Your Dog’s New Favorite Food is Just Down the Street

One of our favorite parts of owning a local dog food shop in Orlando is getting to meet all of the fun, furry friends who love our food and treats. Every weekend, we attend several farmers’ markets around Central Florida where we get the chance to interact with Orlando’s wonderful pet parents and their dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. We love being able to share our nutritional knowledge and getting to know your stories, as well!

Many dog parents are embracing the benefits of shopping at their neighborhood pet stores instead of big box stores. According to PetBusiness magazine, independent and neighborhood pet stores are critical to the pet supplies industry overall since they have more direct interaction with local clientele and are often early adopters of awesome new dog food, supplements, and health and training techniques. Beyond that, there are so many great reasons to visit your local farmers’ markets or independent pet supply stores when it’s time to fill the food bowl, and we’re here to talk about them!

The Benefits of Shopping Locally for Dog Food & Treats

Save on shipping costs, save the environment

Every smart shopper wants to save money and find the best deals wherever they can, right? By shopping at local stores and markets for your dog food and treats, you’ll save those extra dollars you would otherwise spend on shipping costs! Lots of pet supply stores offer a few different options for local dog moms and dads to get their supplies; Pawsitively Pure offers free doorstep delivery for Central Florida pups, and we have food and treats available for you to take home at several farmers’ markets each weekend!

Here’s another bonus to avoiding shipping: shopping locally is better for the environment. When you order dog food or treats that need to be shipped over long distances, they often require air transportation, truck transportation, and beyond. Each of these uses a great deal of fuel and in turn creates harmful emissions that damage the ozone layer. Local pickup also reduces the need for packaging which may create additional waste.

Support your community

Makers and retailers in your community deserve your support! Not only does shopping locally directly financially support members of your community, it also goes a long way to help support other institutions in your community as well. Financially supporting a small business can give them the opportunity to expand their operations and eventually hire other individuals from your community. Additionally, local businesses may donate to local charities and foundations, like our very own Orange County Animal Services here in the Orlando area. 

Get tips directly from the maker

When it comes to the big-box pet food companies, it can be hard to get in touch with the people who make the food to answer your questions and give you nutrition advice. When you shop with a small local business, however, you’ll be able to meet the people behind the products and get their insights on how their food can help your dog. They can also offer you tips to get the most out of your dog’s diet and how to tailor your food and treats to your dog’s age, breed, and stage of life. It definitely comes in handy when you have a burning question!

Enjoy the “freshness factor”

Small-batch, locally sourced dog food is created with the freshest ingredients. You can rest assured that your dog’s locally made food wasn’t made with a bunch of fillers to help offset costs. Gently cooked dog food like the food we make at Pawsitively Pure is made with nothing but the good stuff and is formulated with dogs’ health in mind. We have seen firsthand how much our dogs’ lives have improved since we moved to wholesome dog food and we want to spread that joy to our community!

Start Shopping Locally Today!

There’s never been a better time to find a locally owned dog food and treat company that can fulfill your dogs’ nutritional needs. The team at Pawsitively Pure is always available to answer questions about our products. Fill out our contact form on our website or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram! 

Change Is Hard for Everyone

Moving can be stressful. Whether you’re moving down the road or across the country, and whether you’re moving for a new job, to be closer to friends and family, or to get settled in a larger or smaller space, there are so many tasks to check off your list along the way. If you have a dog coming along with you, it should come as no surprise that you’ll need to make additional considerations to keep them safe and happy along the way.

Even if your move is under happy circumstances, adapting to a new situation can be difficult. The very same goes for your dog! Your furry friends become familiar with and even attached to their homes over time. When you move to a new location, they’ll need to re-learn their routines and acclimate to new safe spaces for life to continue on as normal. The good thing is that you and your dog can learn to adapt to these changes together with some easy-to-implement tips.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy While Moving

Keep Safe Spaces Intact Before You Move

Staying organized while you move can be difficult! We’ve all been there – after the second or third day of packing, it might look like a tornado hit your home. While you’re packing up, do your best to make sure a few of your dog’s favorite safe spaces stay intact and their favorite toys and comfort items are easy to reach. Don’t use these spaces as staging areas, either – do what you can to leave them alone.

It’s also a good idea to introduce your dog to all of your moving materials ahead of time so they can make a positive connection with them. All those strange boxes can be scary to your dog so you want to make sure they have the chance to sniff them out with lots of positive reinforcement. 

Get Your Travel Plans Set in Stone

Depending on how far you’re moving, you may be driving or you may need to take a plane to reach your destination. Traveling is often the most stressful part of the trip for your dog, so you’ll want to prepare for this part well ahead of time. If you’re taking a road trip, be sure you have your dog’s travel kennel set up with access to fresh water and plenty of comfort items; if they don’t use a travel kennel, ensure you have the right safety harnesses etc. to keep them secure during a long ride. Schedule in adequate time for potty and food breaks along the way.

Taking a flight with your dog is a whole different situation. Your chosen airline will have specific guidelines for how to pack up your dog and bring them with you. Talk to your vet before you embark on your journey, and do everything in your power to make your dog comfortable on this unfamiliar vessel.

