Which breeds make the best service dogs?
Service dogs play a valuable role in the lives of those with long-term physical, mental, and emotional illnesses and disorders. Here’s a look at the breeds that make the best service dogs. You already know what a positive impact your dog has on your happiness and well-being. But for people dealing with certain chronic illnesses or conditions, a canine companion in the form of a service dog can improve their quality of life beyond reckoning, and in many cases may even be life-saving. Are there certain breeds that are better suited for...
Meet Our New Plant-Based Meal: Spring & Sprout
Developed in partnership with Freshpet’s veterinarian nutritionist, Freshpet’s new recipe, Spring & Sprout, is crafted with natural, plant-based protein, cage-free eggs, and fresh veggies. It’s a meal suited for perfectly balanced nutrition that dogs can thrive on. The result is a healthy, planet-friendly, plant-based meal that has even more protein than conventional pet food! Spring & Sprout has been developed and tested to meet all AAFCO nutritional requirements for adult dogs, is vegetarian and meat-free, and...
Why Does My Dog Lick Its Paws?
Paw licking is a common habit among all types of dogs, but what exactly does this behavior mean? While it’s perfectly normal for a dog to lick its paw occasionally, if this behavior appears suddenly and is happening for prolonged periods of time, it could indicate an underlying issue. Why is my dog licking its paws and how can I get them to stop? There are a number of reasons why your dog may be licking its paws, ranging from health to behavioral issues. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons why your dog may be licking its...
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...
Why mental enrichment is so important for dogs
Just like us, dogs can get bored, frustrated, anxious and depressed due to lack of mental stimulation. This article looks at why mental enrichment is so important to your dog, and how you can introduce more variety and fun into his life. If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the importance of social contacts and variety in our lives. Staying home and following the same routine day in and day out, with few social interactions, has left many people feeling bored, frustrated, anxious and depressed. Our dogs can feel the same way...
Preparing your home for a new dog
Adopting or rescuing a new dog? Here are six ways to prepare your home and family so the newcomer’s arrival goes as smoothly as possible. Adopting or rescuing a new dog is undeniably exciting. You can’t wait to bring him home, and welcome into your life and heart. But before you do, there are some important preparations to make. You need to ensure your home is as safe and animal-friendly as possible, and that your family knows what to do and how to help in order to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are six...
Why You Should Watch Your Dog’s Water Intake Habits
Water plays a critical role in your pup’s overall health and wellbeing. It helps them regulate their body temperature, aids in their digestion, helps their body absorb nutrients, and moves waste and toxins through their body. In short, water keeps their body functioning normally. Your dog’s water intake throughout the day can be a good indicator of their overall health, so it’s important that you keep an eye on how much they drink. Freshpet vet, Dr. Aziza, shares some of the top reasons why you should watch your dog’s...
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...
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...
