bark & whiskers

23/01/2024

Omega-3s: The Superstars of Healthy Fats 🌟

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are “essential” because dogs and cats can’t produce them on their own. They must obtain them directly from the food they eat. 🐶🐱

Omega-6 and omega-3 fats are EFAs, and pets need a balance of both for good health. ⚖️ Omega-3s, in particular, play a huge role in your pet’s well-being, including:

✅ Regulating blood-clotting activity
✅ Aiding proper development of the retina and visual cortex
✅ Reducing inflammation
✅ Creating healthy skin and coat
✅ Supporting proper immune function

Check out today’s free article to learn some of the best ways to offer your pet omega-3s: https://bit.ly/48T3SJY

23/01/2024

Medicinal mushrooms are the star ⭐ of this healthy and delicious broth! 🍄

A good rule of thumb when choosing mushrooms:

✔️ All edible varieties are also safe for pets.
❌ Mushrooms toxic to humans are also toxic to pets.

👍 Some great choices include porcini, white button, shiitake, turkey tail, maitake, shimeji, oyster and portobello mushrooms.

Explore the benefits of mushrooms, especially portobello, in today's free article: https://bit.ly/3vDh5bA

23/01/2024

Show off your loving pets! Share a picture of them below 👇 🐾

23/01/2024

QUESTION: What did you name your pet and why? 🤔

This kitty is Sproetjies, which means freckles in English. We think her name suits her well! 😻

Thanks to Michelle for sharing this photo of her fur baby!

22/01/2024

Could Your Pet Benefit From Rehab Therapy? 🤔

Pet physical rehabilitation therapy can offer life-changing benefits for many pets 🤩, including for overweight pets, those dealing with orthopedic or neurological diseases, pets recovering from an injury or surgery, canine athletes and senior pets. 🐕🐈 If your furry companion is in the list, visit today’s free article to learn how rehab therapy can help them: https://bit.ly/4aTA5me

You've probably gained from these protocols yourself. And if our precious animals could talk, they'd ask us to claim the same benefits for them. Especially in these special needs situations and circumstances. Fortunately, it's becoming more widely accepted and available.

22/01/2024

🚫 Beware of This Trending Feeding Practice 🚫

This feeding practice is growing in popularity 📈, yet it deprives dogs and cats of their basic needs. 👎 See why this poor dietary choice can hinder your pet’s well-being: https://bit.ly/492jb3j

This practice is growing in popularity and I can't understand why. Dogs' and cats' bodies weren't created to survive this way, and depriving them of this basic need could cripple their healing potential and ability to function optimally.

22/01/2024

Share a photo of your curious kitties in the comments! 🐱 🤔💭

22/01/2024

These Furry Friends Thrive in Treetops, Not Your Living Room 🚫

Thinking of getting sugar gliders? Think twice. These nocturnal marsupials may seem cute, but they have unique needs that can make them challenging as pets. Here are 5 reasons why sugar gliders do not make the best pets: https://bit.ly/3vHkiXL

Sugar gliders are adorable, small and fuzzy, making them popular impulse buys at state fairs, exotic animal shows and flea markets. But do sugar gliders - marsupials native to Australia - make good pets?

21/01/2024

Have you tried feeding organic carrots 🥕 to your pet?

Aside from beta-carotene, carrots contain other nutrients and phytochemicals with powerful antioxidant properties! ✨

Check out today’s free article to learn more about its benefits to your pet’s health, plus other ways to add it into their meals: https://bit.ly/3HpT0ro

21/01/2024

Prepare a Disaster Plan for Your Pet 🐕🐈

🚨 When disaster strikes, pet safety becomes a race against time. The tragic loss of over 1,000 pets during the Marshall Fire in December 2021 serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the unpredictable. 💔

You can help keep your pet safe in case of a rapid-onset disaster by preparing a pet emergency evacuation plan. 📄🐾 Read today’s free article to learn how to create it: https://bit.ly/3OaeU5H

Preparing for the unexpected, including natural disasters, is essential for every pet owner. But sometimes even the best intentions aren't enough to save animals in the path of nature's wrath.

