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The Benefits of Probiotics for Your Pet

Posted on March 14, 2017December 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

Do you know how important your pet’s digestive health is to their overall well-being? A healthy gut prevents disease, improves digestion, aids in better nutrient absorption and boosts the immune system. So, in other words, digestive health is extremely important and that’s where probiotics come into play. What are probiotics? Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in our pets’ intestines and without the right balance of that good bacteria, your pet can experience major health issues. Let’s talk about the benefits of probiotics for your pet and how you can help to maintain that balance.

Benefits of Probiotics
So, what are the actual benefits of giving your pet food with a healthy amount of probiotics, or even adding probiotic supplements to their food?

Promote a Healthy Digestive System

Overall, a diet that is rich in probiotics will help your pet to achieve digestive balance and promote a healthy gut.

Slow and/or Eliminate Diarrhea

If your pet doesn’t already have a diet with added probiotics and they start to suffer from diarrhea, a probiotic supplement can help to treat the diarrhea. Once you start feeding your pet a probiotic-rich diet, such as Wellness TruFood, they will be less likely to suffer from digestive problems such as diarrhea.

Ease Gastrointestinal Ailments
Does your pet suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome or any condition similar to it? Probiotics can help to soothe most gastrointestinal ailments that your pet may be suffering from.

Do All Pets Need a Probiotic?
Because the digestive system is so closely connected to a pet’s immune system and overall health, all pets should have some form of a probiotic as part of their diet.

Probiotic Diet vs. Probiotic Supplement

While both forms of probiotics can be beneficial to your pet, feeding your pet a probiotic diet is the most proactive way to improve their health. Generally speaking, most pet foods that include a proper amount of probiotics are also among the healthier choices of pet foods. These foods will generally have more natural ingredients and are overall better choices for your pet.

Are you ready to start feeding your pet a diet that is rich in probiotics? Any chance to improve your pet’s overall health and potentially add years to their life is a chance that’s worth taking.

How to Transition Your Cat to Natural Wellness Kibble

Posted on March 14, 2017November 13, 2020 by Above1 Support

Whenever introducing your cat to a new kibble, it’s a good idea to gradually transition to the new dry food recipe over a 7 – 10 day period.

An extended transition time frame allows acceptance of the new flavor in the food bowl. And, it will also avoid potential stomach upsets that could cause diarrhea as a slow changeover allows the digestive system to adjust to new ingredients.

Add about 10 per cent of the new kibble to the bowl every day. If after a few days, your cat notices the difference and there are signs of resistance, reduce the new food by ten percent, and, if necessary, hold off on the transition for a couple days before trying again. There is no rush! And remember, if you cat is really resistant to a particular new recipe, the unused food, still in the original bag, along with the receipt can be returned to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. All Wellness dry food recipes are covered by this Catisfaction Guarantee.

At the same time you are transitioning the new kibble into the food bowl, consider serving it to her as a treat. It can be as few as five or six kibble. If you feed more than that, remember to make the calorie and amount adjustments to her food bowl so that you are not over-feeding during this transition phase.

Serving the food in the right bowl can help with the transition too. Cats like to eat out of broader, flatter bowls so that their whiskers don’t touch the sides. This is known as whisker stress. Avoid very tiny bowls for both food and water all together.

Always ensure that the food bowls are not placed in a high traffic area. Cats like privacy when they eat and this is important when transitioning over to a new dry food recipe. Also make sure that there is plenty of fresh water available near the kibble bowl as well as in other locations throughout the home. It’s important for a cat to be properly hydrated especially on a dry food diet.

What Is On The Menu
The Wellness Complete Health recipes offer cats a variety of chicken options in a small round kibble that cats of all ages are able to pick up easily, chew and digest. The Adult Chicken Recipe has deboned chicken as the first ingredient with chicken meal and rice. There is a grain-free option too, ideal for cats with sensitive tummies. The Adult Natural Hairball recipe is made from chicken meal and rice to prevent hairballs from forming and to aid swallowed fur to move smoothly through the digestive system. There is a chicken recipe for kittens as well as a salmon and herring meal recipe suitable for cats with a more sedentary indoor lifestyle to control weight management.

