Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

You’ve likely been there; you’ve been told your pet’s life-saving health care will cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. In that moment, you’ll be wishing there was some kind of alternative. With multiple accessible health insurance options, there are alternatives, but just because insurance options are there, does that mean pet insurance is worth it? What are the costs? What are the benefits? First, it’s important to understand what pet insurance is. Pet insurance is the same as people insurance. The patient pays a monthly premium as well as a deductible to cover routine and unexcepted healthcare costs. Coverage and costs are contingent on the company, the breed of pet, and the age and health of the pet. Other variables may factor in. Provided, though, that should you choose to get pet insurance that you make payments in a timely fashion and maintain your part of the bargain with your provider, when and if you are in dire straits with your pet, your insurance will cover the financial burden that is often a painful moment of division for some pet parents in which they must choose financial ruin or their pet (a decision no one should have to make). Because no pet parent should be in the predicament of making an often untenable financial sacrifice or saying goodbye to their pet—their family—pet insurance is an option. Of course, the monthly costs of pet insurance are an important consideration. As noted, the

You’ve seen it before: you’re munching on your snack, while your pup zeros in on you with wide eyes and a sweet, innocent face. It’s hard to say no! There are many human foods dogs can safely eat, but some human foods are toxic to dogs. Keep your dog happy and healthy by learning they can and cannot eat, as well as how often you should give your dog human food (hint, it’s all about moderation). Yes, strawberries are safe for dogs to eat. And yes, dogs can eat pears–just don’t give them the seeds as those can be toxic. See below for our full list of dog-safe human foods. Carrots Apples White rice Plain popcorn Milk Cheese Yogurt Fish (ex: tuna, salmon, or shrimp) Chicken, plain, boiled, and unseasoned Pork, plain, cooked, unseasoned Turkey, plain, boiled, and unseasoned Unsalted peanut butter Berries (blueberries, strawberries, black berries) Bananas Pineapple Green peas Sweet potatoes (cooked) Cucumbers Watermelon Green beans Plain bread Oatmeal Eggs Corn Pumpkin Coconut Cashews Importantly, dogs should only eat many of these human foods in limited quantities. For example, salty foods like peanut butter can do harm if dogs eat too much. Likewise, excessive quantities of some milks, yogurts, or cheeses are not beneficial; rotten apples can actually poison dogs. Meanwhile, white rice in excess can dangerously elevate your dog’s blood sugar levels. That said, on the above list of human foods dogs can eat, several of the foods provide much-needed vitamins and

Becoming a first-time dog parent is a fun and exciting experience, but it’s also one that gives you a lot to think about. After all, as you may already be aware, different dog breeds have different personalities. Different dog breeds have different activity levels, different engagement styles, different mature sizes, just to name a few. When searching for your first dog, look for a dog that fits your activity level, your living style (ex: do you work from home, go to the office, take lots of trips, etc.?), your family composition, and your living arrangements. For example, you wouldn’t want to get a large, super-active dog if you dislike going outside and live in a small residence. Likewise, you may not want a lapdog if you envision being up, out, and around town with your new four-legged BFF. Thus, the best dog breeds for first time parents are those that are friendly, easy-going, and easy to care for. The rest, such as their size and activity level, is a matter of personal preference, but rest assured that all of these dogs have strong reputations as being the best dog breeds for first time dog parents. Petite, smart, and playful, the Papillon is a toy breed that is known for being friendly, perky, and happy. They can comfortably live in any environment. Because of their size, they can get lots of exercise and entertainment indoors. Likewise, they are just as happy

If we learned anything from the story of the city mouse and the country mouse, it’s that these two living environments are as vastly different for animals as they are for humans. And, just like with humans, some dog breeds are much more adaptable for city life than their country-loving counterparts. By understanding what city conditions are like for dogs, you can determine which dog breed is best for your bright lights, city life. What is City Life Like for Dogs? To begin, city life for dogs often means that you’ve got smaller living accommodations. While dogs of all sizes can do well in apartments and more generally confined living quarters, not all large nor all small breeds can be happy and healthy in a smaller dwelling. A big variable is the dog’s energy level. Dogs that are lower-maintenance and that don’t need to race around in large spaces tend to do better in cities. These are dog breeds that enjoy hanging out and cuddling on the couch and that don’t need a lot of big space to exercise. Finally, dogs that live in cities will do a lot of walking on concrete and in the company of other dogs, humans, and lots of dirt and allergens. It’s important that dogs not have fur that drags dirty city streets. Further, it’s also important that dogs are not too nervous around people or animals and that they are trainable. Trainable dogs can learn

