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What to Feed Your Pet if They Have Food Allergies

Posted on by Above1 Support

Animals, like people, can develop allergies to substances in their environment. When inhaled, consumed, or put in contact with an animal’s skin, such substances cause an allergic reaction. Food allergies can be difficult to detect; however, when detected, you should make appropriate adjustments to your pet’s diet. 

wellness dog food

Signs of Food Allergies in Pets

Because signs of allergies mimic signs of other ailments or could show up in conjunction with other ailments, they can be difficult to detect. Typically, dogs with food allergies will also exhibit these signs: 

  • Multiple ear infections
  • Itchy skin
  • Diarrhea and / or vomiting 

Additional general signs of allergies include:

  • Increased scratching
  • Runny eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Snoring due to throat inflammation
  • Swollen paws
  • Excessive licking 

Pets can develop food allergies at any age, so it is important to be aware of what an allergic reaction in pets might look like and that you aim to diagnose the cause of the allergy as soon as possible when signs of an allergy present.

freeze dried dog food

Diagnosing Food Allergies in Pets 

If you suspect your pet has a food allergy, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can conduct blood tests and can make recommendations for conducting an elimination diet to determine what food or foods is causing the problem. Common pet food allergens are added colors, flavors, and fillers as well as types of ingredients and multiple proteins. 

The Right Food for Pets with Allergies 

Typically, a limited-ingredient pet food with a single main ingredient will be the solution for resolving food-related pet allergies. Limited ingredient pet foods enable you to exercise complete control over what your pet consumes. Selecting pet foods made exclusively with all-natural ingredients, such as those created by Wellness Pet Food, gives you further peace of mind in knowing there are not added flavonoids, chemicals, or fillers, which can cause allergic reactions and other major health problems.

If your pet has allergies, CORE products feature recipes that accommodate their special dietary needs.

For dogs:

  • CORE Simply Shreds: CORE simply shreds mixer or toppers are 100% all-nature five-ingredient-or-less toppings or snacks that come in a variety of flavorful combinations like chicken, beef, & carrots; chicken, wild salmon, & pumpkin; or chicken, chicken liver, & broccoli to name a few. The recipes are 100% grain free and are potato free for sensitive dogs.
  • CORE 95%: These single-source protein meals are grain free and are an ideal choice for dogs with multi-protein or grain allergies. The combinations include: chicken with broccoli, turkey with spinach, and beef with carrots. These wet meals can be served as-is or paired with CORE Simply Shreds toppers for additional nutrients and flavor.
  • CORE 100% Freeze Dried Treats: CORE freeze dried treats are made exclusively from real meat. No wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives were used in these treats, perfect for dogs with allergies. The flavors include: turkey, beef, salmon, or boar. 

food allergies

For cats:

  • CORE Indoor Ocean: CORE Indoor Salmon & Herring is a grain-free dry food formula for cats that cannot tolerate protein. There are multiple CORE dry food combinations that support your cat’s digestive balance, lean muscle mass, hip and joint support, and skin and coat as well as her special allergy needs. Other combinations feature turkey and chicken or turkey and duck. There are several formulas for cats of all ages. 
  • CORE 95%: Like Wet CORE 95% for dogs, CORE 95% for cats features a 95% protein formula with limited ingredients and zero grains. The recipes come in single or double-source protein options and include: beef & chicken; chicken; chicken & salmon; & turkey.

cat food

By adopting a limited-ingredient diet for your pet, you can help manage their allergy symptoms and ensure a better overall quality of life as such diets often have additional health benefits that boost your pet’s energy levels and immune health while promoting longevity.

Since its inception, Wellness Pet Food’s mission has been to make pet foods that support lifelong health and wellness. Our limited ingredient CORE formulas are specially formulated with sensitive pets and pets with allergies in mind because they deserve long, happy, healthy lives, too. 

Becoming a First Time Pet Parent

Posted on by Above1 Support

I’ve grown up with dogs my whole life, and I knew that one of the first things I was going to do once I was on my own was get a puppy. However, the thought of having this overwhelming responsibility was definitely daunting, and I wasn’t sure if it was the right time to bring a puppy into my life. A few days later, Koda, a blue eyed Weimaraner came into my life, and our adventure began. 

