Companies are invited to show off their dog-friendly cultures to be considered for the third annual list of pet-friendly companies in celebration of Take Your Dog to Work Day®
Is Fido a part of the team at your office? Have happy hours turned into “yappy” hours with the addition of four-legged colleagues? If the answer is yes, Wellness® Natural Pet Food wants to hear from you!
In anticipation of Take Your Dog to Work Day® on June 21, 2019, Wellness Natural Pet Food is curating its third annual list of America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies. For the first time, the natural pet food maker is inviting companies from across the country to tout why they deserve a spot on the coveted list. Any company with a pet-friendly workplace is eligible — and bonus points are given for workplaces that go above and beyond with added pet perks like “Pawernity Leave” for new pet parents, pet health insurance benefits and more.
To submit, companies can simply share a photo of dogs in their office on Instagram and explain in the caption what makes their pet-friendly culture unique. Companies must tag @wellnesspetfoodin their post and include #TakeYourDogtoWorkDay, #PetFriendyCompanies2019 and #wellnesspetfood in each submission. The call for entries will be open April 3 through April 30, 2019, and companies are encouraged to submit multiple entries during the submission period.
“Since launching our first list of pet friendly companies in 2017, we’ve heard from more and more workplaces that they’d like a shot at the top spot on our list,” said Chanda Leary-Coutu, Director of Consumer Experience at Wellness. “We’re opening up the submission process to make sure every company has a chance to be celebrated for putting their best paw-forward when it comes to embracing pets at work!”
Companies that have been named to the list in prior years have included Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Etsy, Harpoon Brewery, BISSELL Homecare and more.
A recent survey from Wellness found out exactly how important dog-friendly corporate cultures are to today’s workforce, with 51 percent of millennials stating that they would consider a career move for a pet-friendly workplace. Whether it’s conference calls with Fido at your feet or flexible paid time off benefits to take care of a pup, it’s clear that Americans are prioritizing their pet perks.
America’s Most Pet Friendly Companies of 2019 will be announced in June ahead of Take Your Dog to Work Day, which was created by Pet Sitters International and is now celebrated by offices across the country. You can find the full media announcement here.
Spring break is coming up and you want to take the whole family, but not every vacation destination celebrates pets; however, you want to bring your dog and have lots of fun. This top 10 list showcases the best-of-the-best of dog-friendly spring break vacation hot spots for pet lovers.
You could say Key West is going to the dogs in the best of ways. This tropical destination not only features pristine turquoise ocean water, but it also has lots of doggie to-dos including the Higgs Beach Dog Park where dogs can frisk around unleashed, which means you and your dog can splash in the sun together. There are also dozens of restaurants and other venues (like the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum) that welcome your four-legged family members.
If your spring break won’t be complete without beaches and sunshine, but you also want a quiet(er) getaway, then make plans to visit Amelia Island. There are plenty of beaches that welcome (leashed) pets. Enjoy a quiet week of R&R shopping the local weekend farmer’s market, strolling Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach and playing at the Nassau County Human Society dog park (considered one of the country’s best).
Carmel-by-the-Sea has been rated the number one dog-loving town in America with good reason. Carmel beach not only have a seemingly endless expanse of sandy shore for unleashed pets to run around on, you can also spring for doggy surf lessons. Enjoy bonfires on the beach, hike dog-friendly trails, dine in dog-friendly restaurants and even go for a dog-friendly spa. Water bowls, dog treats and other pet-friendly accommodations are the norm at Carmel-by-the-Sea.
If you’re looking for a spring break that offers the option for a few beach days as well as intellectual stimulation, then Galveston is your place. Galveston’s “The Strand” is a National Historic Landmark full of charming shops, historical sites and plenty of dining options. Best of all…leashed dogs are welcome tourists. When you’re ready to relax, the Galveston State Park spans from the beach to the bay or take a dolphin tour.
Telluride is probably one of the few places where you’ll stand out like a sore thumb if you don’t have a dog. In Telluride, dogs outnumber people. Spring break in Telluride means lots of shopping options where you and your dog can shop side-by-side (many shops also have doggy treats). Expect plenty of hotel and cabin options, as well as free public transport on The Galloping Goose for leashed dogs. Stay fit and entertain hiking and swimming with your dog in Telluride.
