Signs and Symptoms That Your Pet Suffers from Allergies

Posted on May 26, 2022 - 3:59 pm by
Taste of the Wild

They might be itchy. They might be scratchy. They might be runny or even a little wheezy. If your pet is any of these, they might be suffering from allergies. But, as with any pet ailment, it’s not always easy to determine what they’re allergic to, or even if there’s an allergy!

Types and Causes of Allergies In Pets

A dog standing in tall grass about to sneeze.

Pet allergies can present in many different ways, with a wide range of symptoms in both dogs and cats.

If you suspect your dog or cat has an allergy, the first thing to do is determine what kind of allergy you might be dealing with. Your veterinarian will likely do the heavy lifting here, but it helps you as a pet parent to have a working knowledge of the different types of pet allergies, allergic reactions and maybe a little understanding of the immune system.

Food Allergies in Pets

A cat standing on a countertop eating food out of a metal bowl.

Pet allergies to foods are a lot less common than many people think.

Food allergies are often confused with food sensitivities or intolerances. Allergy or intolerance is an important distinction when determining food allergies in your pet. A true allergy is when something, like food, triggers an immune response from your pet’s body. This response can manifest as anything from a simple rash to a dangerous situation where your pet has trouble breathing. An intolerance, on the other paw, is more of a digestive problem, where your pet has trouble (for any number of reasons) digesting a certain food. The problem is that an intolerance can look on the outside an awful lot like a food allergy, and usually your vet has to dig deeper to determine the actual cause of your pet’s allergy.

The immune response your pet’s body uses to fight an actual food allergy can appear superficially as simple itchiness, skin blotches, swelling or bald patches of fur. However, food allergies can also cause severe digestive problems like diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain.

Food allergies are no joke. Because symptoms can overlap with other types of allergies and illnesses, your veterinarian may recommend a diet trial to help identify the offending allergen. Once you have confirmed that your dog is allergic to certain foods, you will have a better idea of what dietary options to try. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions can pose serious health risks, so if you suspect a food allergy, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian for guidance.

Environmental Allergies in Pets

A white and tan dog standing in a field of grass and dandelions.

Dog allergies can be triggered by a variety of things in the environment.

“Seasonal allergies” is a phrase that is regularly thrown around, and it’s somewhat misleading. If your pet is allergic to something, they’re allergic to it all year round, it just may not be present in the environment all year. Like allergy season in people, pets become uncomfortable during this time or worse. Environmental allergies are the second-most common cause of allergic skin disease in dogs, behind flea allergy dermatitis, which we’ll discuss later.

Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds is the frontrunner for most common environmental allergens. In the spring, tree pollen might be the main cause of your pet’s allergy symptoms. Once summer hits, grass pollen becomes the enemy, and that can cause symptoms until the snow covers it all up! As fall falls, ragweed, sagebrush and wormwood release weed pollen. Though it’s common to say, “pollen allergy,” there are many different types of pollen. And your pet can be allergic to more than one.

While pollen is somewhat seasonal depending on where you live, other environmental allergies can be present all year long. Dust, dust mites, mold spores and dander may cause skin or sinus issues in your pet. But how do you determine where those allergies are actually coming from? To confirm environmental allergies, your vet may suggest additional testing, followed by allergy shots (immunotherapy) or other treatments.

Everything You Need to Know About Flea Allergies and Flea Protection Products

A yellow dog wearing a blue collar lying on grass.

Dog allergies to tiny fleas can cause big problems.

In the U.S. alone, there are 300 different types of fleas. Different species of fleas may have a particular host that they prefer, but when push comes to shove, most fleas will latch on to any animal that’s available — even you!

Fleas are ranked as one of the most common pet allergies for dogs. Just one flea bite can trigger a severe allergic reaction in sensitive dogs, leading to intense itching, red, inflamed skin, hair loss, scabs and more. Flea prevention is the key to avoiding flare-ups.

Flea control products for dogs come in many forms, including shampoos, collars, spot-on topical treatments and oral treatments. You can read about the differences between each type below but always ask your veterinarian which prescription or over-the-counter flea products are right for your dog.

