June is Adopt a Cat Month, which means that every day for the next thirty days is a Caturday. In case you didn’t know, it’s also kitten season according American Humane and is a time when millions of kittens will be born. Many of those kittens will end up in a shelter and will need to be adopted. If you’ve been thinking of getting a cat or if you’d like to help the millions of cats and kittens needing homes, now is the time to take action.
Why You Should Adopt a Cat (or Two )
Cats are smart, affectionate and loyal companions. They are also low-maintenance pets, which make them an excellent choice for busy families who want to be pet owners. Many cats are content to be solo pets, but if you’re a pet owner who travels or often not home, adopting two cats (siblings tend to do well together) not only gives two cats a home, but it also gives your furry friends someone to play with when you aren’t around.
Cats are entertaining—watching them play or do silly things often puts you in a happy mood.
Cats can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Cat purrs have proven healing powers, which include lowering blood pressure and healing muscles.
What Goes into Cat Maintenance
If you’ve never owned or adopted a cat or kitten but are interested, as noted, cats are very low-maintenance. They need food, water, veterinary care and a litter box if they are going to be indoor pets. While you should trim their claws and clean their teeth and ears, cats groom themselves very efficiently. You can brush them to assist with grooming as this is also a great way to bond with your cat.
Other Ways to Support Adopt a Cat Month
For others, now may not be the time to adopt a cat, or you may already have one (or several) cats. The good news is that you can still help support cats in need during adopt a cat month. There are several ways.
Call your local pet shelters and find out what resources they need and make a donation. Shelters need many things ranging from pet food and pet bowls, beds, blankets, spay/neuter costs, to office and cleaning supplies.
Create your own virtual ASPCA Adopt a Shelter Cat Month Campaign and help raise money to support shelter cats in need.
Promote Adopt a Cat Month on your social media pages with links to causes you support.
Become a foster pet parent. Many people don’t have the ability to be full-time pet owners; foster programs allow you to give love and nurturing to a cat who is waiting to find its forever home.
There are millions of cats out there that need your help. Even if this June isn’t the right time for you to adopt, there are still many ways you can offer your support and make a real difference in hundreds of cats’ lives this month. After all, cats (and their hilarious videos) bring joy to everyone. Take the time to say thanks by being active during Adopt a Cat Month.
Cats are wonderful, fun and friendly pets full of personality and Wellness Pet Food has a recipe for each one! Did you adopt this month? Show us by tagging @wellnesspetfood on Instagram!
A common concern among many cat owners is how to help their cats manage anxiety. For some cats, it takes something big to create anxiety and for others, even the smallest changes in daily life can cause upheaval and uncertainty. Some cat owners will investigate behavioral therapy and others will talk to their veterinarians about incorporating medication. Then there are the owners who simply don’t know what to do. Whether it’s an ongoing generalized anxiety or situational anxiety, cat owners want their cats healthy and happy.
The soaring popularity of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has resulted in more people turning to CBD for their pets to help not only with physical pain but also with behavior issues. The CBD (cannabidiol) market, though certainly causing quite a buzz, is not yet fully backed by science and the claims companies make often lack scientific substantiation. Despite that, cat owners are encouraged by anecdotal evidence and are buying CBD products. Is CBD oil for cats a miracle remedy for anxiety? Is it safe and effective? Based on all the anecdotal success stories you would certainly think so but it’s not that simple.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is a compound derived from hemp. To be considered CBD, the oil must contain less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabidol (THC). Therefore, CBD, does not cause any psychoactive reaction. The fact that CBD can have beneficial effects without these psychoactive side-effects makes it appealing to cat owners when it comes to administering to their pets.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Cats?
The problem is that the CBD market is still relatively new and not yet well-regulated or third-party/government tested for safety. It may be difficult for consumers to be sure of what they’re buying. How do consumers know the product is correctly labeled? With regulated veterinary medications, veterinarians have accurate information regarding proper dosages, potential side effects, contraindications, toxicity levels and length of treatment. With CBD, there’s inconsistent information as well as whether the CBD oil in the product is even of good quality. Depending on where it’s purchased, there is the risk that there’s no CBD oil contained in the product at all. Depending on the manufacturing facility, a consumer can’t be certain the CBD oil is free of contaminants. Improperly formulated CBD oil that contains higher amounts of THC can be very toxic to pets.
