The Importance of Your Pet’s Dental Health

Dental care for pets is often overlooked. We teach our children about the importance of oral health care, so why do we neglect our pets? Our pets rely on us to keep their mouths clean and healthy. Good dental hygiene is directly tied to overall health and longevity for our pets. As pet parents, we want our pets to have healthy mouths. Here are some reasons why good dental care is so critical to our pet’s overall health:

1. Preventing Tooth Loss: Good pet dental care will ensure the structures supporting a dog and cat’s teeth stay healthy and keep their teeth in place.
2. Preventing Bad Breath: Bad breath will not be a problem when your pet has a healthy mouth and teeth.
3. Preventing Oral Pain: Dental disease can become painful for dogs and cats. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy will prevent any pain.
4. Preventing Organ Damage: Bacteria in plaque buildup can actually enter your pet’s bloodstream and spread to their heart, kidney and liver. This spread of bacteria, called bacteremia, can damage organs and make your pets quite sick.
5. Preventing Worsening Dental Disease: So many pets have dental disease by the time they are three years old. Good dental care can prevent dental disease from becoming severe. It is essential to take preventative measures when your pets are young to avoid dental disease.

Preventative measures against dental disease should begin when your pets are young, but it is never too late to get them accustomed to teeth brushing! Here are some good reminders and tips to ensure the well-being of your furry friend’s oral hygiene:

• Regular exams are important. It is recommended to visit the vet once a year.
  • Check your pet’s breath monthly. Bad breath can indicate gum disease.
  • Dogs can often disguise how much pain they are truly in. Regularly monitor eating and chewing habits to look for signs of oral distress.
  • Check for red, puffy gums and yellow or browning tartar on teeth as signs of concern.
• Supplements and diet play an important role.
  • Dental-specific kibble and dental treats can help reduce plaque and tartar.
  • Daily oral chews can help improve dental health.
  • Look for Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved products.
• Daily brushing is essential in preventing bacteria build-up.
  • Use a pet-specific toothbrush or a soft child toothbrush.
  • Use pet-friendly toothpaste only.
  • Start slow and work up to longer brushing.

Oral care is health care for our furry friends. Feeds’n Needs has a variety of specialty treats, chews and more to help keep your pet’s teeth healthy. Ask our Experts in-store about our favourite oral health care products and what will best suit your pet’s needs!

For more dental health tips for your pets, check out our other blogs:

Dental Health Tips for Your Dog
Dental Health Tips for Your Cat

Source:

5 Reasons Why Dog Dental Care Is Important | PetMD

Tips To Minimize Your Dogs Separation Anxiety

Many dogs have gained separation anxiety after getting used to having their humans home with them more often over the past few years. Now that life is returning to a sense of normalcy and people are returning to the office, our dogs are left at home to deal with separation anxiety. They don’t understand why all of a sudden we aren’t at home every day with them. While you’re away, your four-legged friend may show signs of distress, such as barking, destructive chewing and even potty accidents or episodes of self-harm. These signs can all be due to separation anxiety.

• • Being left alone for the first time or when used to constant human contact.

• • Suffering a traumatic event, such as time away from you at a boarding kennel.

• • A change in your dog’s routine or the loss of a family member or another pet.

