Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

April 30th is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day and what better to celebrate than by adopting a shelter animal!  This is also a great opportunity to educate yourself about why shelter pets are the best, or to share the wealth of knowledge about what makes adopting a shelter pet great! While statistics are as much the mind’s best friend as dogs are man’s best friend, the truth is adopting a shelter pet is a matter of heart. By adopting a shelter pet, you not only save a life, but you also make a friend for life! Shelter pets are animals that enter shelters for various reasons. These could be abandonment, lack of a home, abuse, or a person’s inability to provide care. Of the several million animals that enter shelters across the US every year, the majority are loving, loyal, and hopeful that you will take them home and will love them too. There are multiple breeds and ages among shelter pets; puppies and kittens as well as purebreds and mix breeds are proliferate in shelters. Sadly, of those pets, 2.6 million (1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats) are euthanized. While one person cannot save them all, many people working together and choosing to adopt shelter pets can impact those grim statistics. For example, in addition to shelter pets being loving, loyal, and companionable: Many shelter pets are already house trained. They have been socialized and can safely interact with adult

Trimming your cat’s nails probably sounds about as appealing as giving your cat a bath and yet…such is a necessary component of being a cat parent. Cats need help getting their nails trimmed even if they have a scratching post. Keeping your cat’s claws trimmed is actually important not just for your cat’s health (overly-long cat nails can curve in and grow into your cat’s paws) but also for your furniture—cats will scratch whatever they can when their nails give them issues. If you’re curious to know how often to trim your cat’s nails and how to actually do it, read on. While your furniture and curtains being the target of your cat’s scratching is a definite concern, there are bigger reasons for trimming your cat’s nails at regular intervals. One reason is to dull the sharp points your cat’s nails hone into. This makes it harder for your cats to actually cause damage to the furnishings or your skin when and if they do scratch. This also makes it less painful when your cat lovingly kneads you before settling down for a nap. Other reasons are that broken nails can be very painful for kitties. Sharp nails more easily get caught in things like carpet, furniture, or scratching posts and thus break. These jagged broken tips are no fun! Equally painful and as noted before is when a cat’s nails grow into their paw pads. This usually only happens

Kittens are precious little bundles of joy to welcome into your home, but they’re also helpless. When they are born, they’re extremely reliant on others for care and nourishment. Kittens especially need the protective antibodies they get from their mother’s milk. These antibodies provide immunity that protects them for the first few weeks of their life; however, after that, at certain intervals, they need additional support in the form of vaccines. Learning about kitten vaccines and kitten health will help you set your kitten up for a long and healthy life. Kitten vaccination can be complicated, which is why veterinarians are so valuable. The reason kitten vaccines are complicated is because the immunity kittens get from their mother’s milk (called “passive immunity”) wears off at different intervals. Once the passive immunity wears off, kittens need to produce their own “active immunity”. Thus, kitten vaccines, which encourage active immunity, are most effective if they’re given as the maternal antibodies wear off but before the kitten is exposed to any infectious diseases. This gap is called an “immunity window”. Consequently, this immunity window and potential gap that occurs when passive immunity antibodies wear off is why kittens should be kept indoors before you let them outside (if they are going to spend time outdoors at all). While staying indoors doesn’t eliminate the risk to your kitten’s health, being indoors does limit your kitten’s exposure to potential infections. Thus, kittens receive a series

You probably know that eating a plant-based diet has many health benefits for humans. But did you know your dog can also thrive eating plant-based food? A plant-based diet is one that focuses primarily on plants. Beyond fruits and vegetables, plant-based diets include an abundance of whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and oils. Those following a plant-based diet, as opposed to a vegan diet, do not completely exclude animal products. Plant-based diets look a little different for everybody: they can include meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal foods on occasion. What makes a diet “plant-based” is the emphasis on including a variety of plant foods with most meals and snacks. We know that following a plant-based diet can have health benefits for humans, and similar benefits can be seen in dogs fed nutritionally balanced plant-based diets. In addition to weight management, a plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, certain cancers, and diabetes. This is due to many factors! Plant-based foods are inherently low in saturated fat. Current dietary recommendations say to limit saturated fat to less than 10% of total dietary intake each day for humans, because it can increase the risk of developing heart disease. By having our diet come from mostly plants as humans, we are naturally decreasing saturated fat intake. And while there is no dietary recommendation for dogs to avoid saturated fat, too much fat in the