All the ingredients are clearly highlighted on the packaging for easy decision-making.
Similarly, the Wellness Core kibble recipes offer an indoor-weight management formula made from chicken with turkey and chicken meal as key ingredients and the Original Turkey recipe offers cats a diet that is 65 per cent protein with turkey as the first ingredient.

Keep you pet’s dry food it its original packaging. Do not decant directly into a plastic container as this may taint the taste of the food. Rather place the entire bag in an attractive can to ensure it remains dry and fresh.

Talk to your pet while preparing the food bowl and putting it down. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together especially during the transition phase. Consider it the feline equivalent of sitting down at the table to a meal with family.

10 Ways to Help Your Dog Adoption Go Smoothly

Posted on March 6, 2017December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

When you rescue a dog from the shelter, you give him a second chance at life. Here are 10 ways you can get off on the right paw.

1– Talk with the shelter staff. Have them introduce you to their favorite dogs. Tell them what you’re looking for in a pet. Let them know what pets you already have and whether you have children. They’ll guide you to one that’s a good fit.

Find a dog who matches your temperament. If you enjoy lengthy hikes or other athletic endeavors, a high energy dog like a lab mix may be good for you. On the other hand, if you have small children or are looking for a dog who loves to snuggle, an older, more mellow dog may be a better option. The shelter staff can help you narrow your choices.

2- Once you’ve narrowed your choices to 2 or 3 dogs, see if you can take them each for a walk. Getting them away from the kennel environment will help many dogs relax and show you more of their personality.

3- Introduce your other family members to your candidates. This will help eliminate unpleasant surprises once you get home together.

4- If you already have a dog at home, see if you can bring your current dog in for a “meet and greet” or trade towels/blankets with each dog. The idea is each dog smells the other and begins to get accustomed to the other’s smell so they aren’t completely new to one another.

5- Once you’ve made your choice, determine where your new best friend will spend the first few days at your home. Even if your new friend is house-broken, the stress of moving and a new environment may cause him to “forget.” If you confine him to a kitchen, you’ll have easier clean up, yet, he’ll be able to adjust to family life.

6- If you plan to crate train, get the crate ready and decide where it will go in your home. When your new pet comes home, leave the crate sitting in its area with the door open and let him explore the crate on his own. You may find he enjoys being in it when he’s relaxing.

7- Aim for a calm schedule the first few weeks with your new pet. Take a few days off work if you can, and avoid planning travel right after adoption. Stick to scheduled meal times and walking times. The first few weeks are a critical adjustment time for everyone. Give yourself time.

8- Take your new friend to your veterinarian for a full checkup shortly after you bring him home. This gives you a baseline on health and temperament independent of the shelter.

9- Your new pet may benefit from doggie training classes or other forms of socializing such as dog parks. However, it’s important to discuss this with your vet and watch your pet’s temperament. Not every dog does well in these environments.

10- Make sure everyone in your family is onboard with the training plan. When everyone adheres to the schedule and uses the same commands, it’s easier for your dog to learn.
By giving a shelter dog a “forever home,” you’ll be deeply rewarded. You may find yourself the recipient of deep gratitude from your pet.

What tips do you have for a successful adoption?

Dog Park Etiquette: Playing by the Unwritten Rules

Posted on March 2, 2017November 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

Dog parks – the social scene of the dog world. Taking your dog to a dog park is a great addition to their exercise routine and a great way for your dog to maintain healthy socialization skills. However, there is proper etiquette to be considered when visiting the dog park. If you want the other dogs to wag their tails in approval and the other dog parents to greet you with a smile, then there are certain rules that should be followed – here is a list of ‘Dos & Don’ts’ to follow at the dog park.

