8 Signs Your Dog’s Teeth Have Cavities

It’s important for dog owners to be aware of the signs that tell whether their dogs have cavities. Not knowing how or where to look for these signs can cause the owner to spend a lot of time and money in the future because cavities can worsen and require more expensive treatments. 

As a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your furry friend happy and healthy, and this means that you should always make sure that they’re free from cavities. It’ll be challenging for your dog to have the best life if their mouth is always in pain because of cavities. 

Make sure to regularly check for the following signs to determine if your dog’s teeth have cavities:

1. Pain And Discomfort When Chewing

One of the most common symptoms to look for if you suspect that your dog has cavities is if they feel pain or discomfort while chewing. You can notice this sign if your dog chews their food slower than the usual, or would choose to not eat at all.

Pain and discomfort in the mouth is often caused by cavities because these can eat up the enamel of the teeth of your dog, making their teeth more sensitive. In worse cases, cavities can adversely affect the nerves of your dog, causing unbearable pain whenever they chew or even drink.

2. Bad Breath

Another telltale sign that your dog’s teeth have cavities is that they have bad breath. Bad breath is usually caused by an imbalance in bacteria in your dogs’ mouth. If your fur baby has too much bacteria in their mouth and the good bacteria in their body can no longer fight these off, this can result in bad breath.

You can easily test whether your dog has bad breath by getting some saliva from your dog’s mouth and, then, smelling it. Smelling foul or bad odor means that your dog has bad breath and should be taken to the vet immediately.

3. Yellow Or Brown Stains 

Paying attention to the color of your dog’s teeth can help you determine whether their mouth has been infected with cavities. A healthy dog has white teeth and pink gums. So, if you notice that your furry friend has yellowish or brownish teeth, be wary as this is another common sign of cavities.

Yellow or brown stains on your dog’s teeth is a cause for concern because aside from being a sign of cavities, this problem can worsen and cause their gums to get inflamed.

4. Infections In The Mouth

The next sign to look out for is if they’re suffering from an infection in their mouth. When dogs have tooth problems, they can, sometimes, develop an infection that can adversely affect the health of their teeth and gums.

The best way to tell if an infection is present in your dog’s mouth is to check if they have white spots on their gums or a whitish lump on their lower jaw area. If your dog is showing any of these signs, you should definitely take them to the vet to make sure that the infection is treated right away.

Remember that cavities can lead to more serious conditions, so you should also keep an eye out for any signs of infection in your dog’s mouth.

5. Unusual Drooling

It’s common for dogs to drool because their bodies naturally produce saliva. However, when your dog drools too much to the point where their blankets and toys have become wetter than usual, that’s another story. Unusual and excessive drooling is usually a sign of cavities in dogs.

Your dog will drool more frequently than usual when they have cavities because their salivary glands will work overtime whenever their mouth is in pain or injured. In worse cases, your dog might even start drooling saliva with blood.

6. Excessive Sneezing And Nasal Discharge

Contrary to popular belief, the signs that can tell you whether or not your dog has cavities aren’t only visible in their mouth. Often times, their noses can also give you an idea on the condition of their dental health.

When left untreated for long periods, cavities can cause the bone between the oral and nasal cavities to become thinner. This can result in excessive sneezing and nasal discharges. So, if you notice that your furry friend is sneezing all the time and producing discharges in their noses, immediately check their mouth and inspect for cavities.

7. Swollen Or Bleeding Gums

Your dog’s gums play a vital role in their overall health. Having unhealthy gums can cause pain and discomfort, and can become the reason why your dog will find it hard to eat and chew.

If you suspect that your dog has cavities, spend some time to check the condition of their gums. Are their gums bleeding or swollen?  Can you see discoloration on their gums?  If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, you should call your vet immediately. Unhealthy gums can usually mean that your dog is suffering from infection caused by cavities.

8. Pawing At Their Mouth

Just like human beings, dogs will usually find ways to relieve any pain and discomfort that they’re feeling. This is the reason why dogs would usually paw at their mouths as an attempt to relieve pain and discomfort caused by cavities.

If pawing at their mouth isn’t a common behavior in your dog, check their mouth for any signs of cavities. This unusual behavior might also be their way of letting you know that something is bothering them.

Consult A Vet 

The signs of dog’s having cavities aren’t always the same for all dogs. The only way to find out is to check with a licensed veterinarian who can diagnose your dog with having cavities and get them treated as soon as possible. 

