10 Tips to Help Your Dog Live Longer

Let’s start with the bad news: There’s no quick fix for extending your dog’s lifespan. However—and this is the good news—with continued effort and careful care, you can give your pup the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. Here’s 10 things you can do to enjoy a few extra years with your beloved fur baby.

 

Improve their Diet

Avoiding overfeeding, choosing healthier, more natural foods, and adopting a breed appropriate diet can help improve and extend your pup’s life. In general, aim for diets that are as natural and raw as possible, avoiding fillers like wheat, corn, sugar and generic animal fats. We suggest consulting a vet or holistic vet to address your pup’s specific dietary needs.

 

Exercise them more

Exercise helps your pup maintain a healthy weight, decreases their stress levels, and curbs behavior issues, along with countless other physical and mental benefits. While the amount of exercise will depend on breed, age and health, aim to get at least one session of aerobic exercise daily.

Check out these 5 Fun Ways to Exercise with Your Dog!  

 

Exercise the Mind, Too

Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to you pup’s lifespan. Bored dogs are more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, as well as other mental and physical ailments. Socialization with both people and dogs, training, and daily playtime are essential to keeping your pooch sharp as they age.

 

Pay Attention to Dental Health

It’s astonishing how many pet parents neglect their doggy’s teeth. In addition to pain and reduced quality of life, poor dental hygiene is directly associated with heart disease and organ damage, which means a shorter life for your dog. It might feel intimidating at first, but improving your pup’s oral care isn’t really that hard or time-consuming. First thing’s first, visit the vet for a dental checkup and tips for brushing your pooch’s chompers. Brush daily thereafter and keep annual dental checkups to stay informed about the state of your pup’s dental hygiene.

For more Tips on Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth, click here.

Also, check out these 7 Ways to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath Naturally.

 

Visit the Vet More

Regardless of how healthy your dog seems, regular vet visits are still very important. Uncovering health complications early significantly improves your pup’s chance of overcoming whatever issue they may face. Plus, as your pup ages, a vet can supply you with tips for keeping them in tip top shape between visits. Preventive care is one of the easiest and most effective ways to extend your pooch’s life.

 

Pay Attention to Warning Signs

Stinky breath, excessive drooling, a change in appetite or sleeping patterns, lethargy, diarrhea—all could be early warning signs of a serious health problem. If your dog’s mood and energy or activity levels change suddenly, it’s a good idea to get the checked over by a vet. Consistently monitoring your pet’s health is a big step toward helping them enjoy a longer life.

 

Reduce Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Chemicals present in household cleaners, lawn & garden products, flea & tick formulas and other pet products can shorten your doggy’s lifespan. Because many of these chemicals are bioaccumulative—meaning they build up in the body over time—even repeated minor exposure is enough to impact your dog’s health. Consider switching out these products for non-toxic alternatives, especially when it comes to lawn pesticides and topical insect repellents. Doing so will lessen you and your family’s exposure, too.

 

Let them Chill Out

Just like people, dogs age poorly if they’re constantly stressed. Exercise and playtime are crucial to the health of your pet, but there’s a limit and moderation is key. Relaxation and downtime play a crucial role in a healthy and balanced doggy lifestyle, too. Allow your pup a few hours alone each day to sleep or rest as they see fit. Additionally, do not coerce your dog to play or socialize if they’re simply not in the mood, chances are they need a break

 

Enrich their Lives

Introducing new experiences and adding variety to your dog’s life not only improves their quality of life but can actually help extend it, too. Much like humans, boredom and a sedentary lifestyle are counterproductive toward a long and healthy lifespan. Up your pet parent game by taking your pooch on more outings—like dog park visits, playdates, even vacations and simple errands. Practicing and learning new tricks also works to keep their mind nimble and engaged.

 

Groom them More Often

Grooming is about more than vanity. Regular brushing and bathing can help you uncover foreign bodies that might be lurking in your pup’s coat. From painful burrs to bacteria to disease-carrying pests, items lodged within your dog’s fur can cause not only pain but also illness, and the sooner you address these hazards the less chance they have of affecting your pooch’s health. But even apart from potential hidden hazards, hygiene

How to Care for Your Senior Dog: 6 Tips

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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6 Reasons You Can Feel Good About Switching to Cedarcide

Did you know over 1 billion pounds of synthetic pesticides are used worldwide every year? Even scarier, over 95% of these chemicals end up somewhere other than their target destination—such as in oceans, forests, drinking water, our food, and inside our homes, pets, children, even breast milk! By choosing Cedarcide, you’re helping combat this worldwide problem, and taking steps toward a brighter, less chemical-dependent future. Here’s 6 reasons you can feel good about switching to Cedarcide.

