Browsing Category

Products

“What Do You Feed Rooney?” – Petcurean

August 29, 2017

The other day Rooney and I were at a Corgi meetup, and I had what was a very typical conversation with another pet parent.

I asked what their Corgi’s name was and how old they were. When they asked me the same, and I said that Rooney was 7, they asked me, “What do you feed him? Because he looks great!”.

Obviously I am biased. I think Rooney looks great, especially for 7. However when someone compliments how youthful your dog acts and looks, it feels good as a pet parent to know that you are doing everything you can to keep your dog young and healthy. But the question is, how do you know you are feeding your dog the right food?

Well, a huge part of learning about pet nutrition is learning how to read the food label. Petcurean put together this information with 5 food label essentials pet parents need to know:

Ingredients Panel:

  • The ingredients list is probably the most recognizable portion of the nutrition panel. What some pet owners may not know however is that the ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, which means the first ingredient is the largest quantity and the last ingredient is the smallest.
  • Tip: Buying economy brands of pet food is not always a money saver. Some economy brands use inexpensive ingredients that aren’t highly digestible. This means you must feed your dog more portions of the food just to ensure they’re meeting their nutritional requirements. In the long run, the cost per serving for a lower quality food is much higher than that of a premium food where your pet can get all of their nutrients from one serving.

Guaranteed Analysis:

  • This section provides information about the nutrient content of the food. It should include the minimums for Crude protein and Crude fat, as well as the maximum Crude Fiber and Moisture. Additionally, any nutrients highlighted on the packaging must be included in the guaranteed analysis.
  • Tip: You can find the guaranteed analysis of a pet food product on a company’s website or by contacting the company. Here’s an example for Petcurean’s GO! Sensitivity + Shine LID Venison Recipe For Dogs.

A post shared by Petcurean (@petcurean) on

Feeding Guidelines:

  • The feeding guidelines should only serve as a starting point for deciding how much to feed your pet, as it heavily depends on your pet’s size, age, and activity level.
  • Tip: The best way to assess proper feeding is by calculating your pet’s body condition score. You can find that out here.

If you have any questions about how much you are feeding your pet, bring the food to your pet’s next annual exam and discuss with your veterinarian.

Nutritional Adequacy Statement:

  • This statement tells you if the food is complete and balanced, meaning it meets all of your pet’s nutritional requirements. It will also tell you if the product should be used only for intermittent feeding or as a treat.
  • Tip: Pay attention to what stage of life this section recommends for feeding. It should be labeled for all life stages or for one stage in particular.

Certifications:

  • Organic: An organic certification means that the production methods comply with organic farming standards. The primary goal of organic production is to use farming practices that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.
  • MSC: The Marine Stewardship Council is an independent international non-profit certification organization that promotes sustainable fishing practices. An MSC certification is based upon three principles: sustainable fish stocks, minimizing environmental impacts, and effective management.
  • Vegan: The primary criteria for a product to receive the Certified Vegan logo is that the producer must prove that no ingredients were sourced from animals, no animal testing was permitted, adequate segregation of vegan and non-vegan ingredients was ensured and adequate clean out procedures were followed in facilities that produce vegan and non-vegan products.

GATHER™ dog and cat recipes have received three different food certifications, Vegan, MSC certified, and Organic, to provide transparency about the ingredients that have been carefully selected for these diets.

Do you check your pet’s food label? If so, what specifically do you look for?

Disclaimer: We are part of the Petcurean Blogger Advocate program. However, we feed Rooney Petcurean every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares information about products we like and we believe our readers will enjoy.

Rooney Photo by Pawpawrazzi Pet Photography

Trupanion Summer Safety Series: Pool Safety for Pets!

August 18, 2017

A few weeks ago we kicked off the Trupanion Summer Safety Series by discussing Beach Safety for Pets.

Today, we want to continue that series by discussing Pool Safety for Pets! Although we have discussed pool safety a few times on the blog so far, I am always looking for new insights and tips for keepings our pets safe. Therefore, we are relying on the wonderful Dr. Sarah Nold, DVM & the Trupanion team to share with us their insights to help make the pool a safer place for our pets! Below you will see our Q&A:

1) Pools can be a great way to keep pets cool in the summer, but what precautions can pet parents with backyard pools take to keep their pets safe?

Make sure your pet doesn’t have access to your pool unless they are supervised, especially if your pool does not allow your pet to easily get out of the pool on their own.  If you don’t know if your pet swims well or are concerned they are a poor swimmer, consider having your pet wear a life jacket while in the pool.