A Limited Ingredient Diet May Help Bring Allergy Relief

Five bags of Taste of the Wild Prey dog food.

Pet allergy symptoms might be alleviated with a limited-ingredient diet.

Although it can seem like your pet’s stomach is invincible, certain foods may not agree with your dog or cat. In fact, adverse food reactions can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, gurgling tummies and — the bane of dog owners everywhere — excess gas. Or your pet may experience red, itchy skin and/or chronic ear infections.

Your veterinarian can help rule out parasites, infections and other possible causes and determine if your pet’s food really might be the problem. The best way to diagnose — and eventually treat — a food allergy or intolerance is to perform a diet trial for 8 to 12 weeks, during which your pet must only eat the prescribed food – no treats, table scraps, flavored medications, etc. Then, specific ingredients are added back into the diet one at a time to see if your pet reacts to them.

Limited ingredient diets for dogs and cats contain four key ingredients or less — so there are fewer components to potentially irritate your pet’s digestive tract. Each diet contains only a single animal protein source, such as pasture-raised Angus beef, cage-free turkey or trout raised in spring-fed waters.

READ MORE ABOUT FIGHTING ALLERGIES WITH A LIMITED INGREDIENT DIET

A Pet Allergy Isn’t the End of the World

Dog allergies or pet allergies in general can be difficult to diagnose. Allergy symptoms, allergic reactions, allergy testing, seasonal allergies, allergy shots: It’s enough for a pet owner to want to seal your pet up in a bubble! But with a little investigation and maybe a lot of help from your veterinarian, that itchy skin and those allergic reactions can be things of the past!

6 Tips for Capturing Great Action Shots of Your Pet

Posted on May 26, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Our Taste of the Wild senses are saying, “Your Instagram page needs more pet photos.” Why? Your pet pictures not only brighten your followers’ day, but they also help everyone de-stress and be more productive. Photos and videos of your furry friend hold a lot of power! And with great power comes great responsibility … to take awesome photos.

Therefore, we’ve compiled six tips for taking the perfect action snapshot of your animal. Grab your smartphone and Fido. It’s a great day for a photo.

GET YOUR PHONE READY

Most phones can now shoot in “burst mode,” a setting meant for quick-moving animals and their owners. This option allows you to take photos continuously as long as you hold down the button. Burst mode works best in well-lit conditions, so make note of tip 3 when using this setting.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Next, your pet will need a spacious area to run, jump and spring into action. This could mean visiting the local dog park, finding a spot out in the backyard or moving the indoor furniture around to give your pet room to roam. Remember, the more interesting the setting, the more interesting the photo.

LET THERE BE (NATURAL) LIGHT

If you’re outdoors, look for open spaces with little to no shade for best lighting. But try not to shoot at high noon on a sunny day! The best time for photos is the last hour or two of sunlight, right before sunset. Position the camera so the sun is behind you, illuminating your pet evenly.

When gearing up for photos indoors, peel back the curtains and let as much natural light shine in as possible. The rule of little to no shade applies indoors, too, and means don’t use the flash on your phone. The flash button is not your friend. Flash can be startling to pets, and it can cause distorted color in the photo, if it doesn’t wash out all the details.

PATIENCE PAYS

You’ll want your pet to remember photo time as an enjoyable adventure. Putting extra patience in your back pocket wouldn’t be a bad idea. It’s likely you won’t get your perfect snapshot on the first try.

Your pet might need to scope out their photo location, the props and their favorite photographer. Bring along your pet’s favorite treats and toys, as well as positive affirmations to help boost their photo-taking confidence.

SET UP THE FRAME

Once your pet is comfortable with the setting, decide which action shots you’re going to go with for the day and set the scene (and your camera) accordingly. Here are just a few ideas to get those gears turning.

