Live Well
The official Blog of Wellness Natural Pet Food

Even though dogs look super cute in Halloween costumes, Halloween is a busy time full of unpredictable circumstances. Because of the flurry of activity and the atypical outfits, behaviors, and crowds that come on Halloween night, it’s important to know how to keep your dog safe whether you’re taking your pup with you to trick-or-treat or you’re leaving them home or you’re staying home with your dog. Your dog needs to feel safe on Halloween regardless of whether they’re coming with you or they’re staying at home with or without you. Crowds on the streets and the constant ringing and pounding on the door can send your dog into sensory overload. A few ways to keep your dog feeling safe are: Use a leash and only take your dog out if your dog is very comfortable with crowds. Make sure your dog has an ID even if they are chipped (chipping is very affordable and can help your dog be identified if lost). Keep your dog away from the door on Halloween; frightened dogs might make a break for it when trick-or-treaters come knocking. Give your dog anti-anxiety treats or medication before things get going especially if they are predisposed to getting upset when people come to the door. Turn your light off and do not invite trick-or-treaters to the house or to knock on the door or ring the bell if you’re not going to be home. Some people will

Halloween marks the start of the holiday season! The children count down the days until they get to dress in their favorite characters and get spoiled with candy and treats. Parents decorate, pick out the perfect costumes for kids and pets and stock up on candy. Although Halloween is one of our favorite holidays, it is typically one of the most dangerous holidays for pets. As a small animal veterinarian, it is a common time of year that I see pets for getting lost, emergencies and illness. So today, I would like to discuss the top pet emergencies and illnesses associated with Halloween and how we can prepare to keep our pets for a safe and fun holiday. Let’s get started: Place the human treats out of reach of your pets. The most popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms, especially dark or baking chocolate can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause serious problems in pets. Keep the HUMAN treats away! I know firsthand it is difficult to watch your pets sad face as they look at everyone eating and enjoying, and just want to be a part of it. There is no need to let your pet feel left out and not let them indulge on the holiday that celebrates eating treats. I tell all my pet parents to have your favorite dog treats

Fall is in the air, and so is the irresistible aroma of all things pumpkin (pupkin!) spice and apples galore—even when it comes to doggie treats. Whether your pup goes for dog treats made with pumpkin or ones just shaped like pumpkins, there’s nothing basic about these festive treats. In fact, they’re not only wickedly cute, but also happen to be quite good for the gut and your furry friend’s overall health and happiness. These three ingredients, whether together or on their own, can make for a cozy fall recipe no matter who is digging in. They’re also each packed with a surprising number of nutritional benefits that make them an especially appealing option in baked treats for dogs. Pumpkin – Full of fiber, can ease digestion, contains several important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and C, and potassium and iron. (We’re talkin’ fresh or canned pumpkin, although canned actually has more fiber and nutrients compared to fresh pumpkin—just be sure it’s 100% pureed pumpkin for dogs with no added salt, spices, sugar, pumpkin pie mix, or other irritating additives.) Peanut Butter – A great source of protein, B and E vitamins, and healthy fats that support healthy eyes, muscles, and skin. (Natural, unsalted peanut butter with peanuts listed as the only ingredient is best.) Apples – Packed full of fiber to aid in digestion and nutrients like vitamins A and C, plus antioxidants to boost immune

Halloween can be fun for everyone—including your pet! This year, why not let your cat or dog join in on dressing up by DIYing a costume? Whether you want to save money, personalize their outfit, or come up with a cute pet and pet parent look, homemade costumes offer even more possibilities than those in the store can’t match. No matter your motivation for making outfits yourself, we have easy pet Halloween costume ideas, so you’ll be all set to celebrate spooky season. Plus, we also included a treat guide at the end to reward your pet for their good behavior during and after all the October festivities. From coordinating looks for you and your cat to couples costumes with dog ideas, check out our suggestions for homemade outfits for you and your pet to try, if only because Halloween costumes for pets and owners are pawsome.  1)  Wanted: You and Your Pet as a Sheriff and a Bandit! If you’re already rocking some western wear in your wardrobe, dressing up as a sheriff and a bandit is an easy DIY duo costume idea! Boots, hats, bandanas, and denim are all you need to create a cohesive look for you and your pet. The best part? You likely won’t have to buy much (if anything) since you probably have most of these items already on hand!What you’ll need for your look: A cowboy hat, jeans, a denim or flannel shirt,

