Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is only recognized one day a year in August, but routine wellness visits and checkups with your veterinarian are imperative for detecting disease early and ensuring your cat is healthy. Unfortunately, cat parents do not bring in their pets for veterinarian checkups nearly as often as dog parents do for a variety of reasons, including stress on the cat, the independent personality of cats and the assumption that they are healthy. Cats rarely show obvious signs of sickness, making detecting illness in cats extremely challenging. Often times, people do not realize their beloved cat is sick or something is wrong until they are at the end stage of a disease and treatment options are limited. So, today I would like to discuss why pet parents are reluctant to bring their cat to the vet, helpful tips for bringing your cat to the vet and most importantly, why routine wellness visits and checkups are so important. Pets cannot always show us when they are not feeling well, especially if they are feeling mild ailments. In addition, cats hide sickness and pain as a survival tactic, as they do not want to show signs of weakness. Far too often, cat owners will bring their cat into the veterinarian hospital for an evaluation when they are noticing that something is “off” or their cat is not acting like themselves. Many times, when a cat is acting

When a service dog ran up to a woman on a busy street, she tried to shoo the dog away. Meanwhile, the dog’s owner was seemingly in distress. Thankfully, the dog owner wasn’t having a seizure or another life-threatening medical emergency; had he been, he may have died. August 5-11 is International Assistance Dog Week and is a perfect time to learn what assistance dogs do and what you should do when you encounter them. Service dogs are highly-trained canines taught to perform specific tasks for their owners to help their owners safely function on a daily basis. Their ability to perform their tasks can often mean the difference between life or death for their owners. Specifically, service dogs will: Answer the door for their owner using a lever Retrieve things for their owner Bark to communicate with their owner or others Assist their owner with mobility Carries supplies for his owner in his backpack Brings the phone to the owner to call for emergency help Can bark at a speaker phone to signal there’s an emergency Finds help when his owner is in distress Calms his owner during a psychiatric episode Alerts his owner if there is a fire or other disaster Assists owners with psychiatric disorders by spotting unwelcome stimuli Helping owners with psychiatric disorders keep from self-harming Thus, when one sees a service dog with or without his owner, there are important behaviors and responses to observe

Nothing freshens your indoor environment like natural greenery. Many such plants are even known detoxifiers, but some plants (even the detoxifiers) are poisonous to cats and dogs; however, you can safely spruce up your interior with any one of these 10 pet-safe indoor plants. Palms that perform well indoors (such as bamboo palms, areca palms, or dwarf date palms) add style and texture to your home. Not only that, but these palms also boost oxygen levels while removing various common toxins from your home’s air. Like palms, spider plants add texture to any environment. Long—often variegated—leaves protrude from the plant’s center. Spider plants can hang in a pot or sit. Their sizes vary; the fact that they purify the surrounding air is an added benefit. Unless you’ve got an atrium or a courtyard, it’s probably best to go for the small, potted bamboo plants; however, bamboo not only creates an exotic aesthetic while serving as a detoxifier, it is also safe for cats and dogs. A homier plant that’s easy to keep alive and that looks great hanging from the ceiling is the Boston Fern. While ferns look lovely in any environment, keep in mind that not all ferns are pet-friendly. Bromeliads are a striking, colorful, tropical plant characterized by large, long green leaves and a brightly colored flower reminiscent of a pineapple. Another popular, colorful pet safe plant is the Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanth). The plant is characterized by vibrant,

It is amazing how quickly the Fourth of July has come around. Next week people around the country will be celebrating the birth of our freedom with BBQs, parties, celebrations and fireworks. Although this is a very exciting holiday and time for us, it can be a very dangerous and scary time for our pets. As a small animal veterinarian, this is one of the busiest times of year for seeing pet emergencies at the animal hospital. So, today I would like to give you my top tips on keeping your pets safe during the Fourth of July holiday. Let’s get started! Many pets are terrified of the loud sounds of fireworks. They can show mild signs of anxiety like hiding, and more severe signs like destruction, shaking and harming themselves. If your pet has a fear of fireworks make sure to be prepared. If possible, bring them to a place where the fireworks cannot be heard. I recommend not taking them with you to the fireworks display, even if your pet is not fearful of loud sounds. In areas with many people and loud sounds, your pets may become frightened and show unpredictable behaviors. Leaving your pet in the comfort of their home is always a safer bet. The Fourth of July is a big holiday for BBQs, but these cookouts can be harmful to our pets. I see a lot of upset stomachs during this time of year because

