10 Things All Cat Lovers Can Relate To

If you’ve lived with cats long enough, you can probably relate to all 10 of these things. There are many more things cat lovers have in common as well, so feel free to add to the list. If you’re new to the world of cats, this list will give you a view into the future you’ll be sharing with us.

1. We No Longer See the Cat Hair on our Clothes

cat in closet
Yes, in the beginning we were concerned with making sure to remove all traces of white fur from our black clothing, but at some point, we started wearing that cat hair with pride. Finding a few cat hairs on our sleeves while we’re at work have now become a sweet reminder of the beloved cat waiting at home for us.

2. The Sound of a Puking Cat is the Best Alarm

It doesn’t matter whether it’s the wee hours of the morning or how exhausted we are, we can bolt out of bed in seconds to locate the cat about to puke. In some cases, it may be the only exercise we get for the day but we’re very good at it!

3. We Know our Cat’s Sweet Spot

cat snuggling with person
Not all cats enjoy being petted but we know if and when our cats like it. There’s usually one spot that, when petted, brings on purrs of joy and total relaxation. We know where it is and even though our cats may enjoy being petted by other people, we know we do it the best.

4. We Recognize Cat Kisses

cat blinking
People who aren’t familiar with cats may think a cat kiss is an actual kiss but we know better, don’t we? We know cat kisses are subtle and easy to miss. Cats can kiss by giving a slow blink with their eyes. As cat lovers, we know the difference between a normal eye blink and the slow cat kiss blink. The cat kiss lets us know kitty is comfortable and relaxed. It’s an affectionate gesture that can be given across a room. Most of us have probably returned a cat kiss with a slow blink as well. 

5. We’ve all Stepped on Wet Squishies in the Dark with Bare Feet

Hairballs. We try our best to keep our cats groomed and control the number of hairballs but at some point, we’ve all gotten up in the middle of the night for a bathroom trip or to get a drink of water and stepped on that recently deposited soggy hairball. 

6. We Know Cats Will Love the Box More Than The Gift That Came in it

cat in box
Whether it’s an expensive bed, or any other cat-related gift, as seasoned cat lovers, we know never to throw out the box because that’s what kitty knows is the real prize.

7. We Learned to not Leave Objects Near the End of the Table

Whether it’s a cell phone, half-filled glass of water, pen, set of keys or even a piece of paper, chances are it will become the target of a cat’s obsession with seeing it hit the floor. Knocking things off the table is a favorite cat hobby and it probably only took having to repair one cracked cell phone cover or clean up some spilled orange juice off the new carpet for us to get smarter about where we leave our things. 

8. When There’s a Cat on our Lap We Can Stay in One Position for Hours

cat on person's lap
It doesn’t matter if we’re late for something or how uncomfortable we may be, when kitty curls up and falls asleep on our lap we become a permanent piece of furniture. 

9. We Have More Than One Nickname for our Cats

Oh yes, our cats have official names but we rarely use them. We have a long list of special names for our cats that may or may not make sense to others but they make perfect sense to us. The names may be a reflection of a cat’s look, behavior, or simply an expression of our love, but there’s always more than one name and we remember every single one.

10. Cats Have to Inspect and Approve of Every New Object Brought into the House

cat with head in mug
Whether it’s the new chair you just had delivered or a guest’s jacket tossed over the arm of a sofa, our cats must inspect every inch of it, sniff it, sit on it and make the decision if it’s acceptable in their territory.

The above list is just a small sample of what we share as cat lovers. Of course, the most important thing we share is the absolute love we have for these beautiful and intelligent furry members of our family.

Share this post with any fellow cat lovers you know, and share your ideas about other things that could be added to the list, including @wellnesspetfood!

The Pet Lover’s Guide to Giving Back

holding paw

The best gifts are the ones that are shared. This holiday season, one of the ways to share the many gifts you’ve been given is by sharing with animals in need. There are several ways to do this from making donations to shelters, to participating in giving campaigns, to volunteering in your community. Here we outline ways to find opportunities for giving back on a national and a local scale.