If you notice that your dog starts behaving strangely, consult a vet right away—waste no time. They can properly check your dog for signs of cavities and recommend solutions to ensure that the problem doesn’t worsen. 

How Long Do Teacup Poodles Live?

As the name suggests, a Teacup Poodle is in fact a toy-sized dog breed. Teacup Poodles are not official dog breeds, as you must have already guessed it. They’re smaller than Toy Poodles and they’re very popular in America.

For their small size, Teacup Poodles can live for as long as 12 to 15 years. Since they’re bred as companion dogs, they’re also sold as hypoallergenic dogs. Weighing less than 6 pounds, they’re delightful creatures.

You can buy a Teacup Poodle in white, cream, black, or red. They’re intelligent, playful, and easy to train. But what about health issues? What can possibly affect their lifespan that you don’t know of?

Let’s find out.

How Long Do Teacup Poodles Live?

Teacup Poodles can live for 12 to 15 years. Even more, if they are not suffering from specific health issues. If you ask the vet for more information about pet Poodles, this is more than enough information for you.

For Teacup Poodles, good-quality food, exercise, and neutering are necessary. This ensures your pet lives a long and healthy life.

What Causes Death In Teacup Poodles?

When you see a Teacup Poodle, the first thing that crosses your mind is their weight. Even though there is no official registration for Teacup Poodles. Their average weight is from 2-and-a-half to 6 pounds in fully grown, adult condition.

That is why Teacup Poodles can have plenty of weight and other health problems. Scientifically speaking, Teacup Poodles, all through their puppyhood and adulthood, are considered as premature.

They need extra attention and care. It’s expensive enough to purchase a Teacup Poodle as they cost more than $1,500. If you end up with a sick or a weak Teacup Poodle, medical expenses keep piling on.

So the talk of the town is that buying Teacup Poodles is a bad idea. But if you still are considering them as a pet. Here’s what you should know about common diseases and other health issues.

Health Risks

The most common issues that Teacup Poodles suffer from are as follows.

Hypoglycemia is high blood sugar in dogs. If it persists, it can cause diabetes and heart problems. Poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and high-stress levels can also contribute to this condition.

Next are heart defects. If your Teacup Poodle is coughing or has difficulty breathing, this may be the cause. Generally, Poodles suffer from heart defects due to genetic or chronic factors. Symptoms of which may occur early on in puppyhood or in old age.

Another serious health risk in Teacup Poodles is a collapsed trachea. This shouldn’t be surprising considering the sheer size and shape of a Teacup Poodle.

If your dog experiences bouts of coughing after eating food, drinking water, or exercising. Difficulty in breathing or loud breathing noises are also signed. This could indicate that your dog is having difficulties in breathing due to a collapsed trachea.

Such respiratory diseases are very common in Teacup Poodles. And they also contribute to their death.

Other problems such as digestive issues and arthritis are common. Having said that, Teacup Poodles are genetically predisposed to dental issues. Sometimes, their baby teeth don’t fall out. And they may have to be surgically removed by a vet.

These health risks clearly state that a Teacup Poodle can live for 2 to 3 years. Or if they’re lucky, they can live for 12 years! But there’s no guarantee that they will be healthy and active all these years.

Size

I don’t have to tell you that Teacup Poodles are tiny, tiny, tiny. This translates to them having weaker and thinner bones. This means they cannot withstand climate changes from hot to cold to hot again.

This also means you cannot play rough with him or get them overexcited! If they jump from one high surface to another. Or from furniture to furniture. Or from a high chair to the floor. They are at risk of breaking a bone or injuring a body part.

When you take your Poodle out for a walk, you have to make sure you keep them on a tight leash. Or else have them run around your backyard for a few minutes at a time. Taking them to the dog park with big dogs around is a bad idea.

Injuries and trauma are expected if you decide to take things lightly with a Teacup Poodle.

Their size also affects surgical procedures. A standard IV needle is too big for a 3-pound Poodle. You will have to find an experienced doctor. This means paying higher for medicines, treatment, and other medical expenses.

Teacup Poodles’ survival rate from falling down the stairs, getting attacked by a big dog, or an accident is not positive. They even get scared or anxious fast which causes heart problems, seizures, palpitations, and skin conditions.

