Just like it’s important to find the right physician for your family, it’s also important to find a vet who has your dog’s best interests in mind! While many people tend to put off well visits to the vet and only go to the clinic in an emergency, giving your dog regular checkups is an important part of their overall healthcare regimen. A good vet will take preventative measures against common illnesses and cancer as well as helping you keep your dog at a healthy weight and activity level.

Finding the perfect vet for your dog can be daunting. Many first-time pet owners tend to choose big box in-store vets, like Banfield. While these are affordable options, you may be able to find better care elsewhere. Here are a few of our tips to help you find the right vet for your pet:

• Check for word of mouth recommendations. The best recommendations are ones you know you can trust. Chances are, if you’re a dog owner, you have a few other friends who are dog owners, as well. Ask them who they use for their pets’ primary care needs if they’re in your area, and check to see if their vet is helping their dogs with specific health concerns your pups may be experiencing.

• Have a conversation with your vet and bring your dog in with you for an introduction. Bringing a new vet into your life is much like introducing your dog to a new family member. Make sure you and your vet are on the same page when it comes to key issues affecting your dog’s quality of life. At the same time, you can gauge how comfortable your dog is around their new vet.

• Convenience is a big plus, especially when it comes to matters of your dog’s health. Choosing a vet that’s nearby and has more flexible hours of operation can help you get your dog to the clinic in cases of emergency. If your vet offers emergency drop-off options and can work with you on appointments during the work week, there’s a good chance they’re the right fit for you.

A good vet will help educate you as to the right choices for your dog when it comes to nutrition, supplements, activity levels, and more. Find a vet that makes you feel comfortable enough to ask questions so you’re never in the dark when it comes to your dog’s well-being. Speaking of nutrition - did you know that you can find Pawsitively Pure human-grade dog food in certain veterinary offices in Central Florida? Click here to find out where you can find our food.

As we’re sure you’re aware, the holiday season is right at our doorstep. As the air cools down just a little bit, shopping centers are beginning to put up their red and green decorations, and families are sending out invitations to their parties and preparing for the arrival of relatives. If you’re wondering about the best gift to give your family this holiday season, we’d love to suggest getting a dog.

Here at Pawsitively Pure, we advocate responsible pet ownership, and a pet you bring home for Christmas is a pet for life. But if you have the right intentions, a dog can be a perfect Christmas gift and benefit your family for years to come. Here are three reasons why your family will be all the better with the love and companionship of a pup:

1. Dogs can help your children learn responsibility. Maybe your parents got you a pet when you were growing up to help you understand responsibility, too. While dogs are a lot of fun, they also require a lot of care and attention to help them thrive. You can put your children in charge of daily dog duties, like taking them for a walk and making sure they get the right amount of human grade dog food for dinner.

2. Dogs can help everyone learn a little patience. Sometimes the training phase can be frustrating when bringing a new dog into the house. By working with your new furry friend through these issues, you’ll learn to be more patient and to work through issues instead of giving up. This isn’t just beneficial for the little ones - we can all do with a little more patience as we help our dogs grow happy and healthy.

3. Dogs are the best stress relievers. Coming home after a long day at the office? Are your children stressed about upcoming exams? Just take a little break to play with your pup! Studies have shown that even something as simple as petting a dog can take a load of stress off your plate. High stress can lead to physical illness, so having a dog around the house can keep everyone happy and healthy.

The team at Pawsitively Pure advocates adoption when you’re looking for a new family friend. Now that Florida has passed Amendment 13, outlawing greyhound racing, there are soon to be a number of dogs looking for their forever homes. Check with your local shelter or rescue program to find out more. To order your Pawsitively Pure food, bone broth, and treats, click here, or find us on Facebook!

So you’ve read the blogs, you’ve seen the results, and you’re ready to get your own dogs started with natural, human-grade dog food. Congratulations! You’re on the way to a long life with a happy, energetic pup. Pet owners around the world have been turning toward whole foods as the best way to keep their furry friends satiated and healthy, in much the same way as they’ve been rethinking their own diets.

Dogs take a little longer to transition to a new diet than we do, however, so it’s important that you take the proper steps to transition to your human-grade foods. Here’s a quick and easy guide to get your dog started on their new diet:

• Don’t get rid of the kibble just yet! The best way to start the transition to new food is by blending small portions of the new food into your pup’s usual bowl of food. At first, you’ll add just a handful; as time goes on, you’ll decrease the amount of your dog’s kibble and increase the human-grade food until you have a bowl full of nothing but Pawsitively Pure food!

• Don’t add additional new ingredients, if you can avoid it. Your dog’s stomach is very sensitive, so it’s best to take this transition one step at a time. If you introduce too much human-grade food too quickly, you might find your dog experiencing digestive issues or needing to go to the bathroom more often. Once your dog is fully transitioned, then you can try different recipes or new treats!

• Is your dog being a picky eater? Commercial kibble is often coated with animal fat, making it more appetizing and even addictive to dogs. Human-grade dog food strips away all the unnecessary additives, but it may take a little while for your dog to warm up to the idea. If you find your pup is being picky about the natural food, try adding a little bit of bone broth or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra tasty incentive.

The time it takes to transition your dog to human-grade dog food is worth all the enjoyment they’ll get out of life! We love hearing stories about how your dog is thriving on natural dog food. To find the right food for your pup, click here, or browse our Facebook page for more information!