According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 56% of all dogs in America were considered obese in 2017. This is an increase from 2016, when 54% of dogs were considered obese. While many people may think it’s cute to see a “chunky” dog with a few extra pounds, obesity can present serious health problems for our furry friends, and shouldn’t be treated as a laughing matter.

While our dogs have unique appetites and flavor palettes like we do, it’s important to remember that their nutritional guidance comes primarily from us. Here are just a few notable things from this scientific study and how we can use this info to help improve our dogs’ lives overall.

• 54% of pet owners give in when their animals beg. A majority of pet owners noted that they gave their dogs or cats food whenever they begged for it. At first glance, it may seem cruel to deny our animals food when they’re hungry, but if you keep your animal on a consistent feeding schedule, you won’t have to worry about whether or not they’ve gotten enough nutrients for the day. If they beg when you know they’ve gotten their allotted meals, they may just want a little extra love and attention. Satisfy them with a treat for a trick.

• 22% of animal owners noted they overfeed their pets because it makes them happier. Sure, tasty food is a wonderful treat for any dog or cat. Since most people use food and treats as training rewards, it can be difficult to wean your pet off of the extra snacks. Just keep in mind that helping your dog maintain a healthy weight will keep them happier in the long run and give them extra years of running, playing, and doing all the things they love most.

• 4 in 5 pet owners estimate the amount of food their animals receive at mealtime. When you have a pet, it seems like the easy solution to just eyeball how much kibble they get at mealtime. However, lack of careful meal tracking can easily lead to chronic overfeeding and weight gain. Using prepackaged human grade pet foods for your dogs makes the measuring and tracking process easy as it’s already done for you.

If you’re anything like us, you want your dog to stay around as long as possible. Give them the opportunity for a healthy, active life by taking an active role in monitoring their mealtimes. Feeding them natural, responsibly sourced, human-grade foods with wholesome proteins can make a huge difference in their quality of life, as well. To learn more, get in touch with Pawsitively Pure dog food. Purchase tasty, natural food for your dog here.

They say that it takes a matter of seconds to form a first impression of someone. In mere moments, our brains analyze a person’s body language and demeanor to form a comprehensive impression of the person we’re meeting. Whether this impression is completely correct or not, it’s a huge indicator of how the rest of the relationship with this new person may play out. But dogs display emotion a little differently - and getting better at understanding them on first meeting can pave the way for a smoother relationship.

A recent study by the University of Lincoln demonstrated that both children and adults have a tendency to misjudge dogs’ demeanors based on their body language. Misinterpreting a dog’s body language can lead to stress for both you and the dog, so getting a handle on what dogs’ body language means is an important step in dog ownership. Here are a few tips on understanding your dog’s body language:

• Watch the way your dog’s ears are pointed. When they’re pointed up and perky, your dog is in a great mood. If your dog tilts their ears forward, they’re alert, maybe trying to pick up a noise. If they’re laid back flat, your dog is displaying signs of fear and submission. If your dog has floppy ears, it may be a little more difficult to tell which way their ears are tilted, but pay attention to the positions of their ears when they’re in different situations and you’ll be able to recognize the patterns.

• What teeth can tell you: When your dog shows its teeth, it’s probably not smiling. Nose curling and showing the teeth and gums is a sign of aggression and can indicate that your dog is ready to snap. You may have seen some videos of people telling their dogs to “smile,” but don’t accept this as the norm! Showing teeth is not a good sign.

• The tail tells a tale. Your dog’s tale is also a huge indicator of his mood. When your dog is relaxed, his tail will be relaxed. An alert or aggressive dog will have a tail that stands up and maybe even bristles, while a fearful, submissive dog will tuck its tail between its legs. Of course, a lot of wiggling and wagging is a good sign, but you’ll notice even an excited dog’s tail won’t stand up like an aggressive one’s.

When you learn to read your dogs’ body language, you’ll find that your dog is a very expressive creature who lets you know exactly what he wants! Especially if you have children, it’s a great idea to read a few books and do research on dogs’ body language before you welcome a new dog into your home. Having a clear understanding of what your dog is telling you will help avoid accidents and lead to a happy, healthy relationship. To learn more about Pawsitively Pure, click here.

Just like it’s important to find the right physician for your family, it’s also important to find a vet who has your dog’s best interests in mind! While many people tend to put off well visits to the vet and only go to the clinic in an emergency, giving your dog regular checkups is an important part of their overall healthcare regimen. A good vet will take preventative measures against common illnesses and cancer as well as helping you keep your dog at a healthy weight and activity level.