From all this, both you and I can gather that buying Teacup Poodles is a bad idea. And in case you’re rescuing one, you have to be very vigilant about their livelihood.

Final Thoughts

Professionals advise against the breeding of Teacup Poodles for a reason. They’re not the healthiest dog breeds on the market. They suffer from a lot of health problems. And on a more personal level, they can be a nuisance for an owner to pay for.

Having said that, the lifespan of a Teacup Poodle is unexpected. Even though you can cut back on feeding expenses as they do not eat a lot of food. That’s the only advantage one can think of about Teacup Poodles. The rest of it depends on the genetic factors of the dog.

The consistent breeding of Teacup Poodles can shorten their lifespan. A healthy Poodle can live for 12 to 15 years. But a sick Poodle can live for only 2 to 5 years.

With congenital birth defects, infections, high blood sugar, and weak bones. It’s harder to take care of a Teacup Poodle. Not to mention, it’s way more expensive! They look cute and are an instant hit with family and friends. But they’re not the healthiest choice for a pet.

How Long Does A Beagle Live?

The life expectancy of a Beagle depends on a number of factors. Genetics, neurological conditions, and trauma. However, the average age of the Beagle is between 12 to 15 years.

Some Beagle dogs may live up to 17 years. But that, as I said, depends on the dog’s personal factors. If a Beagle owner takes proper care of their dog, the lifespan can increase. Avoiding severe health diseases such as cancer, kidney disease, and other neurological diseases.

Beagle puppies who have suffered from physical abnormalities. Or they have suffered from some kind of trauma during childbirth. Such Beagle dogs don’t live for very long. Although such hereditary issues can be taken care of with proper rehabilitation and medications.

If you want to know how long a Beagle lives, this is what you need to find out.

How Long Do Beagles Live?

Image name: how-long-do-beagles-live

Photo credit: https://petcentral.chewy.com/

The average life expectancy of the Beagle dog is 12 to 13 years. A healthy and well-reared Beagle can live for longer than 15 years also. That said, a Beagle that’s in ill health can live for less than 12 years too.

The increase and decrease of a Beagle’s life expectancy depend on genetics. Though Beagles live longer, in comparison to similar dog breeds. If you take care of them well and provide proper care, you can expect your Beagle to live for a long time.

Did you know the oldest Beagle alive was 27 years? That Beagle has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records! That’s why Beagle is one of the longest living breeds. Alongside it are Chihuahuas, Jack Russell Terriers, and Miniature Poodles.

What Causes Death In Beagles?

When we talk about life, death is just a stone’s throw away. You can understand what seriously ails the Beagle breed – puppies and adults. That’s a good way to figure out whether adopting/buying a Beagle is the right choice for you.

If you already do have a Beagle, you’ll know what to look out for.

Beagle puppies are 12 months old or lower. Puppies are at their most sensitive stages. If you’re not extra careful, a puppy might get an infection, injured, or a congenital disease.

Causes of Death In Puppies

These are the common diseases in the Beagle puppy that you should know about.

Infection

Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease in Beagle puppies. This is regardless of the vaccination. And if left undiagnosed or untreated, it can be a life-threatening infection. Your puppy can be prone to many such infections.

Others include distemper, bacterial infections, leptospirosis, and eye or ear infections.

A professional would recommend separate vaccines to prevent such infections. For fungal infection, for example, you must request a vaccine specific to such diseases.

If your puppy has been around the forest, other animals, or a raccoon. It’s best to get the vaccine so as to prevent a deadly infection spread.

Trauma

Trauma in puppies is more common than you think. Beagle puppies, during and after childbirth, can easily hurt themselves. Being dropped, walking into a ditch, getting stuck between a wire or a narrow corner. This can be accidental or intentional.

Human carelessness and incompetence can lead to traumatic events. A common established term “puppy mill” also causes trauma in puppies. Force-feeding, poor living conditions, lack of proper nutrition.

All these factors can lead to Beagle puppies living for a much shorter period of time. But this is not something proper medication and lots of love can alter. Hence, it is best to prolong and nourish life by adopting a Beagle puppy than it is to pre-plan one for purchasing.

Congenital Disease

Congenital diseases are birth defects. Beagles often suffer from liver or heart disease. Poor breeding conditions, trauma, poor nutrition can also cause congenital diseases in the Beagle mother. Which she then passes on to the Beagle puppies.