If it’s their first time with a pool,  let your pet approach the water at their own pace. Swimming can be intimidating to some dogs—especially when their paws can’t touch the floor. Don’t force your dog into the water—instead start at the shallow end and create plenty of positive experiences.

Rooney wears a lifejacket while in the pool. He usually knows where the stairs are or can pick up on that quickly, but much of the time Rooney is trying to keep up with dogs that are naturally much stronger swimmers. (I think Rooney thinks his legs are much longer than they actually are.) To prevent him from becoming exhausted or panicked, I keep a lifejacket on him.

via GIPHY

2) Are there any common pool toys that can be particularly dangerous for pets?

Soft pool covers are dangerous, as a pet can easily become trapped and drown. Avoid toys that are small enough for your pet to swallow or have small parts that can come off.

We do not have a pool, but if I did I would make sure it had a fence around it to add an additional layer of safety for Rooney. As of now, Rooney gets to swim with one of his friends at a nearby pool. As far as pool toys go, Rooney and I are big fans of PrideBites toys because they can float in the pool, and are machine washable.

3) Swimming can be a great physical therapy activity for dogs with joint injuries, are there any specific activities or exercises pet parents can do with their pets in the pool?

Many dogs enjoy retrieving their favorite toy (preferably one that floats).

Why is swimming such a great exercise for dogs? As outlined by the Water4Dogs Canine Rehabilitation Center in New York, hydrotherapy is aerobic, but low impact on the joints and bones. Due to the low impact, the aerobic component, and the resistance from the water, swimming is an ideal exercise for keeping your dog in shape.

As you mentioned, swimming is a great low-impact exercise. If your dog is a hesitant swimmer, you can encourage them to walk through shallow water. This alternative provides some of the same low-impact exercise benefits as swimming and can be a great option for older dogs or dogs who aren’t as confident in the water.

Additionally, for Corgis, swimming is a great exercise for building muscles that support their back while keeping the exercise low impact.

4) At Trupanion what kinds of claims are commonly associated with pools?

This is very similar to the beach-related claims. Dehydration and heat stroke are always a concern on hot days. Pets, just like humans, need plenty of water and a place in the shade to cool down.

For dogs like Rooney who have a fear of missing out (FOMO). It’s difficult to get him to take a break while other dogs are playing in the pool. I know that swimming is much more challenging for him than a Lab, for example, so I have to schedule breaks when he is swimming. Last week, Rooney was swimming with his friend Grayson who is a Cattle Dog Border Collie Mix, who swims every day. Rooney wouldn’t rest while Grayson was still swimming, so I did have to take him for a leisurely walk so that he could use the bathroom, and take a much needed break from swimming.

Does your dog like to swim? What precautions do you take to help keep your dog safe around the pool?

Stay tuned for the next installment in the Trupanion Summer Safety Series: Car & Travel Safety

Disclaimer: Trupanion is the pet insurance that we have for Rooney. My Kid Has Paws is working with Trupanion to provide pet parents with valuable information to help keep their pets safe. Also, I am a PrideBites affiliate. However, My Kid Has Paws only shares information we think our readers would find to be valuable. 

The Importance of Protein in Pet Food – Petcurean

July 28, 2017

If I don’t eat a breakfast that’s high in protein, my energy will crash by mid-morning. That’s because protein is such an essential part of not only our diets, but our pet’s diets as well.

What is Protein good for?

According to Petcurean, “Protein consists of long chains of amino acids that can be found in both meat and plant sources. It works to ensure proper growth, development, body tissue repair, and a healthy immune system. While there are 10 amino acids that cats and dogs must get from their food, a cat’s diet must also include taurine as their body is unable to naturally produce it.”

According to PetMD, dogs are classified as omnivores (cats are actually classified as obligate carnivores – meaning, they REALLY need meat in their diet). Which means that dogs can get energy sources from a variety of different food materials, but making sure protein is included is essential to their daily diet.

If you aren’t sure that your pet is getting enough protein, here are some signs often associated with a lack of protein in their diet:

  • weight gain
  • itchy, flaky skin
  • coarse brittle fur
  • lethargy
  • low resistance to infection

What kind of protein is best for my pet?