 

You’re Helping Protect You & Your Family

From flea collars to yard treatments to personal bug sprays, traditional pesticide use can have a serious impact on you and your family’s health, especially in the long term. Not to freak you out, but synthetic pesticides have been linked to all of the following health conditions:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Non-vascular dementia

• Asthma

• Breast cancer

• Female infertility

• Male infertility

• Hearing loss

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• Parkinson’s disease

• Type 2 diabetes

By switching to a non-toxic alternative like Cedarcide, you’re helping minimize you and your family’s pesticide exposure. Children and pregnant women stand to benefit the most from this switch. Studies show that children with parents who use chemical-based pesticides are at higher risk of behavior issues, brain damage, lower IQs and several types of childhood cancer. Because of their tendency to put their hands into their mouths and proximity to flooring (most floors are covered with pesticides), children absorb considerably more pesticides from the environment than adults. And because of their low body weight, our kids are much more likely to be harmed by this exposure.

As public health scientist Miriam Rotkin Ellman has said, “with a pesticide it doesn’t take very much to cause effects that will stay with kid[s] for the rest of their lives.”

Scary, huh? Click here to learn How to Lower Your Risk of Pesticide Poisoning.

 

You’re Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives

Much like children, our pets are extremely vulnerable to pesticide poisoning. Unfortunately, from flea collars to yard sprays, our pets have countless opportunities for exposure. Choosing naturally sourced yard sprays and pesticides over traditional, chemical-based options helps limit that exposure.

Think about it: Your pets live and play in your yard (they sometimes eat its grass, too!). Studies have shown that dogs exposed to lawn pesticides have up to a 70% higher chance of contracting potentially fatal canine malignant lymphoma. Other studies have found that bladder cancer is also associated with lawns treated with synthetic pesticides, with even indirect exposure from adjacent lawns raising your pet’s risk of this cancer. Chemical burns, gastrointestinal complications, organ failure, even death—all have been associated with use of traditional flea and tick medications. In addition to using pet-safe bug repellents, we suggest consulting a vet or holistic vet to find the healthiest flea & tick precautions for you and your pup.

Worried that your pet may have pesticide poisoning? Read Signs and Symptoms Your Pet has Pesticide Poisoning

You’re Not Poisoning Your Home or Yard

A big issue with traditional pesticides is that they contaminate your home and lawn with toxins. Whether used inside or not, pesticides almost always find their way indoors. Pesticides applied to your lawn, for example, are easily introduced inside via windows, vents, shoes, and even your pet’s paws. Studies have found that even a week after outdoor pesticide treatments, pesticide residues are commonly found on indoor surfaces—including flooring, kitchen countertops, and tabletops. By choosing non-toxic options like Cedarcide, you’re helping reduce the levels of pesticides both inside and outside your home, doing a big favor to the environment, wildlife and your neighbors in the process.

 

You’re Helping Save Wildlife

Wildlife—especially marine life and birds—have been hit hard by traditional pesticide use. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 72 million birds die in the U.S. each year as a result of pesticide poisoning. Because many types of pesticides are bioaccumulative—meaning toxic levels can build up within an organism over time—they have the potential to disrupt entire food chains, affecting nearly every living thing on the planet.

But what can homeowners like you do to help minimize the impact of pesticides? A lot, actually! The average homeowner uses ten times more pesticides per acre than farmers do on industrial farmland. So in many ways, it’s in the hands of people like you to start reducing pesticide use for the sake of animals everywhere.

 

Your Purchases Support Good Causes

Without you we could not support the causes that inspire us! Animal welfare is one such cause essential to the Cedarcide mission. In addition to supporting animal rescues and founding the Cedarcide Horse Rescue, our team spends a great deal of their personal lives fostering and volunteering for disadvantaged cats, dogs and other animals.

Veterans, soldiers, and first responders also play a big role at Cedarcide. These real life heroes inspire us every day, which is why each year we support and participate in Dallas’ Carry the Load March. This 20-hour walk honors military service of all shapes and sizes, with proceeds benefiting corresponding charities.

