Companies are invited to show off their dog-friendly cultures to be considered for the third annual list of pet-friendly companies in celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day®
Is Fido a part of the team at your office? Have happy hours turned into “yappy” hours with the addition of four-legged colleagues? If the answer is yes, Wellness® Natural Pet Food wants to hear from you!
In anticipation of Take Your Dog to Work Day® on June 21, 2019, Wellness Natural Pet Food is curating its third annual list of America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies. For the first time, the natural pet food maker is inviting companies from across the country to tout why they deserve a spot on the coveted list. Any company with a pet-friendly workplace is eligible — and bonus points are given for workplaces that go above and beyond with added pet perks like “Pawernity Leave” for new pet parents, pet health insurance benefits and more.
To submit, companies can simply share a photo of dogs in their office on Instagram and explain in the caption what makes their pet-friendly culture unique. Companies must tag @wellnesspetfoodin their post and include #TakeYourDogtoWorkDay, #PetFriendyCompanies2019 and #wellnesspetfood in each submission. The call for entries will be open April 3 through April 30, 2019, and companies are encouraged to submit multiple entries during the submission period.
“Since launching our first list of pet friendly companies in 2017, we’ve heard from more and more workplaces that they’d like a shot at the top spot on our list,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, Director of Consumer Experience at Wellness. “We’re opening up the submission process to make sure every company has a chance to be celebrated for putting their best paw-forward when it comes to embracing pets at work!”
Companies that have been named to the list in prior years have included Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Etsy, Harpoon Brewery, BISSELL Homecare and more.
A recent survey from Wellness found out exactly how important dog-friendly corporate cultures are to today’s workforce, with 51 percent of millennials stating that they would consider a career move for a pet-friendly workplace. Whether it’s conference calls with Fido at your feet or flexible paid time off benefits to take care of a pup, it’s clear that Americans are prioritizing their pet perks.
America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies of 2019 will be announced in June ahead of Take Your Dog to Work Day, which was created by Pet Sitters International and is now celebrated by offices across the country. You can find the full media announcement here.
There are times when you need a pet sitter, and it goes without saying that you want the person who watches your pet to be a top-notch pet sitter. Nothing is more distressing than coming home from vacation only to realize your pet’s litter box is full, or your pet’s water dish is dirty or empty, etc. Avoid those nightmare scenarios by finding a pet sitter who has all of these top-notch qualities.
They Love Pets
Top-notch pet sitters love animals. They might not be pet owners themselves because their children or partner has allergies, but they adore pets. It’s easy to recognize a pet lover because their entire demeanor lights up when they’re around animals. They aren’t faking their joy.
They Have a Flexible Schedule
A top-notch pet sitter has a flexible schedule, which means they are able to work with you and your needs. What is more, they know their schedule and capability and can be honest during your consultation if they can pet sit without much advanced notice. Ideally, pet sitting will be your pet sitter’s only job as this allows for maximum flexibility.
They Are Very Well-Educated about Pets
Top-notch pet sitters are educated. They know about different pet breeds, their specific physical needs and their nutritional needs. They are aware of animal resources in your community such as vet clinics, pet stores, pet-friendly parks, etc. They are knowledgeable about different threats to your pet (such as icy weather or ice melts to dog’s paws) and know how to prepare. They are also up-to-date on pet trends and new discoveries in pet care.
They Are Professional and Have Emergency Care Plans in Place
Your most qualified pet sitters will not only have educated themselves about different pet breeds and their specific needs, but they will also already have a plan of action for what to do in emergency situations. For example, what if your pet runs away? What if they get sick? What if they ingest poison? A top-notch pet sitter will know who to call, where to go and how to respond. They know that pet sitting is about much more than showing up and feeding and walking your pet.
They Respect Your Wishes
A top-notch pet sitter respects your care plan for your pet, so if you want your dog fed three times a day, they honor that rather than emptying a bag of food and leaving it out all day, for example.
They Are Insured
For top-notch pet sitters, pet sitting is a profession as much as a passion; it’s definitely not a hobby. Truly solid pet sitters have taken the time to get insured because they know that things can happen beyond their control. They may even have formed an LLC or other entity for their professional pet sitting activities.