Note: Rotational feeding is not recommended for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Some animals with food allergies can be predisposed to developing further allergies. There are many ways to add variety to your pet’s mealtimes. Rotational feeding for dogs can add variety through flavor (ex. chicken, lamb, salmon or pork), texture (ex. kibble, wet food, freeze-dried, air-dried) and nutrients (ex. Amino acids, minerals, fatty acids). For some pet parents, adding variety means mixing kibble and wet food together in the bowl, while for other pet parents it might mean feeding kibble for breakfast and wet food for dinner. Others may choose to only feed dry kibble, but rotate flavors with each new bag that they purchase. Any of these combinations is acceptable – they all add variety! Don’t let your pet become food bored. Rotational feeding can help maintain and increase your pets interest in eating. Also, while a complete and balanced dog food guarantees that your dog will get sufficient nutrients; rotating foods allows your dog to consume ingredients that could be richer in certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids than others, contributing to an overall increase in health and wellbeing. When starting a rotational feeding program, pet parents should look for recipes that have similar fat content, fiber content, and ingredients to minimize risks of indigestion.  When rotating from one product to another, be sure to follow the feeding guidelines for each product to ensure your pet is getting their daily

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare wrote that “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” which is true…while names don’t shape the person, there are some names that fit the personality. For example, Romeo and Barbarella don’t have the same ring. When it comes to naming people and pets, finding the right name to fit the individual character is truly an art. Here are some things to consider when naming your pet. Getting a new cat or dog is very exciting, but before you dive right into selecting a name, keep these important tips in mind: Select a one or two-syllable name; anything longer will be hard for your pet to recognize. Don’t pick a name that sounds like a command. For example, Kit sounds like sit or Jay sounds like stay. Only consider names that you’ll feel comfortable calling out when your pet is outside or at the park. Next, there’s the inspiration for finding names. Some pet parents look at baby name books for ideas. You can do that as well as: Watching your pet’s personality for a while to see what name fits. It’s okay if your pet doesn’t have a name for a few days. It’s worth the wait to get the right one. See what pets are named on movies and books. This could help you decide what to or what not to name your pet. Consider the popularity of the name Marley

A customized burger is built around a high-quality piece of meat. Even with an array of fresh toppings, a burger isn’t going to be delicious unless the meat is juicy, tender and fresh. Similarly, a customized meal for your dog starts with a high-quality kibble recipe, crafted specifically for your dog’s age, size and nutritional needs. A premium, balanced kibble begins with a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient, such as turkey, fish, duck or lamb. This protein should then be balanced with a thoughtful combination of nutrient-dense ingredients that result in optimized levels of carbohydrates, protein, fats, omega-fatty acids and essential vitamins and minerals. Look for kibble options without corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or colors to ensure the food is free of fillers. It’s important to look at your dog’s lifestyle in order to gauge his activity level and, hence, that he is getting the right diet to fuel his energy needs. A dog with a very active lifestyle that goes on long walks, hikes and generally has a very active social life will need to  consume more calories than a dog that doesn’t get much activity beyond daily walks. You may find that you need to feed your sedentary dog something like CORE Reduced Fat recipe in order to maintain a healthy body condition. A dog’s dietary needs change from puppyhood to his adult years, and again in his golden senior years. Chose a diet that

The decision to get a shelter cat is exciting but it can also seem overwhelming. It’s a wonderful feeling to know you’ll be providing a forever home, but you may also be concerned with how to pick the right cat. Being impulsive when it comes to choosing a shelter cat may work out but to increase the chances of being the right home for the right cat, my recommendation is to be well-prepared. Here are my 10 tips. There are advantages to both but it’s important to look at the time you can take for training. A kitten will require more supervision and training. The house will may also need to be kitten-proofed as an inquisitive young kitten will want to explore just about everything. If you’re hoping for a cat with a certain temperament, then an adult cat may be the best choice. What is your family life like? Is it chaotic and busy or relaxed and calm? If your family life is very busy, think about whether you’d have time for the addition of a cat. Do you have children in the home? What are their expectations? If your children are very young, a kitten may not be the best choice because they are easily injured. Do you live alone and spend little time at home? Consider adopting two cats so they can keep each other company. You may find a pair of cats at the shelter who

