Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

While summer is a time of fun and games for dogs and cats, some days are just too hot for any outdoor fun—and heat stroke in dogs and cats is definitely not a game anyone wants to play. Pets can be sensitive to high temperatures, and it’s important to be especially mindful of their wellbeing during hot weather and know when it’s time to spend some time enjoying indoor pet activities instead. Temperature – Dogs and cats can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but extreme heat can be dangerous. When the temperature reaches around 90°F (32°C) or above, it’s crucial to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and consider choosing inside games for dogs and cats. Humidity – High humidity can make hot weather even more challenging for pets to tolerate. When humidity levels are high, pets may struggle to cool themselves through panting, leading to an increased risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in dogs and cats. Time of Day – The hottest part of the day is typically between late morning and early afternoon. During this time, it’s best to stick to indoor play for dogs and cats in a cool, shaded area. Breed and Coat – Some dog breeds are more susceptible to heat-related issues than others, especially those with short muzzles or thick coats. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boxers, for example, have a harder time regulating their body temperature in hot weather

They don’t call it the dog days of summer for nothing! Sure, this phrase may have more astronomical roots, but there’s no denying we’re coming up on some astronomically hot days. That means more than just planning dog friendly summer activities—you’ll want to keep an eye on summer safety for dogs and signs of heat stroke in dogs, too! But with the right mix of fresh thoughts on summer fun for dogs and knowing how to cool down a dog, you and your pup will be ready for plenty of healthy fun in the hot, hot sun. 1. Take a Dip – Cool your dog down with a swim in a local lake, river or dog friendly water park. If you’re up for an extra adventure, try paddleboarding with a dog! 2. Splash It Up – You can also keep your dog cool in summer—in your own backyard! Bring out the puppy pool, haul out the hose or have a splash in the sprinkler. 3. Have a Lick – Summer fun for dogs can be even more fun with a cool, refreshing treat like a homemade puppy popsicle. Take a pup-sicle break with the tasty recipe below. 4. Seek Some Shade – Some summer activities for dogs are best (and safest) in the shade instead. Lounge by the pool or take a hike on a shady dirt trail to enjoy the great outdoors and keep dogs cool outside. 5. Make

Much like us humans, our pets can easily become dehydrated especially in summer’s warmer months or sudden heatwaves. Described as the process of excessive water loss from the body, dehydration can range from a mild case to that of a severe matter of life and death. Monitoring our pets and giving them extra support during warmer days becomes critical to keeping them save. So, what should you look for, what steps are recommended to keep them healthy, and, if your dog is suffering dehydration, how can you help treat them? Let’s take a closer look: So, how can you prevent this? Firstly, it is important to know that 60% of a dog’s body weight is made up entirely of water so monitoring their hydration status, especially during the warm and humid months, is crucial to keeping them healthy. What may surprise many pet parents, however, is that mild dehydration of 5% or less is often undetectable. Once above 5%, the visible symptoms of dehydration can include the following:   External symptoms of dehydration include: Lethargy Weakness Dry mouth, nose, or gums Sunken eyes Loss of skin elasticity Collapse Increased heart rate Weak pulse Panting Behavioral symptoms include: Appetite loss Depression If you think your dog may be suffering from dehydration, you can also check with an easy at home test called ‘skin tenting’. Simply lift the skin on the neck near the head, and if the skin stays up like

Unbeknown to many, dogs enter their senior years by the time they’re roughly seven-years-old. As dogs age, their health deteriorates. Also unknown to many, your dog’s dental hygiene is a gateway to their overall health. To keep your senior dog healthy, it’s important to adopt a daily dental health regimen. The best way to know if your dog’s teeth are healthy is to get your dog regularly checked out by the veterinarian. They will check your dog’s teeth for plaque buildup and their gums for signs of disease. They will check for broken or missing teeth as well. You can also spot signs that your dog’s teeth are healthy. Indicators of a healthy mouth include: Pink gums; no whiteness or excessive redness and no bleeding Clean white teeth without hard, scaly discolorations toward the gum line Fresh-smelling breath; dogs with healthy teeth don’t have bad breath (bad dog breath is not normal regardless of your dog’s age) Dog dental hygiene starts when your dog is young (ideally), but even if you’re not implementing a regular dental health plan, you can certainly start one. As dog’s age, things naturally wear down and will need maintenance. Lower stores of calcium, phosphorus, and B-complex vitamins can also impact the integrity of your dog’s teeth. Meanwhile, zinc and antioxidant deficiencies contribute to gum disease. Thus, there are a few important ways to maintain your senior dog’s dental health. Brush your dog’s teeth. Even your