The first thing I learned as a new pet parent was that there’s never going to be a “right” time to get your first dog, and that those first few months are something you’ll never regret or forget. There was a steep learning curve and I found myself scouring blogs just like the Live Well blog by Wellness Pet Food, trying to learn as much as I could about food, vaccines, exercise, and training so I could properly take care of my new best friend. 

I’ll be the first to admit, my situation is pretty unique. As a professional athlete, I’m home from practice by lunch time most days which allows Koda and I to explore every afternoon, and living in the Pacific Northwest caters to our need for adventure. In his first year Koda’s been to five national parks, visited six states, ran in the Pacific Ocean, camped atop several mountains, and has probably chewed over 1,000 sticks. My schedule also allowed me to spend a lot of time bonding with Koda right from the start. He’s well trained and we’re totally inseparable – which means he has a bit of separation anxiety whenever I leave him for work road trips. However, the rest of the time our close bond makes it great because I don’t have to worry about him during our adventures.

The second thing I learned is that some words are sacred – ball, stick, smell, snack, friends, etc. Dogs are smart and Koda knows when I say “friends” that he gets to go to the dog park to play. I’m sure most dog owners have their own list of words and they understand the struggle of not accidentally using those scared words.

I also learned that no matter how tiring and frustrating it can be having a puppy, your dog will love you unconditionally and that alone makes it all worth it. Koda has done more than his fair share of testing my patience in our first year together. Although he knows better, he still can’t resist getting into the garbage when he smells bacon, he’s eaten an entire roast right off the counter, and he even chewed up our blinds so that he can look outside. But even through all of that, he’s my best friend and I can’t picture my life without him by my side. 

If you’re trying to decide whether or not you should get a dog, my advice is to just do it. You won’t regret it for a second. Your new companion will be by your side through everything and love you unconditionally.

How to Get Involved with Your Local Animal Shelter

Posted on by Above1 Support

Alicia is responsible for front office operations at WellPet, ensuring excellent customer service to visitors and employees, and is a corporate culture advocate. Here, she talks about her passion for volunteering at pet rescues and shares some helpful tips for those who are interested in helping animals but might not know where to start.

Why do I volunteer?

 Growing up, my family frequented the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA to make donations of treats and newspapers – with the added benefit of being able to cuddle the animals available for adoption.  For a place that provided me with such joy, it only made sense for me to give back to their shelter.  I now volunteer at 3 local shelters (MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Salem Animal Rescue League and Lowell Humane Society) that provide a welcoming environment to small and large animals alike while they are waiting to find their forever home.    

alicia with puppy

What I do:

I am part of the outreach teams at these three shelters and assist at on-site and community events.  Goals of the outreach teams are to educate the public about the shelters, raise much-needed funds, and to find homes for the animals.   It always brings me happiness to watch someone interact with an animal for the first time and to see them leave the shelter with a new family member. There tends to be a stigma that an animal at a shelter has something “wrong” with it, but there are many reasons why an animal is placed at a shelter including the owner’s financial issues, a change in family dynamics, or a move that doesn’t allow pets.

alicia with goat

How do you get involved?

Most shelters are actively looking for volunteers! Help is always needed for a wide-range of tasks. From doing laundry to caring for barn animals – the shelter teams are willing to invest the time in properly training volunteers at any skill level.  Volunteers usually go through an application background check, attend orientation and then begin training from a mentor at the facility. There’s generally an age requirement for certain tasks, but most shelters will welcome any assistance you can provide. One misconception is that you need abundant free time to volunteer – but shelters are generally willing to work with your schedule and availability to find a fit that works for you. Many shelters offer children’s programming as an introduction of how to care for the animals and fundraising opportunities.

WellPet works closely with many animal rescue and shelters throughout the United States. We encourage you to reach out to your local facilities that are looking for volunteers. 

Get to Know Wellness Natural Pet Food Veterinarian, Dr. Danielle Bernal

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We’re excited to formally introduce you to Wellness Natural Pet Food veterinarian, Dr. Danielle Bernal. Dr. Danielle travels across the United States and other countries where Wellness is sold. In each place she visits, she educates pet parents on the role that premium, natural nutrition plays in pets’ health and longevity.

