A diagnosis of arthritis can be a particularly disheartening thing to hear from your veterinarian. After all, our dogs are at their best when they’re able to run and play with their humans and their friends, but the pain and discomfort from arthritis inflammation can put a real damper on those activities. What’s more, arthritis isn’t just an issue for senior dogs. Younger dogs can encounter the chronic pain associated with arthritis if they deal with hip dysplasia or have had a serious injury. According to PetMD, arthritis is becoming one of the most common health issues in dogs.

While arthritis will change your dog’s daily activities, they can still get exercise, have fun, and have a great quality of life with your help and the help of your veterinarian. In fact, our Jackson dealt with arthritis later in his life, but he still went on walks and played away the days right through his 14th birthday. 

Signs Your Dog May Have Arthritis

While most dogs enjoy hours of naps throughout the day, sometimes extra time in bed can be indicative of an issue. If you’ve noticed a recent decline in your dog’s interest in walking, running, or playing, they may be resting because activity is uncomfortable. Additionally, if you notice your dog limping, hopping, or otherwise walking in an unfamiliar manner, they’re probably experiencing pain in a specific limb or limbs. Other telltale signs include difficulty getting up from a down position and reluctance to use stairs. Of course, these things can happen from time to time, so if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your vet right away. 

Caring For a Dog With Arthritis

Once your veterinarian has given your dog a diagnosis of arthritis, they should schedule you for any necessary medical treatments to reduce inflammation and ease the movement of their joints. While there are current treatments to reduce arthritis pain, arthritis cannot be cured; however, there are things you can do at home to help alleviate discomfort and allow your dog to stay active and healthy.

Monitor Their Diet

Your dog’s diet might be the most important factor in their arthritis management. A healthy diet will help your dog maintain a healthy weight; obesity and excess weight can cause strain on the joints, exacerbating the symptoms of arthritis. What’s more, exercise is difficult for dogs with arthritis, so a proper, weight-conscious diet is your dog’s first line of defense against obesity and the health conditions related to it. 

Your veterinarian may recommend a diet to help manage your dog’s weight. The best dog foods for weight management don’t have fillers and should be packed with wholesome proteins and vegetables that offer complete nutritional support. Additionally, you should add a few supplements to your dog’s diet to help manage symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories. Glucosamine helps build healthy cartilage. Consult with your vet before overhauling your dog’s diet. 

Make Adjustments to Facilitate Movement

If you have a senior dog at home, you may have already made a number of adjustments to help them move about freely. If your dog can no longer climb stairs due to arthritis pain, make sure to set up a safe space downstairs with their favorite toys and sleeping space. Speaking of sleeping spaces, make sure your dog has a comfortable bed where they can rest. If your dog sleeps in a kennel, make sure it is well-padded so that they don’t experience discomfort from exposed bars. Some pet supply companies even offer orthopedic beds for dogs, like the BarksBar Snuggly Sleeper which is made with orthopedic foam. 

You may want to consider installing ramps to areas your dog likes to access, like couches and beds. Additionally, make sure your flooring is slip-free, as any sliding or spills can be particularly painful for a dog with arthritis. 

Exercise, But Do It Comfortably

As we mentioned above, exercise is difficult for dogs with arthritis. However, physical activity is important to help your dog keep their muscle tone, improve circulation, and avoid future injury. When you go for walks, allow your dog to set the pace. Hydrotherapy is another great option to help your dog stay fit, as it’s extremely low-impact and can be soothing on your dog’s joints. 

Your vet may recommend a few sessions of physical therapy and massage to help put you on the right track, but you can also do your part to work toward your dog’s physical health at home. Give your dog a gentle massage after exercise, being careful not to apply pressure directly to joints. 

Be Patient

Your dog is probably experiencing some frustration that they can’t be as active as they once were. We know it can be difficult to watch your dog having difficulty with movement and play, but offer them plenty of patience and give them space to move at their own pace. It will take some time for both you and your dog to adjust to a new lifestyle, but their unconditional love and companionship is worth all the effort.