1. Keep arrivals and departures low-key. Ignore your pup for the first few minutes after you get home. 
2. Leave some recently worn clothes that have your scent on them.
3. Consider trying an all-natural calming product such as Hemp 4 Paws Hemp Seed Oil. A natural health alternative for pets made with organic cold-pressed hemp seed oil and CO2-extracted hemp terpenes. These products are THC-free, so your pets can experience all of the health benefits of the hemp plant without any psychoactive effects. Ask your Feeds’n Needs Experts for more information on this great product on your next visit!
4. Give your dog a special toy or treat each time you leave. Only give it to them when you’re gone, and take it away when you get home.
5. Create a crate routine. Practice keeping your dog in their crate for short periods while you are home and gradually lengthen the time. 
6. Practice leaving your house for short periods. Not being home, even for a brief amount of time, can help maintain a sense of normalcy and help prevent your dog from becoming too dependent on your presence. 
7. Confine your dog in a safe place, such as a room with a window and toys that will keep them busy, and never leave them in total isolation.
8. If you’re really concerned about your dog’s behaviour while you are out of the house, try a pet cam to help give you some peace of mind. Look for a model with two-way features that allow your dog to see and hear you. This trick is helpful for some dogs, while for others, it can make their anxiety worse not knowing where you are but being able to hear you.
9. Desensitize items such as putting your shoes on and picking up your keys. Try putting on your shoes and then sit down at the table. Or pick up your keys and watch TV. Do this over and over many times a day.

1. Punishment is never effective in trying to help separation anxiety. It can worsen the situation.
2. Getting your dog a companion usually doesn’t help an anxious dog because their anxiety results from their separation from you, not just the result of being alone.
3. Crating your dog without being crate trained. If you do not crate train your dog and try to crate them to help with separation anxiety, they will still engage in anxiety responses inside their crate. They may urinate, defecate, howl/bark or even injure themselves in an attempt to escape.

Don’t rush things when helping your dog minimize their separation anxiety. Only you can tell if your dog is ready to be left home alone for more extended periods. Make sure your pup gets lots of exercise daily. It’s important to challenge your dog’s mind and body. A tired, happy dog will be less stressed when you leave them home.

Sources:

Separation Anxiety: How to Keep Your Dog Calm When You Leave (webmd.com)
Helping dog anxiety | The Humane Society of the United States
24Petwatch: Soothe Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety in These 8 Ways

Pet Fire Safety

National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15. It’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe during a fire. Pets are part of the family, so it makes sense that we would dedicate a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest situations we can imagine.

It is important to have a plan for your pets and your entire family, along with making your home “fire safe” for everyone! Make sure you have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to protect your whole family. Take these eight additional steps to help keep your pets safe:

1. Prevention:

Never leave your pets unattended around an open flame such as a candle or fireplace. Consider replacing your candles with flameless ones. If your dog knocks it over or your cat’s tail brushes it, they’ll be safe. They offer the same ambiance as a real candle, with fewer hazards. It may be best to eliminate the unnecessary open flames in your home entirely.

If you have a fireplace, be sure to watch your pets around them. Most will stay away, but some are curious and may get too close. Toys or other flammable items can accidentally be pushed too close to a fire which could quickly ignite.

2. Keep Your Pets Away From Hazards:

Cooking equipment is a major cause of pet-originated fires. Pets who jump on counters can hit a stove knob, turning the gas on or turning up a flame. If you have a curious pet or one who climbs on top of your counters, consider using knob covers or remove the knobs when you are not around to monitor your pet safely. Keep young or untrained pets away from potential hazards by crating them or securing them in a safe area with a baby gate.

If you know your pet tends to chew on things, make sure to hide loose wires that could potentially cause a fire, and turn them off and unplug them entirely when they are not in use.

3. Make Sure Emergency Responders Know You Have Pets:

A pet alert sign near each entrance to your home is an important pet fire safety step. It tells emergency responders that one or more pets are in your home and might need help. If you crate pets when you are away or sleeping, keep them near a door, so it’s easy for firefighters to find them after entering your home. You can also keep your leashes by the front entrance so they’re visible to first responders who may enter.

4. Make A Pet Fire Safety Evacuation Plan:

Every family should have a fire evacuation plan and do a practice fire drill at least twice a year. Include your pets in your fire evacuation plan and have leashes or carriers at easy access.

5. Consider Monitored Smoke Detectors:

For pet fire safety you may want to think about upgrading your smoke detectors. Consider using monitored smoke detectors. They are connected to a monitoring center so emergency responders can be contacted when you’re not home or at least send your phone a notification.