Considered one of the country’s most pro-dog cities, Seattle is an ideal spring break destination for pet lovers. It’s has something for everyone. For foodies, there are plenty of delicious restaurants, breakfast spots, coffee shops and bars that welcome dogs. There are dog parks for those who want to hang out in the city. Meanwhile, outdoorsy pet lovers will delight in the many hiking trail options that allow dogs to bound along. If you stay just outside of the big city, Leavenworth’s Alpine Rivers Inn offers tubing for people and pets alike.
If you want to get out of the city and experience nature, bucolic Finger Lakes in New York is perfection. There are 11 lakes where you can canoe or kayak with your dog as well as over 70 hiking and biking trails. There are also culinary trails (cheese, sweets, beer and wine), vineyard for touring and restaurants that serve delicious, locally-sourced fare. It’s the kind of place that puts the “break” in spring.
For years, Austin, Texas has been one of the country’s hottest foodie scenes. In addition to being a great place to wine and dine, Austin also has plenty of doggy to-dos that are equally fun for you. With options like West Austin Dog Park, Auditorium Shores and Red Bud Isle peninsula, you and your dog will never be out of options for running and swimming (between eating, shopping and enjoying the live music scene, that is).
Some of the country’s most innovative cuisine comes out of San Francisco, but an even more delicious reason to visit is that the city is highlighted as being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. Several parks (including Golden Gate Park), restaurants, beaches, hiking trails, stores and hotels are highlighted as being dog-friendly. Most notably, the W Hotel provides a special gift basket for traveling pets that features food, a water bowl, a mat and a treat from housekeeping. Pets enjoy the same health benefits of a much-deserved vacation as you. Also like you, they experience physical, mental and emotional health benefits from a balanced, natural diet complete with meals, treats and snacks like those made by Wellness Pet Food. So, treat your pet to great quality food and a spring break adventure with you.
Celebrated every February, National Pet Dental Health Month was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association to highlight how important oral health is to overall health, happiness and wellbeing of your pet. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth every day, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth on daily despite recommendations from veterinarians across the US to do so. As a result, supplemental dog dental chews that are proven effective in fighting plaque and controlling tartar become an important part of a dog’s daily routine.
Why is Doggie Dental Care So Important?
Effective dental care is as critical for dogs as it is for humans. Neglecting oral hygiene in dogs can lead to issues like tartar build up, gum disease, bad breath and other larger health issues like heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease.
When Do Dental Problems Start?
According to US Veterinarians, periodontal disease, a gum disease caused by plaque and tartar buildup, is the most common dental condition for dogs, with 80% exhibiting evidence of the disease by age 3.
How to Prevent Dental Health Issues in Dogs
When it comes to dental health care in dogs, offense is the best defense. Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing a daily dog dental chew are great ways to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation.
While dog dental chews are not a replacement for teeth brushing, they are an easy, fun, delicious option to help care for your dog’s oral health on a daily basis. Dog dental chews like WHIMZEES allow you to give your dog a treat that you can feel great about because your dog love the taste and chewing experience, and you’ll love knowing that you’re doing something beneficial for your dog’s oral health.
How to Choose the Right Dental Chew
When looking at dental chews, evaluate them in the same ways you would your dog’s food. Look at ingredients and look at efficacy. Look for a chew made with all natural, limited ingredients – like WHIMZEES! WHIMZEES are limited ingredient, all natural, and Non-GMO Project Verified, so they’re great for dogs with ingredient sensitivities. They are also gluten-free and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Photo via @bella_thesillypitty
In terms of efficacy, look for a dental chew with scientifically proven claims. Based on a study at an independent kennel, WHIMZEES are 80% more effective at reducing plaque than leading competitors*. Now that’s a number you can feel good about.