We were able to catch up with Dr. Danielle for an interview. Keep reading to get to know Dr. Danielle:

Q. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Sydney, Australia on a hobby farm with a backyard full of pets. Having always wanted to be a veterinarian, I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at the University of Sydney before working at an equine and small animal clinic. I absolutely adored the life of a veterinarian. Each day was different with unique challenges. Whilst it could be exhausting, it was also so very rewarding.

My role at WellPet is to educate our customers, consumers and internal sales and marketing teams about the importance of natural pet nutrition and how our WellPet brands are crafted to support the optimal health and wellbeing of dogs and cats around the world. When I am not helping WellPet customers choose the best products for their pets, I am often found on the sidelines of my 3 young boys’ sporting activities be that surfing, track and field, swimming or football. And my husband and I adore travelling, triathlons and taking our Border Collie Megs down to the dog park at the beach.

Q. What inspired you to become a veterinarian?

I adored animals growing up and would spend every waking minute down the back of the farm either teaching my dogs new tricks or preparing my horses for our next competition. A life with animals meant there was usually a veterinarian on our property. Whether it was for my horse who decided to go through the three rails of our wooden paddock fence in the middle of the night, or to check in on our newborn calf, these vets were my inspiration. I would ride along with them any chance I could get and saw how a passion could become a fabulous career. I knew this was what I wanted to pursue for myself.

Q. How do you personally see nutrition play a role in overall health and longevity of pets?

Nutrition is so fundamental to overall health. A pet’s genetics and the environment are key contributors to their health and wellbeing, but when we combine great care with top nutrition, the benefits for a dog or cat are significant.

Studies have shown that nutrition can help increase a pet’s lifespan by up to 25%. But moreover, pet parents often remark that their pet’s quality of life is better since transitioning to a premium, natural brand. The improvement in quality of life is evidenced in many ways, whether it’s with more energy and enthusiasm, ideal body condition, a soft, shiny coat or better digestion.

Pets are a key part of our family and giving them the best nutrition is a way of making sure they are healthy and happier for longer.

Q. How can pet parents work more closely with their veterinarians to ensure pets are getting the best nutrition for their needs?

Your local veterinarian is the perfect partner for helping advise you on the best nutrition for your dog or cat.  As part of an annual check-up, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s general health, weight, mobility, teeth and review issues they are experiencing. With this background, your vet can recommend the right recipe to either help support health issues or ensure that a pet in great health stays that way.

Q. What’s one of the most common questions you get from pet parents?

The number one question by far is, “Am I feeding the best option for my pet?” There are so many brands available today and pet parents can easily be confused, but we always want to feed the best we can. That’s why teaching pet parents about pet nutrition and helping them choose a diet is an important part of my role.

Q. Can you share a wacky or especially memorable story of a pet that came to see you?

Clinic life was often wacky! One morning I came into work to find a large, wild, western grey kangaroo sitting on the consult table with a broken leg. Over the next few weeks he fast became the clinic’s favourite patient. Another day, an adorable 5-year-old brought in her goldfish because one of his fins was longer than the other. But one of my favorites was caring for the most adorable Jack Russell who had a very unfortunate encounter with a dog far larger than him. Poor Ted needed three surgeries over the next few months, and it was truly that little fellas heart of gold that got him through the toughest time of his life and brought him back to his old self!

Q. What are some of the differences between pet parents and pets in Australia vs. in the United States?

Not much at all. One of the privileges of my role is that I get to travel all around the world talking with pet parents. All of them have the same love and desire to give their dog or cat the best. They have the same health concerns, from dental issues to skin sensitivities.

The cat parents all remark on how fussy their cats are and how they’ll only eat a certain flavor. And globally, dog parents are choosing smaller breeds with an increasing number of millennials becoming pet parents.

Q. What do you like most about working at Wellness Natural Pet Food?

Pet passionate colleagues. There will be challenges sometimes, but when you have the best colleagues to work with who are all dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of dogs and cats, it makes our workplace so enjoyable and means that I can truly say, I love what I do.

What is AAFCO?