How to Make a Shelter Donation

Animal shelters benefit from monetary donations as well as donations for resources. Most shelters have opportunities on their website for donations. For example, the International Animal Rescue, which works exclusively on donations, has a space on their website where donors can contribute monetarily. Most communities have a branch of the Animal Rescue Foundation in addition to local, smaller missions. Search your community to find an organization you believe in and find out how you can help.

If you prefer to donate other resources, these can also be found listed on an organization’s website. The Animal Humane Society, a national organization, has an Amazon wish list with items ranging from pet food to beds to bleach and paper towels.

All shelters need resources like these. Before you donate, call to see what the shelter needs the most. Such items include but are not limited to:

  • Pet food
  • Pet beds
  • Food and water dishes
  • Towels and blankets
  • Pet soap
  • Hand soap
  • Bleach
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Office paper and other supplies
  • Storage boxes

When you call, the organization can also tell you when and where to make the donation. Such donations make a big difference for all of the animals who spend their holidays in shelters.giving back

How to Participate in a Giving Campaign

Giving campaigns are events that you organize or participate in where several people contribute and all donations go toward a selected cause. For example, the ASPCA suggests a sweet swap. They have easy-to-follow directions on their website for how you can get a group together to set up a fundraising page, set an event date, invite people to get involved, set donation prices for the sweets made and then donate the fund raised after the event to the cause. You can even set up donations to be given and received electronically.

How to Volunteer in Your Community

person walking dog

Lastly, you can volunteer your time to help pets. Contact organizations in your area to see what services they are looking for. Some such opportunities include:

  • Animal grooming
  • Dog-walking / exercise
  • Assisting with adoptions
  • Cleaning cages
  • Administrative / clerical work

If you have any special skills, you can also volunteer those. Just tell whoever is in charge of volunteers what you do and let them determine if you can help. Such skills include:

  • Writing skills
  • Social media marketing and publicity skills
  • Legal or financial expertise
  • Graphic design skills
  • Photography skills

positive quote coffee cup

Needless to say, any time and effort that you volunteer makes an important difference in the care, health and well-being of displaced animals. By showing those animals love with donations of money, resources or your time and skills, you give love and compassion, which lifts the spirits of those animals in need. Best of all, it is a gift you can give year-round.

This holiday season, consider making a long-term commitment to making a difference in the lives of animals in need. As you can see, there are several ways to make an impact not just during the holidays but year-round. We at Wellness Pet Food are committed to improving the quality of life for all pets not only by making all-natural pet food products but also by being involved in causes that ensure the wellbeing of pets in need. You can learn more about our mission to support pets in need via the WellPet Foundation.

How to Photograph the Perfect Holiday Card with Your Pet

Great pet photos that are the stuff of frame-worthy holiday cards sometimes just happen by happy accident, but more often than not, they are carefully planned and executed. By following these careful steps, you, too, can take the puuurfect holiday card photo of or with your pet.

Find a Location that Makes Your Pet Happy

Photo via Wellness fan, Donna S.

Any time you photograph your pet, you should be in an area where your pet is happy and familiar. If you are somewhere strange, your pet might be too curious or agitated to sit still. 

Other tips for the perfect holiday card location are: 

  • Find a location that captures the holiday spirit. A snowy park or field or on your couch atop a festive red blanket will do the trick.
  • If your setting doesn’t set the scene for a holiday card, use one or two (like a giant candy cane, a Santa hat, or a gift wrapped in subdued paper). Keep props to a minimum, though.
  • Pick a setting that doesn’t compete with the focus. Look for a setting that doesn’t have a lot of textures or action, so when you snap your photo, your pet is the primary focus.
  • Make sure your setting is well-lit. Natural light is a best-kept secret for beautiful holiday card pet photos.

