We’re guessing that Florida’s mild winter didn’t deter you from going outside entirely during the winter season, but still, there’s something magical and inviting about the way the sun shines when springtime rolls around. The birds are singing, the squirrels are chasing each other in the trees, and the days are getting longer and warmer. So how are you and your dog going to celebrate the season?

Just like you, your dog needs exercise to maintain a healthy weight and enjoy an active lifestyle. However, not everyone wants to go jogging with their pups - and not every pup wants to go jogging, either! Here are a few creative ways to get some exercise in for you and your dog as spring transforms into summer:

1. Try an agility class. Agility classes aren’t just for puppies! If your dog has a lot of energy to burn, try taking them to an agility course. A number of dog parks around the Orlando have agility and climbing equipment, but if you want your dog to get the most out of their playtime, there are plenty of places that offer classes and training. Take a look at Dog-On-It Agility Club of Central Florida, who take on any dog who wants to boost speed and have fun.

2. Play fetch. One of the best things about playing fetch with your dog is that you can do it just about anywhere! Most dogs love the opportunity to catch a frisbee, a ball, or their favorite toy. Just make sure the location you choose is dog-friendly and they aren’t in any risk of running into traffic or going somewhere dangerous. Try the park, the beach, or even just your backyard.

3. Let them spend some time with friends. Most animal behaviorists will tell you that the best exercise an animal can get is exercise that mimics what they would do in the wild. For dogs, this means running, playing, and wrestling with others in their pack! Social time is a great way for your dog to expend some energy while getting in some healthy socialization.

Be creative with how you schedule your exercise time with your dogs! If your dog is older or has bone or joint issues, something more gentle like hydrotherapy is a great choice. Still not sure what kind of exercise is best for your furry friend? Have a conversation with your veterinarian to see if they recommend any locations around Orlando. Get your dog started on a human-grade diet. Browse through the Pawsitively Pure shop here.

As the weather continues to warm up, pet parents everywhere are overjoyed at the chance to bring their furbabies outside more often for fun and exercise, but they’re also gearing up for flea season. Fleas tend to thrive in warmer weather, which makes them a problem almost year-round here in Florida. But did you know that your dog’s first defense against fleas can start with their diet?

Preventing flea infestations is not only important for your dog’s comfort, but it can also help protect your dog from infections and diseases carried by the parasites, as well as keeping you and your family safe from flea bites and allergic reactions. Here are a few things to know about how your dog’s diet affects their susceptibility to fleas:

• Fleas are more likely to latch on to dogs with nutritionally deficient diets. A healthy, balanced diet includes a variety of important vitamins and nutrients that keep your dog’s immune system strong. These nutrients help keep your dog’s skin healthy and supple, protecting them from the elements and parasites like fleas. Without a healthy diet, your dog’s first line of defense is easily broken, making them a choice target for hungry fleas.

• A natural diet offers more of the nutrients that help keep skin healthy. Natural, unprocessed meats like chicken are full of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are just some of the nutrients your dog needs for healthy skin. In fact, dogs need much more fat in their diets than humans do, which is why a real-food diet can be so beneficial to their health.

• You can add supplements to your dog’s food to help keep them safe from fleas. Here at Pawsitively Pure, we really love Mercola supplements to give our dogs the best nutrition they can possibly get. Try adding an immune booster to their daily meals to help them stay guarded against fleas and other pests. Supplements that add Omega-3s, as well as seaweed and kelp supplements, are great for healthy skin.

Want to learn more about supplements you can add to your dog’s diet? Here’s a list of some of our favorite Mercola products. Before you change your dog’s diet or add any supplements to their meals, we recommend you have a conversation with your veterinarian. To learn more or to order natural food and treats your dog will love, browse through our website!

Have you found yourself begging your dog to swallow their pills? Have they outsmarted you and picked their meds right out of a glob of peanut butter or cheese? Veteran dog owners know that medication time is not always the easiest of tasks. However, the experts at CompoundingRX USA have smart and easy tricks to try the next time your furry friend needs to take their meds:

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.

As we’re sure you’re aware, the holiday season is right at our doorstep. As the air cools down just a little bit, shopping centers are beginning to put up their red and green decorations, and families are sending out invitations to their parties and preparing for the arrival of relatives. If you’re wondering about the best gift to give your family this holiday season, we’d love to suggest getting a dog.

Here at Pawsitively Pure, we advocate responsible pet ownership, and a pet you bring home for Christmas is a pet for life. But if you have the right intentions, a dog can be a perfect Christmas gift and benefit your family for years to come. Here are three reasons why your family will be all the better with the love and companionship of a pup:

1. Dogs can help your children learn responsibility. Maybe your parents got you a pet when you were growing up to help you understand responsibility, too. While dogs are a lot of fun, they also require a lot of care and attention to help them thrive. You can put your children in charge of daily dog duties, like taking them for a walk and making sure they get the right amount of human grade dog food for dinner.

2. Dogs can help everyone learn a little patience. Sometimes the training phase can be frustrating when bringing a new dog into the house. By working with your new furry friend through these issues, you’ll learn to be more patient and to work through issues instead of giving up. This isn’t just beneficial for the little ones - we can all do with a little more patience as we help our dogs grow happy and healthy.

3. Dogs are the best stress relievers. Coming home after a long day at the office? Are your children stressed about upcoming exams? Just take a little break to play with your pup! Studies have shown that even something as simple as petting a dog can take a load of stress off your plate. High stress can lead to physical illness, so having a dog around the house can keep everyone happy and healthy.

The team at Pawsitively Pure advocates adoption when you’re looking for a new family friend. Now that Florida has passed Amendment 13, outlawing greyhound racing, there are soon to be a number of dogs looking for their forever homes. Check with your local shelter or rescue program to find out more. To order your Pawsitively Pure food, bone broth, and treats, click here, or find us on Facebook!