Causes of Death In Adults

An adult Beagle is 12 months or higher. They reach maturity between the 1 to 7-year mark. After 7 years of age, you can think of the Beagle as a senior dog. Lots of changes occur during this period.

Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of death in adult Beagles. This is also true for other dominant dog breeds too.

The most common types of cancer in Beagles include. Bone cancer, mast cell tumors, melanoma which is mouth cancer, and lymphoma which is skin cancer. It can occur in middle-aged and elderly dogs.

Early diagnosis, proper medication, chemotherapy. All these factors significantly improve the life expectancy of the Beagle. However, along with the treatment, you should also expect certain behavioral changes in your dog.

Neurological Diseases

Certain dominant neurological diseases in Beagles are genetic. It’s a disease the adult Beagle must have picked up from either one of the parents or both of them. Beagles are prone to epilepsy, seizures, palpitations, and the inflammation of the brain.

All of these factors can be acute or chronic. This means they can be either brought on by an accident or trauma. Or they are a recurring disease such as diabetes.

Beagles also experience problems with the spine such as the Neonatal Cerebellar Cortical Degeneration. But most of these diseases can be controlled and/or treated with proper medication.

Before You Go

You can guide your dog to reach his/her full life expectancy. By having your dog properly vaccinated, neutered, and treated for certain health conditions.

The underlying factors such as proper nutrition, weight management, and regular physical activity. They all contribute to increasing the lifespan of the Beagle. Beagles are healthy dogs. They can be physically and mentally stimulated for play. They’re quite a playful and active dog breed.

So the Beagle has a better chance of living longer because of you. Consider this a reminder to treat your dog with love and respect. Don’t be fooled into thinking that dogs are genetically wired to live for a set period of time.

You’re responsible for their upbringing and old age. Health has the same effect on dogs as it does on humans. If you don’t take care of your body, you’re bound to fall sick all the time. So why do you think it’s going to be any different for your favorite Beagle dog?

What does an ACL brace do?

Dogs are probably the most active pets on the planet. Quite often they face injury during their hyped-up activity, however, if the injury is severe, it may require a brace. Accidents can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

Various injuries occur in the joints of the knee, from which most common are: Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), and Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. If the injury is severe enough, a sports knee brace might be prescribed by the vet for treatment.  

What is an ACL or Anterior Cruciate Ligament?  

Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL, also known as CCL tear, when referring to pets, is a ligament present in the hind limbs. These ligaments are the most prone to injury.

 How does a dog injure their ACL? 

• The most common cause of tearing the cruciate ligament is the excessive internal movement of the tibia when the joint is partially flexed.
• This may be the product of trauma from running and planting the hind limbs as the body’s momentum continues forward.

Besides surgery, an ACL brace is the best solution to comfort your dog. Such an ACL brace for dogs can be ordered online.

 Why is an ACL brace for dogs essential? 

Painful motions called “cranial drawer” are caused due to the ACL tear. In this situation, ACL brace for dogs is important and useful in a number of ways.

• The brace stabilizes the joint that has been affected
• It helps reduce pain and inflammation
• Helps in a smooth movement, unimpeded by pain.
• If your pet dog is not quite yet for surgery, bracing might be the most viable option for him.
• The brace helps keep the joint aligned properly while healing, preventing re-injury.

  Pros and cons of ACL brace for dogs  

Pros: 

• Prevent re-injury
• Helps to maintain better alignment of the knee
• Provides relief to the knee joint
• Your pet will experience less pain during recovery
• Reduces swelling during the early recovery period
• The dog may have fewer wound leaks in that period

Cons: 

• Can restrict normal movement of the knee which can lead to muscular atrophy if used for a long time.
• It may be uncomfortable to your pet.
• It is likely to cause more often slipping or falling, particularly if it is not properly fitted.

 Besides some cons, ACL braces for dogs can be essential for relaxation and overall health.

How To Choose The Right Bully Sticks For Your Dogs

Our pets feed off of our energy, and that of the world around them. That’s why many dogs, much like humans, can develop stress, anxiety and an intense fear of separation from their owners.

So, while you do your own self-care practices like warm baths, meditation, and online shopping, don’t forget to do pet care practices on your furry friend. There are a number of ways to help alleviate anxiety in pets, from giving them tug-of-war toys to regularly exercising them. One great method is with chewy, long-lasting treats.