While daily brushing is best for your dog, a daily dental chew is the next best thing. Bringing a daily dental chew into your dog’s life and making oral care a priority will not only allow you to further bond with your dog, but will also allow you to keep them happy and healthy. Not all pet foods are created equally, and the same applies to dog dental chews. WHIMZEES All Natural Daily Dental Chews are a fun, easy, effective way to care for your dog’s teeth, breath and gums every day. Learn more about WHIMZEES today at WHIMZEES.com, or visit your local pet store or e-commerce website to learn more.
There are many ways you show your pet your love–by feeding them delicious, healthy food, by giving them gifts, by bathing them, by taking them to the vet, by petting and grooming them, by spending special time with them, by telling them and more; however, there are only a few ways for you to say “I love you” to your pet that they truly understand. Read on to learn seven ways for you to say “I love you” to your pet and for them to feel the meaning behind your expression.
1. Listen to Your Pet
Photo via Tam S.
When it comes to communication, the most valuable skill anyone of any species can possess is listening. Obviously, dogs and cats can’t talk; they can’t say, “I’m happy,” or, “I’m sad,” or, “I’m feeling confused.” Instead, animals communicate via their many expressions. When you take the time to learn what your dog’s or cat’s expressions mean, you learn to listen to your pet, and if you consider that most people just want to heard, it’s safe to say most animals want to be (heard), too.
2. Make Eye Contact
Photo via Unsplash: Tadeusz Lakota
They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, and this is true for animals and humans. Have you ever looked deep into the eyes of someone you love and felt a charge? Well, if so, then what you felt was a zing of oxytocin, a “feel good” chemical that is triggered when we feel strong feelings. As it turns out, if you look into your pet’s eyes, they get those feel good feelings, too, so a little eye contact can go a long way in expressing how you feel to your pet.
3. Open Your Resting Space
Another form of expression that should be a no-brainer is physical expression. Show your dog or cat you love them by allowing them to nap with you during the day and / or in your bed at night. The love that you feel when you and your pet snuggle is also felt by your pet.
4. Let Your Pet Lean on You
Photo via Marta Markes
During waking, walking hours, it might seem like an imposition to have your pet leaning or rubbing against your legs, but by not getting stressed and (more importantly) by leaning back, you create an intimacy and a trust culture that proves to your pet that you love them.
5. Walk Together
Koda going for a walk in the woods photo via @fishingjosh
So much of your relationship with your pet and of your showing your love to your pet is just being together. Rather than take your daily walk alone, going hiking or camping alone, or exploring your city alone, you are at an advantage to take your pet as she will take your decision to include her as a sign that you, too, love her.
Grooming is a sign that one cares about the comfort and appearance of someone they love. Certainly, people are aware that pets are perpetual self-groomers. To say “I love you”, pet parents can take that burden from their pets by bathing and brushing them on a routine basis.
7. Talk Out Loud
Lastly, pet owners can get out of their own head spaces and talk openly with their pets in order to say “I love you”. While saying “I love you” is always kind, using clear, simple phrases that indicate pride trigger MRI responses in animals, which reveals that animals associate praise with love.
Another way that you can say “I love you” to your pet is by making sure that the food you feed to them is a healthful one made with natural ingredients like those made by Wellness Pet Food. Wellness also makes several snacks and treats that celebrate your pet every day.
Adding a new puppy to your family is an exciting journey; one full of adventure, lessons, and laughs. And although dogs are pack-animals who are meant to live closely with other dogs, ensuring a seamless transition for each canine member can be overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be! Our newest puppy, Kenai, is the fourth dog we have raised. Here are three things that have successfully helped our pack adjust (in the past and present) when adding a new puppy.
1. Schedule
Jeremy and Mandi with their 3 pups (left to right) Kylie (9), Kono (3) and Kenai (2 months)
Dogs crave structure in their lives, so having a consistent schedule is important. We strive to maintain our adult dogs’ day-to-day routine while balancing a puppy’s more demanding needs. Throughout the day we work to maintain mealtimes, potty breaks and exercise routines.
We overlap where we can, and work the rest around their existing schedule. For instance, even though a puppy may eat three times a day in the beginning (and an adult dog only twice), try ensuring two of those meals are at the same time. Maintaining your adult dog’s expectations and schedule offers stability and peace of mind that you are still reliable and consistent – that the new ankle biter hasn’t taken over everything.
