatic – your perfect breed is a Boston Terrier. This pup’s personality makes it unique from other terriers, and there’s no better ode to New England than a dog named after the place where it all began. 

6. Dark Ale:

Deep in color and rich in flavors like chocolate and caramel, a dark ale is known for its malty and roasted taste. Full in body and slightly sweet, this brew offsets bitterness and is easy to drink.

Your dog:

The attraction of this beer is often the rich, sweet taste and the smooth, dark color – your perfect breed is a Chocolate Lab or a Black Lab. Both breeds boast a charming, friendly personality while flaunting that deep, dark color that catches the eye of every passersby. 

7. IPA :

It’s the most aggressively hopped beer style of them all! With a powerfully bitter taste and intense citrus aroma, the IPA family of beers tend to have a higher alcohol content and provides flavor that really works for you.

Your dog:

If you love a beer that has a real punch and has a lot to offer you, your best matched for a dog within the working breeds. Think a Great Dane or Saint Bernard. Just like there are different kinds of IPA, there are several working dogs to choose from, all of which are loyal, hardworking – and that everyone loves!

8. Blonde Ale:

As the most approachable style of beer, blonde or golden ales are known for being easy to drink. Well-rounded and smooth, this kind of beer is an all American classic.

Your dog:

If a blonde ale is your brew of choose, there’s no doubt that you’re born to be the proud pet parent of a yellow lab or golden retriever. Not only will they match in appearance and provide great photo ops at dog-friendly breweries, but both breeds are also easy-to-train, loyal and American classics themselves.

9. Flight:

It’s the best that a brewery has to offer! From IPA’s to ales and lagers, a flight of beer will give you a little bit of everything. You never know exactly which flavors you’ll get, but your taste buds are always pleased at the end.

Your dog:

It’s no surprise that flight lovers are best matched for mutts or mixed breeds. These pups are a combination of all the characteristics and personality traits that man’s best friend has to offer!

10. Stout:

The name may make you think small, but these beers are strong, dark and offer a firm, powerful aroma. With a lower alcoholic volume, stout beers are perfect for tasting and pairing with your favorite foods.

Your dog:

A stout beer goes best with a stout dog – like a Corgi! Corgis are “big dogs” on their lovable short legs. Despite being small in stature, these pooches are steady, dependable and athletic – they’re great to bring alongside your favorite activities as they are always looking for something to do!

Winners of the CORE RawRev Photo Contest

With over 500 submissions, the competition was surely tough for the Wellness CORE RawRev Photo Contest! We asked pet parents to share a fun photo of how they keep their dogs and cats active in celebration of the CORE RawRev Takeover!

Pets that are always on the move, need more protein and CORE RawRev allows you to add raw meat easily and safely with 100% freeze- dried meat pieces to every meal. Combined with the same CORE kibble you know and love this savory, nutrient-rich meal supports strong lean muscle, healthy skin and shiny coats! 

Lets meet the winners!

 

The Importance of High Protein Food in Active Pets

Andrew Muse active dogs

Photo by Andrew Muse

You don’t have to be a full-time adventurer in order to want to keep your active pet healthy. An active lifestyle means different things for different pet parents. However, there are some things we can agree on, like how many things there are to consider when choosing a diet for your pet that you’ll feel confident about feeding.

What are the best ingredients to feed your pet? What about the flavor options? Then, there’s your pet’s lifestage, breed size and even unique nutritional restrictions like allergies or medical challenges to consider. It can all start to feel pretty overwhelming. Well, one important place to start when evaluating options is by looking at protein. 

Why is it important to pay attention to protein?

Dietary protein is a nutrient that is vital to every dog and cat’s wellbeing.  Essential for growth and for the maintenance of almost all the tissues in their body, protein is highly digestible and naturally supplies all the amino acids necessary for a dog or cat to build hair, skin, muscles, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. And on a molecular level, protein is key to the creation of enzymes that put into motion many metabolic reactions needed for day to day life, the hormones that act as the body’s chemical messengers and antibodies that comprise the immune system. Making sure there is enough good protein in your pets’ diet is of the upmost importance to ensure they’re receiving what they need to truly thrive. 