Posted on by Above1 Support

At Wellness, we hold ourselves to the strictest quality standards when it comes to sourcing our ingredients, manufacturing our foods and labeling or our products. As we strive to exceed the expectations of the industry and craft the best natural food for our pets, we look to AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) to guide our decision-making when it comes to formulating and labeling our products.

What is AAFCO?

AAFCO is a non-profit association of local, state, federal and international regulators whose primary goal is to ensure the health of our pets through nutritional standards and non-misleading labeling of pet food. AAFCO advises pet food manufacturers and state legislators on the appropriate nutritional values needed to support animals at different life stages (ex. growth, gestation/lactation, adulthood) and how to present nutritional information on product labels.

As an advisory association, AAFCO does not actively regulate pet food products. Instead, regulation is the responsibility of individual states. As a trusted source in the industry, AAFCO guidelines are followed by pet food manufacturers and adopted as regulation in most states.

AAFCO consistently revises their guidelines based on the latest research in pet nutrition to best support the health and wellbeing of our pets.  Recently, AAFCO made the following changes to their dog food guidelines.

In addition to formulating our recipes with our strict standards, we have updated our products to ensure they are all AAFCO compliant:

  • Optimal Calcium Level has been defined for Large Breed Puppies (puppies who will be 70lbs+ as an adult). AAFCO now recommends including on the label, with nutritional information, whether the product meets the levels of calcium recommended for the growth of large breed puppies.
  • The recommended daily amount of Vitamin D has been reduced. AAFCO has recommended that any dog foods that exceed this amount be reformulated to meet the new standard.
  • DHA is now recognized as an essential nutrient for the growth of puppies, so any product that is formulated for puppies should include DHA and report the DHA level in the Guaranteed Analysis on the product label.
  • Recommended daily calorie intake has been refined. 
  • AAFCO recommends that nutritional information indicates for what life stage(s) the food is intended (growth, maintenance (adulthood), or gestation/lactation). You are now required to specify if your product includes or excludes the growth of large size dogs.
  • Calorie Content is now required on all forms of pet food – previously it was not required for mixers, toppers and treats.
     

 

 

wellness CORE pet food

AAFCO guidelines as a whole help define which pet foods are “complete & balanced” versus “intended for supplemental feeding only”. “Complete & Balanced” products are those that meet all of the daily calorie and nutrient requirements of your pet and can therefore be fed alone without concern for nutrient deficiencies. Foods that are “intended for supplemental feeding only” – such as treats and toppers – do not contain all of the nutrients that your pet needs for optimal health and therefore must be fed along with other foods to ensure your pet gets all of the calories and nutrients that they need.

To learn more about impacted Wellness wet dog products, click here.

Do you have any questions about AAFCO or a product you’re currently feeding? We’d be happy to talk. You can reach one of our knowledgeable Consumer Affairs team members Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm ET at 800.225.0904 or email us at info@wellpet.com

How Pet Ownership Teaches Kids Responsibility

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National Kids and Pets Day is on April 26th. It’s both a day to celebrate the bond children and pets share but also a day to remember safety where our pets and children are concerned. 

It is important to remember that small children as well as pets may not know their limitations and should not be left alone. Supervision is essential to prevent injury. 

 

Check out our 5 tips on how pets can teach responsibility: 

 

1. Chores teach responsibility. Giving your children age appropriate tasks for your four legged family member helps build their self-confidence and is a perfect opportunity to reinforce their independence.  As parents, we know enthusiasm can dwindle when it comes to any chore so don’t be afraid to pull out the sticker chart to help!  

joaquin walk

2. Live an active life. Walking a dog is a fabulous hands-on experience for kids who love pets. With parental accompaniment to ensure their safety, a daily walk can be a rewarding time together with the added benefit of getting some fresh air and exercise for the whole family.

3. Companionship beyond the physical. Pets can fulfill so many psychological needs for children. The unconditional love and affection that pets give children not only boosts their self-esteem but it also helps them make emotional connections of their own. Studies of school-age children in fact have shown those with a pet, tended to be more empathetic and altruistic than those children without a pet, making dogs the perfect teachers of kindness.

