Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

How to stop cat from scratching couch Cats love to scratch couches. There are many reasons why they do this (some of which may surprise you). The good news is that regardless of why cats scratch the couch, it’s possible to learn how to stop your cat from scratching the couch with resources and behavior modification practices. First, it’s worth knowing why your cat scratches the couch. Cats scratch the couch because it’s instinctive. They are not only grooming, honing their claws, but they’re also expressing their emotions. Cats scratch to show excitement or stress. Cats also have scent glands in their paws; when they scratch, they leave traces of their scent, essentially “marking their territory”. While it’s not entirely clear why the couch is prized among all other scratchable objects in your home, it’s typical for cats to prefer to scratch the couch. This could have to do with the texture of the furniture or the fact that your scent is also on the couch and the cat is bonding with you. Regardless of why, it’s important to stop the behavior. Provide your cat with a scratching alternative to the couch; get your cat a scratching post with multiple textures and surfaces. Different cats like different things. Some like carpet and upholstery while others like cardboard or wood. Lots of options will give your cat a place to find what strikes their fancy. Entice your cat to scratch a

Kittens are fun bundles of energy that bring light-hearted joy into your home. Even though full-grown cats are largely independent and wise about staying out of trouble, kittens are infinitely more curious and require a bit more care and guidance. It’s your job to teach your kitten how and where to use the litter box, what to and not to eat, where to sleep, and more. Kittens are curious creatures. They experience their environment through their senses, which means that they’re inclined to lick, chew, and eat things they come across. Many of these things you won’t want your kitten exposed to. Get anything that your kitten might chew, eat, or choke on out of the way. This could include things like pencil erasers, toilet paper and paper towels, writing paper, children’s toys and component parts, ponytail holders, etc. Basically, get things that could be swallowed or chewed off and swallowed away from where your kitten will begin their life in your home. Another aspect of how to take care of a kitten pertains to food. While people find and adopt kittens at all ages, kittens are typically adopted at 10-12 weeks old. Some may be adopted earlier or even found before they’re supposed to be weaned. Thus, what you feed your kitten depends on age. If your kitten should still be nursing, you can get a kitten bottle and kitten formula from your vet or pet food supplier and

You’ve probably heard that coconut oil is healthy for humans in a plethora of ways, but did you know that there are benefits of coconut oil for dogs, too? Coconut oil can be anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Coconut oil is also healthy for dogs to consume mixed in with their food. Read on to learn three amazing benefits of coconut oil for dogs! Coconut oil is procured through the pressing of coconut meat. The unrefined oil or virgin oil that comes from coconuts is beneficial to your dog in multiple ways. One of those ways is that coconut oil nourishes and moisturizes your dog’s skin and hair. If oil is applied to your dog’s skin, it can make the hair glossier. Coconut oil can penetrate hair fibers, so it’s not just layered on top of the hair; it’s actually in the hair, enriching it and nourishing it. To apply coconut oil to your dog’s skin and fur, rub a small amount onto your hands. Pat your oiled hands onto your dog’s hair. Lightly massage the oil into your dog’s skin and run your fingers through your dog’s coat. Bear in mind that a little goes a long way. Another huge benefit to external use of coconut oil is that it may fight off new parasites like ticks, fleas, and mange mites. Evidence also shows that coconut oil can get rid of existing pests and help heal wounds caused by pest bites.

Fish oil for dogs is important for several reasons which we’ll cover in this article. Fish oil is a nutrient-rich natural fat that is often described as a functional ingredient or a superfood because of the important omega-3 fatty acid health benefits that it offers. Extracted as an oil from the tissues of oily fish such as herring, tuna, anchovies, salmon and mackerel, this ingredient is also rich in two important omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fats in general are known as lipids and can be found in both animal and plant-based ingredients. Fats have multiple functions in the body that contribute to your dog’s overall health: Storing energy Providing structural support for membranes Support function of skin and coat health Support function of brain and nerve development Help reduce susceptibility to inflammation Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil is rich in Omega fatty acids. Ensuring your dog’s diet has nutrient-rich omega fatty acids ingredients like fish oil has been shown to balance the amount of omega-6 fatty acids and improve the appearance and feel of skin and coat in dogs. DHA and EPA present in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oils are also important for young puppies and kittens with studies showing dietary inclusion can support brain, nerve, and eye development to give them the best start in life. Omega 6 fatty acids: Found in animal tissues such as chicken fat or vegetable