How to investigate protein in your pet’s food

When selecting a diet for your pet, there are certain ways to check if the protein content is where you want it to be:
1. Look at the ingredient list and search for named meat protein such as turkey, chicken or salmon. 
2. Look at the total amount of protein listed in the Guaranteed Analysis on the back of the bag.
3. Aim for protein levels in the mid 30s for dogs, and mid 40s for cats. 

What to expect when switching to a higher protein pet food

Before upgrading your pet to a higher protein food, remember that it’s important to slowly transition your pet to their new food over the course of at least 5-7 days in order to avoid digestive upset. And for certain pets with medical conditions, you’ll also want to confirm your choice with your veterinarian.

Land on a diet with the right levels of protein for your pet, and you’ll soon notice some exciting improvements in their health and Wellness:

  • Softer, shinier skin and coat within a few weeks’ time
  • Increase in lean muscle mass
  • Increased energy levels and more playfulness
  • Healthy digestion
  • Smaller, firmer stools—less fillers mean less waste.

Of course, it’s not enough for a pet food to have just high protein. All Wellness CORE formulas ensure that this important nutrient is perfectly balanced with a moderate level of fat and a reduced amount of carbohydrates to optimize your pet’s energy levels. Additionally, we add fresh fruits and veggies for natural sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 

Making the most of your pet’s new-found vitality

Wellness CORE RawRev Puppy

Photo by @wholisticjen

Why does Wellness CORE continually strive for perfectly balanced diets that are rich in protein? Pets are an integral part of our families, and we want to give them every advantage possible to live a long, healthful, happy life. That means more rounds of fetch in the backyard, walks around the neighborhood, and more kisses and snuggles at the end of each day. 

How will you celebrate your pet’s healthy new leash on life? Maybe you’ll even be inspired to get on the trail, becoming more active yourself. The possibilities are endless. 

How do you have fun with your active pet? Share your photos using @wellnesspetfood and #WellnessCORE for a chance to be featured on our website or social media. 
 

Why Wellness CORE RawRev is Different

Wellness CORE RawRev dog

At Wellness, we’re driven each day to deliver uncompromising nutrition for the pets that depend on us. Let’s take Wellness CORE, for example. Wellness CORE, our high-protein recipes for dogs and cats, has become a tried-and-true approach to premium natural nutrition for pets. Wellness CORE offers high-protein, meat-rich formulas with lowered carbohydrates.

Start feeding one of our Wellness CORE foods, and you’ll notice your pet will likely develop strong, lean muscle mass, a silky, lustrous coat, and an improved level of energy to share in all of life’s experiences with you.

And to take that great nutrition one step further, now there’s Wellness CORE RawRev, formulas that give pet parents the opportunity to feed one of the most innovative advancements in the pet food category.

What is CORE RawRev?

With CORE RawRev we started with our CORE kibble and added 100% freeze-dried raw meat pieces. These pieces are evenly dispersed throughout the bag to ensure every meal contains the savory goodness of raw meat with the scoop and serve safety and convenience that you know and love.   

Why is CORE RawRev different?

Meat.

Wellness CORE RawRev comparison

Wellness CORE RawRev freeze-dried pieces are shown on the left.

Wellness CORE RawRev’s range stands out from other brands. Why? We use just 100% raw meat, diced and then freeze dried. With similar products, the inclusions are a mix of ingredients, there’s some meat, but with added fillers and binders. By using just freeze dried meat in CORE RawRev, we’re delivering key protein nutrients such as incremental amino acids and vitamins, with an incomparable taste.

Taste.

For your dog or cat this means that every bag of CORE RawRev delivers an exceptional savory, meat taste for heightened mealtime excitement. In other words, scoop and pour CORE RawRev, then sit back and watch your dog or cat reach a new level of mealtime joy.

With each bite your dog or cat takes, they’re getting to savor the aroma, texture and taste that only comes with freeze dried meat.

With pets becoming more and more fussy today, this makes for the perfect solution for all those fussy dogs or cats. In fact, when it comes to cats, a recent study showed that 9/10 cats loved CORE RawRev, which given how fussy cats can be, it shows just how much pets are loving this recipe. 

Has your dog or cat already tried CORE RawRev? Share your experience with other Wellness pet parents who might be curious about learning more by tagging your stories and photos with @wellnesspetfood and #WellnessCORE and we may feature you on our social media or website!

