Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Dog ownership rides the trend wave just like anything else, and today more people are choosing to own small breeds in lieu of breeds that mature into medium and large-size dogs. While all dogs are wonderful, loving and loyal, there are good things that come in small (dog) packaging! While our pets don’t live as long as we do, most live for well over a decade. On average, small dogs live upwards of 15 years and beyond. Your dog’s breed mix will play a role in their life expectancy, but it is nice to know that you have a few more precious years with your fun-sized baby. Small dogs are perfect fits for urban families living in apartments or condos or for families who have small yards. Of course, your small dog needs exercise; however, it is easier for small dogs to get that inside the home or in a small yard space. Just as small dog breeds have no problem living in small dwellings with little-to-no yard space, small dogs also travel easier whether it’s taking a stroll, a quick grocery run, going on a drive to up the coast or flying to see family far away. Small dogs fit comfortably in easy-to-carry kennels or bags that can usually be taken on a flight and fit perfectly in your car seat or shopping cart. If you’ve ever visited the park and watched the dogs, you’ve probably seen labs jogging with their

Chihuahuas are small, affordable, fun, loyal and easy to care for pets. Check out these 10 reasons why Chihuahuas make a great pet! With their small heads, big eyes and perky ears, Chihuahuas are one of the most recognizable dog breeds. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider a Chihuahua: For small dog lovers, chihuahuas are a dream. They typically weigh between two and six pounds and grow to be seven to nine inches in height. While different breed mixes might be a little larger or smaller, chihuahua parents enjoy all of the perks of having a fun-sized pet. While small dogs tend to live longer than larger dog breeds anyway, chihuahuas enjoy particularly long life spans averaging 13 – 15 years. Chihuahuas are known for many things and being loyal to their pet parents is one of them. Chihuahuas enjoy spending quality time with you whether it’s sitting on your lap during your leisure time or taking a ride around town with you. Though chihuahuas are loyal and affectionate with their owners, they are anything but dull and love to play! However, no two chihuahuas are the same, so if you have a friend with a chihuahua, your pet is likely to be quite different and unique. Most dog breeds are bright, but some are brighter and easier to train than others. Chihuahuas in particular are a bright breed and are, in turn, easy to train for obedience. One

Essentials oils, which are plant extracts that contain a large quantity of rapidly evaporating oil, have become increasingly popular as natural, organic solutions for a variety of mental, physical and emotional maladies. Research by the scientific community has validated the overall health benefits for humans using essential oils; however, many people presume that that what benefits people also benefits cats and that essential oils are safe for cats. This is a misconception. Essential oils are largely considered toxic to cats and using them around cats merits a great deal of education and good judgement. Essential Oils (EOs) have not been studied on a massive scale in felines because of the ethical concerns associated with studying a known toxin on a live animal. Existing knowledge and understanding is sufficient and for veterinarians, aromatherapists, and others with expertise in using and administering EOs in cats to concur that they are unsafe. This is true regardless of the type of oil and is especially true for oils boasting insect / pest repellant properties. Toxic effects of EOs in cats include but are not limited to: Triggering an existing condition such as asthma, upper respiratory disease, or skin allergies. Irritating eyes (watering) or noses due to aggravation. Developing dermatitis. Causing seizures. Liver failure, kidney failure, heart failure or other organ failure . In particular, EOs are most dangerous and are potentially fatal to cats if they are administered to a cat’s fur or skin, or if they

All dogs are delightful, but cleaning dog hair off your clothes, couch, car seat, etc. probably doesn’t bring you joy. For dog lovers who want the companionship without the hair and fur cleanup, we’ve compiled a list of the fifteen best-loved small dogs that don’t shed. Bichon Frise, a name that translates to “curly lap dog” in French, is a petite, easy-to-maintain breed characterized by a hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t shed and only has to be clipped every so often. Like the Bichon Frise, the Bolognese is a small, cuddly lap dog with a soft, fluffy coat. Like many small dogs that don’t shed, regular grooming is still important to keep this pup looking and feeling good. The Brussels Griffon is a companionable, loyal, and loving breed that can have a rough or a smooth coat. In either case, shedding hair isn’t an issue; though, regular grooming is needed. There are two varieties of Chinese Crested hairless and powder puff. Both are low-maintenance; however, Powderpuff Chinese Crested shed minimally. All varieties of this bright, focused dog are hypoallergenic. Considered the most popular small mixed breed dogs, Cockapoos, which are part Cocker Spaniel and part Poodle, are not only unlikely to shed, but they’re also family-friendly and are easily trained. Originally hailing from Cuba, Havanese are small, fun-loving, friendly dogs with curious eyes and lush coats that don’t shed. Thought to be related to Tibetan Terriers, another great small non-shedding breed,