Establish a Care Team at Your New Location

You don’t want to wait until disaster strikes to have a vet available for your dog. Before you arrive, research the best vets in your new location and see if they might be available for a phone or online consultation. Additionally, get familiar with the pet laws at your new space. You’ll want to know if you have any different licensing requirements or even breed restrictions in your new region. You should also microchip your dogs if you haven’t already done so, and get adequate identification tags for them.

Routines Are Your Friend

Dogs are creatures of habit, as you probably know by now. They thrive when they have the same routine for their walks, meal times, bedtime routines, and so on. Do your best to stick with that routine even though you’ll be doing it in a different location! It will probably take you some time to lay out your new space, but do your best to set up their feeding space in a similar location to where it was in your old house. 

Walks are particularly important, too. Keep up with your dog’s regular walking schedule and give them the opportunity to explore all the new sights and smells of your new neighborhood. Taking in regular exercise will also help your dog expend extra energy, giving them more motivation to sleep soundly in the evening. Don’t forget to pepper in regular play time for your dog, too – their favorite toys will give them the added benefit of extra comfort!

Don’t Refresh Everything Too Quickly

A fresh start can be so exciting, and it can be very tempting to get all new everything the minute you get situated in your new space. But with your dog already having to put in work to get acclimated to a new environment, you don’t want to force them to get used to a whole new set of smells, as well. Your old furniture can be a source of comfort for your dog, so do what you can keep it around for at least a couple of weeks. If possible, upgrade to new equipment a little bit at a time while your dog gets used to everything.

Act With Patience and Kindness

Moving can be hard on everyone and is absolutely a source of anxiety for your dog. Don’t get upset if you notice your dog falling back into old habits like separation anxiety or chewing. Show your dog lots of affection when they need it, but make sure you’re not presenting any anxious behaviors of your own, or you might reinforce their stress habits. You and your dog can both be sources of love and care for each other as you adjust to this new situation!

Moving Can Be Positive With the Right Preparation

Preparation is helpful in just about every new journey – moving included! Take the time to consider your dog’s needs and emotions along every step of the way and you’ll both be better for it. Be sure to stock up on plenty of healthy treats for the trip and for positive reinforcement when you arrive. Head to our online shop and get your dog’s favorite flavors before you depart!

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!

Our Dogs Leave Their Paw Prints on Our Lives

We all wish our dogs could live forever. Over the course of their lifetimes, we form a special bond with our pets; they become our best friends, our sources of comfort and joy, our activity partners, and our protectors. But there comes a time when we need to say goodbye to our dogs, and no matter how many times we experience this, it never gets easier. 

Our dear chocolate lab, Jackson, passed away this week, and we miss him very much. He was a wonderful dog, a wonderful big brother, a champion swimmer, a dock diver, and the face of Pawsitively Pure Dog Food. We are taking our time to mourn and to give extra love to his brothers. If you’re going through a similar loss, we are right by your side. We’ve learned a couple of things that have helped us get through this time of sadness, and we want to pass them along to you. 

There is No Wrong Way to Grieve

Your grieving process will be just as unique and personal as your relationship with your dog. Understand that there is no wrong way to grieve. Journaling, scrapbooking, and creating art are all great ways to memorialize your dog while expressing your emotions. Maybe you need some extra company from your family and friends while you go through this period of time, or maybe you’d prefer to spend some extra time reflecting on your own. Choose whatever makes you comfortable and helps you work through sad times. 

No matter what route you take, it’s important to keep in mind that your feelings are perfectly valid. In the time your dogs spend with you, no matter how long or short, they become important parts of your family and your heart. Losses like these are never easy to deal with. 

Be Affectionate and Attentive to Your Other Pets

Not only can dogs pick up on our emotions, they can also grieve just like we do. If you have other dogs in your home, they are dealing with just the same kinds of feelings that you are. Offer them some extra TLC and take the time to talk with them about their friend. They may not understand every word  you say, but they’ll appreciate your care and attention. It may take some time for your pets to adjust to life without your other dog, so be patient with them as you go through this transition together. 

Memorialize Your Pet

The memories we make with our dogs last a lifetime. If you’ve had dogs all your life, we’re willing to bet that your memories with your childhood dogs are still just as vivid as they were years ago. Do something special to memorialize your dog and celebrate the good times you had together. As we mentioned above, doing an art project is a great way to express yourself and keep your dog’s memories nearby. Some people preserve their dogs’ collars; others frame pictures of their dogs’ paw prints. You can even host a memorial service and invite the family members and friends who have made memories with your pup. 

Another great idea is to use your pets’ legacies to help other pets in need. You could set up a charitable foundation or make donations in your pets’ names to help keep their memories alive. 

It’s Ok to Move On

Some pet owners feel guilty for getting another pet after their dog passes away, but it’s so important to understand that it’s ok to move on. It’s perfectly acceptable to bring another dog into your home and create new memories with them. Moving past your grief doesn’t mean you’re replacing your dog – and they would want to know that you’re happy and healthy. 

Healing Takes Time

Our hearts go out to you if you’re dealing with grief and sadness over the loss of your dog. As the saying goes, “time heals all wounds;” give yourself time to work through your emotions and you will make it past this difficult time. Take care of yourself and your other pets, and always keep your dog’s memories close.