They Are Experienced and Have Great Reviews
The best pet sitters will have glowing reviews from former clients. They will not be shy about providing references (make sure to vet these). Note that some very experienced pet sitters may only have a few clients to refer you to; however, if those were long-term clients, then that speaks well to their satisfaction.
They Have Excellent Communication Skills
As a pet parent, you want to know how your pet is doing especially if you have to be away for long stretches of time. The best pet sitters are the ones who put your heart at ease by communicating with you frequently when they are watching your pet. They might text photos of your pet to you during the day to let you know that they just finished a walk with your pet or even call you, so your pet can hear your voice on the phone.
They Can Accommodate Your Pet’s Needs
While you might find a pet sitter who will come to your home and pet sit, some pet sitters take pets to their residence (especially when the pet sitting is a long-term arrangement). A top-notch pet sitter will have a home ideally suited for pets–a spacious, fully-fenced backyard for dogs to run around safely, or a scratching post house for cats to climb on, to sleep in and to sharpen their nails on.
They Have a Calming Presence and Bond with Your Pet
Lastly, top-notch pet sitters have a presence that pets are drawn to. They are able to put your pet at ease. Your pet should have a positive chemistry with the pet sitter you choose, which is why it’s important to interview pet sitters before you hire them. Let them meet your pet. Watch their interaction.
A truly top-notch pet sitter will also be honest if they do not feel a connection with your pet. Part of the joy of being a pet sitter is spending time with pets that they love. Who wouldn’t want that?
You want the best for your pet, which is why only a top-notch pet sitter will do. The same is true for what’s in your pet’s food bowl–you only want to feed your pet top-notch food, which is why Wellness Pet Food makes natural pet meals, snacks, and treats. Only the best for your pet.
Spring break is coming up and you want to take the whole family, but not every vacation destination celebrates pets; however, you want to bring your dog and have lots of fun. This top 10 list showcases the best-of-the-best of dog-friendly spring break vacation hot spots for pet lovers.
You could say Key West is going to the dogs in the best of ways. This tropical destination not only features pristine turquoise ocean water, but it also has lots of doggie to-dos including the Higgs Beach Dog Park where dogs can frisk around unleashed, which means you and your dog can splash in the sun together. There are also dozens of restaurants and other venues (like the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum) that welcome your four-legged family members.
If your spring break won’t be complete without beaches and sunshine, but you also want a quiet(er) getaway, then make plans to visit Amelia Island. There are plenty of beaches that welcome (leashed) pets. Enjoy a quiet week of R&R shopping the local weekend farmer’s market, strolling Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach and playing at the Nassau County Human Society dog park (considered one of the country’s best).
Carmel-by-the-Sea has been rated the number one dog-loving town in America with good reason. Carmel beach not only have a seemingly endless expanse of sandy shore for unleashed pets to run around on, you can also spring for doggy surf lessons. Enjoy bonfires on the beach, hike dog-friendly trails, dine in dog-friendly restaurants and even go for a dog-friendly spa. Water bowls, dog treats and other pet-friendly accommodations are the norm at Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you’re looking for a spring break that offers the option for a few beach days as well as intellectual stimulation, then Galveston is your place. Galveston’s “The Strand” is a National Historic Landmark full of charming shops, historical sites and plenty of dining options. Best of all…leashed dogs are welcome tourists. When you’re ready to relax, the Galveston State Park spans from the beach to the bay or take a dolphin tour.
Telluride is probably one of the few places where you’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you don’t have a dog. In Telluride, dogs outnumber people. Spring break in Telluride means lots of shopping options where you and your dog can shop side-by-side (many shops also have doggy treats). Expect plenty of hotel and cabin options, as well as free public transport on The Galloping Goose for leashed dogs. Stay fit and entertain hiking and swimming with your dog in Telluride.
Considered one of the country’s most pro-dog cities, Seattle is an ideal spring break destination for pet lovers. It’s has something for everyone. For foodies, there are plenty of delicious restaurants, breakfast spots, coffee shops and bars that welcome dogs. There are dog parks for those who want to hang out in the city. Meanwhile, outdoorsy pet lovers will delight in the many hiking trail options that allow dogs to bound along. If you stay just outside of the big city, Leavenworth’s Alpine Rivers Inn offers tubing for people and pets alike.
