TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FAMILY DOG

Many people choose a dog because it’s cute and then run into problems because it’s personality conflicts with the needs of the adoptive family.  That’s where a little soul searching is necessary. First, you need to decide what traits your dog will need in order to adapt well to its new home, i.e how long will the dog be left alone most days, what energy level and size is best suited for your household (dogs like terriers are high energy dogs, and greyhounds, although large, are very low energy dogs and require minimal interaction with their owners).  Once you’ve decided what breed, age and personality traits you are looking for in a dog then you can begin looking for your new family member. 

Look at your local rescue organizations.  Knowing the breed of dog that will suit your family will make a decision with any rescue group easier.  If you cannot find what you are looking for locally, look to nearby rescues organizations nearby. There is also the option of choosing a specific breed rescue. Let’s say you decided a golden retriever is the breed you want, if you do not find one locally you can search for a golden retriever rescue group. You can be specific about what personality traits you are looking for and they can match a dog that is suitable.  The groups are not always local. I got a cocker spaniel from a rescue group in Atlanta, she was a perfect addition to our family. That is also something to consider.  A rescue will already be housebroken and know basic commands.  You will want one that is crate trained as well. There’s lots of discussion about crate training, but the real story is that dogs are den animals and a crate is their safe place.  Don’t overlook black dogs. Black dogs are euthanized than any other color. Rescue dogs are very appreciative of a new home and will be a companion for years to come.

It takes a dog, whether a puppy or a rescue, three to four weeks to acclimate to their new environment, so be patient.  He will be a faithful companion for all his life.

For Choosing A Family Dog

Hot Weather Cautions

                                                                        

Summer is not officially here yet but it's hot as blazes outside.  Here are some hot weather cautions from the American Veterinary Association:

Be Prepared:

• make sure your pet has plenty of water and access to shade outside;
• keep your pet free of parasites that are common during the summer such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and heart worms;
• do not leave your pet in a car unattended.  Leave them at home when you run errands.  Cars quickly overheat to deadly temperatures even when the weather isn't severe.  If it's hotter than 70 degress it is too hot for your pet.

Signs of Heat Stress

• anxiousness;
• excess panting;
• restlessness;
• excessive drooling;
• unsteadiness;
• abnormal gum and tongue color;
• collapse

Keeping Pets Comfortable in Hot Weather

• If it's hot outside for you it's even hotter for your pet;
• take walks or hikes in the cooler part of the day;
• avoid hot surfaces that can burn your pet's paws (if the concrete is too hot for you it's too hot for your pet);
• use sunscreen; 
• on short haired dogs use sunscreen
• use sunscreen on your pet's nose

Plan ahead and have a great summer.

RAW vs KIBBLE

There have been over 140 pet food recalls in the last few years. In response to the recent concerns behind the recalls,  many pet owners are turing to raw or homemade diets.

According to Tuft University's Veterinary Medical Center, these raw and homemade recipes may not actually be a safer alternatives; they have found dogs on these diets also have issues related to some of the most recent recalls and may increase your dog's risk for many other health issues. Home-cooked diets are not tested for safety and nutritional adequacy like good quality commercial diets and deficiencies could still develop. In order to  balance the nutrition in these diets supplementation is necessary for a more complete and balanced diet.  Tuft University suggest foregoing the raw and home-cooked diets and sticking with commercial pet foods made by a well established manufacturer with recipes that contain common ingredients when choosing food for your pet.  There are many grain free foods available but don't overlook recipes with healthy grains such as oatmeal, barley or rice.

A well established manufacturer is one of the most important factors in choosing a  diet for your pet. The American Pet Product Association regulates the quality control of the pet industry and oversees manufacturing regulations for safe ingredients involved in all areas of the manufacturing process. Unlike  the larger pet food companies, smaller pet food labels like pawTree are able to maintain greater quality control over the sourcing and manufacturing process. Their recipes are nutritionally dense and may cost a little more, but the benefit is that the pet eats less of a nutrient dense recipe and is a healthier pet and fewer vet bills.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary association charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and drug remedies made in the US. Not all brands that claim their food is "balanced and complete" meet this criteria.  When choosing a food for  your pet look for the AAFCO statement on the label.  It assures you that the food actually meets the minimum requirements to be labeled "balanced and complete".

