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Adopt a Shelter Pet Day: How to get involved

Posted on by Above1 Support

April 30th is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and what better to celebrate than by adopting a shelter animal!  This is also a great opportunity to educate yourself about why shelter pets are the best, or to share the wealth of knowledge about what makes adopting a shelter pet great! While statistics are as much the mind’s best friend as dogs are man’s best friend, the truth is adopting a shelter pet is a matter of heart. By adopting a shelter pet, you not only save a life, but you also make a friend for life!

What Makes Shelter Pets the Best?

Shelter pets are animals that enter shelters for various reasons. These could be abandonment, lack of a home, abuse, or a person’s inability to provide care. Of the 7.6 million animals that enter shelters across the US every year, the majority are loving, loyal, and hopeful that you will take them home and will love them too.

Adopt A Shelter Pet: Cat

There are multiple breeds and ages among shelter pets; puppies and kittens as well as purebreds and mix breeds are proliferate in shelters. Sadly, of those pets, 2.6 million (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats) are euthanized. While one person cannot save them all, many people working together and choosing to adopt shelter pets can impact those grim statistics.

For example, in addition to shelter pets being loving, loyal, and companionable:

  • Many shelter pets are already house trained.
  • They have been socialized and can safely interact with adult humans, children, and other animals.
  • They have been vaccinated and spayed or neutered.
  • Not only that, but shelter pets, unlike purebreds, cost next to nothing versus hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Where Do I Find a Shelter Pet to Adopt?

Adopt a Shelter Pet: Dog in crate

Finding and adopting a shelter pet is not difficult thanks to the Internet. There are several websites that make it easy to find the kind of animal you are looking for in a within a given area. A few reliable sources are:


Note that working through some of these finder sites may add to the cost of finding a pet. However, it is still far more cost effective than buying from a breeder or at a store. Never mind the fact that adopting a shelter pet means that you are saving a loving animal’s life!

How Do I Prepare to Adopt a Shelter Pet?

Adopt a Shelter Pet: small dog

While some people are sure they want to adopt a shelter pet from the word, “go,” others aren’t as sure. If you believe you will adopt a shelter pet, there are some things you need to have on hand for that magical moment your new pet comes home with you. These items include:

  • Locating a veterinarian
  • Pet food
  • Food and water dishes
  • A pet bed
  • A pet carrier or a pet leash (or both) depending on the pet (bring this to the shelter)
  • A litter box or designated place to use the restroom
  • Pet toys (including a stuffed animal and heating pad to help your pet feel at ease in their new home)

Preparing for your new pet before he or she comes home will make the adoption process flow much more smoothly.

How Do I Adopt a Shelter Pet?

The actual adoption is as easy as finding the right pet. You can start your search online as explained, or you can visit a nearby shelter to get the ball rolling. Once you find a pet who could very well steal your heart, ask to meet him or her. Someone at the shelter will help that pet out of their enclosure and will let you and that pet interact.

When you meet a pet you bond with and you want to adopt, you complete the necessary administrative paperwork and such, obtain any records the shelter has regarding your new pet’s vaccinations and so forth. Before you leave the shelter and head home, make sure you get a photo of you and your new pet to document the beginning of your beautiful happily-ever-after together.

If you are in the market to adopt a pet, shelter pets make incredible friends. They are loving and loyal, and they need your love and your help. Celebrate Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30 by doing something kind for a shelter pet. Wellness Pet Food dreams of a world where all pets have forever homes, warm beds, and delicious nutritious meals made with natural.
 

5 Ways to Make Outdoor Excursions with Your Pet More Eco-Friendly

Posted on by Above1 Support
blueridgemutt

Everyone enjoys a fun day out with their pet, especially when the weather is nice. While you are out enjoying nature with your furry friend, wouldn’t it be nice to make those play dates more eco-friendly? 

To help, we’ve compiled a list of five tips to help make sure you and your pet have fun while keeping the planet beautiful.

1. Keep a to-go water bowl

Outings with your pet can be a day-long adventure, and with all the fun, you both need to stay hydrated. There are quite a few single-use and disposable options for plastic food and water bowls. However, make the choice to bring along a durable, reusable vessel to keep pets rejuvenated on the go. 

Kurgo Travel Splash Free Dog Bowl

Image from Kurgo.com

A portable water bottle you can drink from and use to pour into a reusable dog bowl, like the Kurgo Splash Free Wander Dog Bowl, does double duty on the durables front. Keep a bag that’s easy to carry and clean so a heavier reusable plastic or metal bowl doesn’t weigh you down or discourage you from bringing it on your next walk. If being weighed down is a concern, there are many light, foldable containers in the market for pet accessories.

2. Break away from plastic grocery bag waste

While the jury’s out on biodegradable and plant-based plastics being “eco-friendly,” many experts today are optimistic about compostable plastic bags. Plastic bags for pet waste, like most plastic bags on the market today, take years and years to degrade. Multiply that with the number of times you take your pal out for a walk, and you’re looking at piles of plastic.

More likely to break down than conventional plastics, biodegradable poop bags have been found to be quite hardy and less prone to breakage than you’d think. These BioDOGradable bags are an affordable place to start. 

3. Don’t buy – DIY

diy pet toys

We love our pets like family, so when it comes to showing our affection, it’s easy to give in to the desire to spoil them with toys and treats from the store for outdoor play. Many pet toys today claim to be environmentally friendly, be made from sustainably sourced material, or free from potentially harmful synthetics. However, the most eco-friendly products are the ones you didn’t have to buy.