If you want to get out of the city and experience nature, bucolic Finger Lakes in New York is perfection. There are 11 lakes where you can canoe or kayak with your dog as well as over 70 hiking and biking trails. There are also culinary trails (cheese, sweets, beer and wine), vineyard for touring and restaurants that serve delicious, locally-sourced fare. It’s the kind of place that puts the “break” in spring.
For years, Austin, Texas has been one of the country’s hottest foodie scenes. In addition to being a great place to wine and dine, Austin also has plenty of doggy to-dos that are equally fun for you. With options like West Austin Dog Park, Auditorium Shores and Red Bud Isle peninsula, you and your dog will never be out of options for running and swimming (between eating, shopping and enjoying the live music scene, that is).
Some of the country’s most innovative cuisine comes out of San Francisco, but an even more delicious reason to visit is that the city is highlighted as being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. Several parks (including Golden Gate Park), restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, stores and hotels are highlighted as being dog-friendly. Most notably, the W Hotel provides a special gift basket for traveling pets that features food, a water bowl, a mat and a treat from housekeeping. Pets enjoy the same health benefits of a much-deserved vacation as you. Also like you, they experience physical, mental and emotional health benefits from a balanced, natural diet complete with meals, treats and snacks like those made by Wellness Pet Food. So, treat your pet to great quality food and a spring break adventure with you.
Confusing food allergies with food sensitivities (or intolerances) is a common mistake by pet parents. Whilst food allergies and food sensitivities have very different causes, the outward symptoms are very similar. However, it is important to differentiate true food allergies from food sensitives to best help Fido avoid skin and digestive upsets.
So what is a food allergy or food sensitivity?
Food Allergies
A true food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food ingredient as harmful and subsequently commences an immune response. True food allergies are much less frequent that food sensitivities. In fact, studies indicate that of the total population of dogs who do suffer from allergies, only 10% of those dogs are suffering from food allergies and most reactions are due to far more prevalent causes including fleas, parasites and the environment. The clinical signs of a food allergy include:
Intense itching
Chronic ear inflammation
Gastrointestinal problems (chronic diarrhea or gas)
Skin redness
Hair loss
Whilst the ingredients that trigger an allergic response vary for every dog, the most common food allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork and corn.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are non-allergic reactions to a food that may present with as a cumulative response to an offending agent. Sensitivities can result from a pet being unable to properly digest certain ingredients such as meat proteins, dairy, grains, artificial colors, artificial flavors and chemical preservatives. The onset of food sensitivities typically occurs suddenly within 48 hours of ingesting the offending food. Signs of food sensitivities include:
Poor skin condition
Itchy coat
Chronic ear infections
Foot yeast
Bacterial infections
Loose stools
Vomiting, diarrhea and gas
Treating Food Allergies & Sensitivities
If you think that your dog is suffering from either a food allergy or sensitivity, always consult with your veterinarian first to accurately identify the problem. For both food allergies and food sensitivities, the clinical signs are often diagnosed with an elimination diet and challenge. This approach focuses on feeding a diet that limits the number of ingredients to avoid potentially offending ingredients. Therefore, natural, grain-free and limited-ingredient diets have become a go-to choice for pet parents who believe their dog has a food allergy or sensitivity.
Recipes such as Wellness CORE SIX are specifically crafted to be naturally hypoallergenic and avoid common food allergens, therefore reducing the likelihood of that diet causing reaction in dogs with food allergies or sensitivities.
Wellness CORE SIX dry dog recipes are crafted clean with only six main ingredient sources, a single animal protein source and limited carbohydrate ingredients. They are free of common food allergens such as grains, chicken, diary, wheat, soy and artificial ingredients to limit a dog’s exposure to ingredients that commonly cause adverse reactions. CORE SIX is available in Cage-Free Duck, Free-Range Lamb and Sustainably-Sourced Salmon recipes (including a recipe crafted specifically for Small Breed dogs). While CORE SIX are limited in ingredient sources, they are high-protein, rich in natural fats and are fortified with omega fatty acids, dietary fibres, prebiotics and probiotics to ensure your dog has the balanced nutrition they need to support healthy skin, coat and digestive system.