Other Risks of CBD Oil in Cats
In addition, there’s another major concern. Some cat owners may be doing their own diagnosis on a cat and bypassing the veterinarian visit altogether. Skipping the veterinary exam and not getting an accurate diagnosis can be harmful to the cat or even life-threatening. Anxiety and stress may be due to an underlying medical problem. Although the cat may show improvements on CBD, it doesn’t other reasons for the anxiety such as intercat relationship issues, changes in the home environment and other potential stressors. Suppressing a behavior problem is not the same as identifying, understanding and resolving it.
12 Safe and Effective Ways to Help Treat Anxiety in Cats
If your cat seems anxious or stressed, your first step is to have the cat examined by the veterinarian. Don’t assume a problem is strictly behavioral before ruling out potential underlying medical causes. Some ways to help ease your cat’s anxiety include:
1. Hiding places:
Photo via @lilfranklestein_3
Hiding is a valuable coping mechanism for cats. Give your cat several hiding options in the home. Examples include: A-frame beds, boxes on their sides, paper bags without handles, cubbies, or cat tunnels. These provide easy ways for a cat to feel “invisible” and calm down.
2. Interactive Playtime:
Play is more than just exercise and fun. Playtime is a valuable therapy and helps release beneficial neurotransmitters. Engage your cat in at least two interactive play sessions a day. Use a fishing pole-type toy and move it so it imitates prey, allowing your cat to stalk, pounce and capture.
3. Food Puzzles:
Puzzle feeders are another wonderful way to exercise a cat’s natural hunting instinct. Puzzle feeders should be challenging but not frustrating in order to maintain the fun factor. Stuff a puzzle feeder with low-calorie, tasty treats like Wellness Kittles to keep your cat engaged with the activity. As with interactive playtime, food puzzles also help release beneficial neurotransmitters into the system.
4. Desensitization:
Train your cat to become comfortable with activities such as being in a carrier, car travel, unfamiliar people and handling. Gradual, positive and gentle training will help your cat become more at ease with each baby step.
5. Pheromone Therapy May Help:
There are artificial feline facial pheromone products available that may help cats associate objects and locations with comfort and familiarity. These products come in spray form and diffusers.
6. Provide Choice:
Don’t underestimate the importance of choice. Cats should have the choice of whether to engage or retreat. Forced interaction, holding or petting can create anxiety. Pay attention to a cat’s body language to see whether you are being invited closer or to keep your distance.
7. Play Music:
Classical and soft music may help calm your cat. There are even some cat-specific music CDs and downloads to play to help ease stress and anxiety. Many shelters use music to help with stress reduction.
8. Reduce Intercat Aggression:
Photo via Raul Varzar
Reduce anxiety and tension between cats by creating an environment where they don’t have to compete for resources. Some examples that help include increased number and locations of litter boxes, separate feeding stations, provide more bed locations, include elevated perches and provide enough scratching posts.
9. Perches and Cat Trees:
Your cat needs elevated perches and places to climb. It will help him get away from any chaos happening on ground level. Increased vertical territory can also help ease tension in multicat environments. Many cats feel more secure when they’re up high.
10. Quality Time Together:
Photo via Jesse Borovnica
You may be the most effective anxiety-reducer for your cat. Spend quality time together with your cat in ways he enjoys. Some cats love having close contact with their human family members and others may prefer being nearby while you read or watch TV. Cats left alone too much can become anxious.
11. Let the Sun Shine in:
Photo via Max Kukurudziak
Open curtains and let the sun in so your cat can enjoy the warmth and relaxation of sunbathing. Some cats also enjoy watching the view out the windows.
12. Call in a Professional:
If you aren’t able to alleviate the anxiety and feel you need more help, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist or a certified cat behavior consultant. A behavior professional may be able to help uncover the anxiety triggers and develop a treatment plan customized for your specific cat.
Conclusion
CBD may ultimately be very promising but as of yet, there haven’t been enough studies and science behind it. We look forward, with interest, in seeing more research on effectiveness and safety.
After receiving over 900 entries, we are excited to announce our 2019 Small Breed Photo Contest Winners! Thank you to the hundreds of Wellness fans who shared their pet photos with us – we smiled, laughed and enjoyed each one. Get to know the pups behind the winning photos below!
WINNER!
Photo Submitted by: Alicia F.