2. Respect
In nature, raising puppies is a family ordeal. The responsibility of instilling manners, boundaries, and rules doesn’t fall solely on the mother – other adult dogs will help teach the little members of the pack how to peacefully coexist with each other.
If you trust that your adult dog is a stable, well-adjusted canine, you can learn a lot about puppy-raising by sitting back and watching her interactions with your puppy.
However, since our dogs have to figure out not only how to live with each other, but also in our human-world, sometimes our intervention can help this process.
Jeremy and Mandi with their new puppy, Kenai, a 2-month-old Golden Retriever
One way we achieve harmony in the beginning is during meal times. Since eating is a strong instinct for dogs, it offers a great opportunity for solidifying your leadership and teaching respect. Likewise, this “exercise” can provide a wonderful opportunity for bonding:
• Allow your adult dogs to begin eating first.
• As the adult dogs begin to eat, keep the puppy calm and close; where he can still see and smell what is going on, but the distance allows his body language to relay respect.
• Having the puppy wait to eat helps the adult dog reinforce her leadership, while the puppy practices healthy boundaries. Additionally, eating together encourages pack behavior, which in turn nurtures bonding.
3. Exercise
The pups are burning off some energy! Kono (left) and Kylie (right).
Like us humans, regular exercise is imperative for dogs to be happy and healthy. Getting your new puppy exercise is a delicate balancing act of protecting him prior to being appropriately vaccinated, and exposing him to the different sights, scents, and sounds of the world.
In nature, walking together is probably the most natural thing a pack of dogs participate in. They walk to seek shelter, food, water, shade and so forth.
Walking is also one of the quickest ways to develop a bond among dogs, since it is so embedded in their natural instincts. Not only that, but it drains mental and physical energy which allows a dog to find physical rest and mindful peace – which is the recipe for true contentment. (All crucial things to achieve for each dog during the adjustment!)
Carrying your pup or investing in a dog-stroller are ways you can include your puppy on a pack walk before it is safe for their paws to be on the ground. Another thing we do after the first set of vaccinations is purchase dog-safe wet-wipes, and be diligent about wiping our puppy’s paws after they have been out and about. This helps cut down on the germs and bacteria they are exposed to that may lead to infections and viruses.
Though we have made numerous mistakes over the years, our understanding of navigating the adjustment of bringing home a new puppy has grown considerably. We now feel confident in providing both our adults and puppies with everything they need to ensure a smooth transition.
Summary
To help facilitate a pawsitive transition when adding a new puppy, try implementing and following through with these three concepts:
Schedule
Maintaining your dogs’ expectations of his life through his schedule and routine allows him to feel safe and content during the major changes that come with adding a puppy.
Respect
Encourage healthy boundaries and stay committed to the rules you set for your dogs, puppy included. Implementing predicable routines during mealtimes can help nurture bonding and reinforce leadership.
Exercise
Follow through with typical exercise routines to ensure no one has pent up energy (which can lead to frustration) during the adjustment.
Try to safely include the puppy during pack walks and play times when it’s appropriate.
These three things not only bring harmony to our pack, but they help in setting the foundation for lifelong bonds among our dogs; bonds of loyalty, trust, respect and understanding – just as nature intended.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you want to get your special someone a gift that shows just how much you understand what makes their heart sing—their pet. There is no better gift for a cat or dog lover than one that allows them to show off how much they love their pet. That’s why we made a list of 10 Valentine’s Day gifts for pet lovers that are as unique as their beloved pet.
Custom dog or cat socks by MyPhotoSocks.com is such a doggone cute idea. Available in an array of attractive colors, custom dog or cat socks allow you to upload a photo of your paramour’s pet and have the image of their head printed all over the sock amidst lightning bolts, dog bones, fishbones or other fun designs. These make a great gift because they’re not only personal and thoughtful, they’re also comfortable.