Bully sticks are a popular example of these. Not only are they soothing for pets with stress or anxiety, but they’re also thought to be helpful in quelling destructive behavior such as digging and ripping up furniture.

This article will discuss how to choose the right bully sticks for your dog. But first…

What Are Bully Sticks?

Bully sticks are a natural and safe alternative to regular rawhide chews. You also may have heard them called: bull sticks, pizzle sticks, bull pizzles, or steer sticks. They’re fun for your pet to chew because they taste great and they won’t splinter like some other dog treats. You may like to give your pup one bully stick to see if it’s the right choice for them. Even though bully sticks don’t have preservatives, some brands are safe for up to three years.

Remember, bully sticks aren’t a one-size-fits-all treat, so here are a few things to consider when choosing the right ones for your dog.

1. Size And Length

The most important thing to consider when choosing the right bully sticks for your pet is the size of the stick itself. It’s important you think about the size and strength of your dog when choosing the size of bully stick for them. For instance, if you have a large or giant dog breed, you’ll want to select a bigger and thicker bully stick that’ll be more difficult for your pet to chew through. That will allow your pup more play time with the treat!

If your pet is small or older, try choosing a smaller bully stick that they’ll have no issues getting their jaw at least partially around. If you choose the right size for your dog, your bully stick could last from several hours to a few days.

2. Shape And Thickness

Bully sticks, like all dog chews, come in a variety of shapes, and while you may think there isn’t any nutritional difference to the shape you choose, it can actually affect how quickly your dog gets through it. Most bully sticks come in thin, regular, and thick widths. For dogs with stronger jaws, try a bully stick that’s braided, curled, or thick. This will make the treat a bit harder for your dog to get their mouth around so it’ll last longer. Further, they may also lower your dog’s risk of choking by chewing on a treat that’s too small, and could get lodged in their throat. If you have a dog with a small or weak jaw, choose a classic thin style.

3. Ingredients

Ingredients are critical when choosing any treat or food that your pet will consume. Think about the last time you indulged in some super greasy junk food. You probably felt slow, heavy, and lethargic afterwards. Perhaps you felt some digestion problems. Yet, when you eat a clean, nutrient-dense meal full of protein and natural ingredients, you may have felt energized, full but not weighed down, and ready to take on the day. It’s the same for your pet! Making sure their treats have healthy natural ingredients and no dangerous chemicals will benefit their health.

The general rule of thumb when choosing a treat for your pet is: the less ingredients, the better. Typically, dog treats with less ingredients will be lower in calories and higher in protein, making them a nutritious option for your pet to maintain or lose weight. They’re also often very high in nutrients and antioxidants.

Some common ingredients in the best bully sticks include:

• Bull Meat: Many bully sticks have one ingredient: beef. That’s right! They’re not packed with preservatives, artificial flavors, or dangerous chemicals that can harm your pet. Bull meat is full of protein and very low in carbohydrates. This, in combination with the scrubbing effect on the teeth, make them great for your dog’s oral health. Plus, your pet will love the taste, too! One downside to bull meat is the pungent scent. There are some options with more mild scents, but they typically go through more processing, making them a less natural option.
• Bison Meat: Bison is a nice alternative to bull meat for dogs that have allergies or sensitives. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and has tons of vitamins. Bison meat is also high in selenium—an anti-oxidant that’s great for reducing inflammation. Like the bull-meat sticks, bison bully sticks may have a pungent smell as well. Additionally, bison meat is often subject to supply shortages, making them more difficult to find and bit higher in price.
• Vegetarian: If you refrain from animal products yourself, you may also choose to do so for your pets. Some owners believe that pups with plant-based diets will have more energy and less health issues. Vegetarian dog treats often use sweet potatoes, carrots, nuts, lentils, and sometimes even fruit as their base. They’re full of nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet. One benefit to vegetarian bully sticks is that they have a much less harsh smell than bull or bison options, however, they may be more processed.

Conclusion

Sometimes, man’s best friend can get just as anxious as you can. Along with adequate exercise, and lots of love and attention, giving your pup right bully stick you can help keep them happy, calm, and of course, occupied. When choosing the perfect bully stick for your pet, it’s important to consider size, shape, and ingredients. Always refer to your pet’s veterinarian for health and diet advice before feeding them something new.

