11 Things Vets Wished Pet Owners Knew

Just like regular doctors, veterinarians are vital to the health of pets. While these animal doctors know how to treat all types of animals, there are a few things that most vets wish their patients' families knew. It’s not enough to drop a pet off at the vet and hope for the best. There are many things that you can do on a regular basis to keep your pets healthy and happy and to make the vet’s job easier.

1. Schedule Regular Exams

Just like people, pets need regular physical exams to ensure they remain healthy. Yearly exams help pets live longer and can actually save money in the long run by treating minor illnesses before they turn into major ones.

2. Avoid Self-Diagnosis

Don’t try to diagnose a pet’s illness. Symptoms can point to a variety of diseases or illnesses. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Have Pets Microchipped

Even the most well-behaved pets can wander or run away. A simple microchip is affordable and can help a shelter or vet locate the owner of a pet.

4. Focus on Nutrition

Animals need proper nutrition to stay healthy and lean. A complete and balanced diet can help ensure longevity and prevent your pets from getting sick.

5. Act Quickly

When a pet is sick or showing signs of distress, call a vet quickly ~ don’t wait to see if the sickness passes. Some illnesses can turn into life-threatening emergencies very quickly if you don’t address them immediately.

6. Ask Questions

A vet can’t read minds. Ask questions and communicate the level of care expected when a pet is in distress. Vets won’t order unnecessary tests and don’t know how far you will go to achieve optimal care for your pets. Ask questions and understand all of the options available.

7. Pay Attention to Dental Hygiene

Poor dental care can make a pet miserable, leading to problems with the heart and kidneys. Both dogs and cats need regular dental X-rays to reveal hidden problems.

8. Banish Fleas and Ticks

Both ticks and fleas can carry a host of diseases and make pets miserable, especially if they are sensitive to these pests. Fortunately, year-round flea control is easy and can prevent additional trips to the vet.

9. Consider Insurance

Veterinarian visits aren’t cheap. Insurance can help you pay for treatments and allows you to accept the most advanced care for your pets. By using insurance, you can take advantage of treatment options that might have been out of reach financially.

10. Small Animals Need Checkups, Too

Even rodents and other small animals need regular checkups. Hamsters and rats need regular dental exams to prevent the overgrowth of teeth. It’s easy to spot front teeth that get too long, but back teeth are often the problem.

11. Keep Medications Out of Reach

Just like children, pets are notorious for finding things and gobbling them down or putting them in their mouths. Keep both over-the-counter and prescription medications out of reach of pets to avoid overdose or illness.

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Raven Hannah is a self-described animal whisperer, lifelong pet parent, and owner of HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & TheGiftedPet.com. She is certified as a holistic consultant, aromatherapist, Reiki practitioner (for animals and people), and pet nutritionist. She encourages others to celebrate animals as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled! 

When Raven isn’t busy being a slave to her very demanding senior cats or helping her favorite rescues with fundraising projects, she is most likely working on growing her businesses and raising awareness in an effort to make this world a better place for all creatures.

Pet Parents ~ How Many More Recalls Will It Take?

Many pet parents usually don’t give a second thought about what they are feeding their pets . . . that is until we all hear about a recall in the news. We check to see if our pet food is on the list, and when it’s not, we breathe a sigh of relief. Don't you think it’s time that we stop burying our heads in the sand and hoping there isn’t something wrong with our pet food, and instead start ensuring that something is right with it?! 

Have you ever read the label on your pet's food or treats?  Not just a glance . . . I mean REALLY read the label from start to finish?!  What are some of the ingredients? Wheat or Wheat Gluten? Corn or Corn Gluten? Bone or By-Product Meal? Artificial Colors and Flavors? BHA and / or BHT? Propylene Glycol? Do you even know what half of these ingredients are, or what harm they can cause to your pets?!  

Wheat and corn can contain aflatoxin, which is a fungal toxin that commonly contaminates maize and other types of crops during production, harvest, storage or processing. Wheat and corn are also highly indigestible for most pets and can cause great stress on their digestive systems, as well as their kidneys. These grains are also the cause of food allergies in many of our precious pets.