5 Dog Park Do(s)
Here are some tips that are guaranteed to help you and your dog both win the popularity vote at the dog park.

dog park 2

-Scoop the poop.
This one is first on the list because it is THAT important. If you aren’t cleaning up after your dog poops in the park then you are probably on someone else’s list – a blacklist. If you really want to earn some brownie points, pick up any other dog’s messes that have been left behind.
-Exercise first, dog park second.
Taking your dog to the dog park should not be their primary source of exercise – it should supplement an already existing exercise routine. In fact, the proper thing to do is to exercise your dog before taking him to the dog park, in order to release any pent up energy that could affect his behavior at the park.
-Supervise your dog while at the park.
Let’s be honest – we’ve all seen the dog owner at the park who sits on the bench and stares at their smartphone while their dog terrorizes all of the other dogs at the park. Don’t be this person.
-Leave the kids at home.
We know that your kids probably love their dog and a trip to the dog park probably sounds like a dream come true to them, but the dog park isn’t really a place for small children. There is a lot of heightened interaction going on between dogs at the park and not all dogs are crazy about kids.
-Be cautious about handing out treats.
If you are using treats for training purposes while at the park, be sure that there are no other dogs in close proximity to you. The best advice would be to skip the treats until after you have left the park to avoid any unnecessary confrontations and don’t ever give treats out to a dog other than your own. Does your dog like Wellness treats?
5 Dog Park Don’t(s)
It is important to always promote peaceful and pleasant interactions at the dog park so that everyone can enjoy their visit to the park. There are certain things that you just shouldn’t do while at the park with your dog.
DON’T bring a sick or unvaccinated dog to the park.
If your dog is sick, not up to date on vaccinations, or if you are unsure of your dog’s current health status, leave them at home until you know that your dog isn’t capable of spreading disease at the park.
DON’T allow your dog to bully other dogs.
If you notice that your dog is causing problems or is being the dog park bully, remove them from the park immediately.
DON’T bring your BLT to the dog park.
Never bring human food into the dog park – we shouldn’t have to explain the problems that this could create.
DON’T bring a dog to the park who doesn’t respond to verbal commands.
Does your dog come when they are called? Do they respond to your commands? These are basic training skills that your dog should have before turning them loose at the dog park. First things first.
DON’T keep your dog on a leash in a ‘no-leash’ dog park.
It doesn’t really make much sense to take your dog to the dog park if you plan to keep them on a leash the entire time. Plus, it can present safety issues for other dogs, especially if you are using a retractable leash.
Are you ready for your next trip to the dog park? Brush up on your dog body language signals so that you know how to recognize signs of trouble. A little dog park etiquette can go a long way to making the dog park a happy place for both pets and owners!

Serving a Combo Diet of Wet and Dry Food

Posted on February 28, 2017December 17, 2020 by Above1 Support

There are advantages to feeding a cat a combination of both wet and dry food ensuring your feline enjoys the benefits both meal plans have to offer.
• Dry food is very convenient to serve, especially if you cat is a nibbler and returns to her food bowl at regular intervals throughout the day.
• Kibble also has a “cleaning action” on the teeth helping to prevent a tartar buildup and maintaining good dental hygiene.
• Wet food recipes contain moisture, which is essential to overall nutritional health. Many cats don’t drink enough!
• Wet food is great if you need to “hide” medication that she may resist swallowing.
• As cats age, and possibly have dental issues, wet food is easier to eat and to digest.
Introducing Wet Food
It’s a good idea to initially offer wet food as a treat in a saucer or small plate. A heaped teaspoon is sufficient. You can also consider adding a teaspoon of wet food as a “topping” to her dry food.
Placing it in a microwave for about 3-5 seconds will enhance the aroma and may entice a reluctant cat to try the treat serving. (Make sure it’s only lukewarm when serving and not hot.)
Choose a recipe that contains the same protein that your cat is currently eating in a dry formula. Cats, just like people enjoy different tastes as well as different textures. Both the Wellness Complete Health Grain-Free wet options and the recipes available in the CORE Grain-Free recipes offer a huge selection of both different protein flavors as well as textures options.