Excellent question! Petcurean provided us with a lot of info about the different types of proteins available:

Plant-based Proteins:

  • Peas: A good source of beta-carotene, niacin, Vitamin B6, folate, phosphorus, and copper. It’s also packed with dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, thiamin and manganese.
  • Organic flaxseed and sunflower oil: Both contain omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and a radiant coat. Flaxseed also boasts omega-3 fatty acids which are important for normal metabolism and optimal health.
  • Lentils and Chickpeas: Both are low glycemic carbohydrates that also provide a good source of protein, iron, phosphorus and copper.

Poultry:

  • Chicken Meal: A concentrated source of protein containing meat, bones, and cartilage that is dried and preserved naturally. It should never include feathers, heads, feet, or entrails.
  • Chicken Fat: Although human diets try to avoid fats, animal fat is good for your pet. Chicken fat is a great source of omega-6 which is considered the most important essential fatty acid for dogs and cats.
  • Eggshell Meal: A natural source of calcium to promote bone strength. Eggshell membrane is an added plus!

Pro-Tip: As obligate carnivores, cats must get their protein from animal tissue. For a protein-packed meal and a meaty flavor they’ll love, try out Now Fresh Grain Free.

Fish:

  • Cod: A good source of high quality protein, phosphorous, niacin, and Vitamin B-12.
  • Dehydrated Cod: A concentrated source of protein that uses the entire raw material. The benefit of dehydrated product is the removal of water, but not the fat.
  • Krill: As the “superfood of the sea,” krill is growing in popularity as a protein source. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, krill is also virtually free of pollutants and heavy metals.

Pro-Tip: Want to try a fish-based kibble? GATHER Wild Ocean features line-caught Alaskan cod and sustainably harvested krill to create a delicious and healthy meal for your dog.

Whole Meats:

  • Deboned Venison, Pork, and Lamb: All are great sources of protein that come from the animal’s clean and de-boned flesh.
  • Novelty Proteins: This classification consists of proteins your pet may not have eaten before such as venison, salmon, or duck. Novelty proteins can sometimes help alleviate the symptoms of dietary sensitivities.

Pro-Tip: If your cat or dog has more challenging sensitivities, Petcurean’s GO! offers a wide variety of options that were specifically created for picky eaters, those who need a grain free or higher protein diet, and for those requiring a recipe with unique proteins or a limited number of ingredients.

The Importance of Protein - Petcurean

How can the appropriate amount of protein improve your pet’s life?

Protein can help your pet perform better and have more energy. Meaning, they will feel better, play better, and possibly even compete better (if you are involved in dog sports).

What’s the Petcurean difference?

Obviously, Petcurean wants to emphasize the importance of protein and has put a lot of research into the proteins that are placed in their pet diets. But I also wanted to share more information about their practices and standards because selecting a food for your pet is a very difficult decision that every pet parent needs to make.

This is what Petcurean had to say:

“Our recipes are crafted using the highest quality ingredients that are sourced through carefully selected suppliers. In fact, an ingredient supplier doesn’t become a Petcurean supplier until they have met the health, safety and quality standards/criteria against which we hold all suppliers and partners. We meet and exceed regulatory standards set in both Canada and the USA. All of our products are manufactured at EU, FDA, BRC and CFIA certified plants, which ensures that they meet an exceptionally high standard of sanitation, cleanliness and manufacturing practices. All ingredients used within our recipes are tested for salmonella, as well as several other bacteria and toxins, prior to being received at our manufacturing facilities. Our recipes are then tested again, at each part of the manufacturing process, and before shipping, using standards set by Health Canada. We use near infra-red technology to ensure the safety and nutritional integrity of our products.

We value transparency. Most of the information regarding our quality and safety standards is contained in the FAQ pages of our website. We also have a toll free number which is answered by live personnel for any questions you may have, and a nutritionist on staff who is ready to help customers with any questions regarding nutrition or our recipes.” – Dr. Jennifer Adolphe, Senior Nutritionist at Petcurean

Whatever food you decide to feed your pet, make sure that you do your research. What is the protein source? Is it a main ingredient in your pet’s food? Does the food make sense for this stage of your pet’s life?

Disclaimer: We are part of the Petcurean Blogger Advocate program. However, we feed Rooney Petcurean every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares information about products we like and we believe our readers will enjoy. 

Summer Time Travel and Activities with Petcurean

June 30, 2017

Now that it’s officially summer, we will spend the next few weeks discussing summer travel tips, safety tips, activities and recipes that are perfect for spending time with the pets in your life!

Therefore, today we partnered with Petcurean to share with you some dog-friendly summer trips and activities!

In their post, “Summer Vacations Can Include the Family Pet”, Petcurean highlighted a few of their favorite summer activities.