Finding the perfect vet for your dog can be daunting. Many first-time pet owners tend to choose big box in-store vets, like Banfield. While these are affordable options, you may be able to find better care elsewhere. Here are a few of our tips to help you find the right vet for your pet:

• Check for word of mouth recommendations. The best recommendations are ones you know you can trust. Chances are, if you’re a dog owner, you have a few other friends who are dog owners, as well. Ask them who they use for their pets’ primary care needs if they’re in your area, and check to see if their vet is helping their dogs with specific health concerns your pups may be experiencing.

• Have a conversation with your vet and bring your dog in with you for an introduction. Bringing a new vet into your life is much like introducing your dog to a new family member. Make sure you and your vet are on the same page when it comes to key issues affecting your dog’s quality of life. At the same time, you can gauge how comfortable your dog is around their new vet.

• Convenience is a big plus, especially when it comes to matters of your dog’s health. Choosing a vet that’s nearby and has more flexible hours of operation can help you get your dog to the clinic in cases of emergency. If your vet offers emergency drop-off options and can work with you on appointments during the work week, there’s a good chance they’re the right fit for you.

A good vet will help educate you as to the right choices for your dog when it comes to nutrition, supplements, activity levels, and more. Find a vet that makes you feel comfortable enough to ask questions so you’re never in the dark when it comes to your dog’s well-being. Speaking of nutrition - did you know that you can find Pawsitively Pure human-grade dog food in certain veterinary offices in Central Florida? Click here to find out where you can find our food.

While dog’s diets are fairly different from human diets, they still need to include some of the basic food groups we eat every day. Fats, carbohydrates, water, and protein are all important parts of your dog’s nutrition. Not only is it important to make sure your dog is getting enough of each of these food groups, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re coming from wholesome sources, too.

About 18% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from nutritional proteins, and the source really matters - your dog is able to digest and utilize proteins from certain sources better than others. Here are a few trustworthy sources of protein for your dog:

• Eggs: For both humans and dogs, eggs are a great and easily-digestible protein when cooked. Many people used bits of cooked egg as a treat for highly active dogs, but we like adding it as an extra morsel for the occasional mealtime. When cooked properly, eggs are a great way for dogs with upset stomachs to get the protein they need to live happy, healthy lives.

• Lean-muscle meats: Lean meats like chicken and turkey are great sources of protein for your dog as they don’t add an excess of fat to your dog’s diet and they keep them fueled for the day. Human-grade dog foods like our whole food products provide your dog with healthy sources of protein that are easy to digest and responsibly sourced.

• Vegetable sources, like beans and lentils, can be healthy additions to your dog’s diet in small amounts, but they should never be used to replace whole-meat sources of protein. Additionally, be careful about what beans you give to your dog - green beans are a great treat, especially when frozen. But avoid fava beans, baked beans, and any kind of beans in sauce as a treat for your pup. Try making some lentil-based treats!

The easiest way to know that the proteins you’re giving your dog are right for them is by feeding them a human-grade food you can trust! Pawsitively Pure features the nutritional information you need on the package so you can keep track of your dog’s healthy diet. Get your dog on the right track to a healthy lifestyle this year! To learn more about Pawsitively Pure, browse through our website, or contact us here.

Can you believe the new year is just weeks away? As we tie up loose ends from 2018 and prepare for the beginning of 2019, many of us are writing a list of New Year’s Resolutions to help us lead our best lives. Whether it’s dieting, exercise, or simply flossing more, improving health is one of the top-cited resolutions on everyone’s lists. This year, why not take your dog’s health into consideration?

Taking small steps to improve your dog’s health is a great way to boost their overall quality of life and ensure they’ll be part of your family for years to come. Here are 3 items to add to your list of pet resolutions this year:

1. Exercise more. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, over half of all dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. Obesity in your dog can cause joint issues, lack of range of motion, heart disease, and lung problems. Increasing exercise doesn’t mean you have to commit to long, drawn out walks - simply schedule more time for play or take your pup to the park more often. Give them more chances to run around and get out their pent up energy.

2. Check regularly for lumps. One of the easiest ways to detect cancer in your dog is to check for unusual lumps and bumps beneath the skin. Keep in mind that a lump doesn’t always indicate cancer, and it’s also not the only indicator - but it’s a good head start when it comes to keeping an eye on your dog’s health and taking preventative measures if necessary.

3. Make improvements to their diet. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: a healthy diet is your dog’s first line of defense against illness. Giving your dog a diet that’s packed with nutrients can help increase their lifespan, boost their energy, and ward off common diseases. This year, commit to cutting off the table scraps and give them nutritious bone broth - they’ll love the flavor just as much!

While your dog’s health should be on your mind every day of the year, the new year is a great time to start taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Improving your dog’s quality of life can help you improve your own at the same time! To learn more, contact us or browse our website to see our great products.