21/01/2024

Today Is National Hugging Day, 🤗 but Should You Really Hug Your Dog? 🤔

If you love hugging your canine BFF, it’s important to realize the feeling may not be mutual. In fact, most dogs may not enjoy it, as it restricts their limbs and can trigger stress. 🐕👎

Read today's free article to learn how you can express your affection toward your dog without overstepping their comfort zone: https://bit.ly/3O7O6mw

21/01/2024

Blood Clotting Disorder in Dogs 🐕🩸

This inherited disease is the most common clotting disorder in dogs. Due to the lack of a particular clotting factor protein, clotting takes longer, and symptoms include bleeding from the mouth or nose, digestive tract, urine and even excessive bleeding that accompanies the loss of baby teeth (not to mention major surgery like spays and neuters). 🩸😢

Discover more about genetic bleeding disorders in today’s free article: https://bit.ly/3TYghIr

20/01/2024

Add These Healthy Oils to Your Pup’s Meals 💧

Many dogs' diets are lacking in healthy fats to support their health. 👎 This is especially true if your dog is fed a primarily canned or dry food-diet. Healthy dietary fats have anti-inflammatory benefits and play a role in the formation of hormones. They are also necessary for digestion and nutrient absorption.

🐶 To significantly increase the healthy fats in your dog’s diet, add these healthy, high-quality oils to their meals: https://bit.ly/3Hi3Tvk

Many pets lack a good source of omega-3s, and omega-3 deficiencies are the most common nutritional deficiency I see in my practice.

20/01/2024

We need animals more than we can imagine.

20/01/2024

The “Pandora Syndrome” in Cats 🐈

Domesticated felines, especially indoor-only cats, tend to develop urinary problems not seen in their cousins in the wild. 😿 These issues fall under the umbrella of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which describes a group of conditions affecting the bladder and urethra.

Fortunately, if you eliminate the five common triggers, you can help lower your cat’s risk. 📉 Find out more in today’s free article: https://bit.ly/48xvaG4

This singular-sounding disorder mimics so many far-ranging issues it's a nightmare to try to figure out what's really going on. Fortunately, if you eliminate some or all of these five common triggers, you hedge your bets against problems.

20/01/2024

Dive deep into the world of these charming waddlers with these 8 fascinating facts! 🐧❄️

Discover more facts about penguins in today’s free article: https://bit.ly/49964NR

20/01/2024

Walnuts for Pets? A-OK! 👌

Walnuts are said to be toxic to pets, but that’s actually false (only the leathery, outer husk should not be consumed by any mammal ❌)! Raw, unsalted, human-grade English walnuts offer many benefits to dogs 🐶 (and cats, if they’ll try ‘em 🐱), thanks to their phytochemicals and other nutrients 🌟. If you have fresh, raw, shelled walnuts, don’t hesitate to share them with your animal companion. 👍

Read today’s free article to learn more about the benefits of walnuts: https://bit.ly/48tOhRb

19/01/2024

This Cat Breed Is Blessed With a Long Lifespan 🩶💙

Thanks to their natural evolution, good health and lack of genetic problems, the Russian Blue cat, sometimes called the Archangel Blue, has an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. 😻

Check out today’s free article for more facts about the Russian Blue breed: https://bit.ly/3Sd0ynB

This breed is long-lived thanks to general good health and a lack of genetic problems. Some have even lived to 25 years. What's more, they are exceptionally devoted to their people, have fine bones, and firm muscles. But they do love food and will eat themselves into oblivion.

19/01/2024

😅😅😅

19/01/2024

Dogs With This Disorder Should Avoid Rough Play 😢

Dogs suffering from this disease can experience excessive bleeding from even minor skin wounds, making it a serious risk for those affected. 🩸💔 Learn more when you read today’s free article:

Symptoms of the disease include bleeding from the mouth or nose, bleeding in the digestive tract, blood in urine, anemia and excessive bleeding that accompanies everything from loss of baby teeth to major surgery.

19/01/2024

Keep their ears dry during bath time with this smart hack! 🐶🛁

Today’s article discusses the dos and don’ts during pet baths. Read it here: https://bit.ly/48q8ck6

19/01/2024

Blindness in Pets 👁️

Dogs and cats can go blind at any age. 🐶🐱 Vision loss can be present from birth, the result of an injury or illness, or the result of an age-related eye disease. Non-congenital or age-related causes include several medical conditions of the eye, including diabetes, high blood pressure, SARDS, stroke and cancer. ⚠️

Congenital blindness isn't something you can prevent in your pet, but many causes of acquired blindness are entirely within your control. 👍 Here are 4 tips to help prevent blindness in your pet 🛡️👁️: https://bit.ly/3HgPEqt

There are many reasons that dogs and cats can go blind at any age. Is your pet showing any of these telltale signs? Four things you can do to help prevent blindness, and how to help your vision-impaired pet feel secure and comfortable at home.