If your dog has sampled juicy seedless watermelon before, they’re going to be sitting pretty when these watermelon frozen dog popsicles are ready! Ready for a treat for two? We suggest saving some watermelon for you to whip up as a blended cool slushy—just add ice cubes—on a hot day. 2 cups of chopped, seedless watermelon 1 cup of coconut water or plain yogurt (Yogurt will make for thicker pupsicles while the coconut water will be a faster-melting, refreshing treat) (Optional) 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey 1. Toss the ingredients in the blender and blend for a minute or two until it’s slushy (with coconut water) or smooth (with yogurt). 2. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray. 3. Freeze for four hours. 4. Pop the watermelon frozen dog treats for summer out of the tray and into a bowl for your dog to lick. Serve it alongside an Old Mother Hubbard Wholesome Indulgences Peanut Butter & Banana Flavored treat. Please note: Treats should be kept to 10% of your dog’s daily food intake to keep nutritional balance.

Did you know that dogs are supposed to have their teeth brushed the same as humans? Did you know that ideally, you will brush your dog’s teeth every day? If that surprises you, then you are not alone. Most dog parents do not know that teeth brushing is an important part of daily dog care nor do they know that 80% of dogs suffer from dental disease and that dental disease is the number one health affliction for dogs. Because tooth decay, gum rot, and gingivitis resulting from dental disease can be very painful and can lead to other health problems, daily dental care for dogs is important; though, it takes time to learn to brush your dog’s teeth. These tips and tricks will help you learn how to brush your dog’s teeth in a way that is fun and relaxing for both of you. Start slow when you begin brushing your dog’s teeth for the first time. It may take time for your dog to relax enough to let you near their mouth. Prepping your dog for their first tooth brushing experience could take days. Start by doing the following: Engage your dog at a calm and peaceful time of day; mornings or evenings work well. Sit in front of your dog in a non-threatening position. You should not be standing over your dog or holding your dog in an aggressive posture. Be mindful of your dog’s anxiety. If your

In today’s fast-paced world, where our pets are often our closest companions, it’s imperative to prioritize their mental wellbeing just as much as their physical health and dietary needs. Our furry companions bring so much joy into our lives, but just like us, they can also experience emotional ups and downs. Just like humans, animals can experience stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that can affect their overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are various strategies and techniques we can employ to boost our pets’ mental health and ensure they lead fulfilling and contented lives. From engaging in stimulating activities to providing a nurturing environment, taking proactive steps to support our furry friends’ mental wellbeing not only enhances their happiness but also deepens the bond we share with them. Understanding and promoting your pet’s mental health is crucial for a happy and fulfilling life together. Here are some top tips to keep your pet’s tail wagging and their purrs rumbling: Fulfilling Their Natural Instincts: Catering to our pets’ natural instincts is not just about fulfilling their basic needs; it’s also a crucial aspect of supporting their mental health. Every animal species has innate behaviors and instincts that have developed over generations of evolution, and when we understand and accommodate these instincts, we provide our pets with a sense of security, fulfillment, and purpose. For example, dogs have a natural inclination to explore, sniff, and engage in physical activity, while

Congratulations! You’ve welcomed a puppy into your home. Whether this is your first experience raising a young dog or you have been down this path before, you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of questions along the way about when dogs lose their baby teeth. Puppies bring with them bright energy. Their playful antics are endearing to watch as they explore the world around them. As your puppy grows, you’ll notice numerous changes as it ages. From the adorable plump puppy belly that leads to a growth spurt to the comically oversized ears as your dog grows into its body, there’s a lot to learn throughout each stage of growth. One important development for your pup will be the growth of its teeth. Likely, when your puppy moved into your home, it came with small needle-sharp teeth. These baby teeth help your puppy explore the world around it. But when will your dog lose its baby teeth? If so, when does a puppy lose its baby teeth? In this guide, we’ll help you understand the dental development of your growing dog, including the timeline you can expect for losing puppy teeth. If you are wondering if your puppy is going to lose its baby teeth, the answer is yes! Puppies develop their first set of teeth—also called deciduous teeth—between two and four weeks old. By the time your puppy turns six weeks old, most of its baby teeth should have come in.