Spring break is coming up and you want to take the whole family, but not every vacation destination celebrates pets; however, you want to bring your dog and have lots of fun. This top 10 list showcases the best-of-the-best of dog-friendly spring break vacation hot spots for pet lovers. You could say Key West is going to the dogs in the best of ways. This tropical destination not only features pristine turquoise ocean water, but it also has lots of doggie to-dos including the Higgs Beach Dog Park where dogs can frisk around unleashed, which means you and your dog can splash in the sun together. There are also dozens of restaurants and other venues (like the Key West Aquarium, the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens and the Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum) that welcome your four-legged family members. If your spring break won’t be complete without beaches and sunshine, but you also want a quiet(er) getaway, then make plans to visit Amelia Island. There are plenty of beaches that welcome (leashed) pets. Enjoy a quiet week of R&R shopping the local weekend farmer’s market, strolling Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach and playing at the Nassau County Human Society dog park (considered one of the country’s best). Carmel-by-the-Sea has been rated the number one dog-loving town in America with good reason. Carmel beach not only have a seemingly endless expanse of sandy shore for unleashed pets to run around on, you

There are times when you need a pet sitter, and it goes without saying that you want the person who watches your pet to be a top-notch pet sitter. Nothing is more distressing than coming home from vacation only to realize your pet’s litter box is full, or your pet’s water dish is dirty or empty, etc. Avoid those nightmare scenarios by finding a pet sitter who has all of these top-notch qualities. Top-notch pet sitters love animals. They might not be pet owners themselves because their children or partner has allergies, but they adore pets. It’s easy to recognize a pet lover because their entire demeanor lights up when they’re around animals. They aren’t faking their joy. A top-notch pet sitter has a flexible schedule, which means they are able to work with you and your needs. What is more, they know their schedule and capability and can be honest during your consultation if they can pet sit without much advanced notice. Ideally, pet sitting will be your pet sitter’s only job as this allows for maximum flexibility. Top-notch pet sitters are educated. They know about different pet breeds, their specific physical needs and their nutritional needs. They are aware of animal resources in your community such as vet clinics, pet stores, pet-friendly parks, etc. They are knowledgeable about different threats to your pet (such as icy weather or ice melts to dog’s paws) and know how to prepare. They

Confusing food allergies with food sensitivities (or intolerances) is a common mistake by pet parents. Whilst food allergies and food sensitivities have very different causes, the outward symptoms are very similar. However, it is important to differentiate true food allergies from food sensitives to best help Fido avoid skin and digestive upsets. Dog Food Allergies: A true food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food ingredient as harmful and subsequently commences an immune response. True food allergies are much less frequent that food sensitivities. In fact, studies indicate that of the total population of dogs who do suffer from allergies, only 10% of those dogs are suffering from food allergies and most reactions are due to far more prevalent causes including fleas, parasites and the environment. How To Tell If Your Dog Has Food Allergies: Intense itching Chronic ear inflammation Gastrointestinal problems (chronic diarrhea or gas) Skin redness Hair loss Whilst the ingredients that trigger an allergic response vary for every dog, the most common food allergens include beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork and corn. Food sensitivities are non-allergic reactions to a food that may present with as a cumulative response to an offending agent. Sensitivities can result from a pet being unable to properly digest certain ingredients such as meat proteins, dairy, grains, artificial colors, artificial flavors and chemical preservatives. The onset of food sensitivities typically occurs suddenly within 48 hours of

If you’ve ever heard a person say they like a particular type of dog, there could be a scientific reason behind it. Just as there are many different types of personalities, there are many different types of pet personalities, some of which are more compatible with yours than others. The good news is that it isn’t hard to find a dog that fits your personality. Many dogs are mixed-breeds (mutts), which means they have a combination of the best-of-the-best qualities from all of the breeds that influence their genetic make-up. Use this guide to figure out what primary doggy personality traits to look for when you want to bring a new friend home. This guide also highlights a few breeds that possess those traits as well as breed-specific rescues, making it easy for you to meet lots of new friendly faces and personalities that are just right for you. While everyone likes to let loose and have fun, you’re at your happiest when things are in order. You appreciate traditional values and respect hard work (you’re not afraid of hard work either). You believe everyone has a role to play to keep society operating well. Quiet-time with a good book or a favorite podcast is how you recharge. Your ideal dog will be confident and self-assured. Though possibly difficult to train at first, your ideal match will be respectful, reliable and polite once trained. Pekingese, Japanese Chin, Tibetan Spaniel, English