Photo via Wellness fan, Jess K.

 

Turn Off Your Camera Flash

On the topic of lighting, turn the flash on your camera or phone off. Flashes not only create odd shadows, but they can also startle your pet.
Instead, plan your photo session for the early morning or late afternoon–specifically, just after dawn or right before dusk. The soft, glowing natural light illuminates your subject without casting harsh shadows.

Get on Your Pet’s Level

Photo via Wellness fan, H. Dolan

If the picture is a solo photo of your pet, kneel, sit, or lay down on the floor to get an eye-level photo. The best pet holiday cards are intimate because they allow the audience to connect with the subject, not look down at him or her.

Keep Distractions to a Minimum

Getting your pet’s attention for holiday photos can sometimes be a challenge. Feel free to use a toy to get your pet to look at the camera, but do not have too many toys or distractions at hand because too much stimulation will divide your pet’s attention. 

Photo via Wellness fan, CMR H.

Avoid Using Your Zoom

Most people use their smart phones to take incredible holiday pet photos, which is fine, but the more you zoom in, the lower the quality of the photo becomes. Instead, get close to your subject.
If that is not an option because you are trying to get an action shot, take the best photo you can where you are standing, then zoom, crop, and edit after the fact.

Have a Plan Before You Start

Before you and your pet get out into the field (whether “the field” is a literal field or just in front of your fireplace), have a plan for the photo you want. Picture the lighting, the positioning, and the props how you want the image to look, beforehand. (Look at Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration.) While you should be open to making changes (your pet might want to sit up instead of lay down, for example), a plan enables you to get in and get out before your pet gets bored with the project. (After all, your pet doesn’t have all day.)
Speaking of a plan, if you hire someone to take the photo of you and your pet or of your pet for your holiday card, be specific about what you want. In particular if you hire someone, have a few ideas in mind.

Most Importantly, Have Fun With It!

As most of us know, pets can be unpredictable. No one said photographing them would be easy! So go ahead and have fun with it! Who knows, the bloopers may end up being your favorite shot!

Summary

To conclude, you can get the best holiday card by:

  • Finding a great location where your pet is comfortable
  • Keeping props and distractions to a minimum 
  • Using natural lighting
  • Getting on your pet’s level
  • Avoiding using your zoom to frame the shot (use an editing program instead)
  • Having a plan for the picture before you start
  • Have fun with it!

Once you get the perfect holiday pet card, you’ll want to share it with those you love. Make sure to share it with us, too by tagging us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, and include @wellnesspetfood for a chance to be featured! 

The “purrrfect” holiday card is a perfect way to let your pet’s love shine through to others and to spread holiday cheer. At Wellness Pet Food, we let our love for pets shine by creating natural pet food, snack, and treat recipes that pets adore. 

Taking Care of a Senior Pet

senior pet month

When people think of “seniors’, they think of slowing down and of twilight years, which is why many are surprised to learn that pets are considered seniors starting at age seven; however, pets that age still have lots of life, love, and energy to share with you, and by living every day well with your senior pet, you can help ensure their years with you are long, happy healthy ones.

senior pet chart

 

Make Time for Play Time


Playing is a great way to keep senior pet’s cognitively sharp. Pets learn and exercise their mental muscles during play. While senior pets may not seem as quick to dive into play as they did when they were kittens or puppies, they still enjoy playing with you. Look for toys that will stimulate their minds and interests without exhausting them physically. 

Senior Pet 1


Make Time for Fitness


Exercise for pets is just as important as it is for humans. Ideally, you and your pet will have a well-established fitness regimen by the time they reach their senior years, but if you don’t, that is okay. Make it a point to engage in some kind of exercise at least once per day with your pet. It can be a walk, a jog, or a few laps up and down the stairs. This keeps your pet’s muscles, bones, and joints healthy while also helping your pet maintain a safe weight.

