Welcome March!

Introducing our delightful March pet of the month, Katie! With a wag-tastic personality as lively as a St. Patrick's Day parade, this lovable dog sends luck and cheer for a month filled with fun and festivities.

Does Anxious Parent = Anxious Dog?

Many of us have experienced our pets tuning into our emotions, instinctively offering comfort when we are sick or perking us up when we're down. That's just one of the many things we love about them. It follows, then, that our anxiety may also impact our dog. But does the research actually show a clear link between pet parent and dog anxiety? The short answer is yes, though the reasons are nuanced.

Over thousands of years of domestication, dogs have evolved to observe and read human body language and emotions for cues on how to act. If their human shows signs of nervousness about an approaching stranger, the dog may mirror that wariness. This emotional transference is not the owner's fault per se; stress isn't actually contagious. It's an indicator of the tight human-dog bond.

If you suspect your tension is affecting your pup, there are some adjustments you can make that may help both of you. Spend relaxing yet focused time together when you feel calm, like morning meditation, an evening TV binge, or try giving them a gentle massage. Play some classical music in the background – a known relaxer for animals. It's all about teaching both you and your four-legged friend the art of relaxation.

A routine is your ally; a dog who knows what's coming next is a more relaxed dog. Kick anxiety to the curb with some exercise - beach strolls, nature hikes, and games that make tails wag. Puzzle games and lickie mats aren't just fun; they're stress relievers for your canine companion. And, of course, shower your dog with attention and love. It's the ultimate stress-buster for them.

While science is still exploring this emotional connection, it's crystal clear that our dogs feel what we feel. Living in the moment and being consistently calm will create tranquility for the whole family, including Rex.

In the grand saga of human-dog relationships, what matters most is that we actively work to be our dog's anchor in any storm, returning their unconditional love and cultivating an atmosphere of reassurance.

Pawsitively Well: The Power of Pet Supplements!

As a dedicated pet parent, you're likely keeping a close eye on your four-legged friend's diet. The question on many minds is whether supplements are a must-have for our beloved dogs and cats. With the pet supplement industry gearing up to hit a whopping $2 billion by 2025 and promising benefits like improved health, joint agility, and enhanced digestion, it's time to separate fact from fluff. Let's dig in.

What Are Pet Supplements?

Pet supplements come in all shapes and sizes – vitamins, minerals, herbs, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and oils. Think of them as the nutritional power-ups for your furry sidekick. Crafted to fill the gaps in both commercial and homemade pet foods, supplement ingredients often target specific health benefits like:

• Keeping those hips and joints nimble with glucosamine and chondroitin.
• Boosting the immune system with antioxidants and fatty acids.
• Nurturing gut health with prebiotics and probiotics.

Supplements vs. Nutrition – What's the Difference?

Your pet's kibble likely meets the AAFCO nutritional adequacy standard, signaling a complete and balanced meal. Vitamins and minerals simply enhance this nutrition further - consider them extra TLC for your buddy. They shouldn't replace a healthy diet but complement it instead.

Additional care for pets on homemade diets should be taken to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients. Home cooking can make it challenging to create nutritionally complete meals in the long term. Consult your vet or a veterinary nutritionist, and use these products to fill potential disparities.

To Supplement or Not to Supplement? That is the Question.

Before raiding the dietary additive aisle, consult your superhero – your vet. They'll analyze your pet's lifestyle, age, and potential health hiccups to determine if supplements are the missing piece to the puzzle. Excess supplementation can create problems, so remember, more is not always better.

We get it; your furry friend is family, and you want to share the good stuff. However, resist the urge to mirror your supplement routine onto your pet. They have different needs, and what works wonders for you might not be their cup of tea. Let's allow science and veterinary wisdom to lead the way.

The Final Bark

When appropriately used under veterinary guidance, many supplements provide added health benefits with few risks. Partner with your vet to make the best supplement choices for your faithful companion.

Ear We Go Again! Navigating Itchy Ears

We've all seen it - Bella scratching and rubbing at her ears like there's no tomorrow. What gives? Itchy ears in cats are common and often indicate an underlying issue. Let's look at some reasons behind this common feline behavior and explore potential solutions.

Sneaky Squatters also known as ear mites. They are parasites that can infest Bella's ears, causing intense itching and discomfort. These troublemakers can easily be transmitted from one cat to another. If you notice Bella frequently scratching her ears or shaking her head, ear mites might be the offender.

The Offending Culprits could also be moisture, wax, bacteria, and yeast—oh my! They create an environment conducive to infections. Redness, swelling, and a not-so-pleasant aroma might be the calling cards of an ear infection.

Bella Sneezing Day and Night may mean she has allergies. Common allergens include certain foods, pollen, dust mites, or environmental factors. Pinpointing the sneeze trigger can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but it's a must for restoring peace to those itchy ears.

Battle Scars of the Feline World can happen with outdoor adventurers and rough-and-tumble players, who often earn their stripes in the form of ear wounds. Regularly take a peek at your cat's ears for signs of wounds.

The Sneaky Bumps in the Night could be cysts or polyps lurking around Bella's ears, causing irritation. These growths can vary in size and may go unnoticed until they become itchy or uncomfortable for her.

So Now What? Time for a vet adventure! Those itchy ears are no joke, and things might escalate. Treatments range from a feline spa day to draining cysts – your vet will guide you through the itch-busting mission. In the case of mites, you may need to treat all the pets in your household.

Get to the bottom of what's bugging your cat and you'll be relaxing again in no time. Here's to Bella's ears living their best, itch-free life!

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