Bone meal and by-product meal tend to keep us guessing as to which animal they may come from. What if your pet has a beef allergy, yet the food or treat label is non-specific as to which animal these "meals" or "by-products" came from. Do you really want to take that chance?  

The same thing goes for artificial coloring, which has no nutritional value and is designed specifically as visual marketing to pet parents . . . not to the pets!  And, did you know that the dyes that are used have not been subject to testing for safety? The most common ones are Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #40, Blue #1 and Blue #2, which have been known to be contaminated with cancer-causing substances and may even cause death, as these additives are toxic to our pets. The discussion regarding their lack of nutritional value, as well as their potential hazards, has been swirling about for years, yet no one has done anything about banning these substances from your pet's food, or from our own foods, for that matter.

BHT / BHA are NOT natural preservatives and can also cause health problems in your pets, as can Propylene Glycol, which is better known as the key component in newer automotive antifreeze. Why are using a known toxic substance to preserve moisture in our dog's food and treats? It has already been shown to cause anemia in cats and has been banned by the FDA for use in cat food and treats.  

Did you know that there have been more than 150 FDA recalls since 2007?  


Check to see if your pet's food or treats have been recalled on the FDA website by logging on here: 

 http://www.fda.gov/animalVeterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm

Keeping our fur kids safe begins with giving them the best food and treats possible . . . Holistically Formulated, NEVER RECALLED . . . Corn & Wheat-Free, No GMOs, Gluten-Free, NO Artificial Colors or Flavors . . . just real food with vital nutrients prepared under the highest standards.

If you're ready to stop taking chances with your pet's health (and possibly your pet's life), then shop our line of premium pet food, treats, nutritional supplements, and pet care products. If you could feed your pets premium pet foods & treats that will provide them with abundant nutrition, and may help ensure longer, healthier lives for your precious furkids for about the same or less than you are currently spending on food & treats, why wouldn't you? Safety is our primary objective! When it comes to product safety and quality ingredients, we don't do shortcuts. In fact, we act as if your pet's life depends on us. 

Request samples, ask questions and learn more about true premium nutrition for your furkids by visiting our website ~ www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

You'll be so glad you did . . . and, so will your pets!

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Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions about Dogs

Remember the old party game “telephone” where a message is passed secretly through a line of people until the last player announces the message to the entire group? If you’ve played the game, you’re well aware that the initial message gets drastically altered as it’s passed on from one person to the next. The same thing can happen with any information ~ including “facts” about pets. As a caring pet parent, it’s important to stay “in the know” regarding the furry companions who reside under your roof. The internet provides a wealth of resources at your fingertips, however, you are not only exposed to helpful tips and advice on how to best care for your companion animals, you’ll also see some misinformation. So let’s take a look at five of the most commonly shared myths about pets and discover why you can’t always trust everything you read when it comes to your four-legged friends.

Myth 1 “A dog is a carnivore. Look at his teeth!”

Truth: There is much confusion out there in the pet world about what is the best diet to feed a dog. Many dog lovers insist on feeding their canine friends a pure meat diet because they think their dog is designed to be a pure carnivore. A better understanding of the definitions associated with the dietary needs of animals is a great place to start in understanding how to best feed your pet and tackle this hotly debated myth.


DEFINITIONS

CARNIVORE: An animal subsisting primarily on animal tissue.

HERBIVORE: An animal subsisting entirely on plant tissue.

OMNIVORE: An animal subsisting on both animal and plant tissue.

Cats and dogs are both members of the taxonomic order Carnivora. The confusing part is not all species of the Carnivora order are actually carnivores.

Cats are true carnivores because they have a higher protein requirement and higher dietary requirements for nutrients that aren’t available from plant sources, such as taurine, arginine, and methionine.

Some Carnivora species, including dogs, coyotes, and bears, are omnivores that thrive on a diet consisting of both plant and animal tissue.

