Friday, January 6, 2017

Corgi puppy finds new archenemy {GIF}

What is this round, smelly, orb-like entity invading my space? Who sent you here? Go back to your home planet…be gone!

Corgi pup finds new archenemy

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Thursday, January 5, 2017

5 “people” food for dogs

Introducing “human” food into your dog’s diet can not only be a great way to provide supplemental nutrition to your dog, but some pet owners even prepare their dog’s food with ingredients that we often consider “for human consumption-only”. Considering so many dog food labels often issue recalls or contain ingredients with names we can’t even pronounce, it is especially important to know what your options are for providing your dog with a wholesome and nutritious diet. Not to mention, adding human food to your pet’s diet makes eating a whole lot more interesting for Fido. Would you want to eat the same thing every day? Of course not! So why would our pets want to?

healthy pet

Editor’s note: Please consult your veterinarian before supplementing or changing your dog’s diet.

Dogs have only been introduced to cooked and processed foods for the past 80 years. In fact, commercial dog food has been linked to chronic degenerative diseases, allergies, as well as disease of the kidney, pancreas, and liver. Commercial kibbles not only harbor harmful toxins, they are also stripped of much of their nutrient value, becoming a “dead” food product. Source: Knueven, Doug, DVM, CVA, CAC. The Holistic Health Guide, Natural Care for the Whole Dog. On a much lighter note, Belgian scientists Dr GĂ©rard Lippert and Bruno Sapy, landmark 5 year study on the life expectancy of domestic dogs showed that: Dogs fed industrial food lived an average 10.4 years. Dogs fed home made food lived an average 13.1 years. That’s a difference of three years!

healthy dog

Let’s get to the bottom of this… here are five people foods you can feed your dog today to give him a boost in diet:

#1. Yogurt

Good, plain yogurt gives your dog probiotics. Probiotics help with digestion. They get rid of unhealthy bacteria in your pet’s tummy, replacing it with good bacteria. … Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, but the probiotics can definitely help restore the balance in your dog’s digestive system.

 

#2. Green Beans

Nutritious and low in calories, green beans are a good choice that will load dogs up with iron and vitamins. Make sure to feed your dog only fresh beans or canned ones with no added salt.

Yum!

Yum!

#3. Oatmeal

Oats are a good choice of grain for pets as thy have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Have an anxious dog? Oatmeal can aid in your dog’s anxiety as it also has a calming effect on the nervous system. Other benefits include: bone-strengthening properties, as well as spleen, pancreas and immune-boosting factors.

Heart healthy!

Heart healthy!

#4. Cheese

A great treat for a dog as long as she isn’t lactose intolerant, which a small percentage are. Make sure to monitor your dog’s reaction. Opt for low or reduced fat varieties and don’t overfeed, as many cheeses can be high in fat. Cottage cheese is typically a good choice.

Waiting

#5. Peanut Butter

Raw, unsalted peanut butter is a nutritious and delicious treat for your dog! With heart-healthy fats, Niacin, vitamins B and E, as well as being a good source of protein, peanut butter is a win. A little PB stuffed Kong will keep your dog busy for hours, too.

dog health

Do you include any of these nutrition-packed foods into your dog’s diet? Let us know by tweeting us @FetchPetCare. You may also like: Can dogs eat apples? Coming up on the Fetch! Blog: Simple and wholesome homemade dog food recipes — keep an eye out for it!

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Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Can dogs eat apples? The health benefits of feeding fruit to your pets.

Fido’s been on his best behavior today. He was a team player during playtime with the neighbor’s dogs and never once tried to jump on the furniture in the house. Now it’s time to give Fido a yummy reward. You glance past the jar of treats — he’s been such a good boy that you want to give him something extra special today, so you open the fridge to see what you have in stock. You give him carrots a lot — mainly to help clean is teeth, so we skip the carrots today, but then you notice…apples! Hmm, I’ve never given my dog apples before… I wonder if he can eat them? Let’s find out!

dog apples

As it turns out, many fruits and vegetables are safe and healthy for dogs and puppies to eat. Dog owners across our social media channels messaged us and even wrote in asking us: Can my dog eat apples? The answer is YES! Not only are apples safe for dogs to eat, but they offer tons of nutritional benefits. In fact, your dog can eat any apple — from Fuji to McIntosh to Granny Smith — any apple is satisfactory.

The health benefits of apples for dogs: Vitamin A and Vitamin C

Not only are these two vitamins power-packed within an apple, but you’ll find your dog’s skin and coat healthier thanks to Vitamin A — which also helps boost the immune system. The Vitamin C found in apples offers puppies in particular proper bone and muscle development.

Editor’s Note: Fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A can build up to a toxic level in rare instances. Make sure to consult your veterinarian if you’re considering supplementing your dog’s diet with large amounts of Vitamin A. Remember: Everything in moderation!

dogs apples

Healthy Poop!