Spend time and creativity, instead of your money, on getting crafty with empty Wellness pet food packaging and common items found around the house to fashion upcycled DIY toys and accessories for your pet.

4. Ditch leather and go plant-based

Of course, there are some things one would rather buy to ensure our pets are safe, happy and healthy when frolicking in the environment, and a sturdy, comfortable collar or leash may be one of them. Instead of leather, which is expensive both monetarily and ecologically, try leads made of nature’s underdog material: hemp.

As far as product lifespan goes, hemp is one of the most durable and sustainable natural fibers on the planet. Hemp also works for dogs that have sensitive skin and allergies, because the material is hypoallergenic. Here are some options for other vegan collars for your pet.

5. Choose pet foods and treats in recyclable packaging

Wellness CORE Mini Meals recyclable packaging 

All Wellness and Wellness CORE soft pouches for dogs and cats are now recyclable with TerraCycle.

Same as packing a reserve of trail mix, fresh fruit, and energy chews for yourself, bringing your choice of healthy pet foods and treats keeps the adventure going in the great outdoors. Keep garbage off the trail and out of landfills by choosing pet food brands that are either packaged in highly recyclable glass or aluminum, or hosts programs that accepts the packaging that isn’t accepted curbside.

Wellness Natural Pet Food takes responsibility for its plastics packaging and makes it easy for pet owners to recycle it for free with the Wellness Pet Food Recycling Program. As of Earth Month 2019, all of Wellness’ plastic packaging, including Wellness CORE and Wellness pouches for dogs and cats are now accepted through the program! Bonus: the more you recycle, the more points you earn in exchange for a cash donation to your favorite environmental charity.

Wellness Natural Pet Food Announces Call for Entries for America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies

Posted on by Above1 Support
TYDTWD

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.

america's most pet friendly companies

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 @wellnesspetfood in 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.

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The 10 Common Traits of Top-Notch Pet Sitters

Posted on by Above1 Support
pet sitter cover photo

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

pugs in stroller

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

woman serving wellness dry pet 
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

person taking photo of dog
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

person snuggling dog outside 

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.

10 Best Spring Break Destinations for Dog Lovers

Posted on by Above1 Support
spring break

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.

Key West, Florida

West Highland Terrier in Key West Forida
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.

Amelia Island, Florida

Golden Retriever on beach
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, California

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.

Galveston, Texas

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, Colorado

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.

Seattle, Washington

Dog on steps in Seattle Washington
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.

Finger Lakes, New York

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.

Austin, Texas

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).

San Francisco, California

dogs running on beach in San Francisco near Golden Gate Bridge

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.

Recognizing and Treating Food Allergies & Sensitivities in Dogs

Posted on by Above1 Support
dog with allergies licking paw

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 

dog with missing fur on paws

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   

dog getting ear cleaned

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.
 

How to Choose a Dog Breed for These 9 Personality Types

Posted on by Above1 Support

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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Pekingese, Japanese Chin, Tibetan Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Boston Terrier, Chinese Crested, Bull Terrier or Shih Tzu

 

2. Giving, Helpful Doer Types

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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

German Shephard, Dutch Shephard or Belgian Sheepdog if you want a large dog; Bichon Frise, Maltese, Havanese or Bolognese if you prefer a small dog.

 

3. Ambitious, Social and Adaptable Types

beagle with woman
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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Beagle, English Foxhound, American Foxhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Harrier, Brussels Griffon, or Basset Hound

 

4. Individualistic, Creative Original Types

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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Shiba Inu, Australian Shepherd, English bulldog, Hokkaido, Akita, Kishu Ken, Shikoku, Border Collie, Miniature American Shepherd or Dutch Sheepdog

 

5. Intellectual, Investigative Thoughtful Types

Chow chow with man and woman
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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Chow Chow, Chinese Shar Pei, Greyhound, Tibetan Mastiff, Jack Russell Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Rat Terrier or Parson Russell Terrier

 

6. Loyal, Trusting Security-Oriented Types

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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Siberian Husky, Akita, Samoyed, Pug, Greyhound, Alaskan Malmute or Chinook

7. Enthusiastic, Curious Adventurous Types

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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Pomeranian, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Dachshund or Teddy Roosevelt Terrier.

 

8. Challenging, Truth-Seeking Leader Types

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.

 

Dogs with these qualities:

Tibetan Mastiff, Tibetan Terrier, Maltese, Tibetan Spaniel, Papillon, Mastiff, Labrador Retriever and other retriever breeds

 

9. Peaceful, Easy-Going Non-confrontational Types

woman hiking with Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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.

 

What is National Pet Dental Health Month?

Posted on by Above1 Support
dog smiling at camera

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.

pit bull with WHIMZEES
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. 

pit bull with WHIMZEES dental chews for dogs

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. 

7 Ways to Say ‘I Love You’ to Your Pet In Their Language

Posted on by Above1 Support
dog on floor

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

dogs and cat snuggling together

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

dog looking at camera

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

at snuggling with person


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

person petting cat

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

Fishing Josh and Koda dog walking

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.

6.Groom Your Pet

dog getting brushed

Photo by Abbie Love on Unsplash

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.

How to Welcome a New Puppy with a Dog at Home

Posted on by Above1 Support
golden retriever dogs

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

family with golden retriever

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.  

people with golden retrievers

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

dogs running

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. 

About This Page

Pet Type:

DOG

Topic:

Health & Nutrition Life Stage

Date:

13/02/2019

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