Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

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

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.