Health Begins With a Good Diet

Your dog’s overall health begins with a solid diet that addresses all of their unique needs. Pawsitively Pure’s gently cooked, human-grade dog food offers wholesome nutrition and easily blends with your dog’s vitamins and supplements. Bone broth is also a great source of gelatin and glucosamine to support joint health. Head over to our online shop and order yours today.

Stress Isn’t Just a Human Problem

April is National Stress Awareness Month in the U.S. From our careers to our home lives and everything in between, humans encounter a variety of stressful situations every day. But did you know that stress isn’t an exclusively human issue? We see our dogs as friends and comforters, playmates and pals, but the truth of the matter is that dogs can experience a wide spectrum of emotions beyond their normal happy states. What’s more, prolonged stress can cause a host of other issues for your dogs, just like it can for humans.

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent some time wishing your dog could communicate with human language so you could understand exactly what’s going on in their head. Since that’s not a possibility, however, it’s important to be able to identify the different ways your dog expresses stress and discomfort. Read on to find out a few common signs that your dog needs some help coping. 

Common Signs of Stress in Dogs

Facial expressions and body language

Your dog may not be able to frown or grimace, but they can still show you that they’re afraid or uncomfortable through their facial expressions and body language. Common signs of stress in dogs include bared teeth, ears pinned back, tucked tails, and “whale eyes,” or widened eyes that show the whites surrounding the irises. You may also find them cowering or even freezing up. Keep an eye out for movements and appearances that are outside the norm for your dog.

Barking and whining

Our dogs have a whole library of different barks and vocalizations that can tell us how they’re feeling and what they need. As you grow with your dog, you’ll come to understand which barks indicate that they’re happy and excited and which ones indicate something more serious. According to VCA Hospitals, some dogs whine or bark to get your attention while they’re stressed, while others use whining as a self-soothing method. Context is key to understanding what your dog’s vocalizations mean, so pay attention to your surroundings. 

Changes in appetite and bowel movements

Loose stools and upset stomachs are common indicators that your dog is going through a rough time. Many animals display similar behaviors, especially when they’re acclimating to new locations. You may also notice that your dog doesn’t have any drive to eat. When these issues display themselves, it’s important to run through a checklist and eliminate other serious issues that can cause gastrointestinal problems.

Pacing and panting

For us humans, exercise and movement is a common way to shake off stress and keep moving forward. Your dog may take a similar approach by pacing around the space they’re in. You may also notice that they’re panting or breathing heavily even when they haven’t participated in any strenuous exercise. When your dog displays agitation like this, be sure they have access to water to keep them hydrated!

Avoiding and escaping

The simplest way to avoid stressful situations is to literally move ourselves away from them. The same mindset holds true for dogs – if they encounter a place or situation that makes them uncomfortable, they may try to escape and even hide. You may also notice that your dog looks away from the thing causing them stress, like other dogs or commands they don’t understand. 

How to Help Relieve Your Dog’s Stress

We humans are fairly lucky in that we’re able to deal with our own stressors by practicing self-care and seeking professional help when necessary. Your dog may need a little extra help to make them feel better. Here are a few tips you can try when your dog is displaying signs of stress.  

Create a quiet safe space away from stimuli

Every dog needs some kind of quiet space in their homes, whether that’s a well-appointed kennel or a comfy bed in a quiet room. Be sure to set up such a space for your dog and include comfort items like their favorite toys and blankets or clothing that smells like you. Encourage your dog to go to their quiet place when they’re stressed by offering treats and allowing them to be alone. It can be tempting to pet and coddle them, but it’s best to give them some time to be by themselves. 

Exercise regularly

Exercise is a great way for humans and dogs alike to combat stress, so regular exercise with your dog should be a no-brainer. Whether your favorite kind of exercise is walking, jogging, or playing fetch, get outdoors and get your blood pumping! Many professionals recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day for your dog, but be sure to account for your dog’s age, breed, and other physical factors. You don’t want to stress them out further by pushing them to work too hard. 

Talk to your vet

Stress is a normal emotion for dogs and humans alike; we all deal with pressures and new situations that may make us nervous or uncomfortable for brief periods of time. However, constant and unrelenting stress is not normal. Schedule an appointment with your vet to see if there are any underlying issues that may be causing your dog undue discomfort. Problems like old injuries, pulled muscles, or arthritis can all cause dogs to feel stress if they’re not given what they need to manage pain. 