Chihuahua, “Chihuahua,” Age 4
Location of photo taken: Uptown Charlotte, NC Favorite Wellness Food/Treat: Grain free lamb and salmon soft treats Does your pet have a nickname? Chi or Blue boy What is the naughtiest / funniest thing your pet has ever done? I walked into the kitchen one day and he somehow opened the drawers perfectly and used them as stairs to get on the kitchen counter! He was standing up there looking at me so proud of himself. What is the best memory you have involving your pet? The first day I met him! He was two years old and his family needed to find him a new home because of their work schedule. I met them at a park and as soon as I saw how confident he was and the happy dance he did for treats, I knew he was meant to be my boy! What is the best thing about being a small breed dog owner? You’re getting a big dog personality in a fun sized, lovable, travel-friendly package which fits perfectly on your lap for cuddle time!
FIRST RUNNER UP!
Photo Submitted by: Donna M.
Charlie, “Schnoodle,” Age 3
Social handle: @sweetbabycharlie Location of photo taken: Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn, NY Favorite Wellness Food/Treat: soft well bites turkey and duck. Does your pet have a nickname? So many! Bear, Boo, Charles, Chuckles, C…should I go on?! What is the naughtiest / funniest thing your pet has ever done? The first thing that comes to mind is when she was a puppy and was curious about the lilies we had in our apartment. I must have left her alone for five seconds and when I came back she had gotten into the flowers and her entire face was stained yellow from the pollen! It was not easy to get off and her face was bright yellow for a couple days. What is the best memory you have involving your pet? The first day we brought her home. She instantly brought so much joy into our lives and continues to every single day. What is the best thing about being a small breed dog owner? She’s small so I can take her everywhere with me!
SECOND RUNNER UP!
Photo Submitted by: Michael P.
Odin, “Yorkshire Terrier,” Age 2
Location of photo taken: At home. Favorite Wellness Food/Treat: Pure Rewards Chicken and Lamb Jerky bites Does your pet have a nickname? Odie or Stinky What is the naughtiest / funniest thing your pet has ever done? One time he was standing on a bench in our living room looking out the window and farted so loud he scared himself and looked around confused at what had happened! What is the best memory you have involving your pet? Seeing my wife’s face the day we picked him up. She had a yorkie when she lived at home with her parents but he had become so bonded with her father that she couldn’t take him from him when she moved in with me. Seeing her smile and tear up when we got to bring our buddy home was certainly the best. What is the best thing about being a small breed dog owner? Besides the easy clean up? Probably just that he can basically come anywhere with us and it isn’t a hassle. I have noticed that small breed dogs seem to have more personality than bigger dogs as well.
HONORABLE MENTION!
Photo Submitted by: Sheila S.
Smokey, “Shihtzu/poodle mix,” Age 12
Social handle: @smokeandsade Location of photo taken: Lower Calf Creek Falls, Utah Favorite Wellness Food/Treat: lamb and apple well bars, yum! Does your pet have a nickname? Just Smokey or Smokes What is the naughtiest / funniest thing your pet has ever done? Smokey learned how to open the cabinet door then pulled all of the treat bags out and helped himself. Luckily I caught him before he ate too many, it was too funny though! What is the best memory you have involving your pet? I have so many memories since rescuing Smokey seven years ago, but all the best memories have been when we go on a new adventure. We have traveled to 35 states together and lived in four different states! He has been the best side-kick. What is the best thing about being a small breed dog owner? I love that Smokey loves to go hiking, swimming, or kayaking and is always up for anything, but he also will hang out, get cuddles and a belly rub if that’s what I would rather do. Plus, he’s so small, it’s easy to pack up and take him anywhere. Sometimes he even hitches a ride in my backpack if he starts to get tired.
Photo Submitted by: Brittney M.
Franklin, “French Bulldog,” Age 3
Social handle:@the_dapper_frenchie Location of photo taken: Skinner Bark Park, Chicago, IL Does your pet have a nickname? Little Man and Squirt What is the naughtiest / funniest thing your pet has ever done? Frank was playing in a wading pool by himself at the dog park when a huge Great Dane came bounding over. Needless to say, Frank didn’t take well to the splashing. Frank puffed out his chest and let out his gremlin Frenchie war cry, and the Dane went running! What is the best memory you have involving your pet? My best memory is picking him up for the first time in all of his three pounds of glory. He was the tiniest little thing, and so sweet and comfortable. What is the best thing about being a small breed dog owner? All of the sweet snuggles and being able to take them just about anywhere!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @wellnesspetfood from May 13th to May 18th for more Small Breed photos and information during our Small Breed Takeover!