  • Run-to-me photo: This can be done by calling your pet to you or you can recruit a partner to throw a toy toward your direction.
  • Leap-for-the-toy photo: Toss a toy up in the air or dangle stick toys in front of your pet to get them moving.
  • Obstacle-course-ahead photo: Create an obstacle course out of boxes, pop-up tunnels and tiny ramps for your furry friend to complete.
  • Bath-time-beauty photo: If your pet needs a bath and you have a partner to take photos, get out that kiddy pool and pet shampoo.

Now, position yourself at your pet’s eye level or lower for the best angles. You may find yourself lying on your belly, so take a blanket, towel or pillow along. Just like with your setting, the more interesting the angle, the more interesting the photo. Not every photo needs the subject dead center in the frame, looking headlong at the lens. Mix it up! You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Motivate your pet to complete your action shot choice by calling their name, providing them with a treat, throwing a toy or having a partner guide them along the way. Keep your finger close to the shutter button as more action shots or a huge yawn from running around could come shortly after they’ve completed their main task.

Cue the drumroll. How’d you and your pet’s photo adventures go?

Once you’ve had a chance to review all the pictures, we would love to see your final action snapshots. Be sure to tag us on Instagram, Facebook and/or X!

RELATED POST: Adventures in the Wild: Road-Tripping with Your Pets

Behind the Breed: Bullmastiffs

Posted on May 19, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Fearless and imposing, the bullmastiff is a working dog with a purpose. This large, imposing breed was developed by 19th-century hunters to guard and protect game on English estates. Poaching on estates was an extensive problem, so gamekeepers crossed English mastiffs with the now-extinct Olde English bulldog to create a guard dog that would protect and defend deer and other game. To this day, bullmastiffs are still trained to track without barking or biting, with the goal of holding poachers without injuring them until their masters can get to the intruders.

Bullmastiffs stand as high as 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 100 and 130 pounds. Their imposing, broad heads and deep muzzles merge to create an alert expression that conveys the confidence these guards possess. Their coats come in fawn, red or brindle, and their “flying nun” ears — named after the famous headgear Sally Field donned in her 1960s TV show — usually come in at about four to six months.

John D. Rockefeller brought bullmastiffs to the U.S. in the 1920s to guard his home in upstate New York., and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed just a few years later in 1924. In 1928, the famous jewelry company De Beers imported bullmastiffs to South Africa to guard their diamond mines.

Bullmastiffs have been popular companions to stars, notably musicians like Christina Aguilera, Jon Bon Jovi and Bob Dylan. Some bullmastiffs have been lucky enough to star on the big screen themselves, such as Sylvester Stallone’s bullmastiff, Butkus, who appeared in Rocky when he was six weeks old. Bullmastiffs are also featured in American sports, with the Cleveland Browns’ bullmastiff mascot, Swagger.

Similar to the Rottweiler and cane corso breeds, the bullmastiff was bred to be a guard dog. Today they are described as “fearless and confident, yet docile” — willing to please their masters. They will set their property boundaries and defend them fiercely, only relenting when their masters accept their guests. Bullmastiffs don’t always get along with other dogs, but they do thrive on obedience and training classes. Given the right amount of attention and socialization, bullmastiffs will become an integral part of their owners’ families.

An interior graphic detailing four quick facts about bullmastiffs.

Clicker Training for Cats: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on May 12, 2022 - 2:08 pm by
A cartoon hand holding a clicker with sound waves emanating from it.

It’s not just clever canines who can be trained to follow commands and do tricks — fancy felines can do it, too! While cats don’t live for praise like dogs do, as long as you’ve got a tasty treat ready, they’re usually quite willing to follow your cues.

Clicker training cats has many benefits. It provides your cat with mental stimulation, it strengthens your bond with your cat, and it can help curb bad behaviors like counter surfing or furniture scratching. You can also use clicker training as a way to teach your cat some fun tricks! Here are some cat training tips to get you started.

How Does Cat Clicker Training Work?

Obviously, the first thing you’ll need is a clicker. Some clickers are louder than others, so you may have to test which clicker your cat prefers. You’ll also need to pick up a pack of your cat’s favorite treats. These need to be small, high-value treats that they can’t resist — don’t use their normal cat food or treats as they won’t be as motivated by these. Make sure you use the right reward; if your cat isn’t food-motivated, then use a favorite toy instead. Either way, you’ll want to reserve the reward for training time only.