Supporting a dog with food allergies or sensitivities can be challenging, but with an understanding of what is causing these allergies or sensitivities and the right diet, pet parents can alleviate their dogs’ adverse symptoms. As you limit the ingredients in your dog’s main meal, don’t forget that you should also limit ingredients in treats and toppers. Wellness CORE 100% treats are great for dogs with food allergies and sensitivities as they are made a single protein source for a healthy, crave-worthy snack.
If you’ve ever heard a person say they like a particular type of dog, there could be a scientific reason behind it. Just as there are many different types of personalities, there are many different types of pet personalities, some of which are more compatible with yours than others. The good news is that it isn’t hard to find a dog that fits your personality. Many dogs are mixed-breeds (mutts), which means they have a combination of the best-of-the-best qualities from all of the breeds that influence their genetic make-up. Use this guide to figure out what primary doggy personality traits to look for when you want to bring a new friend home. This guide also highlights a few breeds that possess those traits as well as breed-specific rescues, making it easy for you to meet lots of new friendly faces and personalities that are just right for you.
1. Inquisitive, Hardworking Orderly Types
While everyone likes to let loose and have fun, you’re at your happiest when things are in order. You appreciate traditional values and respect hard work (you’re not afraid of hard work either). You believe everyone has a role to play to keep society operating well. Quiet-time with a good book or a favorite podcast is how you recharge.
Dog personality matches:
Your ideal dog will be confident and self-assured. Though possibly difficult to train at first, your ideal match will be respectful, reliable and polite once trained.
You’re the first to volunteer, love giving back, and thrive on helping others. You try to observe what is going on around you and go above and beyond to fill in the gaps.
Dog personality matches:
Your ideal dog will be loyal, obedient, hardworking, intelligent, gentle, fond of human interaction and eager to please.
You’re an optimistic achiever. You work hard but like to have fun. You naturally attract people, have a skill for reading others and can perform in whatever situation life throws at you. You have lots of people who want to be your friend and are well-liked.
Dog personality matches:
Your ideal dog is adventurous, playful, active and social. They are curious and crave stimulation and activity.
You sometimes feel like an outlier. You’re unique and often creative. You have a different way of seeing the world. You love to surround yourself with beautiful and meaningful things. You have a good sense of humor and can laugh at yourself.
Dog personality matches:
Your ideal dog is laidback, peaceful, relaxed and companionable. This dog knows how to mind his own business but is also alert, hardworking and bright.
When confronted with a challenge or a new topic, you don’t just find the answer¾you immerse yourself in the subject often becoming an expert. You love learning new things and can talk at length on topics you’re passionate about. Alone time doesn’t bother you.
Dog personality matches:
Dog personalities that suit you can be aloof and pensive…almost like a cat. They are smart and seemingly indifferent, but they enjoy intimate companionship with someone they trust. You might also enjoy a more energetic breed that is smart, self-sufficient and happy with alone time.
You are a faithful friend who believes in the virtue and the goodness of those you care about. You work well with others and are happy to do your part in group projects. You don’t mind labels and are happy to strongly identify with whatever political party, religious group or social cause you support.
Best personality matches:
Your best dog match will be good-natured, dependable, loyal, outgoing and curious.
You are easily excited about new people, new things and new ideas. You might be a jack of many trades and a master of none because you quickly move from one new passion to another. You enjoy new experiences and have boundless energy.
Best personality matches:
Your ideal dog is playful, affectionate, smart, happy and curious.
You are quick to take up a cause when you detect an injustice. You aren’t afraid to lead the pack especially when it comes to seeking justice. You may not always stand up for yourself, but you speak out for friends and others. You are passionate and hardworking, often preferring to rely on your own resources.
Best personality matches:
Your best dog match is charismatic, confident, intelligent, strong-willed and a born leader. You are also well-suited for adventurous, warm, compassionate and playful dogs.
You are a go-with-the-flow type who really would prefer if everyone just got along. It is not hard for you to find joy in the world around you, and you are generally easy-to-please. Conflict exhausts you, and so you strive to avoid it in all of your relationships.