Fall is the season for pumpkin-flavored everything. While us humans get to enjoy Pumpkin Spiced Lattes, pumpkin beers, pumpkin breads, and tons of pumpkin-flavored desserts. But why should we have all the fun? It’s time to let our four-legged family members in on the fun with pumpkin-flavored dog treats and snacks. If you have canned pumpkin on hand, it’s easy to bake a fall dog treat for your pup. Pumpkin is a healthy vegetable for dogs because it’s high in fiber and nutrients, like potassium, iron and vitamins A, C, and E. Since we love dog cupcakes a.k.a. pupcakes around here – and our dogs, do too – we’re sharing a pumpkin dog pupcake recipe to commemorate one of these beloved fall flavors. Top this fall dessert for dogs with a seasonal treat like Wellness Old Mother Hubbard Fall Favorite biscuit and watch your dog make it disappear in minutes. Magic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrXwv2ReIQQ 1 1/2 Cups Whole Wheat Flour 1/2 Tsp. Baking Soda 1 Cup Canned Pumpkin Puree (note: not the kind for pumpkin pie filling) 2 Eggs 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil 1/4 Cup Water 1 Tablespoon of Vanilla 12-15 Wellness Old Mother Hubbard Fall Favorite biscuits 1 Tablespoon of Honey (optional) 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin tray with liners 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and baking soda 4. In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin, eggs, honey, oil and water until the mixture is blended

It’s Spooky Season and one of our favorite things about this time of year (other than all things pumpkin) is planning the most important pet outfit of the season: Halloween costumes for dogs, cats, and ourselves. But, mostly, our dogs and cats! Like any good outfit, you want a dog or pet cat Halloween costume to do three things: 1. Make a Statement – Timeless or of the times. Super cute or super scary. Pick a vibe that fits your pet’s style and personality, and go with it. 2. Be Cute But Comfy – Consider the size, materials, and durability of the costume—and make sure it doesn’t restrict any movements, like walking, going potty, or eating and drinking. 3. Turn Heads – Whether that’s making people howl with laughter, squeal with delight, or possibly even jump with furr-ight, make it a sight they won’t soon forget. Now that we know what we’re trying to achieve with the ultimate Halloween costumes for dogs and cats, let’s talk inspiration and really get those ideas flowing. It can be as simple as Halloween masks for dogs or cats, or as fully committed as full-body cat or dog and owner Halloween costumes. Either way, we’re talking dressed-up cats and dogs—so you know it’s sure to be pawsitively purrfect. But here are a few ideas across several different cat-egories for dog or cat Halloween costumes that are sure to be the talk of the town.

Moving into a new place with your cat and a roommate can be exciting but also a little stressful, especially if your cat has never lived with anyone else or your roommate has never had a cat. From being clear on boundaries and cat proofing your home to giving treats and joining playtime, we’ve got tips you can use to help your cat and roommate establish their own healthy routine, so they can have a happy relationship from the start. Careful, though: If all goes too well, your roommate may replace you as your cat’s favorite human. Getting your roommate’s input ahead of moving in on what areas are and are not okay for your cat is a small gesture that goes a long way in creating positive anticipation for living together. Even if your cat’s curiosity might not always agree, it’s important to respect the rules around physical space from the start. Here are 3 questions to ask your roommate to get the conversation started about boundaries:1. “Are there any areas in the apartment (or our home) where you’d prefer cats not to go?” This helps establish clear zones where your roommate may want to keep your cat out, such as their bedroom or certain common spaces, like the kitchen. 2. “How do you feel about cats being on shared furniture like the couch or dining table?” In areas your cat is okay to be in, it’s important to

In honor of Happy Healthy Cat Month this September, we chatted with Lori Dover, president and founder of St. Huckleberry Animal Fund, an organization that prioritizes animal well-being in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Q: You founded St. Huckleberry Animal Fund in honor of your kitten, Huckleberry. Could you tell us about his impact on you and your drive to make a difference?  A: St. Huckleberry Animal Fund is named in honor of my beloved kitten, Huckleberry.  Based out of my hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana, the St. Huckleberry Animal Fund mission statement is to provide and promote the humane treatment of all animals by building a global movement to end animal cruelty and a motivating force for good on their behalf. Q: Can you tell us about your background before St. Huckleberry?  A: My career background includes art acquisition and R&D (research and development) in creating and bringing to market innovative products in the Pet category that solve real problems for pets and pet parents. Shortly before the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I debuted an LED technology and Fiber-optic illuminated dog safety leash on QVC. A few months later, my hometown was devastated by 4 historic disasters (in the span of 9 months) which resulted in extreme economic hardship on the human scale, and far worse for animal welfare.   St. Huckleberry Animal Fund volunteers distributing Wellness cat food at free event on August 30, 2024 Q: Since founding your organization in 2021, what