Start by introducing your feline friend to the clicker. Push the button on the device and then immediately hand them their high-value reward. If you’re using a toy, pick it up after a few seconds. Repeat these steps for as long as your cat is interested; training sessions will probably only last a few minutes. The training process may take some time, but once your cat begins to understand that a reward is given after the clicking sound, they’ll start looking for treats or the toy when they hear the clicker. Once they start responding consistently to the clicker, you’re ready to teach your cat some tricks!

How to Train a Cat to Sit

Begin by holding the clicker in one hand and a reward in the other. When your cat is standing on all fours, place the reward in front of their nose. Once they begin to sniff the reward, slowly move it from their nose to their ear. In the process, they will likely raise their chin, eyes and back before placing their bottom on the floor. As soon as your cat sits on the floor, click and give them a reward. Once they’re catching on, you can add in the vocal cue “sit.” Timing will be essential for your cat to learn this behavior. Repeat, repeat and repeat some more!

Train Your Cat to Wave

If your friends are impressed that your cat sits on command, this will blow their mind. Grab your clicker and your cat’s reward. Hide the reward in your hand in front of your cat’s nose. When they extend their paw to investigate, quickly click and reward them before your cat makes contact with your hand. Repeat these motions, but raise your fist a little higher each time until your cat cannot reach your hand.

Click and reward every attempt at first. In later training sessions, click and reward only during the highest waves. After your cat is consistently offering a wave, you can transition from a closed hand to a small hand wave. Now you’ll be able to wave at your cat — and they’ll wave back!

Using Clicker Training to Encourage Good Behavior

You can also use clicker training to help curb unwanted behavior like scratching furniture. First, purchase a scratching post if you don’t already own one. Set the post up somewhere that you can easily see when your cat uses it. Push the clicker the exact moment your cat is scratching the post, then immediately follow that with their chosen reward (treat or toy). Timing will be crucial. Every time you see your cat scratching the correct surface, immediately click and provide the reward. While they’re still learning, it can help to cover up the furniture to avoid temptation.

As with all cat training exercises, repetition is important to reinforce this positive behavior. When your cat habitually scratches the correct surface, you can gradually phase out the clicker and rewards.

How to Train a Kitten with a Clicker

It doesn’t matter whether you have a kitten or a senior cat, you can try clicker training cats of any age. Training kittens is usually easier, but they also have shorter attention spans. Approach training a kitten the same way that you would an adult cat; kittens may be more likely to appreciate a toy reward, though. And just like any form of training, consistency is key.

Cat Training Is Possible!

Despite popular belief, cats are quite trainable, just like dogs. However, it will take some time, treats, patience and positive reinforcement to train them to learn each command you introduce. Training sessions will likely keep your cat’s focus for only a few minutes.

After your cat learns these basic skills, you can go on to teach them how to roll over, jump through a hoop, feel more comfortable with their carrier and so on. The possibilities are endless for you and your kitty cat!

Can My Dog Eat That? Peas

Posted on May 5, 2022 - 2:05 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our new series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Read on!

Yes, most dogs likely can eat most peas (with a few caveats).

In fact, peas, much like carrots and other vegetables, pack such a nutritional punch that they’re quite popular ingredients in pet food. Loaded with carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants and protein, peas are good additions to pet foods. A single serving of peas provides nearly the entire daily portion of amino acids a dog needs. Some studies even suggest that if peas are the primary source of carbohydrates in an obese dog’s diet, the dog’s insulin levels might be lowered.

If you’re considering offering your dog peas as an additional snack outside of the dog food bag, they are indeed a great option in moderation. Green peas and snow peas are perfect little treats for most dogs because they’re not only nutritious but small like kibble, so there’s low choking danger.