One member of the Carnivora order, the panda, is primarily an herbivore - 99% of a panda’s diet consists of bamboo.

The truth to this myth is dogs belong to the taxonomic order Carnivora, but their behavior, anatomy, and feeding preferences reveal their ability to eat and be healthy on a diet consisting of both plant and animal foods, which classifies them as omnivores from a dietary perspective (Debraekeleer et al. 2010).

Myth 2: “My dog’s nose is dry and warm. He must have a fever.”

Truth: As with most ‘old wives’ tales’, there is some truth rooted in this myth. Back before vaccines, thickened, hard and crusty nose and footpads were sure signs of advanced Distemper virus in a canine. Thanks to widespread vaccination practices, while Distemper still exists, it is far less common today.

The truth is a dog’s nose fluctuates in temperature and moisture throughout the day depending on what he is doing. A dog’s nose is often warm and dry when he wakes up, is moist and cold if he is eating or sniffing, and dry and warm if he is sleeping - all in the same day. And all of these fluctuations are normal. A dog with a fever often displays other signs, such as lethargy, inappetence (which occurs when pets won’t eat or won’t eat as much as they need), coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea as well as a dry warm nose. However, a nose that is persistently dry and crusted, is bleeding or turning a different color may be a sign of a health problem. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away.

Myth 3: “Dogs are colorblind.”

Truth: Not so, say canine researchers. If, however, what you mean by colorblind is that dogs only see a portion of the visible spectrum compared to what people see, then yes, dogs could be called colorblind.

Dogs have two types of color receptors on the back of their eyes that recognize short and long wavelengths of light, corresponding to blue hues and red-yellow ones. In comparison, humans have three types of color receptors that make it possible for us to see a full range of colors. The colors dogs can see are almost identical to the ones a human who has red-green color blindness would see. Scientists determine this by shining beams of colored light into dogs eyes, analyzing the spectrum of light that is reflected back, and then comparing the spectrum with the pattern produced when the same lights are shined into human eyes. Scientists also study the way dogs respond to different colored lights, and have determined that dogs see in black, white, red-yellow, blue and many shades of gray.

It’s also interesting to note that dogs can see much better in low light than humans, can distinguish moving objects much better than stationary ones, and long-nosed breeds have very wide fields of vision, as much as 270 degrees.

Myth 4: “My dog’s happy. I can tell because his tail is wagging.”

While it is true that when a dog is happy, he will often wag his tail, but a wagging tail can also indicate agitation ~ such as an imminent attack ~ or even aggression. It all depends on two factors ~ the position of the tail and the frequency of the wag. A friendly, approachable, happy dog usually wags his tail ~ generally positioned in the middle of his body - slowly and loosely. If a dog is wagging his tail in a more rapid, twitch-like manner and is about 90 degrees high, it’s best to avoid the animal, as it could be indicating dominance and aggression. Conversely, if a dog’s tail is wagging low between the legs, it is considered a fearful, defensive stance.

Just like in humans, many factors come into play when interpreting a dog’s mood. Be sure to assess all of your pet’s body language, including the position of their ears and head as well as their expression and hackles before approaching him – this way, everyone’s happy.

Myth 5: “A dog ages 7 years for every human year.”

Although it is true that dogs age more rapidly than humans, which makes perfect sense since they are able to reproduce before they even reach one year of age, the rate that they age slows down as the dog ages. Stating that one human year equals seven dog years is an over-simplification of how dogs age. There’s simply no exact formula to determine a dog’s “human” age.

It’s important to note that the size and breed of the dog are the greatest indicators of the rate of aging. Many small breed dogs can live well into their 20s while larger breeds tend to live only 7-10 years ~ despite the fact that large breed puppies reach adulthood slower than their smaller counterparts.

Now that you know the truth, you’re on the path to becoming an even more well-informed pet parent! Share what you’ve learned with your animal-loving friends and help stop the spread of misinformation ~ your animal companions will thank you for it!

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month!

Does your fur kid have dental disease? If your dog or cat is over the age of two, then the answer is “highly likely”.