World Pet Memorial Day is on June 9 and is a time for pet owners who have lost a beloved pet to remember, to honor, to celebrate and to reflect on the life of a departed pet. Social media is one of the most popular ways to honor one’s pet on World Pet Memorial Day. Here are some things you can do. Post a favorite picture or series of pictures of your pet on social media. Consider making a photo album of your pet starting from the time he was small or from when your journey together began. Share stories about your pet on social media or on your website. A favorite moment or experience is a great way to remember the love you shared with a pet who has passed. Create a website for your pet. This is a place for you to share pictures, quotes, videos, and longer stories about your pet. Not only does creating a designated page for your pet give you more quality time reflecting on your life together but reading it also could help other pet owners who’ve lost pets. To help others find your online tributes, make sure to use the hashtag #worldpetmemorialday, so other pet lovers and mourners can share in the joy your pet brought and in your shared grief. You can also create a unique hashtag for your pet. In addition to honoring your pet online, there are many special things

While it might feel like those playful kitten and puppy years will last forever, most cats and dogs are considered seniors by the time they are six and seven years old. The senior years are when health problems can start. By being aware of what they are and how to maintain health in your senior pet, you can keep your senior pet feeling, looking, and acting young and spry for years to come. When it comes to pet health care, being proactive is one of the best things you can do. Regular vet visits – Don’t miss those annual wellness checks; your vet is trained to catch early signs of health problems and to make recommendations regarding the best diet and dietary supplements for your pet’s breed, condition, and age. Monitoring your pet’s hygiene – As your pet ages, you will not only want to help with regular hygiene, which includes bathing and brushing, teeth brushing, ear cleanings, gum inspections, eye inspection, parasite checks, and the like, but you will also want to inspect your pet for signs of trouble, for lumps, for dry skin, for missing teeth, etc. Daily exercise – A plethora of health problems set in when animals become sedentary. As a pet naturally ages and as his health naturally declines, exercise can become more of a challenge. By never ceasing a fitness regimen, it can be easier to maintain physical health in an aging or senior

TerraCycle is an innovative recycling company that has become a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste. Wellness Natural Pet Food is the first U.S.-based pet food brand to make its packaging nationally recyclable through a partnership with TerraCycle. So far, the partnership has resulted in 80,000 pet food bags diverted from landfills. Raising a pet is a lot like growing a garden. They both require close attention, proper watering and feeding, and the care that comes with understanding their needs. But while they have their similarities, pets and gardens don’t always get along. Pets around the world have been known to stomp on and relieve themselves in gardens. Sometimes, they’ll eat the plants in it, which not only destroys the space, but can make them sick. Before you resolve to keep the two separate, know that with a bit of help, pets and plants can live harmoniously in the same yard. Here’s a short list of tips for the two-fold goal of raising a pet-friendly garden, along with a garden-friendly pet: A well-trained pet is a good starting point for a peaceful plant garden. Especially if the garden is established as a no-go area, an obedient pet is much less likely to be destructive, and will listen to commands. Creating garden borders can help to keep your pet out. Simple solutions include a small wooden fence, pieces of driftwood, or chicken wire, depending on the pet and plants that need

Alicia is responsible for front office operations at WellPet, ensuring excellent customer service to visitors and employees, and is a corporate culture advocate. Here, she talks about her passion for volunteering at pet rescues and shares some helpful tips for those who are interested in helping animals but might not know where to start. Growing up, my family frequented the MSPCA at Nevins Farm in Methuen, MA to make donations of treats and newspapers – with the added benefit of being able to cuddle the animals available for adoption.  For a place that provided me with such joy, it only made sense for me to give back to their shelter.  I now volunteer at 3 local shelters (MSPCA at Nevins Farm, Salem Animal Rescue League and Lowell Humane Society) that provide a welcoming environment to small and large animals alike while they are waiting to find their forever home. I am part of the outreach teams at these three shelters and assist at on-site and community events.  Goals of the outreach teams are to educate the public about the shelters, raise much-needed funds, and to find homes for the animals.   It always brings me happiness to watch someone interact with an animal for the first time and to see them leave the shelter with a new family member. There tends to be a stigma that an animal at a shelter has something “wrong” with it, but there are many