Our pets add an incredible element to our lives. They are companions, they put smiles on our faces, and
they bring us immense joy. So it only makes sense that we want them to thrive and be with us as long as
possible. One of the ways a pet owner can help on that front is by offering their furry friends products
that are not just useful for everyday tasks, but ones that enhance wellness – and make their lives better.
A healthy animal is a happy animal.
Here are a few products that can make a big difference for your pets’ well-being, which in turn, adds to
yours.
Whisker Fatigue Food/Water Bowls
Whiskers are incredibly important tools for cats. They are sensitive antennae that help them navigate the
world around them. But they can get overworked and when that happens, stress follows. A task as
simple as eating can make things difficult for a cat experiencing “whisker fatigue.” They may even refuse
to eat. You can easily remedy that with a wider food/water bowl. The idea is that with more space, the
whiskers don’t come in contact with the bowl, thereby minimizing that fatigue and helping your kitty
avoid any undue stress.
Brand names to look for: Dr. Catsby’s, Lorde, CatGuru
Click
here to learn more about whisker fatigue and some different products that can help.
Activity Monitors for Dogs
We all have that friend who boasts about their activity monitor and the huge number of steps they’re
racking up. Now get ready to hear about their pets. Or better yet, beat them to the punch and get your
best pal an activity monitor. The idea is pretty cool – you attach the small, lightweight product to your
doggo’s collar and start tracking all sorts of useful info, like their activity level, distance covered, the
quality of their sleep, and depending on the product, their actual moods. The monitors, typically
compatible with smartphones, are a real help in trying to stay on top of your dog’s health and could be
particularly useful for overweight pets in need of a new routine.
Brand names to look for: FitBark, Garmin, Pitpat, PETKIT
Plants for Cats
Ever try to get into the head of a cat? Mission impossible. Just know that cats do some strange things –
like gnawing on plants. There are some different thoughts on why kitties enjoy chewing on many things
green, including the need for fibre, boredom, or simply wanting to experiment with a different texture.
The problem is that many plants are toxic for cats and therefore potentially dangerous. A wide range of
lilies, for example, fall into that group. Even eating a couple of leaves or drinking the water can lead to
kidney failure for your beloved pet.
Your local pet stores have simple solutions like cat grass. The grass not only gives a healthy plant for
them to eat, but it can also assist with digestion and hairball removal. In addition to having some greens
on hand for your cat(s) to enjoy, also be very careful about the existing plants you have in your house.
Remove any that could pose a risk.
Click
here for an insightful HGTV article on safe plants for your cat to enjoy and click
here for a list of
poison ones.
Food Puzzles
Wild animals hunt. Eating requires work and after putting in the effort, they are rewarded with
nourishment. Our companion animals don’t have it quite so hard. Their homes are like 24-hour pet
diners where the meals just keep coming – and no tip is ever required! Imagine if we were in restaurants
all day? It would be pretty easy to get heavy and lazy. And that can lead to other things, like boredom,
anxiety, and depression.
Many veterinarians, therefore, feel strongly about utilizing food puzzles for pets. Making your dog or cat
work a little harder for their food is a good thing, for many reasons. A puzzle can provide mental
stimulation and help them sharpen their problem-solving tools. They can also make a massive difference
for pets that hoover up their food in mere seconds by encouraging a more deliberate eating process. The
key is to start with a simple puzzle, with a high-reward food item, and then move up in degree of
difficulty as your pet solves each puzzle.
Visit
pinterest.ca and search “pet food puzzles.” You will find a variety of products to purchase, as well as
several ideas for homemade puzzles.
Calming Blankets and Jackets
The struggle, as they say, is real. Anxiety is common for many people and that also applies to our pets.
Whether it’s fear of an approaching storm, separation anxiety, or just general nervousness, your doggo
can experience overt stress. We do our best to calm them with love and cuddles, but there are some
tools that can help a dog feel a little better, like a weighted blanket or jacket. The concept is that the
added weight replicates the feeling of being hugged and can therefore decrease feelings of anxiety.
Being more relaxed will help that pup rest more and sleep better.
Before investing in a weighted blanket or jacket, please consider a few things to ensure your dog’s health
and well-being:
●Make sure the product is made of non-toxic materials, especially if you’re dog likes to chew
●The item should not be more than 10 per cent of your dog’s body weight
●It’s best to supervise your dog at first as they become accustomed to the blanket/jacket, making
sure they’re comfortable and happy
Brand names to look for: Canine Coddler, Pawsome Couture, ThunderShirt
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