5 Fitness Tips That Will Keep You and Your Dog Active & Healthy

It may not be fun to walk your dog, especially if you are taking the same path every day. While you get bored of the same activity day after day, he will also get bored of smelling the same old patches of grass. Thankfully, there are many ways to have fun with your dog, while having your share of daily exercise. Some of those include:

Following your dog

You walk your dog every day; but how about having your dog walk you for a change? Think of him as a walking GPS that tells you where your final destination is. You just have to go wherever he goes. You need to stop when he stops, even if he is only sniffing around. Greet other people and dogs while he is at it, even if it is slowing you down. It will be fun to figure out where his nose will take the two of you.

Playing tug-of-war

If you are game to build some upper body strength try playing a game of tug-of-war with your pet. Get a soft and comfortable tug toy that is easy to hold.

• Hold the toy with one end in your hand
• Lure your dog to grab the middle part of the toy by waving it or dragging it along the ground. Make sure he avoids biting your hand.
• Move the toy up and down and back and forth while your dog is hanging on to the toy.

You can play this game for about 15 to 20 seconds.

Playing Catch

You can play a game of catch with a ball or a Frisbee if the weather is good outside. Try these steps, if your dog hasn’t yet learned to fetch things:

• Pick up a toy that your dog loves and use it as the chosen object
• While he is sitting and staring at the toy in your hand, throw it a short distance away and encourage him to go after it
• Reward him if he grabs the object and then takes it away immediately
• Throw the object again and call him to come back to you while holding the object. Ask him to drop it as soon as he comes back to you. Repeat this step as soon as he drops the object. You can use a rope to make sure he comes back to you.

Signing up for exercise class

Look for agility or “Doga” classes near you and sign up at a convenient time for online dog training. These sessions can be great fun and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. They will also help your dog develop self-confidence and self-control, improve your communication with your dog, and help your dog gain off-leash control.

Resistance Walking

Have you ever tried walking your dog on the sand, in the snow, on a leaf-filled trail, or in the shallow waters on the beach? This can be great in any weather and is very good for increasing his strength.

Keeping your dog fit and healthy is something that might be always on your mind, as a dog owner.

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Healthy Benefits of Holistic Dog Food

Your dog’s diet is an essential part of their well-being, just like your diet is for you. Your pet is a beloved part of your family and as an owner, you always want to ensure that you are giving them the best life. Exercise, playtime, and a holistic diet can keep your pet living a healthy life for many happy years.

Holistic dog food is different from regular kibble in that it is specifically formulated for the perfect balance of health and nutrition. What your dog eats can have a more profound effect on their overall health than just keeping their bellies full.

With only high-quality ingredients and a variety of formulations to suit your pooch, natural dog food is a choice that many dog owners are turning to. From improving their coats, promoting healthy digestion, and increasing energy, there are many health benefits of holistic dog food.

Coat Health

Dogs that aren’t getting the right nutrition from their dog food often have dull looking and easily matted fur. Holistic dog foods are formulated with fish oils that help promote a healthy coat. Your dog will have a shinier looking coat and experience much less shedding with the right holistic blend.

Sharp Eyes

As your dog ages, a natural decline in eye function can be expected. In some breeds that are prone to eye issues, this problem can become chronic. Holistic dog food blends are filled with powerful antioxidant ingredients that help maintain healthy eyes. With the proper holistic diet, you can expect fewer sight issues with your precious pup.

Intestinal Health

If your dog has digestive issues that often result in loose stools or constipation, switching to a holistic food blend may be helpful. Holistic dog food often contains probiotics which can help keep your dog’s digestive tract healthy and working efficiently. Probiotics promote active bacteria inside the intestinal tract to help break down nutrients and regulate digestion.

Heart Health

Kibble-style dog foods are full of fillers and fatty meat products. Holistic dog food blends concentrate on providing protein-rich nutrition using leaner meats and heart-healthy vegetables. With a lower-fat diet your dog is less likely to develop weight issues that can put a strain on their cardiovascular system.

Healthier Skin

Vitamin E and fish oil are important ingredients in holistic dog food. Both natural additives help to improve the health of your dog’s skin. Hot spots, itchiness, and flaking can be eliminated with a proper holistic diet.

Energizing

When you feed your dog low-quality food, it takes more energy to break it down and process the limited nutrients. This expense of energy can result in your dog having less energy in reserve for enjoyable things like play and exercise. Holistic food blends are formulated to be easily digested and packed full of balanced nutrients requiring less energy in the digestive process. This means that your pup will have lots of energy to have some fun.