The Wellness Complete Grain-Free line-up includes P âtés, Gravies as well as Minced, Morsels and Sliced texture options. The CORE Grain-Free selection includes convenient little bowls offering combos such as beef pâté and diced chicken liver in gravy, pouches of shredded proteins such as chicken served in a light broth. Also there are cans of chunky cuts of beef and chicken, as well as shredded tuna and salmon combos and pâté recipes. It’s simply a matter of experimenting. She may even find one of our Complete Health wet variety packs to be appealing as we’ve themed them based on flavors, such as Seafood P âté. Cats will quickly demonstrate their favorites in terms of both taste and texture.
There is no need to worry if she turns up her nose at certain options because under the 100% Catisfaction Guarantee, the remainder of an opened product can be returned, along with the receipt, to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.
Introducing Dry Food
Once again, introduce the kibble in the form of a treat to a cat that is used to a wet food-only diet. You can simply put down 7 to 10 kibble pieces in a little dish or place them in a treat toy for her to discover for herself. Similarly, you can add some kibble as a topping to her wet food dinner. Once she accepts this mealtime addition, slowly increase the amount of dry food offered.

Working Out The Portion Sizes For A Combo Diet

It important to work out the right portions of both the wet food and the dry food you are serving daily to ensure that you are not overfeeding. The totally daily allowance depends on your cat’s weight. Wellness wet food offer guidelines on combining wet and dry food portions to ensure your cat is being fed the correct amount. Alternatively, you can consult with your veterinarian who is familiar with your cat’s diet and nutritional needs, or, contact Wellness to seek advice from a knowledgeable staff member.

A cat on a combo diet will often eat the wet food first. If you are worried about leaving wet food down in case it brings ants or, begins to perish from standing, consider serving it first thing in the morning or, alternatively, at a time when you are home, can monitor the meal and pick up the dish the moment she’s licked it clean. Then leave only the dry food out for intermittent nibbling.

Even with a combo diet, always make sure that there is plenty of fresh water available as it’s essential for your cat’s overall good health.

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Benefits of Crate Training Your Dog

Posted on February 28, 2017December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

Many people refuse to crate or kennel-train their dogs because they feel the confinement is cruel. However, a crate or kennel can give dogs a sense of security. Crate training done properly is also a highly effective management system that can be a lifesaver for dog owners. Like any training method, crating can be abused, but using a crate for appropriate time periods is helpful with a variety of important goals, including house training, preventing destructive behavior, and teaching a dog to settle and relax.
The Crate Can Become a Safe Haven for Your Dog
If a dog is taught through positive reinforcement to love the crate, the crate then becomes his own private safe haven, much like a bedroom for a child. The crate or kennel is somewhere that your dog can go and not be bothered, which is the perfect solution when your dog is tired or nervous. Being that dogs are natural den animals, they often will take to a crate very easily with the proper training.
Crate Training Benefits
What can crate training do for you? Plenty. The benefits of crate training extend to both you and your dog.

A crate that is sized properly encourages a dog’s instinct not to mess where he sleeps, helping your dog control his bladder – and preventing you from cleaning up after them. So, basically the crate is like a super duper house training tool.
Using a crate is a great way to keep your dog from getting into mischief when you can’t supervise them directly. If you are busy cooking, doing some work from home, or any other time that your attention is elsewhere, it can be the perfect time for your dog to spend some down time in their crate.
Speaking of down time, crate training is a good way to train your dog to expect and enjoy time alone and conditions relaxed behavior. Once your dog is properly trained, he will come to appreciate the time spent in the crate.

Choosing the Right Crate
There are many varieties of crates out there to choose from and it can be a bit overwhelming at first trying to decide on which crate is right for your dog. The most common crate varieties are wire crates, plastic crates, and fabric crates.