Wellness Foundation Partners With Best Friends Animal Society

wellness foundation

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.

We are also committed to helping the pets at Best Friends find forever homes. And when they do, we want their first meal to be from us, so we send their new families home with FREE Wellness pet food. Because pets deserve nothing less than the most nutrient-dense goodness in every bowl, starting with the first one.

                                       

By adopting a pet from responsible, no-kill animal shelters, you’re giving them room to save another pet from unhealthy environments. Adopting not only saves the life of your new pet, but it also makes a spot available for another pet to be at shelters like these. 

  Are you ready to join the movement?

best friends

       

CORE Dry Dog Recipe Updates

core pup

 At Wellness Pet Food we continually updates our products to include the best quality ingredients and adapt to consumer requests and pet needs. Below are the latest changes in our CORE Dry Dog food recipes. 

Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate 

Historically, we added supplemental glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate to our CORE Dry Dog diets. In doing so, we had to abide by a Texas State Regulation relative to the minimum value of these compounds that we could state in our guaranteed analysis (GA). 

Recent testing of our recipes confirmed that the great majority of our glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate in our diets comes, naturally, from our animal proteins. Therefore, we decided to stop supplementing our diets with additional glucosamine & chondroitin and reflect the naturally occurring amounts of these compounds in our guaranteed analysis.

As a result, you will no longer see glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate listed as individual ingredients in our ingredient panel. Instead they are noted as naturally occurring from our animal proteins.

Taurine 

We have been supplementing our diets with taurine since 2004, as serious medical conditions can arise when dogs are taurine-deficient. To assure pet parents that our recipes deliver adequate amounts of taurine, we now guarantee a minimum level in our guaranteed analysis. 

Since dogs can naturally synthesize taurine from the protein in their diets, AAFCO does not require that dog foods guarantee taurine level in their recipes. So not all brands list taurine in their GA’s, but Wellness does!

Lentils 

Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein that aid in maintaining optimal cholesterol and energy levels as well as support digestive health.  With twice the amount of protein and choline per weight unit as potatoes, we replaced a portion of our potatoes with lentils to deliver more protein without increasing carbohydrates. 

Formulas that will now have lentils are: CORE Original, CORE Puppy, CORE Small Breed, CORE Large Breed, CORE Reduced Fat,CORE Ocean, CORE RawRev Original, CORE RawRev Small Breed, CORE RawRev Healthy Weight, and CORE RawRev Puppy.

Chicken meal 

We replaced turkey meal with chicken meal to optimize calcium and phosphorous levels in our CORE Wild Game & CORE Raw Rev Wild Game recipes. In addition, dried eggs will be removed from the Wild Game recipe. 

Chicken Liver

While chicken livers are a great source of minerals and vitamin A, we found that other ingredients deliver these nutrients at optimal levels so we removed chicken livers from CORE Original, CORE RawRev Original, CORE Reduced Fat, and CORE Healthy Weight to simplify the protein sources in our diets. 

Freeze-Dried Meat Size

We heard a lot of feedback from consumers that they wanted pieces of freeze-dried meat in every bite of CORE RawRev food. To better achieve this, we reduced the size of the pieces, which means there will be more freeze-dried meat spread throughout the bag.

Vitamin A replacing Beta Carotene 

Beta Carotene is a precursor to the creation of Vitamin A (dogs’ biological systems use beta carotene to make vitamin A), however supplementing our diets with Vitamin A directly better ensures optimal levels of this nutrient. You will notice this change in the GA.

Feeding Guidelines 

We frequently test our diets to ensure accuracy of our caloric claims. We recently updated our packaging to reflect the latest results of this testing, which impacts the calorie content and consequently feeding guidelines.

Get In Touch

Have questions about our recipes or not sure which is best for you pup? If you have any other questions or would like more information please call 1-800-225-0904 and a member from our team can assist you. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm ET. You can also reach us by email at info@wellpet.com

 

12 Ways to Celebrate International Cat Day with Your Cat

Read 12 ways to celebrate International Cat Day on August 8th!

international cat day

As a cat lover, you view every day as International Cat Day but August 8th is an opportunity to help spread the word to those who may not know about how wonderful felines really are. This special cat holiday was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to help raise awareness for cats and to educate people about how to protect them. It’s also an extra day to celebrate your own cats and the relationship you share!