Physical Health Helps Stress Management

When your dog is healthy from head to toe, they’re less likely to experience chronic stress due to pain or discomfort. Maintaining a regular exercise schedule and offering your dog a wholesome, nutritious diet can help ensure all of their physical needs are met and leave them to focus on naptime and play dates. Visit the Pawsitively Pure Dog Food store and give your dog the healthy food and treats they deserve!

Preparing for a Long Journey With Your Pet

Summer is hot on our heels, and with it come summer vacations, trips to the beach, and family getaways for the whole family. There are so many dog-friendly activities around Florida that cater to pets of all different sizes, ages, and activity levels and their parents. But before you hit the open road, there’s one thing to consider: you need to cater to your dog’s needs during the journey. 

While many dogs do love car rides – we’ve all seen happy pups with their heads out the window, ears flapping in the breeze – it’s still important to make sure your dog will stay comfortable for the duration of your travels, especially if you’ll be on the road for more than a couple of hours. As always, preparation is key to make the trip a success! 

What if Your Dog Has Car Anxiety?

Some dogs aren’t as excited as others to hop in the car and go for a ride. Just like humans, some dogs may get car sick, and others just don’t like to be enclosed in a small space for very long. While you can still take your dog places, we recommend that you don’t travel too far if you know your dog has travel anxiety. Even with all the toys, treats, and comfort items, your dog will still get uncomfortable at some point.

If you have a few months before your road trip commences, you can start training your dog to love the car. Take it slowly and give your dog treats every time they comfortably approach your vehicle. Once they’re happy enough to hop in on their own, take short trips and give them plenty of treats along the way. You can even set up some puzzle games and toys in the car so they have a reason to look forward to being in there. 

Equipment to Bring for Your Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Food and Water

Dogs are creatures of habit and function the best when they’re sticking to a schedule. If your road trip will coincide with their regular feeding time, make sure you factor in a stop so you can feed them appropriately. If your dog tends to graze throughout the day, make sure their food is accessible in a stable location so they won’t stumble or strain themselves while they’re feeding. 

All dogs should have clean, fresh water readily available to them at all times. If you’ll be on the road for longer than an hour, you should invest in a travel bowl that’s comfortable enough to drink from and can stay sturdy inside a moving vehicle. Bring along enough water with you so you can go the duration of your trip without seeing an empty water bowl.

Safety Harnesses and Equipment

While Florida laws do not require dogs to be restrained in your car while you’re driving, it’s still a good idea to make sure they have safety equipment that will keep them from stumbling and protect them in the event that you need to stop short. Specialized harnesses hook up to your seatbelts and keep your dog secure without being uncomfortable.

If your dog is more comfortable in his kennel, get a travel kennel and put it in the back of your car. This is ideal for people with SUVs and cars that have back seats that can fold down. Your dog will feel right at home while you’re on the go! Just make sure they still have access to their food and water. 

Toys, Treats, and Comfort Items

Even a dog that loves car rides can get bored or uncomfortable after an extended period of time. Give them lots of fun and comforting items that keep them busy and make them feel safe. Offer treats to your dogs for good behavior and give them toys to snuggle and some to chew on. Be sure that offering treats doesn’t turn you into a distracted driver; it’s safest to grab and offer treats when your car is at a full stop. 

Tips for Staying Safe and Having Fun

Factor in More Stops Than You Would Without Your Dog

You may have developed a bladder of steel if you’re a seasoned road trip enthusiast, but your dog should have plenty of opportunities to take a break and do their business. Be sure to properly clean up after your dog at every stop; you’ll want to bring plenty of waste collection bags with you in case they’re not freely available. Your dog will also appreciate the chance to smell some new smells and explore!

Ensure Your Dog Has His Own Space

It can be so tempting to cuddle your dog on your lap while you drive, but doing so can be very dangerous. Not only does it turn you into a distracted driver and prevent you from having full range of motion, it also puts your dog at risk in the case of stopping short or an accident. Make sure your dog has a designated space in your car, preferably in the back seat. This can take some getting used to, so it’s a good idea to spend time familiarizing your dog with their area before you hit the road. 