Fabric crates are recommended more for travel use than for long-term, unsupervised confinement.
The best crates to have in your home are usually the plastic or wire crates. These crates are sturdier and are best for long-term confinement.

The other thing to consider when choosing a crate for your dog is the size of the crate. Some people are inclined to choose a large crate to give their dog lots of room. However, if you pick a crate that is too large in size, your dog may use a portion of the crate as a toilet.

You want to pick a crate that is just large enough for your dog to stand up, make a complete turn, and lay back down comfortably.

Make the Crate a Happy Place
A dog should always be introduced to a crate gradually. Forcing your dog too quickly into crate training can backfire. The ultimate goal is to make the crate a happy place for your dog. So, how can you do that?

Start placing some of your dog’s favorite items into the crate, leaving the door open for him to come in and out. For example, toss a treat into the crate and allow your dog to go in and get the treat at his own pace.
Place your dog’s favorite toys or toy basket into the crate and allow your dog to go in to retrieve the toys.
At feeding time, place your dog’s food bowl in the crate and allow him to eat in his new safe haven.

Be consistent in doing these things and allowing your dog to become acclimated to his crate at his own pace. It is also a good idea to place a favorite bed or blanket into the crate to make things more familiar to him. Once you get your dog properly crate trained, you will wonder how you {or your dog} ever lived without it. Don’t take our word for it – start the crate training process with your dog today!

How to Foster a Pet

Posted on February 18, 2017December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

Fostering a dog or cat can be a very rewarding experience. Many times, animal shelters rely on foster pet parents in emergency rescue situations. For example, a foster pet parent can prevent an animal from being euthanized by temporarily housing the pet until a safe option becomes available. They can help an animal recover from a sickness by providing special, individualized care or they can help keep a close eye on a litter of kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. There are many reasons to consider fostering pets and just like adopting, it’s a good idea to think things through and ask a few questions before you bring home that wriggling, furry bundle of happiness.

What are the characteristics of the foster animal? Are you able to accommodate the animal’s size and medical/behavioral issues?
Will the pet get along with other people/pets in your household?
How long will you be fostering the pet? It’s best to compare expectations with the animal shelter before you agree to foster to make sure you’re on the same page.
Will the pet need training during the time you are fostering him/her? Many shelters rely on foster parents to assist with training or working with problem behaviors in order to help the pet become more adoptable.
Will the animal shelter be providing/financing veterinary care while you’re fostering?
Will the shelter/rescue group provide you with pet food while you’re fostering?
How will the dog or cat meet potential adopters? Will you attend adoption events or interact with the potential adopters in any way? The shelter may request that you take photos of the pet and/or provide a written description of the pet and its behavior so the shelter can post to Petfinder.com or to a social media page.
Will you have a say in who adopts the foster pet? Many animal shelters allow pet foster parents to be part of the decision on which adoptive family to pair the pet with.
If you fall in love, will you be able to adopt the pet?

When you foster animals, you free up space for the shelter or rescue to save another life. Plus, you’re providing important socialization for the pet to live a long and happy life. Fostering can be rewarding, yet, you’ll want to ensure you and the shelter have matching expectations of what fostering means.

Going Grain Free for Your Dog

Posted on February 15, 2017January 15, 2021 by Above1 Support

Going Grain Free for Your Dog: Why and How to Transition to Grain-Free Pet Food
Grain free pet foods are becoming increasingly more popular. Do you have a pup that’s always itchy? Or maybe your cat is experiencing digestive issues? Have you recently started eliminating grains from your diet and want to have your pets to follow the same healthy lifestyle? There are many reasons why as a pet parent, you might choose to try a grain free food.