Senior Pet 2


Make Time to Eat Well

 

Good nutrition will also help your senior pet maintain a healthy weight. Not only that, but eating a clean, natural diet comprised of proteins and essential nutrients will help you pet stay will from the inside out. Organs and systems are healthier when senior pets eat special, all-natural diets formulated for their age and any other underlying health issues. Pets that eat well have more energy. Their skin, coat, and hair is also healthier, so take the time to look for a healthy pet food that suits your senior pet’s needs.

Senior Pet 4


Make Time for Grooming


Well-groomed pets are happier and healthier; however, as animals age, their natural ability to groom themselves diminishes. None the less, pets still enjoy being clean just as much as they did in their youth. Senior pets need help with groomingthat is, cleaning their eyes, ears, teeth, gums, nails, fur, etc., on a regular basis. 

Senior Pet 4


Make Time to Visit the Vet


A critical part of lifelong wellness is staying on top of well-vet visits. When pets get into their senior years is usually when vets can spot potential future health issues. When vets are able to spot problems before they start, they can usually take preventative action, which helps keep your pet healthier longer. 

Senior Pet 5


November is ASPCA’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Live every day well with your senior pet by being active together and by eating well together. Wellness Pet Food wants you and your senior pet to have long years of quality time to enjoy, which is why all of our pet foods are all-natural and specially formulated for your cat or dog’s age and other health needs .

5 Easy Upcycling Projects for Pet Parents

diy dog

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 over 100,000 pet food bags diverted from landfills.

Getting crafty with empty Wellness pet food packaging and common items found around the house takes a nod from our past to support the environment and reduce waste.

1. Tennis Ball & T-shirt Toss Toy

diy dog toy
Materials:

  • old t-shirts
  • tennis ball

Tools:

  • scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut t-shirt into 2 thick strips (use two t-shirts if needed).
  2. Put in “X” formation.
  3. Place tennis ball in the middle.
  4. Fold t-shirt strips around tennis ball.
  5. Tie with thin piece of t-shirt.
  6. Take the tails and cut into strips – still attached to the top of the t-shirt.
  7. Braid strips.
  8. Knot ends or secure with t-shirt tie.
  9. Toss and play with pup.

2. Pet Treat Holder

diy pet treat holder
Materials:

Tools:

  • scissors
  • tape

Instructions:

  1. Start with a clean, empty dog food bag. Cut a square that is 7 ½ inches on each side. Centered inside the square, draw a smaller square that is three inches on each side. This smaller square will be 2 ¼ inches from all edges.
  2. On the top edge of the smaller square, draw a semicircle that hits the top of the large square and starts and ends at opposite corners of the small square. Repeat for the other 3 sides. Cut around these lines.
  3. Pro tip: To give your treat pouch dimension, make an extra ¼ inch fold at the base of each semicircle.
  4. Along the lines of the small square, fold all 4 semicircles towards the center. Your piece should fold up to the size of the small square. Tape the bottom flap and two side flaps in place.
  5. Attach one side of the self-adhesive Velcro® fastener on the inside of the top flap. Then, fold down the flap so the other side of the self-adhesive Velcro® fastener attaches to the outside of the bottom flap. Let the Velcro® fastener stick where it naturally landed after you folded the top flap down.
  6. Fill your new treat pouch with your favorite treats for your pet.

3. Wellness Dog Cape

TerraCycle DIY Pet Cape
What You’ll Need

Tools:

  • ruler
  • scissors
  • pen

Instructions:

  1. Start with a clean pet food bag, and cut the edges off.
  2. Use your ruler to draw a trapezoid that is 6 inches wide at the bottom, 4 inches wide at the top, and 7 ½ inches tall.
  3. Fold over the narrow end, about ¾ inch.
  4. Use a length of tape to keep the fold closed.
  5. Cut a 17 ½ inch strip of elastic.
  6. Loop it through the fold on the cape.
  7. Tie and adjust accordingly so it fits your pet.