Dog bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus is a potentially deadly condition that occurs in upward of 60,000 dogs a year. Bloat is entirely manageable if dog owners know what to look out for and if they know to seek help upon first seeing signs of bloating in their dog. Learning the signs of bloating in dogs, the potential causes for bloat, and those high-risk dog breeds most prone to bloat can help you better protect your dog. You can further protect your dog by learning what decreases the risk for bloating. If yours is one of the dogs that bloat, then you can also take preventative measures. Signs of bloating are signs generally associated with discomfort or agitation in your dog. An immediate sign is a swollen or distended abdomen. Additional signs include: Pain at the swelling site A hollow sound at the swelling site (when gently tapped) Pacing and restlessness Appearances of distress Dry heaving Excess drooling Panting / rapid breathing Collapse (as the gas-filled stomach presses on the abdomen’s large veins, your dog’s ability to circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body is compromised) Bloat occurs when air or gas is trapped in the abdomen. Sometimes, the situation resolves itself; however, in instances where bloat progresses into gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), the entrance and exit of your dog’s stomach have become twisted. Emergency surgery within a few hours of GDV occurring in order to save your dog’s life. Importantly, it is impossible

Many of us learned from Tom and Jerry that cats and dogs are mortal enemies; however, while certain cat and dog breeds are less inclined to be buddy-buddy, there are plenty of dog breeds who enjoy the company of felines. If you’re a cat parent looking to add a dog to your family or a dog parent who would like a cat, read this to learn about what kind of dog you should get or if getting a cat is a good idea for your furry family. Golden Retrievers and cats make great companions (remember Shadow and Sassy from Homeward Bound?). Golden Retrievers are fun, playful, intelligent dogs. They are outgoing and very friendly. While they love to play big and get lots of exercise, they also like to cuddle. They are kind, good-natured, companionable friends with cats (and other dogs, too), which means if you’re a cat parent, a Golden Retriever would be a lovely addition to the family. Likewise, if you have a Golden Retriever, you wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feeling by bringing a cat into the home. Labrador Retrievers, like Golden Retrievers, are playful, fun-loving, and easy going. While they also have a lot of energy best burned off outdoors, they are intelligent and empathetic dogs that are eager to please. Labrador Retrievers just want to make friends with the people and the pets—cats and dogs alike—around them. Sweet, smart, and friendly, Beagles are great with cats. Beagles

Puppies can be a lot like babies. They can’t be left alone, they can’t feed themselves, and they need support when it comes to growing up. When it comes to raising a pup, there are a few key details you need to know before making the commitment. Check out the first time puppy owner tips below to help you on your journey of first time puppy parenting. Food: Choosing a pet food at any stage of a dog’s life can take some time, especially as a first-time dog owner. Making the right choice based on your pup’s needs is key. But you don’t have to go it alone! Reaching out to the professionals is the best option. Work with your shelter and/or vet to decide the right diet for your dog. Housebreaking: Like babies, pups need to learn when and where to go, and this process takes time. There will be accidents, but the more time and patience you have with your pup in their early years, the quicker they will learn and respect the inside of your home. Make sure you are home to let them out or train them early with puppy pads. Repetition is key when it comes to training. The more consistent you are, the quicker they will catch on! Toys and More: Puppies love to chew. On everything. So, with that in mind, it’s important to prepare (or “puppy proof”) your home. Move anything you don’t want to

After a year-long lockdown, it’s quite a transition for pets when the home is suddenly quiet and empty. Yes, pets can suffer from “empty nest syndrome” too. Consequently, as you head back to work and general activities, it’s important to monitor pets for signs of stress and anxiety. It’s easier to remedy fretful signs when they are recognized early. •    Watch for destructive behaviors around the home – chewing your favorite shoes, couch pillows, gnawing on the dining room chair legs •    Excessive Panting •     Attempts to break out of a crate where a pet normally feels safe and secure should not be ignored •    Pacing, especially in front of the door you’ve just exited, or at a window that gives a view of your departure •    Vomiting and changes in appetite •    Whining and incessant barking Cats don’t display their feelings as outwardly as dogs do. So, often their anxiety and depression flies under the radar and their people don’t really notice. But being left alone again can be a very anxious time for a cat too. •    If your cat is a greeter, but suddenly fails to show up at the door, this could be a sign of depression. •    Hiding and sleeping more are also signs of depression and anxiety. •    Reduced appetite and sometimes a complete loss of appetite. •    Excessive grooming, pulling out chunks of fur until their skin is raw. Thankfully, advances in