Sleepy Dogs are Happy Travelers

The best scenario for everyone is when your dog gets to snooze while you get a majority of the driving out of the way. Before you start your journey, make sure you take your dog for a long walk and give them some mental stimulation through puzzles and toys. They’ll be in a relaxed state by the time you start to drive, and they should be able to get a nap in. 

There’s Nothing Better Than a Vacation With Your Dog

We love being able to take our dogs to the beaches and dog-friendly places across the state. Florida is a wonderful place for pet parents to thrive and give their pets lots of new and fun experiences. When you’re ready to hit the road, make sure you’re stocked up with healthy dog treats to make the trip fun and easy. Visit our online shop and choose from peanut butter & pumpkin flavor or blueberry & oat flavor!

Think about the last shampoo commercial you saw on TV. The company probably advertised a new formula to give you your shiniest hair ever, right? Shiny hair is a sign of healthy hair, and the same goes for your dog! While each dog’s coat is just as unique as their personalities – some dogs have wiry hair, some are fluffy, and still others are sleek – a shiny, soft, full coat can be a good indicator of your dog’s overall health. 

Your dog’s skin and coat are a huge part of their overall defense against fleas, ticks, and disease. If your dog has healthy skin and a healthy coat, they are better able to fend off pest infestations and stay free from uncomfortable sores and infections. As an added bonus, a healthy coat helps your dog feel good! They’re less likely to experience itchiness and irritation.

Sounds pretty great, right? Here’s the catch: it takes more than just a new shampoo formula to restore the vibrancy and shine to your dog’s coat. Here are a few tips to pamper your pooch and make their coat the very best it can be. 

Focus on Healthy Proteins in the Diet

As we’ve mentioned before, your dog’s diet is the key to their overall health and wellness. Promoting healthy skin and coat starts with a diet that’s rich in wholesome proteins! According to P.L.A.Y., the composition of your dog’s coat is 90% protein. Proteins in gently cooked dog foods are easier for your dog to digest than processed proteins and meat byproducts, so once you switch to a natural food diet, you’ll probably see a noticeable improvement in their coats. 

Speaking of your dog’s diet, including plenty of omega-3 fatty acids can also improve the appearance of their skin and coat. Your dog can get omega-3’s from a variety of sources, like supplements, oils, and even from fresh fish. As always, consult your veterinarian before you make any major changes to your dog’s diet. 

Groom Your Dog Regularly

While it’s not the only thing that makes your dog’s fur pretty, regular grooming and bathing can go a long way in keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy. It comes as no surprise that your dog’s coat will look dull and dingy if they’re left dirty after playing in the mud or having a wrestling session with their best buddies. Regular brushing and “spot cleaning” can help them look their best. 

If your dog suffers from itchy skin, oatmeal based shampoos can help soothe them. You can also apply natural balms and oils to their paws to help reduce irritation from their environments. Finally, brushing not only helps eliminate knots and thick undercoats, but it also helps redistribute their skin’s natural oils so their skin and fur stays moisturized. 

Regularly Apply Flea and Tick Prevention

There’s nothing worse than a flea infestation for everyone in your home. Letting your dog succumb to fleas and ticks can leave them with open sores from all the biting and scratching. These open sores can easily become infected and create greater irritation for your poor pup. Your vet should recommend an appropriate pest control solution for your dog’s weight and breed that protects them and your home from infestation. 

Schedule Time for Regular Exercise

Exercise is another big component of your dog’s overall health and wellness! Regular exercise benefits your dog from head to toe. A long walking session or an afternoon playing fetch at the park gets their heart pumping; in turn, this increased circulation “helps the blood carry necessary nutrients to the skin and other organs,” according to Great Pet Care. Just be sure to brush out their fur if they get dirty during their exercise!

Healthy skin and coat is more than just aesthetically pleasing for your dog – it’s their defense against disease and a good indicator of their overall health. Offering your dog a wholesome diet with real proteins and necessary supplements is a great way to start restoring strength and beauty to their skin and coat. Check out our online store to learn more about our human-grade dog food and treats!