Design Tip: Cut the bottom in a funky pattern. Try a zig-zag or wavy shape!

4. Toilet Paper Roll Cat Toy

cat toy
What You’ll Need

  • an empty cardboard toilet paper roll
  • Wellness Kittles (optional, but highly recommended)

Tools:

  • ruler
  • scissors
  • pen

Instructions:

  1. Mark 4 finger-width (about ¼ inch) marks on the side of the cardboard roll.
  2. Use the scissors to cut each ring.
  3. Insert the first ring into the second ring, then continue with the third and fourth, until you’ve formed a ball.
  4. Fill the toy with some delicious Wellness Kittles and your cat will spend some fun time trying to get to them!

cat with cat toy

5. Collapsible Pet Water Bowl

pet water bowl diy
Materials:

Tools:

  • ruler
  • pen or marker
  • scissor

Instructions:

  1. Start with a clean pet food bag.
  2. Flatten out the package and measure the width.
  3. Measure and mark lines on both ends to make the length of the wrapper the same size as the width. A 10-inch square or smaller will probably work best.
  4. Cut along your marked lines.
  5. Mark a border 2 inches from the edge along each side of the square.
  6. Fold and crease firmly along this line. Unfold and flatten it.
  7. Fold up two sides at one corner of the square. Make a diagonal crease from the corner to the folded border creating an upright triangle. Repeat this for all corners, then unfold them.
  8. Take the Velcro® tabs, unfasten them, and stick each one on either side of the corner of the square, one per triangle. Make sure that they will line up when fastened. 
  9. Fold up the bowl at the corners and press the hook and loop fasteners together. You are ready to dish up your pet’s favorite snack in your new bowl.

Have you tried any of these DIY projects? We want to see your results! On Instagram, tag @wellnesspetfood and #WellnessTerraCycleDIY for a chance to be featured on our social communities or website!

Thanksgiving Safety from A Dog’s Perspective

November is a time for giving thanks. As a dog, I’ve got lots to be thankful for. I’m thankful you come home every day. It’s my favorite time of day. I literally jump for joy when I see your shoes come through the door. I’m thankful for our cuddle time, the treats, the naps, the great food you feed me. Speaking of food, something smells delicious. To the kitchen!

Pets in the Kitchen

What have you done to the kitchen? There’re cans and wrappers everywhere. The trash can is so full, the lid won’t close. Every burner on the oven is crackling with fire. It all smells so good; I don’t know what to lick first.

 

dog begging

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Oh, hi, Mom. You’re standing in front of me. And now we’re going to my food dish. You assure me that what you’re about to feed me will taste much better than what you’re cooking. You say a well-fed dog on Thanksgiving is one who is less likely to beg for table scraps. As I eat, you take out the trash and tidy the counters. You explain that dogs like to get into the trash when it smells so tasty. You read my mind.

 

dog eating Wellness CORE dog food

Photo via @jabba.da.pup

Pets with Crowds

I’m taking a nap when that bell starts ringing. “Don’t worry mom, I’ll protect you,” I shout charging to the door.  You ask me to stop barking and open the door. You seem happy to see these people. Okay, I’ll let them live for now.
The bell keeps ringing. How many people do you know? And how many little people are coming? Is that another dog? I’m not happy. You can tell because I’m not acting like myself, so you take me to your bedroom for a while to calm down. Sometimes too much stimulation can be stressful for pets. I’m thankful you know me so well.

Pets at the Dinner Table

When it’s quiet, I come back out. Everyone is still here, but there at the table. I sit by your chair. Eh-hem. You give me a small plate of boneless, well-cooked turkey and a couple of bites of sweet potato. My compliments to the chef. Anything else from the table you tell me isn’t any good for me.