18/01/2024

Be better and be kind to every kind.

18/01/2024

One of the Healthiest Nuts for Your Pet 🤎

Walnuts offer beneficial phytochemicals to pets, such as omega-3 fats, flavonoids and vitamin E. 🤩 They also contain melatonin, which may help pets by regulating their immune system 🛡️, scavenging free radicals 🚫 and inducing restful sleep 💤.

Walnut’s biggest risk is a choking hazard, so feed raw, unsalted, chopped pieces. If you have a walnut tree in your yard, never allow your dog to have access to the fallen, leathery ‘fruit’; the tough, leathery outer casings can contain deadly mycotoxins.

Check out today’s free article to learn more about the benefits of walnuts: https://bit.ly/3TXDtGF

They add a crunchy texture to your pet's meals, and when given in the proper way (chopped in small pieces), they can provide phytochemicals and this beneficial nutrient called the 'sleep hormone' - discover how they can benefit your pet's well-being.

18/01/2024

Snowy morning walks ❄️🐶 Pupper loves it! 💙

Is your pet enjoying the snow, too?

Thanks, Katrina, for sharing this photo of your winter-ready pup!

18/01/2024

❗This Invisible Threat Can Wreak Havoc on Your Pet❗

Certain molds can cause serious health problems in pets who inhale or ingest them. Toxic mold can cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms ranging from sneezing or coughing all the way to neurological distress or death. ⚠️

Find out the signs of toxic mold exposure in pets, plus tips to keep your pet safe from them in today’s free article: https://bit.ly/3TSJwMP

Symptoms can range from sneezing or coughing all the way to neurological distress or death. And no matter where you live, it's possible this invisible threat could wreak havoc on your pet - or you. Find out which spots are most well-known for it.

18/01/2024

Cat Diets 🆚 Dog Diets

Is it okay for your cat to eat your dog’s food? 🤔 According to veterinarian Dr. Megan Keller: “The short answer is yes, a cat can eat a small amount 🤏 of dog food and not have any toxicity or lasting effects. However, the longer answer dives into the species-specific differences between our feline and canine friends. 🐕🐈 While a nibble of stolen dog food will not harm cats, it will definitely not help them achieve their best possible health.”

Today’s free article talks about the difference between cat diets and dog diets. 🐶🐱🥣 Click here to read it: https://bit.ly/3O4xiwL

17/01/2024

When Your Pet Crosses the Rainbow Bridge by Dr. Karen Becker 🌈🐾

Once a pet has earned their wings and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, the ones left behind often struggle to deal with their grief. It’s important to acknowledge that this feeling is valid and real, and while there’s no way to avoid the pain, there are tools that allow your heart to process the loss of your beloved in a supportive manner. . 🩹

This guide can help pet parents with their journey from grieving to healing:

Download this Free eBook now to learn how to navigate your grief and heal your heart before, during and after the loss of your beloved pet companion.

17/01/2024

Hope for Canine Hearts 🐕🫀

Mitral valve disease (MVD) comprises 75% of all canine heart disease, and affected dogs typically have significantly shortened lifespans. 💔 Many pet parents of dogs diagnosed with this heart problem have been told there’s nothing they can do to help their pet.

Fortunately, a first-of-its-kind open-heart surgery program recently launched at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and is the only program in the U.S. dedicated to the repair of MVD. 🐶❤️

Visit today’s free article to learn more about the promising program: https://bit.ly/3HhbxWQ

Responsible for 75% of all canine heart disease, dogs with this condition typically have significantly shortened lifespans.

17/01/2024

Looking for a low glycemic snack? Here’s a DIY treat that can help! 🐾✨

Cinnamon contains a bioactive that mimics insulin, which may help improve blood sugar regulation. 👍

For more tips to help your diabetic pets, visit today’s free article: https://bit.ly/48QHlgV