For the altruistic dog lover who happens to be an environmentalist, rescued wine candles hit all the right notes. These handcrafted all-natural American soy wax candles are made from recycled wine bottles and feature wine-inspired scents. Even better, 10% of Rescued Wine’s annual profits go toward animal rescue organizations across the nation.
A stylish, customizable throw pillow that allows you to define your love’s dog’s unique attributes is not only personal, it also encourages cuddling on the couch with the dog, and you of course. The pillow is available in five colors guaranteed to match any décor (and dog).
Made by CreateBrightly, custom stemless wine glasses feature a permanent, dishwasher-safe etched photo of your favorite person’s pet. If you order two, you can grow closer while enjoying a glass of wine and sharing your favorite pet memories this Valentine’s Day.
While there are many talented artists creating custom pet photos, these works by Starlightwoods on reclaimed wood are natural and elegant and complement any décor.
Jewelry isn’t a cliché gift when it’s something unique and one-of-a-kind, like a sterling silver necklace in the image of your favorite person’s pet. A message engraved on the back makes this gift extra charming.
Since your Valentine’s pet no doubt has the key to their heart, it’s only fitting that they have an elegant sterling silver keychain bearing their pet’s likeness on the front and a special message from you on the back.
Fashionable pet lovers will not be able to resist a soft, stylish handmade scarf from Aurora Grace Design. The scarves come in multiple colors and patterns. They’re sure to keep your Valentine warm all season long.
You’ll be on that special someone’s mind year-round when you give them a Yeti cup engraved with their pet’s picture and name. Every time they sip their coffee on cool morning walks, they’ll remember how much you care about them and their pet.
Though nothing is surely sweeter than your sweetie (or their pet), this bouquet of “Home is Where the Dog Is” cookies comes close. Available in bouquets of 5, 7, 9 or 12 cookies, this tasty shareable treat allows you to include a custom message (may we suggest “Bone” Appetit?).
If you’re looking for a gift that speaks the language of love to your or your special person’s pet(s), then try surprising them with a new, natural pet food or treat from Wellness Pet Food. Wellness recipes are as healthy as they are delicious.
If you’re a cat owner, then you know that cats are generally beguiling, low-maintenance, inquisitive pets. They don’t ask for much, even on a day designated for kitty Q&A (January 22 is National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day). But if you’re like us, you’ll take any holiday dedicated to kitties as an opportunity to spoil them rotten. Here are our top ten ways to do just that:
1. Get a Really Nice Scratching Post
Cats love to groom their nails even if their only predator is the vacuum cleaner. This is why cats like to claw and pick at things like your couch, your leather loafers, your carpet, etc. Answer their question of, “What can I scratch without making you scream” by treating them to a deluxe scratching post.
2. Help Your Cat Stay Groomed
Cats love to preen and clean, but they aren’t as fond of hacking up hairballs. Help your cat out by brushing her on a regular basis. The extra attention and bonding time you two will have is just an added bonus.
3. Treat Your Cat with Treats
Cats enjoy treats just as much as the next pet, so treat your cat by getting them a new treat that’s not only healthy but also delicious and low in calories.
4. Give Your Cat New Toys
Generally-speaking, cat toys aren’t very costly, and cats love playing with them. Toys are physically and mentally stimulating, so playing with them keeps your cat young, sharp and healthy.
5. Refresh Your Cat’s Water Dish
Water is essential for your cat’s health and happiness. Because cats are curious and playful, you can make your cat’s time spent at the water cooler entertaining by upgrading their water dish to a fountain that bubbles and flows. There are many options available at various price points.
6. Upgrade Your Cat’s Throne (Litter Box)
A splurge that might benefit you as well, pick up a self-cleaning litter box and your cat will never have to suffer the indignity of a dirty litter box again.
7. Spend Some Extra Time Cuddling Together
For most cats, there’s no time like lap time, so plan to spend a little extra time sitting and relaxing. Plan to sit down and finally read that book you’ve been wanting to start or use your cuddle time for an extra brushing session.
8. Plant a Patch of Cat Grass
If you’ve ever seen your cat try to nibble the leaves of your favorite fichus or the blooms of fresh-cut flowers, it’s because they’ve got a natural instinct to nosh on grass. Grass fibers help them with digestion among other things. Cat grass is actually easy to grow indoors and outdoors and is a definite treat for kitties (it’s also a treat for your indoor house plants, many of which are toxic to pets).