Wellness Grain Free

If You’re Considering Going Grain-Free:
Because grain free foods don’t contain any fillers, you’ll notice the first ingredient will be either chicken, salmon, beef or another meat, poultry or fish protein source. This is why grain free foods are higher in protein than traditional pet foods. While many pets thrive on being fed a higher-protein recipe, some pets may have digestive upset with the increase in protein. That’s why we always recommend discussing any diet changes with your veterinarian first.
And not all grain free pet foods are created equal. It’s important that a grain free food be well balanced, offering an accurate protein to fat and carbohydrates ratio. This will ensure high digestibility and optimum nutrient absorption. Wellness grain free recipes are always complete and balanced, so they’re great for everyday feeding. We also include guaranteed levels of probiotics to help further support digestive health.
A good grain free recipe should also have natural sources of essential fatty acids like flaxseeds and other fruits and veggies as grain-free carbohydrate sources.

Wellness CORE grain free dry food

Here are some of the benefits you may see in your pet after going grain free:
-Healthy energy levels
-Soft, smooth skin and coat
-Maintenance or improvement of lean muscle mass
-Regular, fully-formed stools
-Potential clearing of food allergy symptoms (if pet has grain sensitivity)

Wellness CORE dog

How to Transition
Look for a reputable company that includes fresh fruits and veggies in their grain free recipes. (Like Wellness!) Some of our favorite grain free ingredients include superfoods like sweet potatoes and blueberries which provide antioxidant sources.
Make it a gradual transition – don’t suddenly switch your pet’s food as that can cause tummy aches. Instead, feed less of one food and replace it with another – over the course of at least a week.
See how your pet responds. Most people find that their dog’s stools are harder and denser when they switch to a grain free food. That makes clean up easier.
Wellness has a large variety of grain free dog and cat foods and treats, including our new Wellness Complete Health Grain Free dry dog food. For protein-rich nutrition, there’s also Wellness CORE dog and cat foods.
Do you have any questions about selecting a grain free recipe for your pet? Contact our knowledgeable Consumer Affairs team who can speak with you and make a recommendation: 800.225.0904, Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm ET.

Take Your Dog to Work Day is June 26th

Posted on January 28, 2017December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

Take Your Dog to Work is celebrated each year on the Friday following Father’s Day. The holiday was started by Pet Sitters International in 1999, so this year marks the holiday’s 17th anniversary. The original purpose of the holiday was to “celebrate the great companions dog make and encourage their adoptions.” Take Your Dog to Work Day has become a huge hit and some big companies have even started allowing dogs in the workplace on a regular basis. Why, you ask? We’re glad you did.

Reasons to Take Your Dog to Work
While some people may think that taking your dog to work is a bit far-fetched, others are jumping on board and would argue that having their dog in the workplace actually creates a more relaxed, productive environment. Here are some reasons why taking your dog to work can be beneficial –

Bringing your dog to work promotes a stress-free environment. Studies have shown that spending time with your dog can alleviate stress and work is one of the biggest contributors to our stress levels – makes complete sense, right? Bring your dog to work, keep you more relaxed, and improve the quality of your work.
Spread the love and promote adoption. After all, this is one of the reasons that Take Your Dog to Work Day was started – to promote the adoption of other homeless pets. By bringing your dog to work with you, co-workers who may not have a dog, get the chance to witness the bond that you share with your dog. Hopefully this will lead to inspiring someone to adopt a dog of their own.
Boost the overall morale of the office environment. Dogs make us happy – they are just special that way. Allowing dogs in the workplace improves the overall morale of everyone in the office. It creates a lighter, happier environment that people enjoy being in. Wouldn’t it be nice to feel as happy at work as you do when you are at home with your dog?
It’s not all about making us happier – your dog will be happier too. Whether you crate your dog or not while you are at work, have you ever noticed that your dog is overly excited when you get home? This is partly because they are happy to see you, but also a result of pent up energy from being left alone all day. Even if you only took your dog to work a few days out of the week, your dog would surely appreciate it and you might even notice some positive changes in their behavior.
Create a more inviting atmosphere and give people a reason to come back. If you are trying to bring people in, having a dog in your work establishment creates a laid back, homey atmosphere. People who visit your business will feel more at home and they will remember the experience and be more likely to visit your establishment again – especially the dog lovers. Again, this also promotes adoption, which is always a positive thing.