Federico

4. Understanding the world. Having children care for pets provides the opportunity to discuss emotions that children often struggle to understand such as growth, accidents and death. Children often surprise us with their resilience but for most kids, the loss of a pet is often their first encounter with death and can be a devastating heartache. Discussing these moments with them helps them not only process the grief but also teaches them emotional skills far greater than their age.   

5. Teaching dog safety. Pets are treasured members of our families and having a pet can teach a child respect by knowing how to treat their own dog and with parental help, this can then be further built on to ensure kids on how to approach strange dogs safely, read their body language and how to behave around pets to ensure safety at all times. 

Alejandro Vet

Help kids and pets learn to be good partners to each other. Use #NationalKidsAndPetsDay and #WellnessPetFood to post on your social media.

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day with Your Pets

Posted on by Above1 Support

 Earth Day Tips provided by Wellness Natural Pet Food Partner, TerraCycle.TerraCycle is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste. Wellness Natural Pet Food is the first U.S.-based pet food brand to make its packaging nationally recyclable through a partnership with TerraCycle. So far, the partnership has resulted in 70,000 pet food bags diverted from landfills.

Each year on April 22 the world celebrates Earth Day, a tradition started in 1970 to honor the Earth. During this annual event, people plant trees, take nature walks, host and attend festivals and partake in other activities geared towards raising awareness and support for environmental protection. 

For pet owners, making an effort to improve the health of the earth on this day (and year-round) is easier than ever. 

Here are five ways pet-owners can not only reduce their impacts, but make a positive contribution this Earth Day, and beyond.

Choose biodegradable waste bags:

If you take your pet for a walk (and you’re a responsible pet owner), it is likely that you are carrying a roll of ‘baggies’ to curb your pet and properly dispose of their waste. While your neighbors applaud you, these plastic bags contribute to landfills and take around 400 years to break down. Thankfully, biodegradable and compostable versions of these bags are now available at most grocery and pet stores.

Recycle pet food containers:

People-food packaging will sometimes bear information on their label signifying whether or not it can be recycled curbside; many pet food containers have this messaging, as well. When possible, buy pet food packaged in containers that can be recycled. Aluminum cans and rigid plastic containers are recyclable through many curbside programs, and all Wellness dry food flexible plastic packaging  can be easily recycled through its free TerraCycle program.  

Donate to shelters:

Do you have old towels, sheets, pillows and cases, or worn-out clothes you’ve been meaning to get rid of? There are millions of shelter pets around the country that could use these items in their kennels. Plus, many pet shelters and adoption centers are non-profit and appreciate these donations to help clean and care for the animals. It’s a win-win: you keep these items out of landfills and make someone’s future buddy’s day.

Plant a plant:

Many people celebrate Earth Day by planting a tree. Carry on this tradition by planting pet-friendly plants in your yard. Perhaps your cat would like a catnip plant. Parsley is great for dogs (and humans!) to eat, as are carrots. If space is limited (or you just prefer the ready-made variety), check out Wellness Treats that have these same natural ingredients. 

Get out in nature:

The easiest way to commemorate Earth Day? Just get out in nature, and take your furry companions with you! Skip the car ride (and carbon emissions) by leashing up. And while you’re out there in the fresh air, make a special effort to clean up while you’re visiting. Heading to the beach or woods? Pick up trash you see on the trail. It only takes a few extra moments to do this kind of good deed for the Earth, and you might be surprised to find that others might see your efforts and be inspired to do a cleanup of their own.

Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease in Dogs

Posted on by Above1 Support
lyme disease dogs cover photo

Lyme disease is the most common tick-transmitted disease. The effects of this bacterial infection has varying degrees of severity and can lead to major health problems including kidney failure and death. Keep your dog safe by learning what Lyme disease is, the signs and symptoms of it, how to treat it, and when and where it’s most likely to strike.

What is Lyme Diease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted to dogs, horses, some cattle, humans, white-tailed deer, and some rodent species via blacklegged ticks, a particularly small, almost impossible-to-see breed of tick.

Where is Lyme Disease Most Common?