It’s February, which means it’s also National Pet Dental Health Month! If you’re wondering why the awareness campaign lasts for a whole month, it’s because periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs and cats. Veterinary dentists will tell you, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of two have some form of periodontal disease.

That number may seem awfully high, but unfortunately, it’s also accurate. Plaque and tartar accumulate on our pet’s teeth just like it does on our own, but the vast majority of pet parents don’t brush their companion animal’s teeth twice a day. Or even once a day. (It’s OK to admit it, you’re in good company). By their second birthday, your furkid is basically fully grown. And far too many of these adults have never had their teeth brushed.

“But his teeth look fine!” you might protest. That very well may be true. However, plaque (the gummy film that forms on a pet’s teeth within hours of eating) isn’t obvious to the naked eye. Over the course of several days, it combines with minerals to harden into tartar. Over weeks and months, this tartar builds into a thick brown stain. Often referred to as “yuck mouth”, there are less familiar technical terms for it (such as Stage IV periodontal disease, the worst level). With routine care and attention, you should be able to prevent them from ever experiencing that stage.

Evaluating a pet kid’s teeth and gums begins with a visual inspection. Your vet may call it “flip the lip” because you really need to lift that lip up to view the back molars, which is where the really bad buildup occurs. During the visual exam, they check for tartar, any anomalies (like extra or missing teeth), and for gum inflammation. They also check for any unusual masses. If your pets have oral melanomas, they can be discovered during routine exams.

Even if you regularly brush their teeth, they will eventually need a full cleaning at the veterinarian. This dental cleaning will often include x-rays of the mouth, a vital component of an oral exam. Bone loss, where the root is diseased below the gum line is more common than many realize.

Cats suffer a unique condition that makes x-rays even more crucial. Three-quarters of cats over the age of five suffer from tooth resorption, a painful condition where the body reabsorbs the protective dentin covering on a tooth, leaving the root exposed. The cause is unknown, and it can affect just one or many teeth. The worst part is, the entire lesion may be below the gum line, resulting in a normal-looking crown but with a terribly painful root. The only treatment at that point is extraction of the affected tooth. As stoic as felines are, even the most observant pet parents won’t see any evidence of this problem. Scary, right?

The concept of “anesthesia-free dentistry” has become very popular over the years, but a good vet would caution you to know its limitations. Vets anesthetize your furkids because that is the only way we can be thorough in their examination, clean underneath the gum line where much of the bacteria and plaque reside and extract teeth if necessary. My vets have seen many dogs and cats at their clinics just weeks after an anesthesia-free cleaning who are still suffering from significant dental disease. If you do use this option, just know that while it may remove tartar and plaque from the visible surface of the tooth, it does not provide the health benefits that a full cleaning under anesthesia would. If you have a pet who is older or suffers from an illness, you may want to also discuss the risks of putting your furkid under anesthesia. 

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, treat your companion animal to the gift of health! Many veterinary clinics offer special deals or packages during the month of February, so if you’ve been putting off that dental cleaning, there’s no time like the present to schedule an appointment. And be sure to check out the Life’s Abundance dental-health products for your furkids: Gourmet Dental Treats and Buffalo Bully Sticks!

By making just a couple of improvements to your care regimen, you could help to add years to your pet kid’s lifetime.

Learn more about Life's Abundance and shop for your furkids here:

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com & www.HealingOilsForAnimals.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)

For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

Debunking Myths and Misconceptions about Dogs

Remember the old party game “telephone” where a message is passed secretly through a line of people until the last player announces the message to the entire group? If you’ve played the game, you’re well aware that the initial message gets drastically altered as it’s passed on from one person to the next. The same thing can happen with any information ~ including “facts” about pets. As a caring pet parent, it’s important to stay “in the know” regarding the furry companions who reside under your roof. The internet provides a wealth of resources at your fingertips, however, you are not only exposed to helpful tips and advice on how to best care for your companion animals, you’ll also see some misinformation. So let’s take a look at five of the most commonly shared myths about pets and discover why you can’t always trust everything you read when it comes to your four-legged friends.