Kim Maya

Who’s Doing It?
Allowing pets in the workplace is becoming more and more popular. There are a lot of big name companies that now have pet-friendly policies, such as Amazon, Google, Proctor & Gamble and Etsy, just to name a few. Some companies even provide perks that cater specifically to the pets, such as –

Benefit packages that include pet insurance
Websites that include photos of office dogs
Daily group dog walks for employees and their dogs
Dog friendly water fountains
Designated play areas for pets
Dog food and treats provided by the company

Group

Here at Wellness, we celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day every year. It’s always a lot of fun to bring in our pets!

Poison Prevention Safety Tips for Pets

Posted on January 1, 2017December 18, 2020 by Above1 Support

Attention pet owners! March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month, which means that if you’ve never inspected your home or aren’t aware of the things that could be poisonous to your pet, now is the time to educate yourself! There are so many poisonous substances that can be harmful and even fatal to our pets, so it is important to know what’s in your home and also to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms that your pet may be in danger. So, in honor of Poison Prevention Awareness Month, we are offering up some tips!

Poison Prevention Month

Inspect!
Regular inspections are the best way to ensure that your home is free of elements that may be toxic to your pet. Let’s go room to room and talk about some things that could be harmful to your pet.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms when it comes to poison prevention. People often make the mistake of assuming that certain table foods are safe for their pet, but this is a dangerous way of thinking. The following foods have been shown to be potentially harmful to pets –

Chocolate – especially dark chocolate, coffee, caffeine
Raisons and grapes
Yeast dough
Macadamia nuts
Raw or undercooked meat
Table salt
Garlic, onion and chives
Avocado

These are just some of the most common foods that can be hazardous to your pet. Consult with your veterinarian before sharing any table food with your pet.
Bathroom
The bathroom can be a dangerous place for your pet. Make sure you keep the following items in a place that is not accessible to your pet –

Human and pet medications
Cleaning supplies
Shampoo/conditioner
Bath salts and bathing liquids

Living Room
Household plants are a popular topic when it comes to poison prevention for our pets. If you are a pet owner and you like to keep plants in and around your home, be sure that you do your research before bringing a plant into your home that could be harmful to your pet.
Here are some other miscellaneous household items that can be toxic to your pet –

Batteries
Potpourri
Insecticides
Rodenticides
Plant fertilizer/plant food
Antifreeze
Yarn, rubber bands, dental floss

Secure!
Make sure that potentially toxic items are out of your pet’s reach. Pets can be pretty creative about finding a way to get into things, am I right?

Keep human medications and pet medications in separate areas, both secure and out of reach.
If you have multiple pets, make sure that their medications are kept separate, in order to keep them from getting mixed up.

Learn!
Do the necessary research to educate yourself on the topics surrounding poison prevention. What items are toxic to your pet? Talk to your veterinarian to find out if there are certain foods that may be more toxic to your pet than others. Read up on household plants and make sure that you don’t keep any toxic plants inside your home. Knowledge is power!
Read!
Pay attention to the labels on the items in your home. The label will often warn you if the substance is toxic to you or your pet.
Before administering any medication to your pet, make sure you read and understand the directions, and follow any doctor’s orders exactly.
Know!
Do you know what the common signs and symptoms of poisoning are? This is an important part of poison prevention. If you notice that your pet is displaying any of the following signs or symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately!

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Lethargy
Convulsions

If you can’t get in contact with your veterinarian, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Prepare!
It is important to be prepared in the event that any emergency arises with your pet, and that includes possible poisoning. Keep emergency resources on hand and have the number of your local veterinary emergency hospital in an accessible place, so that you can seek help immediately.

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01/01/2017

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