6. Know Where Your Pet Is Likely To Hide:

In case of a fire, your pet will probably be scared, especially if a loud fire alarm goes off. Know where your pet is likely to hide inside your home.

Unfortunately, if you can’t find them quickly, get outside and leave the door open for your pets to follow. Call for them to help them find their way and let firefighters know that pets are still inside.

7. Make Sure Pets Aren’t Lost During Evacuation:

A fire is a scary situation, and pets may run off. Another important pet fire safety step is ensuring your pets have a microchip before an emergency and that the information on the chip is up to date.

8. After A Fire, Watch Your Pet Closely:

If your pet acts lethargic or has trouble breathing, it could be a sign of smoke inhalation. See your veterinarian as soon as possible for any needed follow-up care.

Following these tips could help you prevent a fire or even save your pet’s life if an emergency occurs. Preparing ahead of time for pet fire safety can go a long way toward reducing risk. Spend some time this week developing your pet fire safety plan!

Sources: Pet Fire Safety: 8 Ways to Keep Your Pets Safe (bettercitiesforpets.com)

Water Safety For Dogs

Summer is here, and what better way to stay cool on hot sunny days than swimming. It’s a great source of exercise and fun for both you and your pup! Before you take your dog swimming, make sure you know how to keep things safe, especially since not all dogs know how to swim.

Here are some things to consider when swimming with your furry friend:

• Never leave your dog unattended while swimming. If you have a pool, keep your pet away from it when you are not swimming and fence it in if possible.
• Check the water temperature before you let your dog go swimming. Not all dogs can handle super cold water. 
• Keep fresh drinking water nearby. Drinking pool, lake or ocean water can make your pet very sick.
• Check that the water is shallow and your pup can easily make it back to dry land. If you have a pool, show your dog how to get out using the steps.
• Thoroughly rinse your dog after swimming. Saltwater, chlorine, and lake algae can irritate or damage their skin and fur. Also, make sure to dry their ears completely to prevent any infections.
• Some dogs do well with life jackets. It’s a good idea to put a life jacket on your dog if you are on a boat or a dock. Make sure it fits them comfortably and that they still have full mobility. Visit your local Feeds’n Needs store with your pup, and our Experts can help with life jacket sizing.
• Never throw your dog into a body of water, especially if it is deep or has a current.
• Know your dog’s limits! Swimming is tiring, and a tired dog is more susceptible to drowning. Let your dog get out of the water to rest if you sense they may be getting tired.
• Remember, if they don’t want to go in, don’t force them. Try to keep it positive and stress-free on your pup. Make sure to know your dog. Some breeds are better suited for water than others. Breeds with short snouts such as pugs, English bulldogs and Boston terriers are not built to swim.

Dogs can have a lot of fun in the water, whether they love to swim or just love wading in the shallow water. Always remember that water safety for dogs is key while you and your pup have fun this summer!

Sources: Swim Safety for dogs | 24Petwatch

Road Trip Safety For Your Dog

While road tripping with your dog, their safety should be a top priority. Whether you’re driving a couple of kilometres or taking a long road trip, it’s important to have safety precautions in place at all times for your pet’s safety. Check out our tips to road trip safety for your dog. These tips will help keep your furry friends safe, secure and comfortable during your road trips so you both can enjoy the drive!

Keep them Buckled!

In order to keep your pup safe while on the road, the best thing to do is keep them properly restrained. Accidents can’t be foreseen, so it’s crucial to keep them protected at all times. Vehicles, unfortunately, don’t come with doggy seat belts, so during your next visit to your local Feeds’n Needs, ask our Experts what equipment is available and would be best for you and your furry friend. These are necessary to secure your dog and restrict them from harmful movement in the event of an accident. Prepare your pup for a safe road trip by taking them on short trips to town to get used to the safety equipment.

Pack the Essentials!