Traveling with Pets

People are still eating, and I hear you talk about the other dog. Pets that travel shouldn’t be left alone in the car for any period of time. I noticed the other dog came in on a leash, so she wouldn’t run away. Her dad also sets up her own food and water dish next to mine. I gnaw a bone and think this through. How long is she staying?

When Thanksgiving Winds Down

Everyone seems to be getting tired. A few people leave. You keep me near you when the door opens and closes, so I don’t run out. You say that even though I’m microchipped, it’s best if I don’t get lost at all. After all, if I run away, how else are we going to take a nap on the couch together? I like the sound of that. We cuddle up, and I feel warm and happy, thankful you know how to take care of me.

Thanksgiving is a happy time of year full of good times and reminiscences on reasons for giving thanks. Your pets are as thankful for you as you are for them. Show them how grateful you are by keeping them safe, well-fed with their favorite pet food, and comfortable during the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Do-It-Yourself Pumpkin Dog Treats Featuring CORE Marrow Roasts

cookie header

With the holidays are around the corner, seasonal treats are everywhere around us. We know that you’re often baking for your human family, so why not bake a special treat for four-legged friends? Check out our fun pumpkin recipe that uses our popular CORE Marrow Roasts. Guaranteed to make your pup lick her lips!

First things first, ingredients:

Biscuits:

1 1/4 cups oat flour*
1 1/4 cups brown rice flour**
1 egg
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 8 oz bag Wellness CORE Marrow Roasts, any recipe

Frosting:

6 oz (about 3/4 cup) plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp natural smooth peanut butter

Equipment needed:

Food processor or blender
Hand or stand mixer
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters

*Oat flour can be made easily by grinding dry oats in a food processor or blender.
**Other flours can be substituted, such as garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour or potato flour.

Directions for Biscuits:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Add 1/2 bag Marrow Roasts (about 20 treats) into food processor. Grind on high for 2 minutes or until a powder forms (can be grainy).

marrow roasts

3. Mix Marrow Roasts powder and other dry ingredients in a large bowl to ensure even distribution.

4. Add egg and pumpkin puree and use a hand or stand mixer on low to incorporate ingredients, gradually increasing the speed until a dough forms. The dough needs to be the correct consistency to be rolled out, so add some flour if the dough is too wet and some warm water if it is too dry.

dough marrow roasts

5. Form a flattened disc, then roll out to ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface.

6. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes then place on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or a baking mat.

cookie cutter

7. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes or until biscuits are hard and dry to the touch.

8. Allow biscuits to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

dakota cookies

Directions for Frosting:

1. Mix peanut butter to ensure that any oils that have separated in the jar are incorporated. Mix yogurt and peanut butter in a small bowl until uniform. 

2. Use a knife or a piping bag to frost cookies.

cookie frosted

3. Place biscuits in aenjoy dakota single layer in the fridge, uncovered, for 45 minutes to allow the frosting to harden.

4. Transfer biscuits to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to one week. Biscuits can also be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life.

Last but not least: ENJOY! 

 

Share your favorite DIY dog treat recipes by tagging @wellnesspetfood and #wellnesspetfood!

Top 10 Halloween Costumes for Dogs 2018

wellness halloween

It’s that time of year where everyone gets a pumpkin spice latte, takes a nice fall hike, and eats enough candy to make their dentist sick. Sure your pooch can’t indulge on the forbidden fruit, but they can still partake in the spirit of Halloween with some costume fun! Here are 10 spooktacular dog outfits that will make your floof the life of the party and the talk of the town!