9. Treat Your Cat to Catnip
Different from cat grass, catnip is an herb from the mint family that has a stimulating effect on cat behavior. A little catnip can help make your cat’s playtime extra fun; however, do be careful when it comes to catnip as not all cats will enjoy the effect.
10. Get Your Cat a New Bed
Your cat probably spends more of his hours each day sleeping than awake, so a new bed is a perfect treat. Depending on your cat’s personality you can get something ultra-plush or with lots of coverage, so you cat feels like he’s sleeping in his own private cave…a real treat for any kitty.
While an extra hug and a scratch behind the ears is a treat for most cats, there are plenty of extra-special ways to treat your cat every day. One way is by making sure you feed your cat an natural cat food, one designed to support lifelong physical, mental and emotional feline health.
Every month of 2019 is full of exciting pet holidays for cats and dogs. With this list, you can guarantee that you don’t miss celebrating a single one.
Pet Holidays for January 2019
Walk Your Pet Month
National Train Your Dog Month
Unchain a Dog Month
January 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day
January 2: Happy Mew Year for Cat’s Day
January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day
January 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day
January 29: Seeing-Eye Guide Dog Anniversary
Pet Holidays for February 2019
Pet Dental Health Month
Dog Training Education Month
National Cat Health Month
Responsible Pet Owners Month
Spay / Neuter Awareness Month (AKA Beat the Heat Month)
Pet Dental Health Month
February 3–9: Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week
February 11–12: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
February 14: Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 20: Love Your Pet Day
February 22: National Walk Your Dog Day
February 23: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 24–March 2: National Justice for Animals Week
February 26: Spay Day USA / World Spay Day
Pet Holidays for March 2019
Poison Prevention Awareness Month
March 3: It Pets Had Thumbs Day
March 3–10: Professional Pet Sitters Week
March 13: K-9 Veteran’s Day
March 17–23: National Poison Prevention Week
March 23: National Puppy Day; Cuddly Kitten Day
March 28: Respect Your Cat Day
March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day
Pet Holidays for April 2019
Heartworm Awareness Month
National Adopt a Greyhound Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
April 1–7: International Pooper Scooper Week
April 1–7: National Raw Feeding Week
April 6: National Siamese Cat Day
April 7–13: National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week
April 7–13: National Dog Bite Prevention Week
April 8: National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
April 10: National Hug Your Dog Day
April 11: National Pet Day
April 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
April 14–20: National Pet ID Week
April 14–20: Human Violence Awareness Week
April 18: Pet Owners Independence Day
April 21: Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day
April 25: International Guide Dog Day
April 26: National Kids and Pets Day
April 26: Hairball Awareness Day
April 27: World Veterinary Day
April 28: National Pet Parents Day
April 30: National Tabby Day
April 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
April 30: National Therapy Animal Day
Pet Holidays for May 2019
Chip Your Pet Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month
National Pet Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
Lyme Disease Prevention Month
May 1: National Purebred Dog Day
May 3: National Specially-abled Pets Day
May 5–11: National Pet Week
May 5–11: Be Kind to Animals Week
May 5: Mayday for Mutts
May 6–11: Puppy Mill Action Week
May 11: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 30: International Hug Your Cat Day
Pet Holidays for June 2019
Adopt a Cat Month (AH) / Adopt a Shelter Cat Month (ASPCA)
National Pet Preparedness Month
National Microchipping Month
June 2–8: Pet Appreciation Day
June 4: Hug Your Cat day
June 8: National Best Friends Day
June 9: World Pet Memorial Day
June 16–22: Take Your Pet to Work Week®
June 17: Take Your Cat to Work Day™
June 19: National Garfield the Cat Day
June 21: Take Your Dog to Work Day®
June 21: Dog Party Day
June 24: Cat World Domination Day
Pet Holidays for July 2019
Dog House Repair Month
National Lost Pet Prevention Month
National Pet Hydration Awareness Month
July 1: ID Your Pet Day
July 5: Pet Remembrance Day
July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day
July 15: National Pet Fire Safety Day