Camping

Camping was the first activity to make the summer vacations list for Petcurean! This is what they had to say:

“There are thousands of campgrounds across the US and Canada and most of them welcome your well behaved leashed pet. Dogs love the adventure of investigating all the smells that abound in the natural world, but please be careful to respect the rules and don’t let your dog disturb sensitive areas like salmon spawning streams or delicate native vegetation.”

I would add that pet parents should take extra precautions when it comes to protecting their pets from wildlife. In California, we have to be vigilant about protecting our campgrounds from bears (I’ve seen one in person!) and mountain lions. Additionally, with small dogs, pet parents need to be aware of the large birds in the area that can pick up their dog. The best thing you can do on a camping trip is keep your dog on leash.

Road Trip Activities

Last year we took a dog-friendly Southwest road trip with Rooney and it was so much fun! Petcurean suggests looking up off-leash dog parks along your route, so that your dog has pre-planned locations to stretch their legs on a road trip. I totally agree. Sometimes its difficult even for me to sit in the car for long periods of time without feeling antsy, so planned breaks for dogs are super important. While we didn’t have any dog parks scheduled along our route for the Southwest road trip, we did designate stops for dog beaches along the way.

Hotels and Resorts

Just because your trip isn’t pet-focused, it doesn’t mean that your dog can’t be a part of the family vacation. This is what Petcurean had to say:

“More and more hotels and resorts are catering to pet owners. Some even offer extras like beds, blankets and treats. Be prepared to pay a nightly pet fee which will differ from place to place, and be careful to leave your room tidy and as hair-free as possible. If your pet is a bed dweller, bring along a clean old extra sheet or blanket and put it on top of the bed to protect it from excess hair and possible muddy or wet pawprints, (or drool!).”

Additionally, some hotels, like Red Roof Inn have a policy that pets stay for free!

Vacation Rentals & Airbnb

These days with Airbnb, pet parents are able to look for pet-friendly alternatives for their upcoming vacations and don’t have to settle for non-pet-friendly rentals. You can now rent chic pet-friendly homes for your next vacation!

A post shared by Airbnb (@airbnb) on

As far as pet-friendly activities go, pet parents have a long list from which to choose from, including:

Hiking

Hiking is one of my favorite activities to do with Rooney. If you aren’t sure what to bring, check out our post where we talk about everything you need for a day on the hill with your dog.

Kayaking

I have been talking about this for 2 years and I think this is the summer we will go kayaking with Rooney!

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard)

If you are a fitness enthusiast, you will really appreciate this activity. While I have SUP’d on my own, I have not had a chance to take Rooney with me. However, if you want to learn more about SUP-ing with your dog, I highly recommend checking out Leash Your Fitness.

Yappy Hours

I don’t know about you, but Yappy Hours with dogs are becoming increasing popular in this area, which is awesome! These activities are a great way to enjoy the cooler evening hours with your dog and a few friends. If your dog is high energy like Rooney, I highly recommend walking them to the location, or taking them to a dog park first so that they don’t feel too energized in the restaurant.

Winery and Brewery Visits

In addition to Yappy Hours, dog-friendly wineries and breweries are also becoming more popular. If you are on the west coast and looking for dog-friendly wineries or breweries, I highly recommend DogTrekker as a resource. Also, I know this might seem random because I live in California, but if you live in Minnesota, check out Sidewalk Dog! Sidewalk dog is a great local resource for dog-friendly locations and activities.

Pool Parties

Lots of doggie Meetup groups and communities organize pool parties in the summer to provide pets with an opportunity to swim and cool off. Rooney is a big fan of any activity involving swimming!

A post shared by DogTrekker (@dogtrekker) on

So, that’s our list! What pet-friendly summer trips or activities do you look forward to? Have you stayed in a pet-friendly Airbnb? Or have you taken your dog on a road trip? Tell us about it and enter our giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fighting the Flea and Tick Problem with Only Natural Pet

June 14, 2017

Disclaimer: This blog post was made possible by Only Natural Pet. I received financial compensation for sharing my opinions about Only Natural Pet and their products. However, My Kid Has Paws only recommends products we believe our readers will value.

Preventing against fleas and ticks is a problem that every pet parent faces. Sometimes the problem is seasonal, but no matter the conditions, prevention should be top of mind for every pet parent. Today, I want to share with you some available options for fighting the ever-present flea and tick problem both for your pet and in your home.

What’s the Big Deal with Fleas and Ticks?