Not All Peas Are Sweet Options

Here’s the caveat: Sweet peas — the flowering, nonedible plant that isn’t a vegetable — should always be avoided. Sweet peas contain a toxin called aminopropionitrile, which can cause weakness, lethargy, seizures and even death. Even a single sweet pea contains enough aminopropionitrile to make your dog seriously ill. If you suspect that your dog has ingested aminopropionitrile or any other poison, call the Pet Poison Helpline IMMEDIATELY at (855) 764-7661.

Serving Them Up

When serving your dog peas, always make sure that they are shelled. The shells can crack in your dog’s mouth and become a choking hazard. But once free of their shelled prisons, snow peas are safe to eat.

You can feed them fresh peas one-by-one as treats, add a few cooked peas to your dog’s regular food to dress it up a bit, or even add a tiny dollop of blended peas to any meal. If you’re using frozen peas, make sure to thaw them completely as frozen peas can be hard to chew and could become choking hazards.

If your dog has kidney issues, peas should mostly be avoided, as peas contain uric acid, a substance that can cause kidney stones in dogs without fully functioning kidneys. And, as always, before changing your dog’s diet in any way, consult with your veterinarian. Every dog is different, and your veterinarian knows them better than anyone but you.

However you serve them, peas are a fine addition to most dogs’ diets.

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RELATED POST: Can My Dog Eat That: A Guide by Taste of the Wild

Summer Safety Tips for Your New Puppy

Posted on April 28, 2022 - 2:22 pm by
An interior graphic detailing 5 different summer safety tips for puppies.

There are several benefits to getting a puppy in or just before summer. Kids are out of school, so they may have extra time to devote to training and bonding with a new summer puppy. Walks are rarely pre-empted by the weather. Driving in the car with the windows down is a doggy delight.

But the summer sun can be every bit as dangerous to a puppy as frostbitten toes. Here are a few tips for prioritizing summer puppy safety while still enjoying all the fun summer has to offer.

A LITTLE SUN GOES A LONG WAY FOR SUMMER PUPPIES

Although puppies are balls of energy, they don’t need nearly as much exercise as adults. While there’s no absolute minute count for how much exercise a puppy needs (it varies by age and breed), 15 to 20 minutes twice a day in the first few months should suffice. But with soaring summer temperatures, even that much time outside can be too much.

Whether it’s hot or cold or anywhere in between, always pay attention to your puppy’s panting and energy level to see when they’re ready to call it a day. But in the summer, note that if you’re feeling hot, they are too… and also consider the fur coat they’re wearing. (Pet parents of short-nose breeds like pugs and bulldogs will need to take extra caution, as those breeds are more prone to overheating.) Try to limit walks to early mornings or evenings, and carry water with you at all times. Dogs regulate their body temperature from the ground up. Hot asphalt can be dangerous to a puppy’s sensitive paws and will cause their body temperature to rise faster. Walk your dog in the grass and let them splash in a puddle, stream or wading pool to help cool off. Similar to cold-weather booties, you can even opt to protect your dog’s paws with a pair of cooling shoes.

WHEN IT’S TOO HOT, PUPPY SAFETY BEGINS INSIDE

Due to their smaller size, you may be able to sneak extra exercise indoors, and you can mix it up by using “play” as training exercises. Use a long hallway to teach your puppy how to fetch. Or play hide-and-seek: Teach the puppy to “stay” while you go hide, then call to them once and reward them when they find you. Avoid using stairs for exercise, though, as the growth plates in a puppy’s bones are not completely formed, and the wrong impact could cause permanent damage.

FREEZE IT FOR SUMMER PUPPY GOODNESS

Let your puppy participate in outdoor fun with some delicious cool treats made just for them. Another way to keep pups cool but entertained is by creating an ice lick from water and chicken broth. Freeze toys and treats inside the mixture. They’ll love the taste while seeing how many licks it takes to get to the reward.

NEVER, EVER LEAVE YOUR PUPPY IN A PARKED CAR

If you are going anywhere alone, then use your absence as crate-training practice. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows cracked can break 102 degrees in just 10 minutes and reach 120 degrees in 30 minutes. If there is a chance you’d have to leave your pup alone in the car, make other arrangements. Keep in mind that you should never leave any pet, regardless of age, inside a hot car.