Here are 12 suggestions on ways to celebrate:

1) Extra Playtime 

playtime

 

Engage your cat in an interactive play session today. If you normally do play sessions, offer an extra one or two today. Interactive play is a great way for your cat to completely enjoy being the mighty hunter as you move the toy like prey. Don’t forget to let your cat have several successful captures so the game creates confidence and satisfaction. If you have multiple cats, give each one their own special play session with you so no one has to compete.

2) Cat TV

Set up a comfy place for your indoor cat to enjoy watching wildlife. You can do this by installing a bird feeder in the yard for your cat to view from the window. Another option is to play wildlife videos on YouTube. There are many cat-appealing videos online to entertain your favorite feline.

3) Combine Food and Fun

Puzzle feeders (food-dispensing toys) are a great way to add some fun to meals. As hunters, cats are hardwired to hunt for food and by using a puzzle feeder, they get the reward for a job well done. Puzzle feeders are also good for cats who tend to eat too fast. Search online and you’ll find many types of puzzle feeders or you can make your own. One easy puzzle feeder for dry food is to cut holes in an empty water bottle and place a handful of dry food pieces in there. Make sure the holes are bigger than the size of the food. As your cat paws at the plastic bottle, she’ll be rewarded with a few pieces of food. For wet food, you can place a small amount in each compartment of a plastic ice cube tray. Another way to add fun to food is to create treasure hunts. Hide treats or pieces of cat food in small dishes around the house for your cat to discover.

4) Quiet Time Together

cuddles

 

Life can get so busy and it’s easy to come home from work and get caught up in all the things that need to be done before going to bed. Your cat has been waiting for you all day and this time together is special. If your cat enjoys sitting on your lap or lounging next to you on the sofa, don’t be too quick to get up and move to the next thing you need to do. Enjoy those moments of just being together. Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy being petted, she may love leaning up against you and being connected. 

5) Physical Touch

This includes petting, and, if your cat enjoys it, grooming. Take time this day to focus on how you pet or brush your cat and become aware of those special spots she loves. Does scratching under the chin cause her to purr? Does she love long strokes down the back or does she prefer you to limit your petting to only the back of the head? Be mindful today of the ways in which your cat most enjoys physical touch. 

6) Exchange Cat Kisses

Many people believe that when a cat gives you a slow blink, it’s actually a cat kiss. A slow blink says the cat is comfortable and relaxed. If your cat gives you a cat kiss, return it by doing a slow blink in her direction. Keep your gaze soft and don’t stare. A direct stare can be viewed as a threat, but a soft, slow blink is an expression of trust and affection.

7) Break out the Good Catnip

Not all cats react to catnip but if your cat does, have a catnip party. If you only have catnip-filled toys around the house, they’ve probably lost their potency. Stop at the pet supply store and get a container of good quality loose catnip. For the catnip party, you can either rub a toy with the catnip or simply sprinkle the loose, dried leaves on a paper plate and place it on the floor. To release the volatile oil in the dried herb, rub it between your hands before offering to your cat. If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, there are other options, such as silver vine.

8) Get Down on Your Cat’s Level

If you can, sit or lounge on the carpet so you’re at the cat’s level. This is especially nice for cats who are less mobile and don’t tend to jump on furniture or beds. If you spend some time on ground level, you may enjoy some head bunts, chin rubbing or flank rubbing. When your cat gives you a forehead bunt, it’s not only a way of leaving her scent, but also a gesture of affection. This is a common behavior display cats engage in when they are closely bonded. Chin rubbing and flank rubbing are also affectionate gestures.

9) Spruce up the Vertical Environment

cat tree

Cats live in a vertical world and the more territory you can create that allows them to climb and perch, the better. Vertical territory can be as simple as a sturdy cat tree, some window perches, or you can get a little more creative and install cat shelves and walkways along the wall. Vertical territory doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be sturdy, comfortable and easy for a cat to access. If you have multiple cats, the increase in vertical territory can be a big help in maintaining harmony.