Best personality matches:
Your perfect dog match is loving and loyal, passionate, charismatic, social and is attuned to people’s needs and emotions.
Dogs with these qualities:
Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Flat-Coated Retriever, Labrador Retriever or Curly-Coated Retriever Again, many dogs have multiple breed influences, which means that the dog is likely to possess not only the great qualities of their primary breed but also of other breeds. This means that it is easy to find a dog that fits your personality. All you have to do is meet to know when you’ve found “the one”. Keep in mind that as you seek a dog with a personality that best suits you, in addition to reading about pet parenting in general (including nutritional needs), make sure to consider where you live, how big the dog gets and how much space your new best friend will have to play and to exercise.
To conclude, a new dog could be exactly what you need in your life. By getting one with a personality that goes paw-in-hand with your personality, you ensure that you two will have nothing but loving good times. Every dog has a different personality, and every dog has different dietary needs, which is why Wellness Pet Food makes different natural blends ideally suited for all dogs, no matter their health, their size or their age.
Celebrated every February, National Pet Dental Health Month was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association to highlight how important oral health is to overall health, happiness and wellbeing of your pet. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth every day, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth on daily despite recommendations from veterinarians across the US to do so. As a result, supplemental dog dental chews that are proven effective in fighting plaque and controlling tartar become an important part of a dog’s daily routine.
Why is Doggie Dental Care So Important?
Effective dental care is as critical for dogs as it is for humans. Neglecting oral hygiene in dogs can lead to issues like tartar build up, gum disease, bad breath and other larger health issues like heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease.
When Do Dental Problems Start?
According to US Veterinarians, periodontal disease, a gum disease caused by plaque and tartar buildup, is the most common dental condition for dogs, with 80% exhibiting evidence of the disease by age 3.
How to Prevent Dental Health Issues in Dogs
When it comes to dental health care in dogs, offense is the best defense. Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing a daily dog dental chew are great ways to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation.
While dog dental chews are not a replacement for teeth brushing, they are an easy, fun, delicious option to help care for your dog’s oral health on a daily basis. Dog dental chews like WHIMZEES allow you to give your dog a treat that you can feel great about because your dog love the taste and chewing experience, and you’ll love knowing that you’re doing something beneficial for your dog’s oral health.
How to Choose the Right Dental Chew
When looking at dental chews, evaluate them in the same ways you would your dog’s food. Look at ingredients and look at efficacy. Look for a chew made with all natural, limited ingredients – like WHIMZEES! WHIMZEES are limited ingredient, all natural, and Non-GMO Project Verified, so they’re great for dogs with ingredient sensitivities. They are also gluten-free and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Photo via @bella_thesillypitty
In terms of efficacy, look for a dental chew with scientifically proven claims. Based on a study at an independent kennel, WHIMZEES are 80% more effective at reducing plaque than leading competitors*. Now that’s a number you can feel good about.
While daily brushing is best for your dog, a daily dental chew is the next best thing. Bringing a daily dental chew into your dog’s life and making oral care a priority will not only allow you to further bond with your dog, but will also allow you to keep them happy and healthy. Not all pet foods are created equally, and the same applies to dog dental chews. WHIMZEES All Natural Daily Dental Chews are a fun, easy, effective way to care for your dog’s teeth, breath and gums every day. Learn more about WHIMZEES today at WHIMZEES.com, or visit your local pet store or e-commerce website to learn more.
There are many ways you show your pet your love–by feeding them delicious, healthy food, by giving them gifts, by bathing them, by taking them to the vet, by petting and grooming them, by spending special time with them, by telling them and more; however, there are only a few ways for you to say “I love you” to your pet that they truly understand. Read on to learn seven ways for you to say “I love you” to your pet and for them to feel the meaning behind your expression.
1. Listen to Your Pet
Photo via Tam S.
When it comes to communication, the most valuable skill anyone of any species can possess is listening. Obviously, dogs and cats can’t talk; they can’t say, “I’m happy,” or, “I’m sad,” or, “I’m feeling confused.” Instead, animals communicate via their many expressions. When you take the time to learn what your dog’s or cat’s expressions mean, you learn to listen to your pet, and if you consider that most people just want to heard, it’s safe to say most animals want to be (heard), too.