A healthy diet for your dog means a longer and happier life that you can share together. Holistic dog foods are created with optimal nutrition for your dog that will help maintain their health and happiness. Talk to your vet today about what blend is right for your dog.

Should You Sleep with Your Pet?

Do you love that warm feeling you get when your furry friend is lying next to you? Do you like that your pet is just within your arm’s reach at night?

Well, it looks like you’re not alone. Based on the survey conducted by Cpap.com, 65% of pet owners share their beds with their pets. However, there are circulating news that sleeping with pets come with disease risks.

All this conflicting information will surely leave you confused. We’re here to tackle both sides of the coin and help you know the real deal. If you want to know if you should sleep with your pet or not, continue reading!

Why We Share Your Bed with Your Pet: The Benefits

Let’s begin with the positive side of the story. Here are some fantastic reasons why it’s good to sleep with your pet:

We feel secure and safe,

The increased feeling of security is one of the main reasons why we love sleeping with our pets. The more secure you feel, the better your sleep will be.

A recent study shows that women who sleep with their beds enjoy quality sleep because their pets make them feel secure and safe.

And less stressed and depressed,

This is another science-backed benefit of sleeping with your pet. Studies show that people who engage in animal-assisted activities reported fewer symptoms of depression than those who didn’t.

It may have something to do with the fact that gazing into your pet’s eyes can boost the flow of oxytocin in our body. Oxytocin is referred to as the love hormone as it’s associated with relaxation, trust, and overall psychological stability.

Which helps us sleep better and more efficiently.

Sleeping with your pets also encourages the production of theta brainwaves, commonly associated with deep relaxation and restful sleep.

Additionally, the results of one experiment showed that people who sleep with their dogs sleep more efficiently.

And may even solve our sleeping problems.

Considering all the other benefits mentioned, sharing your bed with your pet may also help address anxiety-induced insomnia and other sleeping disorders.

Why Sleeping with Your Pet May Not be A Good Idea: The Risks

Now, let’s go to the part you don’t want to hear but have to. Here are the potential health risks of sleeping with your pet.

They may disrupt your sleep,

The more sleepers there are in your bed, the higher chances you may get disruptive sleep. Surveys show that 53% of people claim that their pets interrupt their sleep every night. The most common reason for the sleep disturbance is their pets’ incessant barking or meowing.

And may trigger allergies and asthma,

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America claims that 1/3 of the population may have allergies to cats and dogs.

Or increase your risk of diseases.

According to the CDC, 60% of human pathogens are transmitted by animals. They also shared that around 100 out of the 250 recognized zoonotic diseases come from home pets. Some possible infections you may contract are Cat Scratch Fever, Rabies, Toxoplasmosis, Salmonellosis, Ringworm, and many more.

How to Sleep Better with Your Pet

As they say, they’re always two sides to the equation. We can’t deny the fact that sleeping with your pet comes with both risks and benefits. The key here is to ensure that the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages.

With that in mind, here are some things that you can do to minimize the cons of sharing a bed with your pet:

Invest in the right mattress.

Disruptive sleep is the most significant disadvantage of sleeping with your pet. Fortunately, you can manage all potential pet-related sleep disturbances by using the right mattress.

In addition to ensuring that the mattress is large enough to accommodate all the sleeping pets and humans, you should also choose a mattress with edge support and motion isolation features to minimize sleep disruption.

If you want to know more about how to buy a suitable mattress, check out this twin mattress buying guide from SleepStandards.

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Use a HEPA filter.

This machine can trap pollen, pet dander, and other allergens and is useful in minimizing allergic reactions.

Bring your pet to the vet regularly.

With regular checkups, any potential infection can be addressed immediately.

Make sure your dog gets enough exercise.

In this way, they’ll sleep soundly at night, so it will be less likely that they’ll wake you up in the middle of the night.

Final Words

Should you sleep with your pet? The answer is it depends. If you’re generally a healthy and fit individual and you’ve taken the precautionary measures we mentioned, it’s okay to sleep with your pet.

On the other hand, it’s best for people with medical conditions to avoid sleeping with their pets. This is especially true for people who are immunocompromised and have open wounds, asthma, or allergies. Young children and infants are also not advised to sleep with pets.