Wellness is teaming up with Best Friends for two of their upcoming Super Adoption events! Read on to see Cashew the Chihuahua’s touching adoption story!
When Amy Loch of Los Angeles was ready to add another small dog to her family, she headed to Best Friends Animal Society’s NKLA Pet Adoption Center.
Amy and her husband Daniel had found such joy after adopting Gremlin, a Chihuahua mix, so they were hoping for the magic to happen a second time – which didn’t take long!
“I couldn’t resist that face! With two teeth poking out and one crinkly ear, I instantly fell in love,” Amy said as her husband pointed out the tan Chihuahua. “Plus, his coat looks so similar to Gremlin’s, I thought they’d make for a funny little pair.”
Upon meeting, the little dog made a big impact on the Loch’s.
“I picked him up and he leaned all of his weight into me. I wrapped my arms around him, and we sat there quietly for a few moments. I just knew that he was the dog we’d be taking home,” Amy recalled.
An hour and half later, they renamed their new dog Cashew and the Loch family trio became a quartet. Almost as quick as Amy and Daniel fell for Cashew, his new brother Gremlin quickly became a fan, too.
“They’re like two peas in a pod! It genuinely feels like they’ve grown up together,” Amy said. The pair’s favorite activities are napping together in the backyard as the sun comes out and stealing each other’s beds at various points in the day.
While Amy loves dogs of all sizes, she said small dogs are their own type of special.
“I love how silly, playful, and smart they are, and being able to hold them both at the same time!”
Bringing Cashew home has made the Lochs’ life fuller, according to Amy, and she recommends adoption to anyone looking to add a pet to their family.
“Adopting a dog means saving a life,” Amy said. “The opportunity to love another being is so rewarding, and knowing that Cashew never has to spend another night alone or scared makes me really happy.”
If you are interested in opening your home to a new family member, please see the pets available for adoption from Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. You can also adopt from one of their lifesaving centers in Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City, and Atlanta. Visit Best Friends to find one of their 2,600+ network shelters and rescues!
Dog ownership rides the trend wave just like anything else, and today more people are choosing to own small breeds in lieu of breeds that mature into medium and large-size dogs. While all dogs are wonderful, loving and loyal, there are good things that come in small (dog) packaging!
Small Dogs Tend to Live Longer
While our pets don’t live as long as we do, most live for well over a decade. On average, small dogs live upwards of 15 years and beyond. Your dog’s breed mix will play a role in their life expectancy, but it is nice to know that you have a few more precious years with your fun-sized baby.
Great For City Living
Small dogs are perfect fits for urban families living in apartments or condos or for families who have small yards. Of course, your small dog needs exercise; however, it is easier for small dogs to get that inside the home or in a small yard space.
Travel Better
Just as small dog breeds have no problem living in small dwellings with little-to-no yard space, small dogs also travel easier whether it’s taking a stroll, a quick grocery run, going on a drive to up the coast or flying to see family far away. Small dogs fit comfortably in easy-to-carry kennels or bags that can usually be taken on a flight and fit perfectly in your car seat or shopping cart.
Small Dogs Need Less Exercise
If you’ve ever visited the park and watched the dogs, you’ve probably seen labs jogging with their owners or playing lively games of catch for lengthy periods of time. You don’t see small dogs jogging with their owners or playing for as long as their larger counterparts because they wear out faster. So, while small dogs need exercise, they don’t need as much, which makes them a great fit for pet parents that cannot participate in as much physical activity.
Easier to Clean
Let’s be real, after a day of playing outside your pup will need a bath! Small dogs can be quickly bathed in a large basin sink or in a bathtub and toweled off with little strain, unlike their larger friends!
Small Dogs are More Affordable
Small breeds eat less than medium and large-size dogs, which in turn means you’ll spend less money on feeding your dog. Not only that, but small dogs tend to have fewer health issues and thus, they visit the vet less frequently.
The Perfect Snuggle Size
While most all dogs are loving and affectionate, small dogs are better lap dogs. They are more compact and can comfortably rest their whole little bodies on your lap while you work, read, nap, etc.
In other words, owning a small dog can be an absolute joy! There are so many small breeds and breed mixes out there, all you have to do is find the one that fits your personality!
Another way to ensure your small breed lives a long, healthy happy life is by feeding them a hearty pet food made with natural ingredients, and formulated especially for their unique nutritional needs, like those made by Wellness Pet Food.