2. Make Eye Contact
Photo via Unsplash: Tadeusz Lakota
They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, and this is true for animals and humans. Have you ever looked deep into the eyes of someone you love and felt a charge? Well, if so, then what you felt was a zing of oxytocin, a “feel good” chemical that is triggered when we feel strong feelings. As it turns out, if you look into your pet’s eyes, they get those feel good feelings, too, so a little eye contact can go a long way in expressing how you feel to your pet.
3. Open Your Resting Space
Another form of expression that should be a no-brainer is physical expression. Show your dog or cat you love them by allowing them to nap with you during the day and / or in your bed at night. The love that you feel when you and your pet snuggle is also felt by your pet.
4. Let Your Pet Lean on You
Photo via Marta Markes
During waking, walking hours, it might seem like an imposition to have your pet leaning or rubbing against your legs, but by not getting stressed and (more importantly) by leaning back, you create an intimacy and a trust culture that proves to your pet that you love them.
5. Walk Together
Koda going for a walk in the woods photo via @fishingjosh
So much of your relationship with your pet and of your showing your love to your pet is just being together. Rather than take your daily walk alone, going hiking or camping alone, or exploring your city alone, you are at an advantage to take your pet as she will take your decision to include her as a sign that you, too, love her.
Grooming is a sign that one cares about the comfort and appearance of someone they love. Certainly, people are aware that pets are perpetual self-groomers. To say “I love you”, pet parents can take that burden from their pets by bathing and brushing them on a routine basis.
7. Talk Out Loud
Lastly, pet owners can get out of their own head spaces and talk openly with their pets in order to say “I love you”. While saying “I love you” is always kind, using clear, simple phrases that indicate pride trigger MRI responses in animals, which reveals that animals associate praise with love.
Another way that you can say “I love you” to your pet is by making sure that the food you feed to them is a healthful one made with natural ingredients like those made by Wellness Pet Food. Wellness also makes several snacks and treats that celebrate your pet every day.
Adding a new puppy to your family is an exciting journey; one full of adventure, lessons, and laughs. And although dogs are pack-animals who are meant to live closely with other dogs, ensuring a seamless transition for each canine member can be overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be! Our newest puppy, Kenai, is the fourth dog we have raised. Here are three things that have successfully helped our pack adjust (in the past and present) when adding a new puppy.
1. Schedule
Jeremy and Mandi with their 3 pups (left to right) Kylie (9), Kono (3) and Kenai (2 months)
Dogs crave structure in their lives, so having a consistent schedule is important. We strive to maintain our adult dogs’ day-to-day routine while balancing a puppy’s more demanding needs. Throughout the day we work to maintain mealtimes, potty breaks and exercise routines.
We overlap where we can, and work the rest around their existing schedule. For instance, even though a puppy may eat three times a day in the beginning (and an adult dog only twice), try ensuring two of those meals are at the same time. Maintaining your adult dog’s expectations and schedule offers stability and peace of mind that you are still reliable and consistent – that the new ankle biter hasn’t taken over everything.
2. Respect
In nature, raising puppies is a family ordeal. The responsibility of instilling manners, boundaries, and rules doesn’t fall solely on the mother – other adult dogs will help teach the little members of the pack how to peacefully coexist with each other.
If you trust that your adult dog is a stable, well-adjusted canine, you can learn a lot about puppy-raising by sitting back and watching her interactions with your puppy.
However, since our dogs have to figure out not only how to live with each other, but also in our human-world, sometimes our intervention can help this process.
Jeremy and Mandi with their new puppy, Kenai, a 2-month-old Golden Retriever
One way we achieve harmony in the beginning is during meal times. Since eating is a strong instinct for dogs, it offers a great opportunity for solidifying your leadership and teaching respect. Likewise, this “exercise” can provide a wonderful opportunity for bonding:
• Allow your adult dogs to begin eating first.
• As the adult dogs begin to eat, keep the puppy calm and close; where he can still see and smell what is going on, but the distance allows his body language to relay respect.
• Having the puppy wait to eat helps the adult dog reinforce her leadership, while the puppy practices healthy boundaries. Additionally, eating together encourages pack behavior, which in turn nurtures bonding.