Vaccines are a regular part of feline healthcare that need to be attended to in order for your cat to stay well; however, there are many different kinds of cat vaccines. Some are core and are considered vital while others are non-core and are—while important—not always necessary. Thus, many cat owners have the question: what vaccines do cats need? Here we cover the different vaccines cats need, what the vaccines do, and when cats need them according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners. FVRCP is three core vaccines rolled into one injection administered when your cat is a kitten to boost active immunity. These vaccines help protect your kitten against potentially fatal diseases and infections and should be boosted throughout your cat’s life. Broken down, FVRCP vaccine covers the following: FPV vaccine is administered to treat feline panleukopenia, which is a highly-infectious disease that is fatal to kittens if contracted. The virus destroys white blood cells. Symptoms of this virus are low energy, poor appetite, and later vomiting and diarrhea. FCV vaccine covers feline calcivirus. Feline calcivirus pertains to a plethora of viral strains that cause upper respiratory infection. It’s also connected with gingivitis and stomatitis, which is a painful gum inflammation. Hair loss, skin crusting, hepatitis, and death are also associated with this virus. FHV-1 vaccine is for the prevention of feline herpesvirus also known as rhinotracheitis and relates to severe respiratory infection. Symptoms of this virus are

Do you want to take your cat on walks but aren’t sure how to teach them to walk on a leash? If you’re a cat parent who is familiar with dogs, then you know that the rules for cat and dogs are as different as…well, cats and dogs. Cats are highly intuitive and primal; they also, as a general rule, don’t like to be told what to do. Despite this, cats can still be trained to walk on a leash; however, it takes a lot of patience and consistency from you. The first tip for walking your cat on a leash is getting your cat comfortable wearing the harness and being on a leash. It’s recommended that you put the harness on your cat every day until your cat is so comfortable in the harness that they don’t even notice it. It’s suggested this could take several months. It’s important, though, to go at your cat’s pace. It’s also recommended to give your cat lots of treats during this period. Reward your cat with cuddles and yummy treats to help them associate the harness with positive feelings. Once your cat demonstrates they’re comfortable with the harness, start attaching the leash. Let your cat get used to the leash being on the harness. After that, practice walking your cat around your house. If your cat is exclusively indoors, then it’s recommended that you pick your harnessed and leashed cat up and

Scenario…your dog has been skunked…it happens, but what now? The problem with skunk smell is that it really lingers and because dogs have fur and hair, those odors tend to get stuck. You want to get the skunk smell out of your dog. But how? This is how to remove skunk smell from your dog. The chemicals skunks emit when afraid can saturate your dog’s hair or fur, which makes it harder to get out. Thus, you want to quickly get your dog into a bath when you realize they’ve been skunked. Importantly, you want to bathe your dog outside. Keep in mind, when we talk about a bath, we don’t mean with your regular dog shampoo; that will not work in removing the thiol. Thiol is the technical name for a skunk’s spray. It is organic and is largely comprised of sulfur, which is why it smells so putrid. You want to bathe your dog outside because the ewe de thiol will permeate any interior space that your dog occupies. While some have reportedly tried to use tomato juice to remove skunk smell from dogs, this method doesn’t work…it just masks the smell. The formula you’ll want to use, according to the American Kennel Club, is this: ¼ cup of baking soda 1-2 teaspoons of mild dishwashing detergent (such as Ivory Snow) 1 quart of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution (do not use a solution higher than 3% as it

For many years, dry dog food was the most common option for pet parents. Besides being convenient to feed and easy to store, dogs generally seem to enjoy it and can live happily and healthily on the diet. However, wet and raw dog food diets have become more popular recently, leading some people to wonder which option is the healthiest dog food for their beloved pets. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of wet vs dry. Dry dog food comes with many benefits for dogs and dog parents alike. However, there can be some drawbacks to dry food depending on what you choose. Some pros include: Easy to store and keep fresh Easy to serve the correct portions by following the instructions given on the package Encourages healthy chewing habits, massages the gums, and cleans teeth Balanced and nutritious (check the ingredients to ensure you give your pet the best dry dog food!) Relatively mild smell The mild smell of it could be a pro or a con. Most people don’t enjoy the smell of dog food, but dogs rely on their noses first and foremost to decide if they like the food in front of them. While dogs generally have stronger senses of smell than humans, the stronger smell of wet or raw dog foods can make them more appetizing if you have a picky eater. When it comes to a balanced diet, the healthiest recipes will