Celebrated every February, National Pet Dental Health Month was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association to highlight how important oral health is to overall health, happiness and wellbeing of your pet. If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth every day, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth on daily despite recommendations from veterinarians across the US to do so. As a result, supplemental dog dental chews that are proven effective in fighting plaque and controlling tartar become an important part of a dog’s daily routine. Effective dental care is as critical for dogs as it is for humans. Neglecting oral hygiene in dogs can lead to issues like tartar build up, gum disease, bad breath and other larger health issues like heart disease, lung disease and kidney disease. According to US Veterinarians, periodontal disease, a gum disease caused by plaque and tartar buildup, is the most common dental condition for dogs, with 80% exhibiting evidence of the disease by age 3. When it comes to dental health care in dogs, offense is the best defense. Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing a daily dog dental chew are great ways to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. While dog dental chews are not a replacement for teeth brushing, they are an easy, fun, delicious option to help care for your dog’s oral health on a daily basis. Dog dental chews like WHIMZEES allow

There are many ways you show your pet your love–by feeding them delicious, healthy food, by giving them gifts, by bathing them, by taking them to the vet, by petting and grooming them, by spending special time with them, by telling them and more; however, there are only a few ways for you to say “I love you” to your pet that they truly understand. Read on to learn seven ways for you to say “I love you” to your pet and for them to feel the meaning behind your expression. When it comes to communication, the most valuable skill anyone of any species can possess is listening. Obviously, dogs and cats can’t talk; they can’t say, “I’m happy,” or, “I’m sad,” or, “I’m feeling confused.” Instead, animals communicate via their many expressions. When you take the time to learn what your dog’s or cat’s expressions mean, you learn to listen to your pet, and if you consider that most people just want to heard, it’s safe to say most animals want to be (heard), too. They say the eyes are the windows of the soul, and this is true for animals and humans. Have you ever looked deep into the eyes of someone you love and felt a charge? Well, if so, then what you felt was a zing of oxytocin, a “feel good” chemical that is triggered when we feel strong feelings. As it turns out, if you

Introducing a new puppy to your family is an exciting journey; one full of adventure, lessons, and laughs. And although dogs are pack-animals who are meant to live closely with other dogs, ensuring a seamless transition for each canine member can be overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be! Our newest puppy, Kenai, is the fourth dog we have raised. Here are three things that have successfully helped our pack adjust (in the past and present) when introducing a new puppy to our dogs. Dogs crave structure in their lives, so having a consistent schedule is important. We strive to maintain our adult dogs’ day-to-day routine while balancing a puppy’s more demanding needs. Throughout the day we work to maintain mealtimes, potty breaks and exercise routines. We overlap where we can, and work the rest around their existing schedule. For instance, even though a puppy may eat three times a day in the beginning (and an adult dog only twice), try ensuring two of those meals are at the same time. Maintaining your adult dog’s expectations and schedule offers stability and peace of mind that you are still reliable and consistent – that the new ankle biter hasn’t taken over everything. In nature, raising puppies is a family ordeal. The responsibility of instilling manners, boundaries, and rules doesn’t fall solely on the mother – other adult dogs will help teach the little members of the pack how to

The Clean Eating trend has fast become one of the largest diet philosophies that people all around the word have adopted into their homes on their continuous quest to improve their health and wellbeing. Focused on fueling one’s body with real, whole foods and natural ingredients, Clean Eating has been associated with health benefits such as weight loss, increased energy levels and even as a solution of common ailments such as digestive and skin concerns. Clean eating for humans involves key principles that align with the basic practice of healthy eating: Eat real, whole food ingredients that nourish your body such as lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables and fruits. These ingredients should be used to create balanced, healthy meals Avoid highly-processed and over-refined packaged foods, snacks, sweets and all items with a long list of ingredients or artificial colors, preservatives and flavors Get plenty of physical activity during the day, get enough sleep at night and manage stress in healthy ways. Absolutely! It goes without saying that dogs are not people. They have a unique set of nutritional needs that must be met to ensure their health and wellbeing; however, you can adopt similar Clean Eating principles for them as you do yourself. Focus on feeding them foods that are made from a simple recipe of whole foods with identifiable ingredients and are formulated to meet their nutritional needs without any artificial additives Clean eating is suitable for all dogs!