NutriSource Blogs

A new year calls for new resolutions. For some of us, it means trying out that new exercise regimen. For others, it means letting go of past mistakes and finding ways to be better.

Providing the happiest, healthiest life for your dog or cat is easier than ever, thanks to these pet-centered gadgets. Whether you’re looking for help with weight control, or need a tracker for your escape artists, these tools are worth a closer look.

Since animals make the world a better place for us humans, you may think it’s only fair that we give a little extra to make life better for our furry friends. If you’re in the mood to spread the love, giving the animals a helping hand is certain to give you the warm fuzzies!

If you want to get more time outside during the winter, your dog can be the perfect outdoor companion. That’s especially true if your dog is a cold-weather breed. (If you’re not sure, look for a double coat and thick paws, along with a tendency to bound happily outside to burrow and roll in a fresh blanket of snow.) Spending time together outside provides the perfect way to burn off some pent-up energy. Plus, playing and running through snow can provide extra toning for your dog’s body. As long as you’re out there playing with him, you’ll both enjoy the benefits of fresh air and perhaps a bit of fleeting winter sunshine.

There’s nothing that sparks joy like bringing your cat home for the first time. You likely got a cat because they require much less training and maintenance than a dog. However, some training may be necessary, as you may find your new feline friend likes to pee outside of their litterbox. Cats can be a bit stubborn at times, but training them to use their litterbox regularly is relatively easy.

Dogs are denning animals, and a crate can serve a purpose. Not unlike a teenager’s basement hideaway, providing a crate gives the family dog a cozy, comfortable space where he can relax and have some downtime when he needs it.

Almost every dog owner in existence has had the same, singular question cross their mind at some point: What does my dog see? It’s a simple-enough question on the surface, but it turns out a dog’s sight is quite complex and different from that of humans. Understanding those differences can help us better understand why our canine companions do the quirky things they do.

Leash reactivity can be a complicated problem to tackle. Emily Stoddard, owner of Canine Sports Dog Training, talked to Susan Frank on Raising Your Paws Episode # 70 about the different ways this behavior can manifest. With this blog, we wanted to go more in depth on the problem, including how you can work with your pup to change their behavior.

We all express love, affection and admiration. We understand these expressions from person to person. But the love language between you and your dog may be a bit different. We show our pups we love them in many ways: we pet them, give them treats, rub their bellies and ask them “Who’s a good boy?” in a high-pitched voice. However, it’s hard to speak the same language when you’re two separate species, which can make it a little harder to get your message across.

When it comes to finding a lovable companion that’s smart enough to help with hunting tasks, the Labrador Retriever may be one of your best choices.
In fact, for the past 29 years the American Kennel Club has ranked the Lab the No. 1 most popular dog in the country from a pool of nearly 200 breeds.

Most pet owners enjoy the tactile sensation of running their hands over their pet’s soft, cuddly fur. In fact, studies show petting a cuddly animal can actively reduce stress. That said, we’re generally not as enthusiastic about encountering their abundant fur once it’s fallen out, turned into a gazillion individual hairs and become attached to our furniture, our cars, our clothing or even our food.

If you’re among the many dedicated pet owners who end up shelling out hundreds of dollars in veterinary care every year, you may be wondering whether pet insurance would be a good future investment. The answer to that involves a lot of different factors, including your location, the age, size and breed of your pet and his preexisting conditions. Another consideration could be his projected lifespan; after all, with better pet foods and pet care, our furry friends are living longer and they’re more likely to face an age-related illness.

Most of us understand that barking is a dog’s natural mode of communication, and that dogs bark for a number of different reasons — to ward off perceived threats, to express emotions such as fear, excitement, anxiety or boredom, to greet others, etc. But that doesn’t make a relentlessly barking dog any easier to take when we’re tired, stressed, longing for peace and quiet and/or trying to listen to someone or something else.

On any given day, you may notice that Fluffy continually seeks out a beam of light in which to sunbathe for her afternoon nap. Similarly, Fido may find the warmest, sunniest patch in your yard in which to lay down and relax after a long walk or a morning of play.

Why? Like humans, many animals simply like the soothing feel of the sun on their skin and fur. But there are likely other reasons related to their physiology and their instincts for self-preservation.

Here are some of the most common reasons dogs and cats like to lay in the sun.

Dogs think nothing of leaping up onto the bed, the sofa or into the car so they can get close to their favorite people. However, if your dog seems to need a lot more coaxing to join you, that’s a sign that making the jump is a painful prospect for your best friend. Or, if your dog’s short legs and small stature require Superman-like leaps, they could very well end up injuring a knee or paw, especially if they’re landing on a hard surface, like cement. Bottom line, jumping on and off a higher perch is a high-load activity that can be hard on your dog’s joints, causing inflammation or even injury. That’s where providing a ramp or a set of pet stairs can help your pet move about safely and comfortably.

Boston Terriers are handsome, loyal, packed with personality and love nothing more in life than to tag along with their humans. This makes Bostons an ideal doggy companion for just about any lifestyle. Whether your family is active and always on the go, or if couch potato best describes your weekend style, it’s hard to go wrong with this amazing breed. Thinking about getting one? We rounded up some facts and advice to help you decide.

Thinking of adding to your fur family? Adding a dog or cat sibling can end up being the best thing you ever did for your pet. Many cats and dogs benefit from having another animal in the house, because when the humans are too busy for a nap or play session, someone else is around.

Not all dogs are food motivated during training, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t scamper with excitement when they hear the rustle of the treat bag. Dogs have a well-earned reputation for obsession with eating, which makes pet treats a powerfully effective tool to communicate approval to your dog. When you think of it that way, treats can do a lot to build the human-canine bond. As rewarding as they are to the dog, the human also gets a hit of rewarding serotonin for making that furball so glad.