The case against declawing
A growing number of countries have banned declawing, but there’s still a distance to go before this painful procedure is completely eliminated. Learn why declawing is so debilitating for cats, and consider some humane alternatives. Most informed cat lovers know that declawing is one of the worst things we can do to our feline friends. The procedure is both painful and inhumane, and can cause long-term health and behavioral problems in cats. Unfortunately, although declawing has been banned in many countries and municipalities,...
Ways to Help your Pet Transition into Colder Temperatures
Whether you’re ready or not, colder temperatures are just around the corner. From clothing and accessories to blankets and heating devices, Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza, shares the best ways you can help your pet transition into colder temperatures. How does cold weather affect dogs? The holiday season is approaching and that comes with cold weather. I admit that this is my favorite time of year, but for some of my patients, it causes new or re-emerging problems to arise. Cold weather can affect your dog in many ways: Osteoarthritis: Like...
Decoding pet food marketing jargon
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
“Trust but verify” when selecting supplements for your dog or cat
Finding answers to some simple questions can make product selection much easier. Supplements can play a key role in helping your dog or cat live a long, healthy, happy life. This is particularly true when they’re incorporated as an element of whole animal care that also includes a high quality diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary checkups, and a stimulating environment with training and socialization. Many consumers believe that if a product has made its way to the store shelf, it must come from a reputable and responsible...
How a raw diet can prevent FLUTD in your cat
Lower urinary tract disease is one of the most common conditions affecting felines. Ridding your cat of FLUTD may be as simple as switching him to a raw diet. Most cats, at some point in their lives, develop lower urinary tract disease. From struvite crystals to urethral plugs, these problems are debilitating, costly to treat, and can even be life-threatening. A range of both conventional and holistic therapies can be used to treat and prevent FLUTD, but one of the most effective is to switch your cat to a raw diet. Evolutionary nutrition...
Working from home with pets
Over a year into the pandemic, more people are working from home than ever before. Maintaining your productivity while managing your dog or cat’s need for attention involves something of a balancing act. The number of people working from home has risen exponentially over the last year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many home-based workers also have dogs and cats, and while we value our furry co-workers’ love and companionship during this time of isolation, there’s no denying they also present challenges in the home...
Trick or Treating Prep: Is Chocolate Really Bad For My Dog?
Halloween is just around the corner which means there’s likely going to be an influx of tasty treats in your house. Chocolate is arguably the most well-known of human foods that are not safe for our pets to eat, but is it actually as bad for dogs as people say it is? Keep reading if you want to get to the bottom of this much-talked-about topic. Can dogs eat chocolate? The short answer is no, dogs absolutely cannot eat chocolate. This is because caffeine and theobromine, two of the chemicals found in chocolate, are toxic to dogs. What...
Healthier harnesses are a cut above
Check out these practical “works of art” and other accessories from Puccissimé Pet Couture. A few weeks into puppy class, Alix McNeill’s trainer recommended she try a prong collar for her beagle mix, Daisy. “I was a bit shocked and heartbroken,” explains Alix. “Yes, Daisy was pulling when we walked, but there was no way I was going to use one of those devices.” Instead, Alix changed trainers, hit the internet and found a unique no-pull harness that has proved the perfect solution for...
Does your cat have a food allergy — or a food intolerance?
They’re not one and the same. Understanding the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance is the first step to helping your cat back to health. If your cat has a problem with a particular food, you probably assume he’s allergic to it. But that’s not necessarily the case. True food allergies are relatively uncommon. In fact, your cat may actually have what’s termed a food intolerance. Let’s take a look at food allergies and intolerances in cats, and the differences between their causes,...
Earth-friendly pet waste disposal
What goes in, must come out…and that means finding safe, earth-friendly ways to dispose of pet waste. Here are some options. The cost of living with a dog or cat is often calculated in dollars. Veterinary care, food, toys, bedding, and training all factor into the bottom line. There’s another cost that’s harder to pinpoint but is equally important — the environmental impact of pet waste. In other words, poop is a big problem for the planet. Let’s look at some ways to dispose of your pet waste while keeping...