10. Lion

I wouldn’t be lion if I said this costume is both hilarious and frightening. Your pooch will think he’s the king of the jungle! I’d sure hate to run into this creature in the wild! 

lion

9. Delivery Dog

You’ve got mail! Is your pup at war with the mailman? Help him or her bury the hatchet and get them this ironic costume!

delivery dog

8. Hawaiian Rockstar

Sure the cold is here, but let’s not forget summer was just two months ago and will be here again. Throw this on with some Jimmy Buffet in the background and you’ll feel some nice Hawaiian vibes fill the room! Your friends will thank you too!

hawaiian rockstar

7. Unicorn

Is your dog special? Is your dog rare? Can your pup fly around and fart rainbows? Well then folks, you got yourself a unicorn! Help your pup show its true colors and get them this “cloud” favorite!

umicorn

6. Spider

Wanna raise some heart rates and maybe spill a few drinks? We got just the thing! Throw this on and wait for the screams!

spider

5. Shark

Does your pooch self-identify as a fiesty great white? Look no further than this baby shark doot doo doo doot doot! Better warn the guests they’re treading in shark infested waters!

shark dog

4. Super Dog

If your pooch can scale the puppy gate, jump up on the top counter, or run the opposite direction at lightning speed when called upon, well then you got yourself a super-pooch! Harness your dog’s inner super power with a super suit! 

 

super dog

3. Business Pup

Does your dog do it’s business like no one’s business? Buy them this Wall Street wardrobe and everyone will know they mean business!

wall street dog

2. Jedi

If you’re a true Star Wars fan, you gotta show it! Join the bark side and flaunt your pup’s Jedi pride with a cloak and lightsaber! 

jedi

1. Ghost Barkers

Keep those pesky ghouls and night goblins away with your very own ghost guardian! Who ya gonna call?? Ghostbarkers! 

ghost barkers

Sure, your pooch may get more likes than you online, but let’s not forget who made them social media famous…YOU! Happy online shopping and Happy Halloween!

 

Share a photo of your dog in costume and include @wellnesspetfood and #wellnesspetfood. Then keep an eye out for your four-legged friend on our website, Facebook or Instagram!

The 4 Most Common Halloween Dangers for Pets

Halloween marks the start of the holiday season! The children count down the days until they get to dress in their favorite characters and get spoiled with candy and treats. Parents decorate, pick out the perfect costumes for kids and pets and stock up on candy.

dog with Marrow Roasts

Treat your dog safely this Halloween with CORE Marrow Roasts

Although Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, it is typically one of the most dangerous holidays for pets. As a small animal veterinarian, it is a common time of year that I see pets for getting lost, emergencies and illness. So today, I would like to discuss the top pet emergencies and illnesses associated with Halloween and how we can prepare to keep our pets for a safe and fun holiday. Let’s get started:

1. Chocolate Toxicity:

Place the human treats out of reach of your pets. The most popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause serious problems in pets. Keep the HUMAN treats away! I know firsthand it is difficult to watch your pets sad face as they look at everyone eating and enjoying, and just want to be a part of it. There is no need to let your pet feel left out and not let them indulge on the holiday that celebrates eating treats. I tell all my pet parents to have your favorite dog treats easily accessible during the holiday festivities. I absolutely love and trust Wellness CORE pet treats.  These treats have all the highest quality ingredients.

2. Decoration Emergencies:

Watch the decorations and keep wires away from pets. Pumpkins are popular decorations that can pose a dangerous hazard, especially when used as jack-o-lanterns. Kittens and puppies are especially at risk of getting burned by candle flame. Although pumpkins and decorative corn are nontoxic, they can cause stomach discomfort in pets that nibble on them.

3. Costume Mishaps:

Be careful with costumes. Nothing is cuter than seeing our pets in adorable Halloween costumes. However, unless your pet is used to getting dressed up, I do not recommend it. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, check the costume for small, easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Make sure the costume does not limit their movement, vision or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Costumes that do not fit properly can get twisted on your pet or caught on external objects leading to injury.

4. Lost Pets:

Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable. With all the trick-or-treating, and visitors arriving at your door, Halloween can often be scary and stressful for pets. I recommend dogs and cats be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours unless you are certain they are very social. Also, the constant opening the door for trick-or-treaters can lead to escaping pets. Always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. I always recommend microchipping your pet.