Cats are unlike many pets. They know what they want, and they will surely let us know if we can help them obtain those desires. Overall, cats aren’t so different from us. Just like people, if a cat has an upset belly, constipation, diarrhea, or eats food with too many chemicals and additives, that cat won’t be feeling her best, and she will definitely let us know. Cats are no different from us when it comes to the importance of good nutrition and eating food that is free from artificial ingredients. They may not have human bodies, but they need good foods rich with nutrients to help them stay healthy and happy. So, how can you tell if your cat is happy and isn’t being affected by an unhappy belly situation? Luckily for us, cats are amazing communicators! They can communicate through body language and vocalizations, so let me help you decode your cat! Check out the 5 signs that your cat is experiencing good digestive health. When we don’t feel good, we tend to slouch, we don’t like to be around a lot of people, and we may choose to forgo conversation. When we are feeling good, these behaviors cease. Our cats have similar behaviors when it comes to good and bad digestive health. See the list below for positive traits that inform us our cats are feeling healthy and well. Cats communicate a lot with their tails because

It certainly tugs at our heartstrings to think about our pets missing us (and us missing them) when we return to work. Pets are creatures of habit. If you’re going back to work soon, now is the time to start adapting your lockdown routine to a new schedule so your pets can change their habits too. This will help make the transition as successful as possible for you both. Pets have certainly benefitted from having their favorite humans around 24/7 enjoying additional quality time, fun and games. But they also thrive on a routine and can even enjoy the independence that comes with some alone time. The key is to start making changes slowly. •    Set your alarm for the time you’d normally start getting ready to leave for work. Shower, dress and feed your pet before starting your workday at home. •    The next step would be to get ready and actually walk out the door. Initially, leave for just ten minutes. Extend the outings a few minutes each day. •    Consider placing your pets in another room of the home on their own for a while, even when you’re home. Do it at random times. This will stop them distracting on those Zoom calls and simultaneously introduce them to a subtle change without you. •    If you previously walked your dog in the mornings before going to work, start doing that again. The benefit of early morning exercise

2020 was quite the year. It pushed us all to our emotional limits with stress, uncertainty, and health. Each day, we waited to see what would happen next in terms of COVID updates, political changes, and social justice initiatives. However, one thing that kept us grounded in these difficult times were our pets! As we stayed home, wondering what each day would bring, we had our furry friends to offer unconditional love and support. Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and quarantine life is alleviating in many areas, this is a great time to reflect on just how much our pets do for us, especially when it comes to our mental health. Let’s take a look at all the ways our pets support minds, health, and well-being. The blanket label of mental health engulfs all aspects of our lives. From work to home and back again, it impacts our emotional and physical needs in various ways. But coming home to a pet can significantly shift our day and our well-being in more ways than one. Did you know there are actual physiological benefits to having a pet at home? Stress Reducers: Being around animals has been scientifically proven to foster positive mental health. Research has shown that pets can lower blood pressure and heart rates which means our stress levels decrease. We’ve learned cats purr for various reasons, but one is to show a sense of calm which transfers

During the surge of the COVID-19 virus in March of 2020, many people prepared to hunker down for an unknown period of time. This meant buying stores of food, finding new forms of entertainment, and for some, it meant heading to their local shelter and adopting a furry friend. Shelters all over the country were emptied for the first time in decades, which gave us all a feeling of joy. Most shelters couldn’t keep up with the demand of folks looking to bring home a dog. While this was great news at the time, this narrative has taken a different turn, as some local shelters are now finding themselves with more dogs than they originally had last spring. People who adopted last year have surrendered their dogs back to the shelters, with most of the pups being a year old or less. When looking at the reports across the country, it seems most pet parents who are surrendering their puppies are first-time dog parents. Upon their return, shelters are noticing the majority of puppies haven’t been trained or cared for in the ways a developing puppy needs. Without support in place for proper training, feeding, and healthcare, it can be hard to accomplish those tasks as the puppy ages, which is making it difficult for shelters to find these precious pups new homes. It seems most of these first-time pet parents either didn’t know how to properly care for a