You never know what may happen on the road, so it’s good to have a first aid kit for you and your dog. Packing your pet’s food, water, treats, medicine, toys, and feeding bowls is also a good idea when going on a long drive. It’s a good idea to have something to keep your dog entertained and engaged, such as their favourite chew toy helping to keep them calm during the ride.

Wear your Dog Out!

A tired pup is often a more well-behaved one, so right before you plan to head out on your trip, take your pet for a long run or a visit to the dog park. This should help your dog feel more rested and calm. They may even sleep a portion of the drive. During long trips, it’s important to stop anywhere from 2 to 3 hours so your dog has some time to play and get some more energy out.

Don’t Let Them Overheat!

You should never leave your dog unattended in your car for any reason. Especially during the warmer weather, this can lead to heat stroke and even death. Be sure to pack water to keep your dog hydrated during your trip. Grab a portable dog water bottle from one of our stores before your next trip, making it simple to keep your pup hydrated during the drive!

These are just simple tips, but following them will help you have a safe road trip with your dog and one that you can both enjoy. If you ever have any questions, reach out to the Experts are your local Feeds’n Needs.

How to Successfully Grow a Vegetable Garden

Planting and maintaining your own vegetable garden takes time and care but is a fun, satisfying way to bring nutritious foods to your family’s table. If you are not sure where to start, below we share a step-by-step guide to growing a successful vegetable garden!

Step 1: Plan

Plan out your garden. Choose a spot that gets full sun, at least 6 hours a day (8 to 10 hours is even better). Start small if this is your first garden; anything over 1 m x 1 m may require more time than you are prepared to commit. After your first successful year of gardening, you can always add to your garden to make it larger.

Step 2: Remove Rocks and Debris from Soil

Remove any rocks, roots or debris from your soil and use a garden fork or spade to break up the soil to a depth of at least 15-20 cm. Using the fork, add a layer at least 5 cm deep of Grampie’s Super Soil and work it in to help stimulate root growth and ensure that you get the very best produce and herbs in your garden.

Step 3: Plant Your Seedlings

Plant your vegetable or herb seedlings. Keep in mind how big your plants will grow, and plant taller plants on the north side of the patch. Ask your Feeds’n Needs Experts for helpful tips on spacing your seedlings depending on what vegetable you are planting. Inspect your garden for weeds, pests and diseases at least twice each week. Pull weeds by hand, identify any pests and use an appropriate pest remedy before the problem becomes serious. Be sure to remove any diseased plant parts promptly to avoid affecting others.

Step 4: Feed Vegetables with Fertilizer Every 2 Months

Feed your garden every 2 months with 6-12-12 fertilizer or 10-10-10 fertilizer. Alternatively, apply water-soluble fertilizer approximately once every second week. During your next visit to your local Feeds’n Needs, ask our Experts what water-soluble fertilizer they recommend for your vegetable garden!

Step 5: Water as Needed

Water slowly with very little pressure so that the water has a chance to sink into the soil rather than running off. Water the soil rather than spraying the leaves of the plants, ideally in the very early morning before the sun becomes intense. Depending on the temperature, wind, soil type, spacing and type of plants, watering is usually required every second day unless it rains. If in doubt, stick your finger into the soil past the first joint and water if it feels dry.

Materials you will need:

• Plants, vegetable seeds or bulbs of your choice
• Grampie’s Super Soil
• 6-12-12 Fertilizer or 10-10-10 Fertilizer

Tools you will need:

• Shovel
• Garden hoses
• Fork or Spade

Sources: How to Grow an Organic Vegetable Garden | The Home Depot Canada

Springtime Garden Pet Safety

Gardening season is upon us, and for us pet owners, that means we need to be aware of how to keep our pets safe from hazardous spring plants! There are few effective treatments for toxic plant ingestion, so it’s important to know the potential dangers spring plants can have on our furry friends.