10) Create Play Tunnels and Hiding Places

Make tunnels out of paper bags. Cut the bottoms, roll a cuff on each end and then tape some bags together to make a homemade play tunnel. Toss a couple small toys or treats in there for your cat to discover. If you prefer to not make a tunnel out of paper bags, you can purchase soft-side tunnels at your local pet product store. If you have a timid cat, tunnels provide extra hiding options and allows a scared kitty to feel invisible so she can relax.

11) Introduce Interesting Scents

This is especially appealing for indoor cats. Bring in a couple of leaves from outdoors, or maybe a very small branch. If you happen to find a bird feather on the ground, bring that in for your cat to do a scent investigation.

12) Share the Love

Take pictures of your cats to document this special day and share them on social media. It’s a great way to get people talking and sharing about the joy of living with cats. And, who doesn’t love sharing pictures of cats!
 

10 Ways to Spoil Your Dog

Read the 10 ways to pamper your pup all day long for #SpoilYourDogDay!

Being the loving pet parent that you are, there is no doubt you love and cuddle your dog every day! However it’s time to pull out all of the stops and indulge your dog for #SpoilYourDogDay. We came up with ten puppy-approved ways to spoil your dog silly!

 

1) Treat Your Dog to Some Extra Treats

 

treats

While normally we wouldn’t suggest extra treats, by #SpoilYourDogDay is only one day, so throw a few extra treats your dog’s way. If they are healthy treats that your dog loves, then you won’t feel as guilty pulling them out a few extra times and will be able to enjoy the moment as your dog leaps and barks for joy.

2) Indulge Your Dog with a Doggie Massage

Dogs love and benefit from massages just as much as people by improving circulation. Spoil and pamper your dog by watching a YouTube video (or three or four) and learning how to relax you pup!

3) Go Shopping for a New Toy Together

toy

If you have a playful pup, then there is no time like Spoil Your Dog Day than to visit the pet store and to let your dog find a new toy that makes them want to run, jump and flip for joy.

4) Clear Your Afternoon to Your Dog’s Favorite Things

Time is one of the greatest gifts you can give someone you love. Call the office and clear your afternoon then go pick up your dog for a long, impromptu afternoon of all of your favorite things whether it is dining out, strolling the sidewalk, visiting the park or discovering a new hiking trail.

5) Take a Nice, Long Drive Together

drive

Have you ever noticed how the happiest dogs are the ones hanging out of their owner’s window as they drive down a sprawling stretch of empty roadway? If it’s one of their favorite things, take your dog on an extra-long drive to wherever the heart desires.

6) Upgrade Your Dog’s Accommodations

Don’t you feel like royalty when you get a new mattress or a new set of sheets? Your dog feels the same way. Upgrade his or her food and water dish and bedding to something ultra-cozy and (most importantly) brand new.

7) Go for a Swim Together

swim

 

One thing about the dog days of Summer is that they are hot, hot, hot. If your dog knows how to swim, take them to a pool or a beach where you can both dive in, swim around and cool off together.

8) Schedule a Doggie Playdate

If you have an outgoing dog who loves hanging out with her friends or at the doggie playground, then schedule a playdate with her favorite canine friends, or take a long afternoon at the dog park. Give her the social hour she deserves.

9) Get a Puppy Pedicure

While not all dogs love visiting the groomer and getting fur washed and nails trimmed, it feels like heaven for some dogs. If your dog loves a spa day, then schedule one on Spoil Your Dog Day and splurge on the deluxe treatment.

10) Let Your Dog Get Dirty

dirty

This last way to spoil your dog may be in sharp contrast to taking your dog for a luxury pampering session, but for the dogs that love to get dirty, nothing will please them more than taking them to the backyard or happy place where they can frolic and roll around in the dirt like no one’s watching.

On Spoil Your Dog Day, we at Wellness Pet Food endorse a few extra treats. Treat your dog guilt free with Wellness Pet Food’s WellBites, WellBars or Puppy Bites snacks. All of Wellness’ snacks are made with natural ingredients, just like our other dog food recipes, so your dog gets treated while staying healthy!
 

About This Page

Pet Type:

DOG

Topic:

General Care Health & Nutrition

Date:

06/08/2019

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