Dogs have feelings just like people do, and it’s suggested that their feelings are more complex that many people give them credit for. We at least know that dogs can suffer from depression. If your dog has been out of sorts lately, it may not be the usual causes, and you may have even wondered “is my dog depressed”? If so, these are 5 signs to look for to know if your dog is depressed. Depression in humans and dogs is often signaled by changes in behavior such as lethargy and poor appetite; however, physical illness can also be marked by lethargy and poor appetite. How can you tell the difference? Ask if your dog has experienced a recent trigger for depression. Dog depression triggers include: Major environmental changes, such as moving to a new home or city A change to the family dynamic like a new baby, romantic partner, or pet A tragic loss such as the death of a human in the home or a fellow pet in the home Owner grief, trauma, or depression (animals often mirror our emotions) If there has been a triggering event, then it’s very possible that your dog’s behavioral changes are the result of depression rather than illness. Triggers are an important sign to look for when asking if your dog is depressed. Another sign your dog is depressed is in the form of regressed behaviors. Did your dog suddenly start to

Wet food is a great choice for kittens and adult cats with all types of dietary needs. It comes with many nutritional benefits, and it can even help keep your feline friend hydrated! Learn more about healthy wet foods for kittens, including their benefits, the different types and flavors, the best wet cat food recipes for your kitten, and much more. Cats are carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to fulfill their protein needs. Sufficient calories, protein, and other wholesome nutrients are always important for your cat, but they are especially crucial for growing kittens during the weaning stage. Let’s compare dry and wet foods for kittens to understand what makes wet foods so beneficial for your cat. While dry kitten kibble is a convenient and low-cost option for cat owners, they typically aren’t made with real meat and don’t contain enough protein for your kitten’s needs. In addition, dry food for cats and kittens often contains a lot of carbohydrates, calories, and sugars. These are all bad for your kitten’s health – similar to junk food for humans! Although dry cat food comes in many flavors and styles, it often also contains artificial flavors and harmful ingredients that are not the best for your feline friend. If you choose to feed your kitten dry food, ensure you choose a recipe that contains wholesome, natural ingredients to support your cat’s health. If your kitten is experiencing tummy troubles,

Dental health is an essential part of your pet’s overall wellbeing. Dogs use their mouths to eat, drink, play, and more, so keeping your dog’s gums healthy is crucial! Learn more about the three core ways to support healthy dog gums, what healthy dog gums vs. unhealthy gums look like, and how to recognize signs of dental problems in your pet. Just like humans, dogs need consistent oral care routines to prevent discomfort, pain, stinky breath, and other problems with their teeth and gums. Support healthy dog gums with professional dental cleanings, regular toothbrushing, and approved dental treats and toys. Frequency: once or twice a year Professional dental cleanings can help prevent oral health concerns or catch smaller issues before they escalate into more painful (and expensive!) problems. Your pet may be able to receive professional cleanings at their regular veterinarian, or you may need to schedule a separate appointment with a dedicated pet dental hygienist. Here are a few things your pet might get checked for during their professional dental cleaning: Inflamed gums Plaque and tartar buildup Plaque below the gum line, where toothbrushes can’t reach Lumps, cuts, and raised spots Damage to the teeth Jawline and tooth-root health (using X-rays) If your dog’s breed is known to be more likely to develop oral problems, you may need to schedule professional cleanings twice a year or more. Otherwise, unless your pet needs any teeth filled or extracted, veterinarian dental

Just like humans, dogs need oral care. But unlike humans, dogs can’t learn to brush their teeth. Brushing your pet’s teeth regularly is essential to taking care of their oral health, but it can be challenging and unpleasant for both of you. Adding the right dog dental chews to their oral care routine is a great way to help prevent diseases, plaque, tartar, and bad breath. How do you know which dog dental chew is right for your pet? Check out our three steps to choosing the best dental chews for dogs of all types and sizes. There are many different textures, shapes, and other qualities to choose from when picking a dog dental chew. Some dog dental chews are long and stick-like; others are flat or bone-shaped. Some are more leathery; others are softer or more rubbery. Consider your pet’s age, chewing behaviors, and the health of their teeth as you make your dental chew decision. For example, puppies or dogs with sensitive gums may need treats with softer textures, while dogs who enjoy gnawing may prefer a tougher chew. The dental chew you pick should keep your pet happy, clean their teeth, and satisfy their need to chew. Not sure what type of treat to choose? Wellness WHIMZEES offers a variety of dog dental chews. Browse our selection or contact us for help with your decision. Ensure you understand all the information available about the chews you’re considering. Here are some specific things you