Why a Canine or Feline Nutritionist Should Be Part of Your Pet’s Health Team
Written By: Jessica Fisher
When it comes to the health and well-being of our pets, nutrition plays a critical role. Yet, many pet parents overlook the importance of consulting a canine or feline nutritionist as part of their pet’s health team. While veterinarians are vital for diagnosing and treating illnesses, nutrition is often not their primary focus, unless they have sought out specialized training outside of veterinary school. Incorporating apet nutritionist into your pet’s care can make a significant difference in their health, whether you’re aiming for proactive care or managing an existing condition. Here’s why this specialist is so important.
A Furry Friend at Your Wedding: Why It's a Great Idea!
Including your furry friend in your wedding can add a special touch to your big day. However, bringing your dog to the celebration requires careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly for both you and your pet. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when incorporating your dog into your wedding.
How Much Stress are You Giving to Your Dog from a Spiritual Medium
Written By: Lisa Gornall
Dogs are man’s best friend for a reason. They’re happy when you get home, they miss you when you go and when you’re having a really bad day, they’re there for you. Even if no one else is.
The problem is - dogs literally take on your energy.
When you don't feel good or you come home stressed out, they are glued to you and they’re absorbing that energy for you.
I had a friend sick with bronchitis visit my 3 month old Golden Retriever puppy earlier this year when I wasn’t home. I got pictures of her posing with my puppy and the message: just sitting with her I feel so much better.
My reaction was NO and a message back saying please don’t let my puppy take on your energy. My puppy was recovering from a severe vaccine reaction, yet she made my friend feel significantly better. That’s what dogs do.
Some people think it's cute or great that their dog does this, but it's not good for the dog.
Puppy Mills
By: Lisa Bregant
As a devoted pet parent and advocate for animal welfare, I understand the excitement of bringing a new dog into the family. However, there’s a side to the dog breeding industry that many people aren’t aware of – puppy mills. I hope to help fellow pet parents understand what goes on behind the scenes in these operations and why it's so important to make informed choices when adding a furry friend to your home.
Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language: Enhancing Safety, Welfare, and Strengthening Your Bond
Written By: Lindsey Needs
Dogs are always communicating with us through their body language, often in subtle ways. By learning to interpret these signals, you can ensure your dog’s safety, promote their welfare, and build a stronger bond.
The Connection Between Behavior and Food in Dogs and Cats: Why It Matters
Written By: Jessica L. Fisher
As pet parents, we all want our dogs and cats to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved. While many factors contribute to your pet's behavior, one often-overlooked aspect is their diet. The food your pet consumes doesn’t just fuel their body; it also plays a significant role in shaping their behavior. Combined with a consistent training routine focused on positive reinforcement, the right diet can help your pet live a balanced and fulfilling life.
How Long Will It Take To Train My Dog?
Written By: Courtney Case
"How long will it take to train my dog?” This is a completely reasonable question that almost every client asks me as a professional dog trainer. The answer varies depending on the people in the household, the dog(s) and the situation. What I can always say is, “to a certain extent, you never stop training.”
The truth is, training isn’t a thing we do with our dogs and then stop doing one day because they “know better.” A mature dog has roughly the mental capacity of a toddler. Not to anthropomorphize too much, but we don’t expect toddlers to remember everything we teach them in every situation, and we shouldn’t expect our dogs to always know what to do. Even a dog without special needs like behavior issues is going to need the occasional reminder of what we want in certain situations and is (hopefully) being rewarded for that behavior. Dogs are living, breathing, decision making animals and sometimes they’re going to get distracted, forget things, and want to do things you don’t want them to do.
Why Natural Flea and Tick Prevention is Safer for Your Dog (and the Planet)
Written By: Jessica L. Fisher
When it comes to protecting our dogs from fleas and ticks, many pet parents reach for conventional flea and tick medications. However, these products often contain neurotoxins—chemicals designed to disrupt the nervous systems of pests—that can pose significant risks to our pets and the environment. Before diving into natural alternatives, let’s explore the potential dangers associated with these chemical treatments.The mechanism of action is also greatly misunderstood. Most people believe that by using chemical flea and tick medications they are preventing fleas and ticks from biting their dog or cat. This isn’t the case! Whether you are using a topical or oral medication, they are only effective in killing the flea or the tick after they bite your pet. Natural alternatives are actual repellants, keeping pests away from your pet.
Separation Anxiety Specialists Wish Pet Parents Knew…
Written By: Lauren Sorensen
Many people believe that when their dogs act destructively when left alone, they’re deliberately trying to spite us or are being “naughty.” It’s easy to fall into this way of thinking when our dogs' behavior becomes inconvenient for us. After all, this was not part of your plan for your dog's life—or yours, for that matter. But what if I told you this perspective is not just wrong but actually counterproductive?
Thinking of Getting a Pet?
Written By: Kristen Kruska
What do I wish every pet parent knew? It’s a topic that gets to the heart of what it means to be a responsible and loving pet parent. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the immense joy pets bring into our lives, as well as the challenges that arise when we aren’t fully prepared. If I could share one essential piece of advice, it would be this: a successful, fulfilling relationship with your pet starts long before they come home with you. It begins with thoughtful preparation, realistic planning, and a commitment to their well-being that lasts a lifetime.