With the back-to-school season in full swing, your pets may be wondering where all their favorite people went! After spending the summer surrounded by friends and family, they might find the sudden quiet of being home unsettling, which may lead to separation anxiety. If your pets seem a little more anxious these days, don’t fret—we’ve got some tips on spotting separation anxiety in dogs and cats, and how to soothe their nerves as they adjust to a new routine Many dogs and cats associate their owner’s presence with safety and stability, which helps them stay calm. When that familiar presence is removed, pets sometimes struggle to cope and act out with anxious behaviors. Although separation anxiety can look slightly different in dogs and cats, the symptoms are there if you know what to watch for. What can be mistaken for a bit of barking or the occasional accident when you’re away, could really be a sign your pet is struggling when you have to be apart. Once you understand how your pet may express stress when you’re away, then you’ll be better equipped to take the right steps to help them calm down. Whether you’re dealing with puppy separation anxiety or anxiety in older dogs, no matter the age of your canine companions, here are some behaviors to note. 1. Excessive Barking or Howling: Dogs may bark, whine, or howl continuously when left alone. Since howling is how dogs often

There’s always something new to discover when you set out on a hike, but choosing a dog friendly trail so you can go hiking with dogs is sure to up your entertainment on any adventure. From all the unexpected sights to the exciting new sounds (and don’t forget a whole lot of fresh smells!), your favorite furry friend can help you experience a trail like never before. But not every trail is a dog trail! It’s important to do your research before you get out on trails with dogs. 4 Key Things to Know Before Hiking With Dogs 1. Where you’re going—and that it is, in fact, a dog friendly hiking trail 2. Any policies related to dogs on the trail, i.e. if it’s an on or off leash dog hike 3. That you and your big or small active dog are prepared for it—from the terrain type to the trail length 4. The weather for the day you plan to go hiking with a dog Depending on the terrain, trail length and weather, another big part of prep when hiking with pets is to make sure you have the right essentials packed for your four-legged canine companion: leash, poop bags, pet first aid kit, plus plenty of food and water with a collapsible bowl. Wellness® Puppy Bites are easy-to-pack treats for walks with dogs, and you might consider beefing up their diet for a little extra energy with Wellness®

Summer may almost be over, but that doesn’t mean the fun in the sun—or the traveling with pets—has to end just yet! No matter if you’re into pet friendly road trips or flying with a dog or cat, there’s still time to load up your four-legged family members for one last summer hurrah in some of the best pet friendly cities across the U.S. To help with the last-minute planning, we’ve put together this list of the best places to travel with pets in each corner of the country, including a few comfy pet friendly accommodations and must-see pet friendly attractions for each. Northeast: Boston, Massachusetts It’s very walkable, filled with dog friendly parks and trails, and will give you and your big or small dog a healthy dose of history in addition to exercise. Where to Go: Boston Common (America’s oldest park!), Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, The Back Bay Fens full of dog friendly trails, 2.5-mile Freedom Trail. Where to Stay: The Liberty Hotel (a Wellness Pet Company personal favorite dog friendly hotel!) Helpful to Know: While service animals are allowed on the Boston T public trains and subway cars at all times, non-service dogs of all sizes are welcome during off-peak hours (7-10 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays) as long as they’re well-behaved, leashed and do not take up a seat. South: Austin, Texas There are dog parks, pet friendly patios and green spaces galore—plus beaches

August is National Dog Month, a time to shower our furry best friends with extra love and appreciation. But beyond the cuddles and belly rubs, it’s also a perfect opportunity to support their wellbeing and happiness. A healthy pet starts with a high-quality diet like Wellness® that supports the 5 Signs of Wellbeing™. And now you can boost that great nutrition with a daily multi-benefit supplement. This simple daily supplement provides the added supplementation your dog needs to support a healthy body all around. This year, consider incorporating a multi-benefit dog supplement into their routine! Just like us, dogs have complex nutritional needs. While a balanced diet is essential, a multi-benefit supplement can provide that extra boost to support various aspects of their wellbeing. Here’s how these Wellness® scientifically backed Multi-Benefit supplements can support your dog’s health: Supporting Vibrant Skin and Coat: The first thing someone will notice about your dog’s health will be the health of their skin and coat. It is a window into the body that can represent nutritional health, immune health, and hormone balance. Sometimes, despite a high-quality diet and a healthy pet, the coat could still use a smoothing shining boost. This supplement includes zinc, which is needed for a number of enzymes essential in rapidly dividing cells like those of the skin and for converting some fatty acids into usable forms that benefit the skin and coat.1-4 Wellness® Multi-Benefit supplement is also rich in