Do you already know the joys of a small breed dog? Share a photo of your pup on social media and tag @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured on our website or social media pages!
Chihuahuas are small, affordable, fun, loyal and easy to care for pets. Check out these 10 reasons why Chihuahuas make a great pet!
With their small heads, big eyes and perky ears, Chihuahuas are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a Chihuahua:
1. Chihuahuas Stay Small
For small dog lovers, chihuahuas are a dream. They typically weigh between two and six pounds and grow to be seven to nine inches in height. While different breed mixes might be a little larger or smaller, chihuahua parents enjoy all of the perks of having a fun-sized pet.
2. Chihuahuas Have Long Lifespans
While small dogs tend to live longer than larger dog breeds anyway, chihuahuas enjoy particularly long life spans averaging 13 – 15 years.
3. Chihuahuas are Loyal
Chihuahuas are known for many things and being loyal to their pet parents is one of them. Chihuahuas enjoy spending quality time with you whether it’s sitting on your lap during your leisure time or taking a ride around town with you.
4. Chihuahuas Have Fun, Playful Personalities
Though chihuahuas are loyal and affectionate with their owners, they are anything but dull and love to play! However, no two chihuahuas are the same, so if you have a friend with a chihuahua, your pet is likely to be quite different and unique.
5. Chihuahuas are Smart & Easy to Train
Most dog breeds are bright, but some are brighter and easier to train than others. Chihuahuas in particular are a bright breed and are, in turn, easy to train for obedience.
6. Chihuahuas Generally Don’t Mind Playing Along
One thing pet parents love doing is dressing their fur babies up for special occasions or just to keep them warm and cozy. Being the loving, loyal and easy to train pets that they are, chihuahuas have no problem wearing clothes whether it’s a cozy sweater and paw-protectant booties or a Batman costume for Halloween.
7. Chihuahuas are Great Guard Dogs
Because they are loyal and animated, chihuahuas make great guard dogs. They are a vocal breed, and are wary of outsiders, so if someone approaches your home or aims to intrude, your chihuahua is going to make sure everyone knows about it.
8. Chihuahuas are Affordable to Feed
Because of their small size, it logically follows that chihuahuas are easy and are affordable to feed as they do not eat a lot.
9. Chihuahuas are Easy to Care For
Not only are chihuahuas easy to feed, but they are also easy to bathe and to groom. They only need about 20–minutes of exercise per day, which they can easily get inside of the house or on a walk around the block on a lead.
10. Chihuahuas Come in Many Breeds and Breed Mixes
Finally, the chihuahua breed has a lot of diversity. There are seven different chihuahua breeds, and there are multiple chihuahua breed mixes. Chihuahuas physical characteristics tend to prevail in breed mixes and mixed-breed pets often enjoy the genetic perks (such as increased health) associated with whatever breed they are mixed with.
If you’re looking for a pet that’s easy to love and to live with, chihuahuas and chihuahua mixes are your best bet! Not only are they loyal and fun, but they are also affordable and low-maintenance. When you feed them a food made with natural ingredients like the Small Breed recipes at Wellness Pet Food, you help keep them healthy, which cuts back on vet visits and keeps them alive longer.
Share your photo of you Chihuahua by tagging @wellnesspetfood on Instagram!
Since moving back home to the Pacific Northwest, Koda has had to learn what it’s like to not be the only puppy in the house. To remind him how much we love him, we like to surprise him with these delicious homemade treats, stuffed with his favorite Wellness pet food snacks!
Ingredients
Each of the ingredients in these treats were specially chosen for their benefits to dogs. Sweet potatoes are great for your pup’s digestive health because they’re high in fiber. They’re also low in fat and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese.
Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Beta-carotene converts to Vitamin A in your dog’s body, which is essential for good vision, growth, and muscle strength. Carrots support good dental health in dogs, contain vitamin A, high in fiber, and they promote good eyesight.
Eggs are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They are also great for your dog’s digestive health.
Peanut butter could be optional in this recipe, but it’s one of Koda’s favorite treats, so I like to spoil him with a couple scoops of natural peanut butter.
Let’s get started
These “cookies” are super simple and easy to whip-up. You can do everything in one bowl for easy clean up and they can be customized to fit your pup’s needs or preferences.
Koda literally couldn’t wait for these treats to come out of the oven, we caught him licking the bowl or stealing bites off the tray.