The fiber in apple will aid in your dog’s digestion. Fiber slows the rate that sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream. Fiber is not considered an essential nutrient in your dog’s diet, but it is present in almost every commercial dog food. While dogs do not derive any energy from fiber, adding fiber to a diet improves colon health, helps with weight management, and helps with diarrhea, constipation, and diabetes mellitus.

dogs apples

How to Feed Apples to Your Dog

Make sure to remove the core and the seeds, because the seeds contain bits of cyanide which can be toxic to your dog. Your dog may choose from either red or green apples for his diet and unsweetened applesauce can also work for your dog’s kibble. Dog behaviorist and celebrity, Cesar Milan, suggests offering your pet fresh apple slices (with the seeds removed) which offer an added bonus of cleaning residue off of your dog’s teeth.

dogs apples

Chubby pup? Apples to the rescue!

Soluble fiber in apples, called pectin, reduces the amount of sugar and calories that’s absorbed into the bloodstream after a meal. That’s good news for folks who want to prevent type 2 diabetes, but it also makes apples one of the best snacks for dieters. Apple pectin prevents spikes in blood sugar that lead to increased fat storage. Just be mindful of your dog’s fruit intake so that he/she is not ingesting too much sugar.

dogs apples

Antioxidants for Gastrointestinal Health

Scientists have now calculated the antioxidant power of the apple is equal to more than 1,500 milligrams of vitamin C. The vast majority of its antioxidants come from flavonoids. Antioxidants are not essential to your dog’s health, however, they lend themselves to good eyesight, bone development, chronic diseases, and more.

dogs apples

Does my dog actually like eating apples?

Yes — absolutely! Just like humans, dogs get tired of eating the same kibble every day. So, why not mix it up with something fresh and nourishing? Dogs especially love the crunchy texture of apples — just as they do carrots.

dogs apples

What’s next?

Try offering your dog apple slices or applesauce the next time you have it available and let us know how it went by tweeting us @fetchpetcare. Cheers to a happy and healthy 2017!

 

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Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Learn how to pet-proof your home for the holidays {Facebook Live}

The holidays always feel most complete when the whole family (including your pets) are together for the annual festivities. On an ordinary day it’s not unlikely that our pets may attempt to get into trouble around the house, thus, are susceptible to illness or injury if your home is not thoroughly pet-proofed. During the holidays, however, we need to be even more mindful of our pets are safety as seasonal decor, holiday eats and more, can pose a serious threat to our their health and wellbeing. In addition, unfamiliar guests may not be aware of what is and is not safe for your pets, so be sure that everyone is in the loop to ensure a relaxed get together.

Fetch! Pet Care President & Founder, Paul Mann, shared his tips for pet-proofing your home for the holidays live on Facebook late last week. Since there are seven days left of Hanukkah and still more gatherings to be had, we thought you might want to tune into this special Facebook Live episode to be sure you have your bases covered.

We’d love to hear from you! What are some things you do at home to keep your pets safe this time of year or even year-round? Have a question for Paul? Even though this live video was recorded late last week, you may still leave a comment or question within the comments section of the live video. We’ll do our best to answer them as quickly as possible. Enjoy!

Editor’s Note: Are you a pet-professional interested in joining us for a Facebook Live? For consideration, send us a note with a link to your website to: social@fetchpetcare.com.

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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

{Video Compilation} Holiday Pet “Fails” of 2016

These holiday pet “fails” are sure to make you laugh out loud all in good holiday spirit. This video is brought to you by Fetch! Pet Care: Professional dog walking and pet sitting services nation-wide. To find a provider near you visit FetchPetCare.com. Happy holidays!

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Monday, December 19, 2016

2016 Wasn’t So Bad! Here’s 7 Stories to Prove it!

2016, faith in humanity, stories, cat, dog

2016 is officially dubbed the worst year in history across all social media platforms. Yes, there were epic amounts of horrendous things that happened, but maybe we’re overlooking all the good stuff that occurred. Even just the simple, feel good, stories that warm your heart. Check it out for yourself! 2016 wasn’t so bad!

1. When this girl accidentally found her cat.

2016, faith in humanity, animals, cat, stories

 

2. When this woman saved a dog from a flood. And with a smile!

2016, faith in humanity, animals, dog

 

3. When this officer restored our faith in the police community. Thanks, we really needed that this year!

2016, faith in humanity, stories

 

4. When this kid was braver than most grown ups.

2016, faith in humanity, stories

 

5. When this unlikely duo proved that all you need is love.

2016, faith in humanity, animals, stories

 

6. When this pair of birds were more photogenic than most people.

2016, faith in humanity, animals

 

7. When this man proved that the whole “man’s best friend” deal wasn’t totally one sided.

2016, faith in humanity, animals, dog

 

Did this restore your faith in humanity? Even just a little? We’re sure there’s tons of amazing things that have happened during 2016. Please, let’s spread the positive vibes, comment and share a story if you have one!

 

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