TAKE SUMMER PUPPY SAFETY SERIOUSLY

Just like with most wild animals, your puppy has instincts. Wild instincts. Just like small children, puppies need extra care in extreme environments (like in high temperatures and around water). Keep in mind your puppy’s breed and the behaviors they’re inclined to when considering summer activities. And always consult your veterinarian for information about the safety and health of your puppy. Good luck, and remember: The only hot dogs in your yard this summer should be on the grill.

An interior graphic detailing 5 different summer safety tips for puppies.

RELATED POST: Taking the Plunge: Water Safety Tips for Dogs

A new puppy text graphic with a white, tan and black puppy lying in the grass.

Dogs at Work: Beagles

Posted on April 21, 2022 - 8:37 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Known for their soft expressions, noisy baying and fiercely acute noses, beagles are loved by multitudes around the world. Distant cousins to foxhounds and harriers, these hardworking scenthounds often have naughty streaks, yet, with the right coaching and enough training, are extremely loyal to their packs — whether hunting rabbits and other small game or hunting snuggles on the couch.

The beagle has a long but contested history dating back to around 400 B.C., when the breed was mentioned in ancient Greek documents. Even the breed’s name is challenged, however, with some saying it derives from the French term for the open-throated bellowing sound beagles make in the field: “be’geule.” Others say that the name comes from the Gaelic word “beag,” meaning small.

Some reports of small “foothound” packs hunting rabbits and hares in England date back to 55 B.C., where the Romans were thought to have arrived with the small breed. A breed for the “common man,” the beagle was considered ideal for English gentlemen who didn’t have the means to afford feed or stables for horses, but still wanted to have the thrill of the chase and the hunt.

Beagles were imported to the U.S. in the late 1880s and became a recognized breed in the American Kennel Club circa 1885. Small and compact, the breed comes in two varieties measured at the shoulder. The first variety is for dogs smaller than 13 inches, while the second variety is a little taller, standing between 13 and 15 inches. Built like miniature foxhounds, the beagle should be muscular and solid, with floppy ears that frame the face. However, one of their most important features is their nose, which can house more than 220 million scent receptors. Beagles also have white tips on their tails called “flags” that help hunters on foot spot them in the field.

Some famous beagles include Snoopy, the lovable but headstrong companion of Charlie Brown from the Peanuts cartoons, as well as Uno and Miss P, the only beagles to have won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club, in 2008 and 2015, respectively.

Congenial and tolerant, beagles are ideal family dogs, but they can be a little obstinate when those 220 million receptors kick in and they pick up a scent. An ideal beagle home will include a fenced-in backyard where they can follow their noses without escaping. With adequate training and a little patience, beagles can be affectionate and loyal family dogs.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about beagles.

Crafting a PURRfect Cat Adventure

Posted on April 14, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

It’s pretty common to see pet owners taking their dogs to the park, on vacation, or on other adventures. But what about cat owners and their furry companions? Adventure shouldn’t be limited to the canine set. Smokey and Socks deserve an adventure, too!

We will admit, however, that cats take a little more prep work before embarking on a fantastic journey. Unlike a dog, Smokey may need a bit more time to get acclimated to adventuring, and it may be more than a simple, “Let’s jump into the car and go, furry friend!”

Don’t fret, though. We’ll walk you through a variety of potential kitty adventures, along with how to best get your cat ready for each.

Harness Up for a Backyard Adventure

Do you have a backyard for Socks to explore? No matter if it’s a small fenced-in section or a large open space, all your cat will see is, “Adventure!” First, you’ll want to choose the right size harness for your cat. Harnesses are typically sized by weight and length of the body and chest —grab that sewing tape measure to help find the perfect fit.

Next, place the harness on your cat without the leash for a couple of minutes to introduce them to the feeling. They may walk funny or lay down as they get used to this new-to-them item. Give them a treat prior to taking the harness off to let them know they’ve done a great job.

Gradually increase the amount of time your cat wears the harness over the next several days or several weeks (each cat is different). Continue to provide them a treat before taking the harness off.