What You’ll Need
1 Sweet Potato
1 Grated Carrot
1 Egg
2Tb Peanut Butter
CORE Pure Rewards Turkey Jerky Bites ( or your pup’s favorite Wellness Treats)
Parchment paper
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°
Peel, cook, and mash a sweet potato.
Shred a carrot using a grater, pre-shredded carrot could work too. Squeeze the shredded carrot in a kitchen towel to remove some of the moisture.
Add the carrot to the mashed sweet potato. Add the egg and peanut butter and mix to combine.
Fold in a handful of Wellness Pet Food treats.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spoon batter into 1 inch “haystacks.” No need to leave much room in between each cookie as they will not spread.
Bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!
Hairballs aren’t welcome in any home – or in your cat’s stomach. Keep them under control with these tips!
Hairballs aren’t welcome in any home – or in your cat’s stomach.
It can be a common occurrence or a special occasion, but as parents to our beloved kitties we all freeze in terror when hearing the approach of an impending hairball attack.
This unmistakable “hack” roughly translates to: “Warning! Be prepared for a wet, hairy mess that will land in your general vicinity or that of a recently cleaned carpet!”
Tips to Keep Hairballs Under Control
Digestive Health Concerns
Hairballs can be a result of your cat’s regular grooming routine, but they can cause problems with her digestive health.
Typically, the hair your cat swallows forms into what we call a hairball and is eventually vomited up. But, on top of the grossness that hairballs come standard with, your cat may not be able to get rid of it through the usual methods of expulsion. If the hairball gets too large, it can cause problems within the digestive tract, resulting in bowel obstructions or constipation. In severe cases, surgery in order to have a hairball obstruction removed.
Many dogs have hypoallergenic hair or fur and don’t shed! This list comprises 15 of the best small dog breeds and small dog breed mixes that don’t shed.
All dogs are delightful, but cleaning dog hair off your clothes, couch, car seat, etc. probably doesn’t bring you joy. For dog lovers who want the companionship without the hair and fur cleanup, we’ve compiled a list of the fifteen best-loved small dog breeds and the small dog mixed breeds that don’t shed.
1. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise, a name that translates to “curly lap dog” in French, is a petite, easy-to-maintain breed characterized by a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed and only has to be clipped every so often.
2. Bolognese
Like the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is a small, cuddly lap dog with a soft, fluffy coat. Like many small dogs that don’t shed, regular grooming is still important to keep this pup looking and feeling good.
3. Brussels Griffon
The Brussels Griffon is a companionable, loyal, and loving breed that can have a rough or a smooth coat. In either case, shedding hair isn’t an issue; though, regular grooming is needed.
4. Chinese Crested
There are two varieties of Chinese Crested hairless and powder puff. Both are low-maintenance; however, Powderpuff Chinese Crested shed minimally. All varieties of this bright, focused dog are hypoallergenic.
5. Cockapoo
Considered the most popular small mixed breed dogs, Cockapoos, which are part Cocker Spaniel and part Poodle, are not only unlikely to shed, but they’re also family-friendly and are easily trained.
6. Havanese
Originally hailing from Cuba, Havanese are small, fun-loving, friendly dogs with curious eyes and lush coats that don’t shed.
7. Maltese Terrier
Thought to be related to Tibetan Terriers, another great small non-shedding breed, sweet and spunky Maltese Terriers are characterized by beautiful, silky coats that don’t shed.
8. Miniature Schnauzer
Helpful little guard dogs, miniature Schnauzers are smart and loyal and are easy to care for thanks to their hypoallergenic coats that shed minimally.
9. Poodle
Poodles come in all shapes and sizes and are one of the most popular breeds and breed mixes in the world. Poodles are bright dogs with curly hair that not only doesn’t shed but is also odorless and is hypoallergenic.
10. Scottish Terrier
Often referred to as Scottie Dogs, Scottish Terriers, like most terrier breeds and mixed breeds, are hypoallergenic and require minimal grooming. A wonderful, independent and loving dog, Scottish Terriers do shed minimally,
11. Shih Tzu
Loyal long-haired Shih Tzus have beautiful coats that are reminiscent of a lion’s mane. Unlike lions, there’s nothing fierce about these little dogs that don’t shed other than when they are brushed.
12. Shih Poo
Shih Poos are a mixed breed small dog with silky, curly hair that doesn’t shed, a genetic gift from their Shih Tzu and Poodle influences. Shih Poos tend to have big personalities and tend to be big fun to love.
13. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless )
Mexican Hairless dogs are a rare, ancient breed that have little to no hair. Any hair will be found on their head. Like other hairless breeds, though shedding isn’t an issue, protecting your dog’s skin from the sun and from other elements is something you’ll want to consider.
14. Yorkipoo
Yorkipoos are a breed mix of Yorkshire Terriers and Poodles. They tend to weigh less than 15 pounds as adults and have a hypoallergenic non-shedding coat, a benefit of having genetic influence from two small dog breeds that don’t shed.
15. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkshire Terriers or Yorkies are petite, fun, playful, and loyal pups with low-shedding hypoallergenic coats.
Of course, there are other small dog breeds and small dog breed mixes that have hypoallergenic and or minimally–shedding hair or fur. As with all dogs, particularly those that don’t shed, regular love and grooming is necessary to keep them feeling and looking their best. Of course, that’s a small price to pay…who wouldn’t prefer to brush and groom their dog instead of their furniture?
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and types, and every dog is wonderful and is deserving of a healthy, nutritious meal to keep their coat (whether it sheds or not) lush and healthy. That’s why Wellness Pet Food’s recipes are not only natural but also nutrient rich, to ensure your dog has what they need for comprehensive wellness .
Essentials oils, which are plant extracts that contain a large quantity of rapidly evaporating oil, have become increasingly popular as natural, organic solutions for a variety of mental, physical and emotional maladies. Research by the scientific community has validated the overall health benefits for humans using essential oils; however, many people presume that that what benefits people also benefits cats.
This is a misconception. Essential oils are largely considered toxic to cats and using them around cats merits a great deal of education and good judgement.
How Do Essential Oils Affect Cats?
Essential Oils (EOs) have not been studied on a massive scale in felines because of the ethical concerns associated with studying a known toxin on a live animal. Existing knowledge and understanding is sufficient and for veterinarians, aromatherapists, and others with expertise in using and administering EOs in cats to concur that they are unsafe. This is true regardless of the type of oil and is especially true for oils boasting insect / pest repellant properties.
Toxic effects of EOs in cats include but are not limited to:
Triggering an existing condition such as asthma, upper respiratory disease, or skin allergies.
Irritating eyes (watering) or noses due to aggravation.
Developing dermatitis.
Causing seizures.
Liver failure, kidney failure, heart failure or other organ failure .
In particular, EOs are most dangerous and are potentially fatal to cats if they are administered to a cat’s fur or skin, or if they are ingested. Experts have yet to conclude if oil diffusers are “safe”. Diffused oils are oils that are vaporized or in areosol form.
How to Use Essential Oils around Cats
Currently the only method that is accepted for using EOs around cats is with a diffuser. While some say that they have diffused oils around cats for years with no negative impacts, others are concerned about the long-term lung and organ damage that could prove harmful long-term. That said, if you do want to diffuse oils around cats, it is recommended to:
Use for a limited period of time
In a relatively airy room (opening a window if possible is advised)
In an environment where the cat has the option to leave
Most importantly oils should always be stored in a safe place where cats cannot be exposed accidentally. If a cat is accidentally exposed because of a spill or by knocking over a diffuser, it is important to seek veterinary help immediately.
What Are the Sign a Cat has been Overexposed to Essential Oils?
It is important for anyone using oils to recognize the signs that a cat is affected by EO exposure. In the event that you observe any of these signs, immediately take your cat to the vet. Try to gather information as to what kind of oil the cat ingested, inhaled, put their paws in, or got on their skin. Signs of a problem include:
Mental function changes such as lethargy
Neurologic changes like wobbling, difficulty walking, weakness, shaking, seizures
Digestive issues such as drooling or vomiting
Physical distress like pawing at the face, red patches of skin, difficulty breathing, coughing, low (cold) body temperature, and slow heart rate.
In some cases, death can happen spontaneously after exposure, so it is important to be very careful when using EOs with cats. It is also recommended that EO enthusiasts get their cat tested for allergies or upper respiratory infections issues they may not have been aware of before using oils.
To conclude, it is possible to safely diffuse EOs with cats with discretion and care. Taking steps like consulting with a veterinarian beforehand and making sure to diffuse in a well-ventilated area where your cat can leave are two steps in using essential oils with cats in the safest possible way.
While essential oils have shown to be beneficial for human health, the same isn’t true for cats; however, cats do benefit from a diet rich in natural ingredients made using safe processes such as the recipes created by Wellness Pet Food.
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