The disease occurs all over the world but was named after Lyme, Connecticut following a tremendous outbreak in the eponymous location in 1975. It is still common in this part of the U.S. According to the CDC, 95% of all confirmed Lyme disease cases stemmed from 14 states:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Confirmed cases have also been reported in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. When a host is bitten by an infected tick, the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi infiltrates the tissue and can cause multiple health problems. Infection does not enter the blood stream until after the infected tick has been attached to the dog for at least 24-36 hours.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Lyme Disease dog

While it is easy to detect Lyme disease in humans because of the circular red skin rash that appears, it is less detectible in dogs who do not get a rash. What is more, a dog can be infected for two-to-five months before the infection presents signs and symptoms, which include but are not limited to:

  • Lameness (one of the earlier signs)
  • Arthritis
  • Joint pain and swelling (knees and elbows are typically the most affected) 
  • Fever
  • Poor appetite
  • Dehydration
  • Inactivity
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Depression

Joint pain and swelling (knees and elbows are typically the most affected) 
In rare cases, heart abnormalities and nervous system complications have also been reported. The disease can be difficult to diagnoses as many of the symptoms will present and then appear to resolve. Additionally, these symptoms often mimic the signs of other diseases.

Onset of the disease typically occurs between May and August with the peak months being June and July. Conditions like warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and less rain can cause the season to start sooner. 

woman running with dog

How is Lyme Disease Treated & Prevented?

After Lyme disease was named, the number of reported cases increased dramatically around the world; however, in recent years, the numbers of cases are dropping in some states—particularly those where Lyme disease is a known issue. This is most likely due to increased awareness about the disease as well as proven prevention and treatment options.
For pet owners who live in areas where Lyme disease is prevalent, there are tick-preventative products and vaccination options available through your veterinarian. Your vet will evaluate your dog’s age, overall health, lifestyle, and likelihood of contracting Lyme disease when deciding if a preventative is right for your dog.

Other actions you can take to prevent your pet from getting Lyme disease are:

  • Keeping the lawn trim / mowed
  • Clearing shrubs next to your property
  • Avoiding leaf piles, tall grass, wooded areas, and marshes where ticks tend to gather
  • Search your dog for ticks every day. Check and remove any pests by hand. Use fine-point tweezers to grab the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible. Gently pull the tick straight up to remove it. You want to avoid tearing the tick as that could lead to wound infection.
  • Explore tick repellent collars, sprays, and other topical options. This could be helpful if being in wooded areas is unavoidable for you and your dog

In the event your dog does get infected, you will need to see a veterinarian for treatment. The vet will provide an antibiotic such as doxycycline. Anti-inflammatories are also helpful for dogs with swelling and arthritic pain. Note that treatment, while effective, does not eliminate the infection, so symptoms may reappear. Kidney disease and other serious negative outcomes are always a potential risk following an infection.

dog lyme disease veterinarian
Note, too, that if your dog is infected that Lyme disease is a reportable disease, which means that its occurrence must be reported to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reportable diseases are considered to be issues of great health importance. Monitoring these diseases enables researchers and health care professionals to take action and to remain abreast of potential epidemics. 

When it comes to your pet’s health, knowledge is power. Knowing about how to prevent dangerous disease like Lyme disease is one form of power. Another is knowing that a healthy, all-natural diet like those provided by Wellness Pet Food will help your dog live a longer, happier, more energized life. 

DIY: What Every Pet First Aid Kit Needs to Have

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diy pet first aid kit blog cover photo

Pet first aid kits are essential for every pet owner to have. Access to the right supplies when a crisis strikes can save your pet’s life. Learn what a pet first aid kit is, why you should have one, and where you should keep it.

What Is a Pet First Aid Kit?

A pet first aid kit is a collection of materials useful in a medical emergency. These resources are helpful for minimizing the effects of an incident before you seek professional medical help from your veterinarian or emergency vet.

What Your Pet First Aid Kit Should Have in It & How to DIY a Pet First Aid Kit

While pet first aid kits come pre-assembled, the benefit of building your own is that you know exactly what is in it and where the items are.

You can easily create a DIY pet first aid kit

Step 1: Gather the materials every pet first aid kit needs.