In light of the recalls many pet owners are turing to food rating sites.  According to Tuft University these sites are generally useless because they rank food by opinion rather than scientific research. Some of the brands that have been recalled remain on their lists.

The Cummings Veterinary Medical Center recommends that if you feel strongly about feeding a raw or home-cooked diet consult your veterinarian. Using supplements is a great way to give your pet the nutritional support he/she needs.

The good news surrounding the recalls and subsequent research is that it focuses on the complexities of making safe, nutritious pet food and the importance of nutritional expertise and quality control.

Fountain of Youth

My old cat has found the Fountain of Youth

                                                

• Posted on November 2, 2018
• Digestive Health

When I am out talking with pet owners, one of the most prevalent issues we discuss are frustrations with gastric problems in both cats and dogs.  Choosing a better food and the right combination of pre and probiotics can make a huge difference in the quality of life for your pet.  I found a real testimonial on the pawTree.com website about  the effectiveness of a proactive approach to health with a custom nutrition plan and the right balance of pre and probiotics.  

"My old cat who is 13 years old has been on a Rx diet for several years. He has progressively gotten worse. I attributed this being to his being ill and getting older. He would not let you touch his sides or stomach area. He was bloated and swollen looking. He growled at the other cats when they wanted to play. I decided to try the pawTree cat food. I had nothing to loose and maybe the litter box would not be such a mess. After just 1 week (miracle) on the food he started to run around with the other younger cats. After 3 weeks it was just like when he was young, happy, spry, playing with the other cats and our dogs. He loves to be pet now and purrs again. He now bothers me to feed him every night if I am not on time. As a treat I started to add pawPairings. Well he thinks he has hit the jackpot. I have too, because now my cat is happy and healthier".

  - Harriate Khalsa from Micanopy,FL

To f ind the best pet food recipe for your pet, filing out a petProfile will start you on the road to your pet's good health.  Only pawTree has this amazing tool to help pet parents know the food they are giving their pet is the right recipe for their pet.  

Get Started Here

Why pawTree? Hear from a vet.

All dogs have different nutritional needs.  How do you decided which food is the best food for your pet? Look to a company that offers a customized nutrition plan specific to your pet's needs developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists.  All natural, holistic, whole food plans for a healthier pet.

THE SOLUTION TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOD FOR YOUR PET

With all the pet food recalls in the last two years,  how can you know what food is best for your pet?  You can stand in the dog food aisle and read all the labels to get ingredient information. Does that help do you know which food helps with allergies, digestive issues, dry skin, excessive shedding or other issues specific to your pet? Is there enough protein or do I need less protein? So many brands to choose from.  It is getting harder to select a food that will give your pet the optimum health and performance that is right for your pet. If your pet has any of these issues or more, pawTree, a holistic, whole food, customized pet food company that has the solution. 

If pawTree is new to you, you may want to see reviews about our products (Dog Food Advisor is a good independent)".  Keep in mind that reviewers, in general, look for high protein diets that are rich in quality animal protein.  All of the pawTree diets are considered "high protein" diets by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials).  However, the same amount of "high protein" is not ideal for all dogs at all stages of life.  Our highest protein recipes receive 5 star rating, while our recipes that are lower in protein (but technically still "high protein") received a 4 star rating, in a blended 4.5 overall rating for the brand.  Many pets thrive better on a lower protein food at its stage of live, and neither a commercial pet store  nor on-line company will be able to factor all of a pets issues to determine a food that matches your pet's specific issues.  That's why a pet profile is so important for your pet to maintain a healthy life at all ages of his life. 

pawTree is not a "one-size-fits-all'' approach like most other brands. Choosing the right recipe can be a complex process and certainly can't be done without knowing what pet you're choosing the food for.  The pawTree approach is the solution. 

COGNITIVE DECLINE

Do you have an older pet? I'm a pet parent with a 7 year old pup, the age dogs enter their senior years. The facts are that almost 1/2 of all dog owners have a dog age 7 or older. Cognitive decline is a real issue for senior dogs in the last trimester of life. Now it's possible to teach an old dog new tricks! Nutrition plays a large part in brain health. There are ways to keep your fur child healthy and happy as he ages. Research shows that ingredients like the ingredients in Brain Drops TM have been known to increase cognitive function in senior dogs, allowing them to thrive in their twilight years. https://multibra.in/zts46