Myth 1 “A dog is a carnivore. Look at his teeth!”

Truth: There is much confusion out there in the pet world about what is the best diet to feed a dog. Many dog lovers insist on feeding their canine friends a pure meat diet because they think their dog is designed to be a pure carnivore. A better understanding of the definitions associated with the dietary needs of animals is a great place to start in understanding how to best feed your pet and tackle this hotly debated myth.


DEFINITIONS

CARNIVORE: An animal subsisting primarily on animal tissue.

HERBIVORE: An animal subsisting entirely on plant tissue.

OMNIVORE: An animal subsisting on both animal and plant tissue.


Cats and dogs are both members of the taxonomic order Carnivora. The confusing part is not all species of the Carnivora order are actually carnivores.

Cats are true carnivores because they have a higher protein requirement and higher dietary requirements for nutrients that aren’t available from plant sources, such as taurine, arginine, and methionine.

Some Carnivora species, including dogs, coyotes, and bears, are omnivores that thrive on a diet consisting of both plant and animal tissue.

One member of the Carnivora order, the panda, is primarily an herbivore - 99% of a panda’s diet consists of bamboo.

The truth to this myth is dogs belong to the taxonomic order Carnivora, but their behavior, anatomy, and feeding preferences reveal their ability to eat and be healthy on a diet consisting of both plant and animal foods, which classifies them as omnivores from a dietary perspective (Debraekeleer et al. 2010).

Myth 2: “My dog’s nose is dry and warm. He must have a fever.”

Truth: As with most ‘old wives’ tales’, there is some truth rooted in this myth. Back before vaccines, thickened, hard and crusty nose and footpads were sure signs of advanced Distemper virus in a canine. Thanks to widespread vaccination practices, while Distemper still exists, it is far less common today.

The truth is a dog’s nose fluctuates in temperature and moisture throughout the day depending on what he is doing. A dog’s nose is often warm and dry when he wakes up, is moist and cold if he is eating or sniffing, and dry and warm if he is sleeping - all in the same day. And all of these fluctuations are normal. A dog with a fever often displays other signs, such as lethargy, inappetence (which occurs when pets won’t eat or won’t eat as much as they need), coughing, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea as well as a dry warm nose. However, a nose that is persistently dry and crusted is bleeding or turning a different color may be a sign of a health problem. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian right away.

Myth 3: “Dogs are colorblind.”

Truth: Not so, say canine researchers. If, however, what you mean by colorblind is that dogs only see a portion of the visible spectrum compared to what people see, then yes, dogs could be called colorblind.

Dogs have two types of color receptors on the back of their eyes that recognize short and long wavelengths of light, corresponding to blue hues and red-yellow ones. In comparison, humans have three types of color receptors that make it possible for us to see a full range of colors. The colors dogs can see are almost identical to the ones a human who has red-green color blindness would see. Scientists determine this by shining beams of colored light into dogs eyes, analyzing the spectrum of light that is reflected back, and then comparing the spectrum with the pattern produced when the same lights are shined into human eyes. Scientists also study the way dogs respond to different colored lights, and have determined that dogs see in black, white, red-yellow, blue and many shades of gray.

It’s also interesting to note that dogs can see much better in low light than humans, can distinguish moving objects much better than stationary ones, and long-nosed breeds have very wide fields of vision, as much as 270 degrees.

Myth 4: “My dog’s happy. I can tell because his tail is wagging.”

While it is true that when a dog is happy, he will often wag his tail, but a wagging tail can also indicate agitation – such as an imminent attack - or even aggression. It all depends on two factors – the position of the tail and the frequency of the wag. A friendly, approachable, happy dog usually wags his tail – generally positioned in the middle of his body - slowly and loosely. If a dog is wagging his tail in a more rapid, twitch-like manner and is about 90 degrees high, it’s best to avoid the animal, as it could be indicating dominance and aggression. Conversely, if a dog’s tail is wagging low between the legs, it is considered a fearful, defensive stance.