When you’re looking for frozen summer treats for dogs, think about some of their favorite ingredients and how you can use your creative juices to turn them into a frozen concoction, like pupsicles. Summer treats for dogs are often called dog popsicles, or pupsicles, and these DIY homemade dog popsicles are fun—and easy—to make. Popular pupsicle recipes you’ll find online may include any of the following ingredients: bananas, peanut butter, yogurt, chicken broth, bacon, pumpkin puree, coconut water, coconut milk, honey, watermelon and dog treats. All you’ll need to make homemade dog popsicles are paper cups (or ice cube trays for smaller treats), popsicle sticks, a blender or immersion blender and a bowl, a freezer, and a few simple ingredients—including toppers like Wellness Old Mother Hubbard Training Bitz or our Savory Mix. Oh, and you’ll also need a patient pup since many of these will take at least four hours to freeze into delicious pupsicles. These are some of the most common dog popsicle recipes you’ll find online. That’s probably because many of us have the ingredients on hand already – and, what dog doesn’t go gaga for peanut butter? 1 large ripe, peeled banana 3 to 4 tablespoons of peanut butter 32 ounces of plain, nonfat yogurt (Optional) 1 tablespoon of honey Wellness Old Mother Hubbard treats as the popsicle sticks, a topper, or blended into the ‘batter.’ 1. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth

In an ever-evolving world fraught with stressors and uncertainties, the bond between humans and their furry companions has emerged as a beacon of solace and support. As a global concern it is estimated that 970 million people in the world have a mental disorder.1 Beyond being cuddly creatures or playful pals, pets have quietly assumed the role of unsung heroes in the realm of mental health. Scientific research and countless anecdotal accounts attest to their remarkable ability to alleviate stress, reduce anxiety, and provide unwavering companionship during times of emotional turbulence. Whether it’s the gentle purring of a cat, the enthusiastic wagging of a dog’s tail, or the serene presence of a fish gliding through its tank, the presence of pets in our lives holds profound therapeutic potential. Stress Busters and Mood Boosters: Cats, dogs, and even fish each bring their unique brand of comfort and companionship to the table, serving as potent stress reducers and mood boosters in their own right. Stroking a purring cat or playing fetch with a happy dog can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, promoting relaxation and feelings of happiness.2 The gentle purring of a cat nestled in one’s lap has a calming effect, often likened to a soothing melody that lulls worries away. Their soft fur and affectionate demeanor provide a tangible source of comfort, fostering feelings of contentment and security. Studies have shown that interacting with pets can

Cat hair everywhere? If it seems like your cat’s shedding more than usual every time spring rolls around, it’s because…they are! “First and foremost, seasonal shedding is common and normal for cats of all breeds,” reminds Dr. Danielle Bernal, D.V.M. and Global Director of Vet Nutrition at Wellness®. That’s right. Whether you have a long-haired cat or a short-haired cat, you’re in for a little extra cat fur this season. “For long-haired cats especially, expect to live life surrounded by shed fur for at least the next month or so,” says Dr. Bernal. “Even short-haired cats drop some of their winter undercoat as they prepare for more temperate weather.” So as you’re putting away your own winter jacket, lend your extra furry friend a paw and help them put away that oversized cat coat with these spring shedding solutions for cats. It may seem simple, but the best solution for managing your cat’s springtime shedding is: Brush your cat! Brush, brush, brush. Every day, if not twice a day. Brushing will help support your cat’s coat and skin health, as well as gently and naturally remove your cat’s shedding hair. Better yet, it’s a great chance to bond with your pet and better both you and your cat’s wellbeing. If your cat’s not a big fan of brushing, here’s a spring cat grooming tip for you: up their enthusiasm with a little positive reinforcement (a.k.a. treats!). Try new Wellness® Lickable

Good dental care is important to your dog’s health and happiness. Just like us, dogs need daily at home dental care and, while it is ideal to start when your dog is young, it is never too late to begin caring for your dogs’ teeth. Without proper dental care, dogs can easily develop dental diseases. In fact, dental disease is the most common health issue in dogs, affecting 80% of adult dogs and up to 96% of senior dogs. If left untreated, poor oral health can negatively impact your dog’s overall wellbeing. Therefore, it is more important than ever to take an active role in your pup’s at-home dental care. There are numerous ways to support your dogs at home dental care, some of which include:   Toothbrushing Dental Chews Dental Diets Dental Toys Water additives But, before you begin a dental care routine, it is important to first assess the current health of your dog’s teeth. If your dog has accumulated tartar or is suffering from gum disease, a visit to your dog’s dentist – the veterinarian – is an excellent first step. Your veterinarian can professionally clean your dog’s teeth and provide advice on how to manage their dental care at home. After a professional cleaning, you can start your at-home dental care regimen, knowing that your efforts will be more effective in keeping their teeth clean. Of all the at-home care options, tooth brushing is considered the gold