Trick or treating halloween

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope this helps all my pet parents out there be more aware and prepared for all the possible Halloween pet emergencies. I always tell all my pet parents, be conscientious of the possible dangers, but do not forget to enjoy and have fun with your pet during the holiday. Make sure to spoil them extra with some yummy HALLOWEEN TREATS just for them and take lots of cute pictures. My goal always is to keep our pets safe and healthy. As much as I love seeing them walk in through my doors, I prefer to help avoid “sick” trips to the veterinarian. Happy Halloween everyone!

5 Incredible Service Dogs of 2018

Dogs are remarkable animals; they are wise, compassionate, intuitive and brave; however, some dogs, like these incredible service dogs, are just a cut above the rest. Their stories inspire us and remind us just how special dogs are and how much of a better place they make the world.

1. Chi Chi, “American Hero Dog” of the 2018 American Humane Hero Dog Awards®

chi chi hero dog
Chi Chi’s heartwarming story reminds us that life often isn’t fair, but that doesn’t mean we should despair. Chi Chi was found starving and bound in a garbage bag in South Korea. None of Chi Chi’s limbs were salvageable, and she became a quadruple amputee. Remarkably, Chi Chi learned to trust people again despite her abuse. She was given custom prosthetics and soon after became a certified therapy dog. The joy that emanates from Chi Chi is palpable. In addition to overcoming her early traumas and going on to help others, Chi Chi is also a cancer survivor whose personality and attitude inspire and motivate everyone she meets. The ceremony honoring Chi Chi will be aired on national television on the Hallmark Channel on October 24 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

2. A Dog Named Hero Helps Military Sexual Assault Victim Heal 

Healing Paws for Warriors service dog
It’s no coincidence Hero the dog’s name is ‘Hero’ given his heroism in helping his owner, Heidi Luke, overcome the PTSD stemming from a sexual assault endured while serving in the military. For Heidi, hero is her battle buddy who enables her to go about her life. She can now grocery shop without having a panic attack. Hero guards Heidi in public, keeping strangers from getting too close. Hero’s work is part of an effort called Healing Paws for Warriors; the objective is to minimize the number of veteran suicides that occur due to trauma resulting from military service. 

3. Lizzy the Labrador Gives Leigh Michel New Hope after Multiple Sexual Assaults During Army Service

Lizzy the Labrador
As indicated by the NPR headline that details Leigh Michel’s harrowing tale, service dogs are taking on an increasingly prominent role in helping those who served in the military overcome trauma after being sexually assaulted. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits for service dogs do not cover service dogs as therapy for mental illness; however, it is possible that as brave service members share their stories and their experiences with service dogs, that will change.

4. Willy’s Sense of Smell Saves His Owner’s Life

Can Do Canines service dog
Madison Stangl was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes her first year at college. A few years after diagnosis, however, Madison developed a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness where she was unable to recognize warning signs of low blood pressure. Willy, a service dog came to Madison’s rescue. Trained to sniff out a drop or spike in blood sugar, Willy the golden retriever woke Madison in the middle of the night when her blood sugar was deathly low. Without Willy, Madison would have died.

5. Sully Serves Former President George H. W. Bush & Raises Awareness

Sully service dog president Bush
As many know, former President George H. W. Bush suffers from Parkinson’s and has been hospitalized twice since his wife Barbara passed away in April 2018. Sully not only is helping the former POTUS, but the lovely yellow lab is helping to raise awareness via the Instagram account, @sullyhwbush, to raise awareness for and about the important role service dogs play in all of our lives.

Service dogs do amazing work, and we salute them in their various, honorable missions. To show our love and support, we at Wellness Pet Food stand firm by our dedication to making delicious, high-quality, all-natural foods, snacks, and treats that are designed to ensure wellness and longevity in all animals that enjoy them.

About This Page

Date:

03/10/2018

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