Occasionally when working at the veterinary hospital, I noticed that a few pet parents skipped out on the flea and tick prevention at their pet’s initial veterinary exam. On occasion, they declined due to the expense. Sometimes, they concluded that the prevention was unnecessary because their pet will be mostly inside. Often, pet parents didn’t quite understand the severity of flea and tick problems. It is important, however, to understand that fleas and ticks cause a real threat to your pet’s health.

For example, a tick bite or infestation can lead to Lyme disease, which can be detrimental to the health of your pet. Additionally, fleas can lead to flea bite allergy and dermatitis, which can begin a potentially long list of skin problems.

Health Problems Associated with Ticks (PetMD):

  • toxicosis or hypersensitivity
  • blood loss anemia
  • transmitters of viral or bacterial diseases

Health Problems Associated with Fleas (PetMD):

  • itching
  • hair loss
  • inflammation
  • secondary skin infection

Fighting the Flea and Tick Problem with Only Natural Pet

The reality is that pet parents don’t actually need to know the list of problems associated with fleas and ticks. All anyone needs to know is that they can cause problems for your pet that can be prevented, so let’s talk about prevention!

Is There a Pill for That?

The answer is yes. For a long time, there were only a few options that dominated the flea and tick prevention market. However, these days there are a variety of options that pet parents can choose from:

1) Topical

Topical flea, heartworm, and tick medications are available and are the type of medication most pet parents recognize. Many of these medications will protect your pet from more than one insect intruder. For example, Revolution, a product that I have used on Rooney in the past, prevents against fleas, heartworm, and intestinal parasites.

2) Pill form

Flea and tick medications do come in pill form. We tried one of these products in the past, and they upset Rooney’s stomach, so we discontinued the use of that. The benefit to a pill form or chewable is that your pet doesn’t have to stay dry for 24-48 hours before, and after, application as they do with topical medications. Therefore, these are great alternatives for pets who like to swim.

Additionally, there is no concern regarding kids petting a dog or cat after their the medication has been administered (as is the concern with topical medication).

3) Chewable

Chewables have been common on the market for treating heartworm for quite some time, but are also an option for flea and tick prevention.

What About Collars?

Flea collars are available on the market, and a few have the ability to repel ticks as well. This type of flea and tick repellent is preferred by some pet parents due to their long-lasting effects (up to 8 months).

Are There Any Natural or Holistic Options?

Only Natural Pet, a company that we have worked with before, brought to my attention one of their newest products: EasyDefense Flea & Tick Spray for Dogs and Cats.

Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Spray is a powerful, natural flea & tick repellent for both dogs and cats. Made with NO DEET, pyrethrins, or synthetic pesticides, this flea & tick spray for dogs and cats keeps biting pests off your pet.

In recent years many of the more traditional flea and tick prevention alternatives have been under attack in the market due to some pets having a negative reaction to the chemicals. The active ingredients in the EasyDefense Spray include; geraniol (a natural extract from the geranium plant) and peppermint oil.

The purpose of this specific spray is to provide you with a natural way to fight the good fight against fleas and ticks. That being said, you will need to spray your pet each time they go outside, but the good news is that you can use it to protect your home as well.

If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you know that I want to hear what veterinarians think about a product, especially one that is so essential to the overall health of a pet, before I make any recommendations. So here is Holistic Veterinarian, Dr. Jean Hofve, to provide you with more information on preventing fleas and ticks naturally.

Notice that Dr. Jean Hofve mentions a few things to keep in mind when opting for a natural solution. Pet parents need to be very diligent about protecting all of the pets you have in your home, and your home itself. Basically, if you are going to opt for a more natural solution, it will take more work on your part.

In addition to the diligent use of natural products, and the essential oils they contain, pet parents will need to make sure all the pets in the home are bathed regularly, and the home is cleaned as frequently as possible (PetMD).

Additional Steps

If you are interested in the natural remedies of Only Natural Pet, they offer the EasyDefense Spray as part of a larger natural kit to help protect your pet and home against fleas and ticks. As discussed by Dr. Hofve, the best way to implement a natural solution is to take a comprehensive approach.

What remedies or natural treatments have you tried to prevent fleas and ticks? Are you interested in trying Only Natural Pet EasyDefense Spray? 

You can order online at Only Natural Pet and receive free shipping and save 20% by using the code AFLEA20SF and clicking here.

OR, you can enter our giveaway and receive a $50 Gift card to Only Natural Pet!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top