July 21: National Craft Your Local Shelters Day
July 21: No Pet Store Puppies Day
July 31: National Mutt Day
Pet Holidays for August 2019
National Immunization Awareness Month
August 1: DOGust Universal Birthday for Shelter Dogs
August 4–10: International Assistance Dog Week
August 5: Work Like a Dog Day
August 8: International Cat Day
August 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
August 15: National Check the Chip Day
August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day
August 17: International Homeless Animals Day
August 22: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day
August 26: National Dog Day
August 28: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
August 30: National Holistic Pet Day
Pet Holidays for September 2019
Happy Healthy Cat Month
Guide / Service Dogs Month
National Pet Insurance Month
Animal Pain Awareness Month
Responsible Dog Ownership Month
Pet Sitter Education Month
September 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
September 8: National Pet Memorial Day
September 8: National Hug Your Hound Day
September 16–22: Adopt a Less-Adoptable Week
September 21: Puppy Mill Awareness Day
September 21: Responsible Dog Ownership Day
September 22–28: National Dog Week
September 22–28: Deaf Pet Awareness Week
September 23: Dogs in Politics Day
September 28: World Rabies Day
September 28: World’s Largest Pet Walk
Pet Holidays for October 2019
National Animal Safety and Protection Month
Adopt a Dog Month (AH) / Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (ASPCA)
National Pet Wellness Month
National Pitbull Awareness Month
October 1: National Fire Pup Day
October 1: National Black Dog Day
October 1–6: National Walk Your Dog Week
October 4: World Animal Day
October 4: World Pets Day
October 7–13: Animal Welfare Week
October 9: Pet Obesity Awareness Day
October 14–20: Veterinary Technician Week
October 16: National Feral Cat Day
October 26: National Pit Bull Awareness Day
October 27: National Black Cat Day (UK)
October 29: National Cat Day
Pet Holidays for November 2019
Adopt a Senior Pet Month
National Senior Pet Month
Pet Diabetes Month
Pet Cancer Awareness Month (AVMA)
November 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day
November 3–9: National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week
November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
November 17: National Black Cat Day (US)
Pet Holidays for December 2019
National Cat Lovers’ Month
December 2: National Mutt Day
December 15: National Cat Herder’s Day
At Wellness Pet Food, we celebrate pets every day by making a wide variety of all-natural cat and dog foods, snacks, treats, and toppers. Celebrate your pet by making their complete health inside and out your priority.
January is not only National Train Your Dog Month, it’s National Walk Your Dog Month, and we’re celebrating by sharing tips on how you can train your dog to walk on a leash. While trained dogs make walking on a leash look like a breeze, the reality is that walking an untrained dog on a leash can be a major challenge. These training tips will help you teach your dog to walk on a leash, and give you the confidence to stick with this healthy habit throughout the year.
Introduce the Leash to the Dog
Regardless of your dog’s age or previous leash exposure, all dogs can be taught to walk on a leash. Start simple. Start by exposing your dog to the leash. It’s recommended to let your dog wear her collar or harness with the leash around the house for brief periods of time to get her used to the sensation. You can give treats during this time, so that wearing the harness and leash has positive associations.
Teach Your Dog Cues to Follow
One of the biggest struggles dog owners have is their dog pulling the leash or not following. While the dog is wearing the leash, practice getting him to come to you. Do this using cues. Cues should be audible sounds (like a click or a word) that you consistently use to indicate a behavior. When your dog obeys the cue, reward him with a treat. Eventually, he will come to understand what the cue means and will perform the command without requiring a reward. Chances are, your dog will need to practice learning and following the cue to come to you repeatedly. You might need to rehearse this over the course of several days for brief periods of time each day before your dog obeys you completely and without treats.
Practice Walking Outside (with Treats)
When you take your dog outside, he might not respond as well to cues because of the additional stimuli. That is okay. Practice walking in an open space where there are few distractions.
Put your dog on the leash and start to walk.