  • Paperwork & records such as your pet’s ID card with your name and address, the veterinarian’s number, the emergency vet clinic’s number, and the number for animal poison control (888-426-4435), a copy of your pet’s medical history, and list of vaccinations with dates
  • Remedies such as medications, flea treatments, sterile saline eye wash, dish soap for removing toxins from the skin and fur, milk of magnesia for absorbing poison, and hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting (note to contact the vet or poison control center before inducing vomiting or administering treatment for poisoning with milk of magnesia)

diy pet first aid kit

  • Wound supplies like wound spray, Q-tips, gauze bandage, nonstick bandages, adhesive tape for bandages, wipes, and a Ziploc bag
  • Tools like a flashlight and tweezers, an emergency muzzle (nylon hosiery works well), a nylon leash, eye dropper for flushing wounds or giving oral medication, digital thermometer, and scissors for cutting tape
  • It also doesn’t hurt to have treats on hand or as part of the kit to soothe a pet that has been traumatized by a situation that requires emergency medical attention (provided your pet is okay and can eat).

Step 2: Package the materials in an easy-to-grab-and-go clear tackle box.

This enables you to keep the supplies organized, to see what you are out of or are missing, and to get materials faster when you need them.

Step 3: Place labels over each section of the tackle box. 

When there is a crisis, time is often of the essence.

pet getting bandage

Step 4: Store the box in a handy location

You may choose a cabinet where you keep other pet supplies. It does not hurt to have a separate DIY kit for the car as most materials are low-cost and can—as noted—make a huge difference in an emergency. 

Having the right materials on hand can be the difference between life or death for your pet, so if you don’t already have one, make a pet first aid kit now.

husky dog with bandage on nose
Pet first aid can save animal lives, and so can good nutrition. A balanced diet of natural ingredients like those made at Wellness Pet Food help to ensure a longer, healthier, and happier life for your pet.

6 Proven Breed Stereotypes from a Professed Siamese Cat Fanatic

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Maria is a graphic designer at WellPet. When she isn’t working and cuddling with her Siamese Mogwaii, you can most likely find her at a concert or local Pure Barre studio.

1. They’re one of the oldest and most recognizable cat breeds.

Breed variations include Blue, Chocolate and Lilac Siamese cats. Mogwaii is a Lilac Point Siamese. The gene that causes the pointed color pattern is all responsible for the blue color of the eyes that is one of the characteristics that makes Siamese different than other breeds.

Siamese Cat Lilac Point

Look at those lovely lilac ears!

2. They love to talk!

Known as total chatterboxes (for good reason), Siamese cats are known to strike up conversations over just about anything! In fact, their long, drawn-out meows sometimes sound like a human baby’s cry. Here, Mogwaii’s letting me know that he wasn’t pleased about his recent trip to the veterinarian:

3. They’re needy.

Well isn’t this the truth! Mogwaii gets pretty creative in telling me that I’m ignoring him by knocking all my stuff down and unplugging my laptop:

4. They’re affectionate, friendly, loyal and bold.

From sleeping in bed with me each night, to snuggling on the couch at the end of a long day, there’s never a time I’m home when Mogwaii isn’t right by my side.

Affectionate Siamese Cat

5. They crave companionship.

True to what the professionals say, I’ve experienced that Siamese cats form extremely close bonds with their primary caretaker–in this case, me! Mogwaii will follow me from room to room and needs to be involved in anything and everything I’m doing.

Siamese cat looking at computer screen

Mogwaii is assisting and keeping me company while I work.

6. They’re smarty-pants.

Siamese cats are known for their intelligence; they are highly trainable. Their behavior is described as being more dog-like than cat-like. Unfortunately, Siamese cats are prone to asthma and bronchial illnesses. True to his breed, Mogwaii has been diagnosed with asthma. We treat his asthma using an inhaler with a special attachment for kitties. Since he’s so smart, we’re able to train him to sit for his inhaler which we follow up with Wellness Kittles–his favorite treat!

Although every cat is different in personality, we couldn’t help but highlight some of the quirky “cat-eristics” that make Siamese cats so special! Happy National Siamese Cat Day!

About This Page

Pet Type:

CAT

Topic:

Behavior & Training Entertainment

Date:

02/04/2018

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