3. Exercise
The pups are burning off some energy! Kono (left) and Kylie (right).
Like us humans, regular exercise is imperative for dogs to be happy and healthy. Getting your new puppy exercise is a delicate balancing act of protecting him prior to being appropriately vaccinated, and exposing him to the different sights, scents, and sounds of the world.
In nature, walking together is probably the most natural thing a pack of dogs participate in. They walk to seek shelter, food, water, shade and so forth.
Walking is also one of the quickest ways to develop a bond among dogs, since it is so embedded in their natural instincts. Not only that, but it drains mental and physical energy which allows a dog to find physical rest and mindful peace – which is the recipe for true contentment. (All crucial things to achieve for each dog during the adjustment!)
Carrying your pup or investing in a dog-stroller are ways you can include your puppy on a pack walk before it is safe for their paws to be on the ground. Another thing we do after the first set of vaccinations is purchase dog-safe wet-wipes, and be diligent about wiping our puppy’s paws after they have been out and about. This helps cut down on the germs and bacteria they are exposed to that may lead to infections and viruses.
Though we have made numerous mistakes over the years, our understanding of navigating the adjustment of bringing home a new puppy has grown considerably. We now feel confident in providing both our adults and puppies with everything they need to ensure a smooth transition.
Summary
To help facilitate a pawsitive transition when adding a new puppy, try implementing and following through with these three concepts:
Schedule
Maintaining your dogs’ expectations of his life through his schedule and routine allows him to feel safe and content during the major changes that come with adding a puppy.
Respect
Encourage healthy boundaries and stay committed to the rules you set for your dogs, puppy included. Implementing predicable routines during mealtimes can help nurture bonding and reinforce leadership.
Exercise
Follow through with typical exercise routines to ensure no one has pent up energy (which can lead to frustration) during the adjustment.
Try to safely include the puppy during pack walks and play times when it’s appropriate.
These three things not only bring harmony to our pack, but they help in setting the foundation for lifelong bonds among our dogs; bonds of loyalty, trust, respect and understanding – just as nature intended.
The Clean Eating trend has fast become one of the largest diet philosophies that people all around the word have adopted into their homes on their continuous quest to improve their health and wellbeing. Focused on fueling one’s body with real, whole foods and natural ingredients, Clean Eating has been associated with health benefits such as weight loss, increased energy levels and even as a solution of common ailments such as digestive and skin concerns.
Clean eating for humans involves key principles that align with the basic practice of healthy eating:
Eat real, whole food ingredients that nourish your body such as lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables and fruits. These ingredients should be used to create balanced, healthy meals
Avoid highly-processed and over-refined packaged foods, snacks, sweets and all items with a long list of ingredients or artificial colors, preservatives and flavors
Get plenty of physical activity during the day, get enough sleep at night and manage stress in healthy ways.
Can clean eating extend to your dog?
Absolutely! It goes without saying that dogs are not people. They have a unique set of nutritional needs that must be met to ensure their health and wellbeing; however, you can adopt similar Clean Eating principles for them as you do yourself. Focus on feeding them foods that are made from a simple recipe of whole foods with identifiable ingredients and are formulated to meet their nutritional needs without any artificial additives
Is clean eating suitable for all dogs or only those with sensitivities?
Clean eating is suitable for all dogs! For many pet parents, the ingredients that their dog eats (or doesn’t eat) has fast become the most important factor that they consider when selecting a food. By excluding ingredients such as low quality proteins, highly processed grains and long ingredient lists, many pet parents have seen their dog’s skin, coat and digestive health improve. You can expect to see any dog’s health and wellbeing maximized with a natural diet that focuses on whole food ingredients.
How do I select a “clean” food for my dog?
Look for a limited ingredient recipe: A limited ingredient recipe, contains a short list of hard-working, main ingredient source that are carefully chosen to maximize nutrition and digestibility while avoiding common allergens.
Select a meat-rich diet that is based on one, novel protein source: Meat should always be a key ingredient in your dog’s diet. A superior high-quality animal protein source supports digestibility and creates less work on the digestive system.