Use verbal cues to guide your dog. If your dog doesn’t obey or acts excitedly, stop walking.
Wait for your dog to come back to you and start again. When he walks where you’d like him to, reward his efforts with a treat. Ideally, the verbal cues you used to coach your dog will be effective in getting him to walk without pulling, lunging, or chasing something in the environment.
Note that if you don’t have a backyard or space to practice walking in that is (relatively) stimulation-free, you can practice walking your dog inside your home. As with learning cues, it is best to start with short walks to help your dog get used to walking the way you want him to walk on a leash. As you extend the longevity of your walks, you can reduce the number of treats you give your dog for walking correctly until you are walking or jogging with your dog exactly the way you want with no treats. Keep in mind it is okay if your dog lunges or does things he shouldn’t do at firstall dogs can be trained, it just takes time, but what better time to train your dog to walk on a leash than during National Train Your Dog Month and National Walk Your Dog Month?
Training dogs can sometimes be a challenge, but taking your time, using cues, and using treats makes it doable. Even though treats are rewards, they should still be all-natural and complaint with your dog’s diet. Wellness Pet Food makes a variety of dog treats and snacks that are healthy and delicious and are perfect for training your dog.
As you make your list of resolutions for 2019, add “spend more time with your dog” to the list because it’s not only a resolution that will be fun to keep, but it will most certainly guarantee you AND your pet are living your best life in 2019. Not sure how to spend more time with your pet? Let us count the ways…
1. Take Your Pet to Work with You
Photo via Zogics
While this might not be doable for everyone, find out what your company’s policy on bringing pets to work is. If there doesn’t seem to be a problem, bring your pet to work from time-to-time if your pet has the temperament for such. Your pet will enjoy the bonus pats and belly rubs from co-workers while you’ll have the benefit of added time together. Never mind that animals in the workplace help to lower stress.
2. Make Your 2019 Fitness Plan Pet-Friendly
Whether it’s doing outdoor yoga, jogging or something else, come up with a new fitness regimen that allows you to spend more time with your pet.
3. Run Errands Together
While not all stores are pet-friendly, when you do go somewhere that is pet-friendly, bring your pet along. For example, taking your cat with you on a Saturday coffee run through the drive-through not only allows you to bond with your cat, but it also helps your cat acclimate to riding in the car which will come in handy when you have to take them to the vet.
4. Take More Selfies Together
Get on your pet’s level and take more photos together. This is a great way to capture the memory of a fun day of play or exercise, too.
5. Plan a Pet-Friendly Vacation
Photo via Leio Mclaren for Unsplash
If bringing your pet doesn’t always factor into your vacation plans, try making that change in 2019. Look for pet-friendly hotels or B&Bs as well as destinations where your pet is welcome to join you for most of your fun.
6. Spend Time in the Kitchen Together
Most pets are naturally curious about what goes on in the kitchen anyway, so give them a treat or a snack while you make meals. Just being in the same space can be special.
7. Read More, Cuddle More
Reading more ends up on most people’s New Year’s resolutions list, but it’s often neglected. By making cuddle time with your pet part of your reading regimen, you’re more likely to keep both resolutions.
8. Commit to Pet-Friendly Community Activities
Save the dates for local pet-friendly events in your area (like Barktober Fest) and plan to attend with your pet this year.
9. Schedule a DIY Spa Day at Least Once a Month
Plan a day for you and your pet to primp and groom. For your pet, this means take the time to give them a good bath. Trim their nails. Clean their teeth. Brush their fur and get knots out. You can take this time to examine your pet, making sure there are no changes like lumps and bumps that you should get checked out.
10. Practice New Tricks Together
Training and learning new tricks take time and commitment, so resolve to dedicate just 10 minutes a day to teaching your pet a new skill. After working on it for a while, your pet will have learned something new, and you both will have spent more time together. It’s a win-win.
Your pet’s health and wellbeing is not only about a healthy diet of natural foods such as those made by Wellness Pet Food, it’s also about you and your pet spending social time together exercising, playing and relaxing. Commit to making 2019 a year where you spend more time with your pet, and you’ll both enjoy a happier and healthier 2019.
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