Just like in humans, many factors come into play when interpreting a dog’s mood. Be sure to assess all of your pet’s body language, including the position of their ears and head as well as their expression and hackles before approaching him – this way, everyone’s happy.

Myth 5: “A dog ages 7 years for every human year.”

Although it is true that dogs age more rapidly than humans, which makes perfect sense since they are able to reproduce before they even reach one year of age, the rate that they age slows down as the dog ages. Stating that one human year equals seven dog years is an over-simplification of how dogs age. There’s simply no exact formula to determine a dog’s “human” age.

It’s important to note that the size and breed of the dog are the greatest indicators of the rate of aging. Many small breed dogs can live well into their 20s while larger breeds tend to live only 7-10 years ~ despite the fact that large breed puppies reach adulthood slower than their smaller counterparts.

Now that you know the truth, you’re on the path to becoming an even more well-informed pet parent! Share what you’ve learned with your animal-loving friends and help stop the spread of misinformation ~ your animal companions will thank you for it!




*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Raven is an engaging entrepreneur who encourages others to celebrate pets (and ALL animals) as part of the family, as well as keep them happy, healthy, and spoiled with her Holistic Healing, Animal Intuition, Aromatherapy, Animal Reiki (www.HolisticPetsAndPeeps.com), as well as her premium pet food business (http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com)



For more information, please visit her Facebook page to PM her (https://www.facebook.com/HolisticPetsNPeeps), or email her at HolisticPetsAndPeeps@gmail.com.

Dog Weight Issues & What You Can Do About It!

Have you noticed that your dog is looking . . . well . . . a little rotund lately? A bit more curvaceous than usual? You’re not alone! Approximately 54% of dogs in the United States are classified as overweight. But just because Fido has lots of company doesn’t mean that he’s in the clear. Extra weight is linked to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight ~ You know your dog better than anyone ~ so you’ve likely already noticed if he has gained weight over a relatively short period. But extra bulk is a bit more difficult to recognize if he’s been slowly packing on the pounds over the years. Here are two fail-safe ways to determine if Fido is at the correct weight:


Feel his ribs: Run your hands along his sides toward the tail, feeling for his ribs. If you can find them beneath a thin layer of flesh, he is probably at the correct weight. If you can barely feel them under a layer of fat, he is likely overweight.


View him from the top and side: A visual inspection of your dog’s body is also important. Look at his body from above. Does he have an hourglass shape, with a slight narrowing behind the rib cage? Also, view the lines of his body from the side. Does his stomach tuck up behind the rib cage? If the answer to both questions is yes, he’s likely at the correct weight. If his body has no definition from above or from the side, he is probably overweight.



What to do if Your Dog is Overweight:


Take him to the vet: Have a vet examine your dog just to make sure that he isn’t experiencing a health problem. Some conditions, such as thyroid disease and Cushing’s disease, can cause rapid weight gain.


Cut back on meals: It’s quite possible that you’re feeding Fido too much at mealtimes. Often the serving size on commercial dog food labels advises a larger portion than is necessary for an individual dog. Every dog is different, and every dog also metabolizes food differently. With this in mind, start out with the recommended serving size but observe your dog carefully. If he looks like he’s gaining weight, slowly cut back on how much you’re feeding; if he appears to be losing weight, feed slightly more until he’s at the recommended weight for his breed. Then simply maintain the portion size that works for your dog.  You may also want to try feeding a quality, premium Weight Loss Formula for Adult Dogs!


Feed him on a schedule: Dogs who are “free-fed” ~ given access to their food bowls all day ~ are more likely to be overweight than those who eat on a regular schedule. To help keep Fido healthy, schedule his meals at consistent times and take his food bowl away after 10 to 15 minutes.


Provide healthy treats: Supplement correctly portioned meals with healthy, low-calorie treats, such as cut-up veggies, plain popcorn, or other healthy treats. Make sure that you account for the calories in treats when feeding your dog his meals ~ these should be subtracted from his total caloric allowance for the day.  For healthy, natural, never recalled wholesome treats, try Wholesome Hearts Baked Low-Fat Treats for Dogs.