Look for whole food, grain-free diets with recognizable carbohydrates: Ingredients such as chickpeas and peas deliver superior nutritional benefits compared to that of highly processed alternatives like tapioca and potato starch for a more nutritious meal, and the exclusion of grains such as wheat and corn helps reduce exposure to common food allergies.
Ensure ingredient superiority by checking that the ingredient sourcing details: Clean recipes will contain non-GMO sourced ingredients and thoughtfully-sourced animal proteins.
Avoid the nasties: Most brands will call out loud and clear what they exclude, but always check the ingredient list to ensure there are no unwanted fillers added to bulk up the food and that the ingredients are definitely natural with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives used.
Choosing whole food, healthy ingredients that are crafted into a clean, high-protein, limited ingredient recipe for your dog will not only allow them to join you in eating clean, but more importantly, will ensure that they have optimal nutrition to fuel a long, happy and playful life by your side.
One clean eating option–NEW Wellness CORE SIX!
Wellness CORE SIX is crafted clean with non-GMO ingredients and just SIX main ingredient sources. Each high-protein recipe is made with a single, thoughtfully sourced animal protein and fortified with essential vitamins, minerals and probiotics to ensure your dog gets the balanced nutrition he needs to thrive from the core. It’s available in Sustainably-Sourced Salmon, Cage-Free Duck and Free-Range Lamb options, as well as a Sustainably-Sourced Salmon for Small Breeds recipe.
Has your dog tried CORE SIX? If so, share your photos by including @wellnesspetfood and #WellnessCORE in your post!
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you want to get your special someone a gift that shows just how much you understand what makes their heart sing—their pet. There is no better gift for a cat or dog lover than one that allows them to show off how much they love their pet. That’s why we made a list of 10 Valentine’s Day gifts for pet lovers that are as unique as their beloved pet.
Custom dog or cat socks by MyPhotoSocks.com is such a doggone cute idea. Available in an array of attractive colors, custom dog or cat socks allow you to upload a photo of your paramour’s pet and have the image of their head printed all over the sock amidst lightning bolts, dog bones, fishbones or other fun designs. These make a great gift because they’re not only personal and thoughtful, they’re also comfortable.
For the altruistic dog lover who happens to be an environmentalist, rescued wine candles hit all the right notes. These handcrafted all-natural American soy wax candles are made from recycled wine bottles and feature wine-inspired scents. Even better, 10% of Rescued Wine’s annual profits go toward animal rescue organizations across the nation.
A stylish, customizable throw pillow that allows you to define your love’s dog’s unique attributes is not only personal, it also encourages cuddling on the couch with the dog, and you of course. The pillow is available in five colors guaranteed to match any décor (and dog).
Made by CreateBrightly, custom stemless wine glasses feature a permanent, dishwasher-safe etched photo of your favorite person’s pet. If you order two, you can grow closer while enjoying a glass of wine and sharing your favorite pet memories this Valentine’s Day.
While there are many talented artists creating custom pet photos, these works by Starlightwoods on reclaimed wood are natural and elegant and complement any décor.
Jewelry isn’t a cliché gift when it’s something unique and one-of-a-kind, like a sterling silver necklace in the image of your favorite person’s pet. A message engraved on the back makes this gift extra charming.
Since your Valentine’s pet no doubt has the key to their heart, it’s only fitting that they have an elegant sterling silver keychain bearing their pet’s likeness on the front and a special message from you on the back.
Fashionable pet lovers will not be able to resist a soft, stylish handmade scarf from Aurora Grace Design. The scarves come in multiple colors and patterns. They’re sure to keep your Valentine warm all season long.
You’ll be on that special someone’s mind year-round when you give them a Yeti cup engraved with their pet’s picture and name. Every time they sip their coffee on cool morning walks, they’ll remember how much you care about them and their pet.
Though nothing is surely sweeter than your sweetie (or their pet), this bouquet of “Home is Where the Dog Is” cookies comes close. Available in bouquets of 5, 7, 9 or 12 cookies, this tasty shareable treat allows you to include a custom message (may we suggest “Bone” Appetit?).
If you’re looking for a gift that speaks the language of love to your or your special person’s pet(s), then try surprising them with a new, natural pet food or treat from Wellness Pet Food. Wellness recipes are as healthy as they are delicious.
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