Once you feel that Socks is ready to see the great outdoors, attach the leash to the harness, and give them ample time to get comfortable with this new attachment. After they walk around comfortably like there is nothing attached to them, open the door and let them lead the way. Stay close to the door in case they get nervous. And be sure to let them know it’s alright. Your furry pal may need time to sniff the air, try the grass and take it all in. However, once they’re ready to go, be prepared to adventure around the backyard farther!

To Grandmother’s House We Go

Take Smokey on an adventure to visit friends or family nearby. If your four-legged friend is used to riding in a car only for vet visits, note that you may get a front-row seat to a cat opera on the first few drives. Over time, Smokey will begin to associate car rides with something other than a vet visit, and the cat opera might not be an encore performance every time.

The first step to a weekend adventure with friends or family is making sure they live in a location that allows pets. Next, pack all the necessities for a night away from home. This includes a water bowl, food bowl, food, litter box and a favorite toy.

After you get everything packed, load up the carrier and buckle Smokey in for their safety, your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.

When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier and let them ease out on their own to explore. Before they join you all for movies and games, show Smokey where their food, water bowl and litter box are set up.

Take Your Cat on a Hike

Go take a hike — with your cat! If you like to walk or hike nearby trails, consider purchasing a cat backpack for Socks to join you. Make sure you know your cat’s weight and measurements before purchasing a cat backpack. You’ll want to give them enough room to move around comfortably.  Just as with car rides and harnesses, your pet will need to be acclimated to the backpack prior to jetting out to the trails for an hour-long hike. We recommend placing the backpack in a room they frequent and letting them investigate this new-to-them piece. Place a few treats in the backpack for incentive to explore the entire bag. Follow up with, “Good Socks!” when you see them interacting with the backpack. Positive reinforcement will be just as important as the treats.

Once you see Socks is comfortable with the backpack, start to close it in small increments. Reward your cat with a treat every time you close it a little more. When they’re comfortable, zip up the backpack fully and try to walk a small distance in the house with the bag on your back. Work your way up from there, evaluating your cat’s comfort levels throughout the process.

Next, try a hiking short distance around your backyard or while walking out to grab the mail. Continue with positive reinforcement and treats for their efforts. Eventually, you and Socks will be out on the trails ready for adventure!

Additional Thoughts

Before taking your furry friend on an adventure, consider gifting them with a collar and tag, or taking them to the vet to get microchipped. You’ll want someone to be able to reach you in case a furry adventure goes awry and Socks wanders off too far.

Also, you’ll know the difference between your cat adjusting to new adventures and your cat being in extreme distress. If you notice your cat is extremely distressed in the process of taking them on an adventure, do not proceed further.

You can still provide your cat with an adventure from the comfort of your home. Consider building forts of boxes and blankets and getting the laser pointer out as an alternative. “Adventure” means something a little different to everyone, especially to cats. Give your cat theirs!

RELATED POST: How to Walk a Cat on a Leash

Can My Dog Eat Blueberries?

Posted on April 7, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Read on!

Can dogs have blueberries? For humans, blueberries are arguably a perfect snack. They’re loaded with nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. They’re low in calories because of a high water content. They’re poppable. And, possibly most importantly, they taste good!

But like with many delicious human foods, you’ll often see some puppy-dog eyes (both real and metaphorical) peering at you while you snack. Is it OK if dogs eat blueberries, though? Dogs can eat watermelon and pineapple, so can your dog indulge in a few of these blue sweet treats, either whole or in any other format?

Are Blueberries Good for Dogs?

Yes, you can feed your dog blueberries in all forms. They’re a great fruit that’s often labeled as a superfood! Though it’s always a good idea to consider opting for blueberries as an ingredient in trusted dog food, you can feed your beggin’ buddy fresh or frozen blueberries in moderation. Be wary, though. Blueberries are generally small treats, but when dogs eat blueberries they are in danger of choking, especially small breeds or puppies. Frozen blueberries are especially a danger to small dogs.