Exercise him: Of course, any diet plan should be accompanied by the proper amount of exercise. Keep your dog active by making sure that he gets a few daily walks and multiple lively play periods ~ but work up to this gradually. An overweight dog won’t be able to sustain this kind of energy level overnight.


Continue to assess your dog’s progress on a monthly basis to be sure that he’s at a healthy weight, and maintain, maintain, maintain when he has reached his goal! A nutritious diet, meals fed on a regular schedule, and exercise will add years to his life. ♥

Learn more and order here:

www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com

Pet Parents ~ How Many More Recalls Will It Take?

Many pet parents usually don’t give a second thought about what they are feeding their pets . . . that is until we all hear about a recall in the news. We check to see if our pet food is on the list, and when it’s not, we breathe a sigh of relief. Don't you think it’s time that we stop burying our heads in the sand and hoping there isn’t something wrong with our pet food, and instead start ensuring that something is right with it?! 

Have you ever read the label on your pet's food or treats?  Not just a glance . . . I mean REALLY read the label from start to finish?!  What are some of the ingredients?  Wheat or Wheat Gluten? Corn or Corn Gluten? Bone or By-Product Meal? Artificial Colors and Flavors?  BHA and / or BHT? Propylene Glycol? Do you even know what half of these ingredients are, or what harm they can cause to your pets?!  

Wheat and corn can contain aflatoxin, which is a fungal toxin that commonly contaminates maize and other types of crops during production, harvest, storage or processing.  Wheat and corn are also highly indigestible for most pets and can cause great stress on their digestive systems, as well as their kidneys. These grains are also the cause of food allergies in many of our precious pets.

Bone meal and by-product meal tend to keep us guessing as to which animal they may come from. What if your pet has a beef allergy, yet the food or treat label is non-specific as to which animal these "meals" or "by-products" came from. Do you really want to take that chance?  

The same thing goes for artificial coloring, which has no nutritional value and is designed specifically as visual marketing to pet parents . . . not to the pets!  And, did you know that the dyes that are used have not been subject to testing for safety?  The most common ones are Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Red #40, Blue #1 and Blue #2, which have been known to be contaminated with cancer-causing substances and may even cause death, as these additives are toxic to our pets. The discussion regarding their lack of nutritional value, as well as their potential hazards, has been swirling about for years, yet no one has done anything about banning these substances from your pet's food, or from our own foods, for that matter.

BHT / BHA are NOT natural preservatives and can also cause health problems in your pets, as can Propylene Glycol, which is better known as the key component in newer automotive antifreeze. Why are using a known toxic substance to preserve moisture in our dog's food and treats? It has already been shown to cause anemia in cats and has been banned by the FDA for use in cat food and treats.  

Did you know that there have been more than 150 FDA recalls since 2007?  

Check to see if your pet's food or treats have been recalled on the FDA website by logging on here: 

http://www.fda.gov/animalVeterinary/safetyhealth/recallswithdrawals/default.htm



Keeping our fur kids safe begins with giving them the best food and treats possible ~ Natural, NEVER RECALLED . . . Corn & Wheat-Free, No GMOs, Gluten-Free, NO Artificial Colors or Flavors . . . just real food with vital nutrients prepared under the highest standards.

If you're ready to stop taking chances with your pet's health (and possibly your pet's life), then shop our line of premium pet food, treats, nutritional supplements, and pet care products.  If you could feed your pets premium pet foods & treats that will provide them with abundant nutrition, and may help ensure longer, healthier lives for your precious fur kids for about the same or less than you are currently spending on food & treats, why wouldn't you? Safety is our primary objective! When it comes to product safety and quality ingredients, we don't do shortcuts. In fact, we act as if your pet's life depends on us. 

Request samples, ask questions and learn more about true premium 

nutrition for your fur kids by visiting our website:

http://www.PremiumPetFoodStore.com