Your dog is constipated. Now what? Here we’ll cover constipation in dogs, and share tips on what you can give a dog that is constipated in order to help relieve their discomfort. Constipation is something no pet parent wants to see their dog suffering with. Presenting as a difficulty to pass a stool, the infrequent passage of stools or a total absence of any stool, constipation is the result of feces being retained in the last section of the intestinal tract for one reason or another. While in many cases some simple adjustments can help alleviate a pet’s discomfort and ensure the return of healthy digestion, in some cases, constipation can progress to obstruction where the feces become excessively hard and impacted within the intestinal tract which. Obstruction is a serious condition and can lead to permanent damage of the intestinal tract if left untreated. Constipation can occur with any condition that impairs the movement of feces through the colon. When feces are retained within the colon for an extended period, water continues to be absorbed, resulting in progressively harder and drier feces. Constipation can occur secondary to an obstruction (such as an enlarged prostate, a pelvic fracture or ingested foreign body), painful defecation (from anal wounds or orthopedic upset such as hip problems), environmental factors (such as confinement/boarding or inactivity), medications, nerve dysfunction, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, or inadequate water intake. Because of the potential for these underlying conditions,

If you’re thinking about making an appointment to take your pup for a dog dental cleaning, you should know there are some similarities—and important differences—to when you go for a dental cleaning. Most importantly, it’s common for a dog to go under anesthesia for a routine dental cleaning to remove tartar and address their dental health. This is done for your dog’s benefit so they aren’t as stressed out during the dog dental cleaning. Think about how those noisy, scary-looking tools coming at your mouth could cause some anxiety. Undergoing this type of cleaning also makes it easier for the veterinary dentist to do his or her job to the best of their ability. So, you’re getting your money’s worth out of the appointment. Here are important factors to think about before you book your dog’s dental cleaning: Talk to the vet doing the dental cleaning about their protocol, how the anesthesia is administered, and the drugs being used. Let the vet know about any pre-existing conditions and medications your pet is on. It might be helpful to have your pet’s bloodwork information before the appointment so everyone is aware of any potential red flags with his or her health. Having more information about your dog’s medical history can help the vet be better informed about what to expect and precautions to take before the procedure.Oftentimes a vet tech will monitor your dog’s vitals throughout the procedure and adjust the anesthesia as necessary. Your

In case you didn’t already know, dog biscuits are hard, crunchy treats for dogs that come in a variety of flavors. They serve as dietary supplements for dogs and serve the same function to dogs as snacks do to humans. Just as with human snacks, not all are created equally. It’s important for dog parents to know what the best ingredients are for dog biscuits for your dog’s pleasure and overall health, how best to store them for freshness, and what some of the most popular flavors are. Since we’ve established what they are and what function they serve to your dog, the question then becomes what makes a great dog biscuit? Just like with your snacks, your dog wants a biscuit that is a treat, a reward…super delicious! But like you, your dog needs a biscuit that’s not chock full of artificial ingredients or unhealthy additives that will cause weight gain or negatively impact his overall health. Thus, great dog biscuits are the healthiest that you can find that are also full of delicious flavor (more on that in a minute). According to the American Kennel Club, a leading authority on all things canine, the healthiest are those made with the same natural ingredients as your regular dog food recipes. Look for dog biscuit ingredient lists that are free of: Artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol) Rendered fats Corn or wheat gluten Propylene glycol (PG) BHA BHT Ethoxyquin Food dyes Meat and grain

As your dog ages, its nutritional needs may change. Senior dog food is one of the best options for ensuring that your older dog is being provided with a diet that fits its current needs. From weight management to joint health, senior dog food is formulated to help pet parents contribute to their dog’s overall well-being. However, when choosing a new diet for your senior dog, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why we are here to help with your guide to choosing the best dog food for senior dogs. We’ll look at the best dry dog food for senior dogs and the best wet dog food for senior dogs. But first, let’s talk about the special nutritional needs of our older pups. Just like us humans, as your dog ages, its body will begin to change. With each passing year, you will likely see common and recognizable signs of aging. You might first notice that your dog tires more easily. It might not have the same energy it once did and may even begin to show signs of stiffness in the mornings. Perhaps its adorable muzzle is beginning to sport a few more grey hairs than when it was young. While we often notice these visible signs of aging first, many pet parents don’t realize that before these visible signs appear, changes have started to occur on the inside of your dog. Older dogs may