How Dogs Get Into Tummy Troubles

Dogs are inquisitive by nature. Their sensitive snouts guide them to discover most of their information about the world around them, from food and toys to other dogs and human friends. However, that inquisitive nature sometimes means that might seem tasty at first sniff but doesn’t sit right on their stomachs. Some dogs are prone to stomach sensitivity; some dogs get upset stomachs in stressful situations; some dogs just like to put everything in their mouths. No matter your dog’s temperament, you’re likely to encounter an upset stomach at least once in their lifetime.

When you’re monitoring your dog’s upset stomach, a good first place to start is by getting in touch with your veterinarian. Some mild cases of tummy upset will pass on their own, but you need to be mindful of more severe symptoms including:

• Frequent vomiting

• Frequent diarrhea

• Bloody stool

• Total loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Excessive drooling

How to Avoid Tummy Troubles

As is the case with humans, not every tasty-looking morsel our dogs see is good for them to eat. Even some foods that are perfectly healthy for humans can have serious negative consequences for dogs. Make sure your dog doesn’t get the opportunity to eat any of these human foods: 

• Grapes

• Avocado

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Onions and Garlic

• Caffeine

Furthermore, non-food items can also cause severe reactions in dogs. If you’re a plant lover, there are certain plants you’ll want to keep out of reach of your pets. Also, some dogs are bad at dropping items instead of swallowing them. Some dogs eat the stuffing or hard parts of their toys; others like to consume socks, dryer sheets, and other such items left in their paths on the floor. If this is the case, you’ll want to work with a trainer to break this habit as it can cause serious discomfort - or worse. 

Foods That Can Soothe a Sick Dog’s Stomach

If you’re nursing your sick dog’s stomach at home, it’s generally recommended to take a short break from their usual diets and give them foods that are gentle and soothing on their stomachs. Here are the best foods to feed your dog while they’re recovering from nausea. 

Bone broth

One of the symptoms of an upset stomach is a loss of appetite or lack of desire to eat. However, you still want your dog to have access to healthy nutrients when they’re not very hungry. A warm bowl of bone broth is enticing, light on the stomach, packed with vitamins and minerals, and provides liquid to help prevent dehydration. Make sure you select a bone broth that’s specifically formulated for dogs, meaning that it doesn’t have herbs, onions, or garlic that may irritate their stomach even more.

Pumpkin

We’ve discussed at length the wonders of pumpkin for your dog, so it should come as no surprise that pumpkin is a big helper for upset stomachs. Pumpkin is full of healthy fiber, which helps to settle upset stomachs. It also has Vitamin A, C, E, B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, folate, and so many other nutrients. When choosing pumpkin for your dog, be sure not to get pumpkin pie filling, which is packed with sugars and other additives. Instead, select a can of plain, pure pumpkin puree - or cook your own when it’s in season! 

Rice

Rice is often recommended for humans when they have upset stomachs, too! Plain white rice is low in nutrients, but it’s a good addition to your dog’s meals to keep them sated while they’re recovering from illness. Many veterinarians recommend giving sick dogs multiple small meals throughout the day, so rice is a great option when your dog just wants a little snack to tide them over. 

Plain chicken

We haven’t met a dog that can say no to a little nibble of chicken. Plain, boiled chicken (made without butter, oil, or spices) offers a great incentive for your dog to have a bite if they haven’t eaten all day. The AKC recommends offering small meals of plain chicken and white rice to make sure your dog has protein in their system to keep them energized. Be sure to serve the chicken in deboned, bite-sized pieces so your dog won’t choke if they’re hungry!

Always Check In With Your Veterinarian

As we mentioned before, it’s so important to check in with your veterinarian before you start treating stomach illness at home. You’ll want to let your vet know about your dog’s symptoms and do your best to determine the cause of their illness so they can give you the best plan of action for your dog’s health. If your vet gives you the OK to care for them at home, order a bag of Pawsitively Pure Bone Broth and give them lots of extra comfort and love while they recover.