Most common toxic spring plants:

• Tulips, Daffodils, Narcissus, and Hyacinths – The skin at the bottom of bulb flowers is dangerous to both dogs and cats, but they are especially toxic to dogs. Make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden! If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
• Lilies – These are highly toxic to cats. The pollen, leaves, stems, and even the water in a vase can cause kidney failure, even small ingestions such as 2-3 petals or leaves.
• Irises – These are considered toxic to both dogs and cats. All parts of the iris contain harmful components, but the bulbs are the most dangerous part. If your pet ingests an iris, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
• Begonias – The underground stem can cause severe mouth irritation for both dogs and cats.
• Buttercups – These flowers can cause your pets to have an upset stomach if ingested.
• Crocus – The spring Crocus may cause gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if any part of the plant is ingested by dogs or cats.
• Lily of the Valley – This plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures.

It’s also important to be mindful of fertilizers as these often contain bone, blood or feather meal which ingesting in large quantities can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Next time you visit your local Feeds’n Needs store, be sure to ask our Experts for advice on safe fertilizers to use as a pet owner! You can also keep your curious furry friend away from the garden by fencing it off.

Educating yourself about these springtime hazards will help you, and your pet enjoy your backyard with no worry!

Sources:
Springtime Hazards: Protect your Pets From Toxic Plants | 24Petwatch
Spring Dangers To Pets | Pet Poison Helpline

Garden Planning for Spring and Summer

Is garden planning on your to-do list this spring and summer?

Deciding what to grow in your garden is one of the most essential steps in gardening; sometimes, it can be the most challenging too. If you focus on the three main keys to success, you can’t go wrong: available sunlight, soil type, and climate.

1. Available Sunlight:

When trying to figure out what area you want to plant your garden, ask yourself, does it get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day? If it does, consider it a sunny spot; if it doesn’t, consider it a shady spot.

2. Soil Type:

Every plant prefers a specific type of soil. A great way to improve overall soil is to mix 3 inches of All Purpose soil into the top 6 to 8 inches of your existing garden soil.

3. Climate:

Climate is another crucial aspect to consider when deciding what to plant in your garden.

When discovering which plants fit your specific growing conditions, visit your local Feeds’n Needs store; they can provide helpful tips and tricks to help get your garden prepped for the growing season.

Here are a few plant types that suit some common growing conditions:

• Shade – ferns, hydrangeas, sweet woodruff, hostas, azaleas
• Sun – fruit trees, vegetables, daylilies, roses, ornamental grasses
• Heat – angelonia, coneflowers, sage, oregano, prairie natives, cactus
• Pots – annual flowers, bush-type edibles, herbs, perennials

Growing in containers is a great way to create custom growing conditions. Not only can you move them around to get more (or less) sunlight and choose to keep them indoors or outdoors, but you can also customize your soil.

The bottom line on choosing what to grow depends on how much elbow grease you’re willing to invest in keeping plants happy.

Sources: Making the Decision on What to Grow in Your Garden | Miracle=Gro (miraclegro.com).

Feeding Wild Birds in Winter

Winter is a rewarding time for birders and one of the busiest for bird feeders due to the lack of natural food sources and colder temperatures. Here are some reasons to feed wild birds during the colder months:

Reliable food source: Besides helping northern migrants coming to the Maritimes replenish their energy resources, it also provides all wild birds with a reliable food source once natural sources deplete in colder weather.

Attracts the first winter birds: A stocked bird feeder can attract the first winter bird species and encourage them to remain nearby all winter. This helps wild birds remember reliable food source locations, so they return year after year. Overtime, consistent feeding will increase the size and diversity of your backyard visitors and become a trusted winter source. This also means birds don’t have far to go to replenish their energy.

Birds become reliant on feeders as food source: If deciding to feed birds in winter, it is important to stay consistent by keeping feeders clean and well stocked all season. Wild birds become reliant on these feeders, up to and including spring. This is an especially crucial time to keep feeding as many Maritime provinces experience ice storms creating a barrier for birds to acquire food and shelter.

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