What’s not to love about senior dogs? Loyal and loving, our older dogs are not just devoted companions, but they have truly become part of your family and a much-loved family member at that. So, when it comes to ensuring the health and wellbeing of your older dog, providing them age-specific nutrition, attentive care, and regular vet visits are all important elements to keeping your dog young at heart and allowing them to fulfill a lifetime of wellbeing. Did you know that most dogs become seniors around age 7 years? While each dog will start to move into the senior phase of their life at slightly different times, the age of seven is a time that sees many dogs hit their senior stride. Large and giant breed dogs can move into this phase a little earlier, while smaller breeds will shift to the senior category a bit later in life. Breed Size Senior From Toy Breed 9 years Small Breed 7 years Medium Breed 7 years Large Breed 6 years Giant Breed 5 years As your dog ages, just like us, their body starts to change, and they may show some common and recognizable signs of aging. You may have noticed for instance that your senior dog is not as energetic as they used to be during walks or play time, they may start to show some stiffness in the morning or even have a few more grey hairs appearing

Teeth are one of the first things we notice when talking to others and meeting new people. They allow us to show affections through a smile, and more importantly, break down solid foods for nourishment. What does this have to do with dogs? Well, did you know that 80% of dogs are affected by various dental diseases and that senior dogs, over 12 years of age, are more likely to have a dental problem than any other age group?  While we care deeply for our pets with snuggles, food, and play, most owners overlook dental health as a priority for wellbeing. The majority of dog owners don’t take their dogs for regular dental checkups and that number drops when it comes to daily dental routines in the home. Learn about the importance of proper dog dental care and what to look for to ensure healthy and happy gums and teeth. Taking care of our pets’ wellbeing needs is top priority, but an often overlooked aspects of pet health and wellbeing stems from dental care. While dental issues can cause pain and infections within the mouth, dental issues can also cause eating issues and weight loss that can lead to larger health problems, such as infections, within the rest of the body. Dental issues can go so far as to cause permanent jaw pain and even heart disease if left untreated. That’s why it’s vital to incorporate a dental routine in

5 Common Cat Sleeping Positions and What They MeanWhat could be cuter than a sleeping cat? Moments earlier, the cat may have been running around, knocking things over or walking across your laptop keyboard as you tried to work. While snoozing though, that same cat looks angelic. Cats always seem to find a comfortable spot to sleep, even if their position looks very uncomfortable. You’ve likely seen your cat in various positions when sleeping. Have you ever wondered what your cat’s different sleeping positions might mean? It’s important to note that when trying to interpret sleeping positions or any feline body language, you should consider the cat’s typical personality and the current environment. Some cats have favorite positions and others choose based on their immediate circumstances. Let’s take a closer look at five common sleeping positions. Curled up Cat Ball This is one of the most common sleeping positions, where the cat curls into a ball and wraps the tail closely to the body. One benefit of this position is that it helps the cat conserve heat. You may notice your indoor cat sleeping in this position more in colder months. Being curled up is also a protective posture. This position provides ultimate protection to the vulnerable vital organs and also allows the cat to be small and hopefully unnoticed. In an outdoor environment, a sleeping cat is at risk of attack by larger predators so it’s beneficial to be

When it comes to love, affection, and loyalty, let’s be honest…dogs are the real MVP, and since Valentine’s Day is the holiday devoted to showing the ones you love most with tokens of your affection, we thought we’d share some of the best gifts to get your dog for Valentine’s Day. The saying goes that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, which makes sense, right? Feeding a person delicious food and treats is akin to feeding them with love. The same is true for your dog. Your dog loves treats just as much as you do, so why not get your dog Valentine’s Day treats? Of course, not just any old dog treat will do. They need to be special. The best Valentine’s Day treats for dogs are hands-down Old Mother Hubbard Bits of Love. These dog treats are adorably-shaped like little hearts and come in the iconic and dog-approved P-Nuttier flavor. Your dog’s Valentine’s Day treats will taste like peanut butter and molasses. Yum! They’ll also be healthy as they’re made with natural ingredients like real oats, eggs, carrots, and apples. Delicious and guilt-free…your dog’s Valentine’s Day treat doesn’t get any more delicious than that. Happy eater, happy treater! You can make the gift of Bits of Love dog treats even better by gifting your dog with a puzzle toy like the Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy. Puzzle toys stimulate your dog’s cognitive functioning, which