When Dogs Eat Blueberries, They Eat a Superfood with Super Benefits

Because of all the nutrients blueberries offer in one tiny package, they’re often labeled as “superfoods.” These nutrient-packed fruits are a key source of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. In pet food, superfoods are also functional ingredients. Functional ingredients provide bonus benefits beyond basic nutrition when they are part of a complete and balanced diet. Antioxidants and fiber provide some of these benefits.

Blueberries’ main claim as a superfood is that they are rife with antioxidants, which is good news for pet owners. Antioxidants protect your dog from the damaging effects of free radicals, which, if left unchecked, can result in health issues like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants in superfoods like blueberries can work with the antioxidants naturally produced by the body to control these free radicals. Antioxidants also support the immune system and maintenance of healthy skin, and it’s been proven that they can help slow your dog’s mental aging.

But the benefits don’t stop there. The fiber offered by blueberries supports healthy digestion, which is something that both dogs and dog parents can appreciate. So offering your dog blueberries in food that is already good for them, like blueberry yogurt — homemade because store- bought blueberry yogurt is loaded with sugar or xylitol, which is deadly for dogs — can allow them to have a healthy snack that they love.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins?

Though you can feed blueberries to your dog, it’s not a good idea to offer blueberry muffins, which are usually packed with sugar. When dogs eat too much, sugar they can suffer from vomiting and diarrhea, not to mention more long-term issues like diabetes.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Blueberries?

In lieu of fresh blueberries, dried blueberries can be a great snack, especially if you dry them yourself. If you buy store-bought dried blueberries, be sure to watch the sugar content, because it is usually high.

As Always, Treat in Moderation

Too many blueberries aren’t good for anyone, especially dogs. General consensus is that your dog’s  treats or snacks should consist of no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake. But for that 10 percent? You can’t go wrong with blueberries. If you’d prefer to offer blueberries as a portion of your dog’s regular food, we have a few suggestions. As always, if you have any questions about feeding fruits or vegetables to your dog, consult your veterinarian.

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Dogs at Work: Boxers

Posted on March 31, 2022 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Known as lovable, affectionate, intelligent, and sometimes goofy, Boxers are bright and possess a good work ethic. Their alert expression and athletic frame allows them to move smoothly and gracefully, just like the athletes whose occupation they share their name with, and—just like Muhammed Ali or Sugar Ray Leonard—they defend their families and their titles fearlessly.

Boxers and their close cousins, the bulldog and mastiff, trace their roots back to the Assyria, an ancient civilization in the Middle East. As long ago as 2000 B.C., ancestors of the boxer were used in warfare and hunting deer, wild boar and even bears. The breed was most pronounced throughout Europe and England and has been depicted in Flemish tapestries dating from the 1500s.

But it was in Germany where the boxer became the breed we know and love today. Initially known as the Bullenbeisser, the breed was part of noble German estates and became the butcher and cattle dealer’s dog. It was also in Germany where the boxer was first selected for police training, further ensuring the breed’s place as one of the ultimate working dogs.

Despite their ancient pedigree, boxers are relative newcomers to the U.S., having only been introduced at the turn of the century. Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904 in the Working Dog class, they have excelled in dog show rings including the Westminster Kennel Club show in New York, where they have won more than two dozen group wins and the overall grand prize title four times. Now, the AKC marks the breed as the 14th most popular in the country, and they’re known for their unparalleled affection for their families and children.

Early socialization with people and puppies is essential to channel the boxer’s curiosity and energy. They are highly trainable, but often get bored with repetition, so they’re excellent at a broad range of canine activities including agility, dock diving, obedience and even herding. They also excel at being service dogs, and their imposing frames and alert expressions make them exceptional drug detection and search-and-rescue dogs.

And, they’re well-choreographed.

Most boxer owners will tell you about the “kidney bean” dance boxers do—a wild contortion where they excitedly twist their bodies into a semicircle and start turning circles, the wild ballet outward proof of their unequaled status as lovers, not fighters. Whether your boxer is a working dog defending their titles in the show ring, or dancing for the family, they’ll show you why they’re one of America’s favorite dog breeds.

An interior graphic detailing five fun facts about boxers.

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