 

You’re Helping the Environment

As mentioned earlier, pesticides nearly always end up somewhere other than intended. Wind, runoff, and over-application are the obvious culprits. In addition to wildlife, the environment pays the highest price for this widespread pesticide contamination. But just how extensive is pesticide pollution? According to one study by the U.S. Geological Survey, pesticides were found to contaminate every stream in the United States, and over 90% of all wells researchers tested. Unbelievable, right? By adopting non-toxic pesticides and engaging in responsible pesticide practices—like careful application and avoiding overuse—you can have a real impact on the health of your family and community.

 

What’s your favorite thing about Cedarcide? What do you most enjoy about the switch? Let us know in the comments or head over to our Facebook page and strike up a conversation!

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8 Common Dog Behaviors Explained

From chasing their tails to howling, our dogs do lots of weird and funny things. But do you know what these behaviors mean? Do you know why your doggy does these odd things? Are they trying to communicate, or are these habits maybe a sign of some underlying health condition? Here are 8 common canine behaviors explained.

 

Howling

Howling is an evolutionary holdover from our pup’s ancient ancestors. Experts believe howling was probably used originally to communicate and claim territory. But modern dogs don’t really need howling for these reasons anymore, so why do they still do it?

The American Kennel Club argues there are several reasons our dogs still howl, including separation anxiety, boredom, to warn us of potential dangers, and to grab attention. Dogs also commonly howl in response to sirens or other high-pitched noises that mimic distant howling. If your pup suddenly develops this habit out of nowhere and the urge to howl persists for several weeks, it could be a sign of a medical condition. In this circumstance, we suggest having them checked over by a vet, just in case,

 

Chasing Tails

Most dogs start chasing their tails as puppies and then slowly grow out of the habit as they age.  This youthful quirk is usually borne out of confusion. In other words, the pup hasn’t learned their tail is part of their body yet and so they chase it.

However, if you praise this behavior with laughter or attention, your pup might keep chasing their tail as they age as a means of grabbing more of your attention. Sudden onset tail-chasing as an adult could be a sign of food allergy, parasites or infection. These afflictions can all cause an itchy backside, leading your dog to chase their tail in order to relieve the irritation. If this sounds like your canine, schedule a vet visit as soon as possible.

 

Circling Before Lying Down

Walking in circles before lying down is another evolutionary trait passed down by your dog’s ancestors. Before plush doggy beds and human laps, wild dogs had to prep their own resting places. This circling behavior served several purposes, including flushing out pests, flattening the grass, and making the earth more comfortable to lie down on. Ever seen your pup scratch or dig at bedding or pillows? This is a similar trait to circling, in that it’s tied to your dog’s instinct to create a den.

 

Smothering You

If your pups are anything like ours, then you often find them snuggling up so close they’re basically sitting or standing right on your feet. The same goes for bedtime, sometimes our pups sleep so close to us they’re more like a second blanket than cuddle buddies. So what’s up with this behavior? Are they trying to dominate us, or are they simply looking for some extra love?

Thankfully, this habit is as sweet as you hoped: Your dog just wants to cuddle with their best friend! But there’s an instinctual element to this behavior, too. Dogs are pack animals, and pack animals feel safest when in close contact with other members of the pack (Psst—that’s you!).

 

 

Doggy Kisses

Ever wonder why dogs lick our faces? Are they really the canine equivalent of kisses? Experts believe this behavior stems from a similar activity in the canine world, where dogs lick each other’s mouths as a way of indicating respect, especially to those with higher status in the pack. So, whether you think it’s gross or not, take those sloppy kisses as a compliment. Experts also believe dogs may have evolved this habit as a way of earning additional affection and therefore food from their human companions.

Does your dog suffer from stinky breath? Here’s 7 Natural Ways to Freshen Your Dog’s Breath and 5 Tips for successfully brushing their teeth.

 

Humping

Humping—whether other dogs, objects or humans—is a perfectly normal behavior that isn’t always sexual. In fact, it’s not usually about dominance either, which is another common misconception. Humping is more or less just another component of normal canine play. If you justify this behavior through more play or laughter, your pup might also continue humping simply because it gets your attention.

 

Sniffing Butts

The canine sense of smell is roughly 10,000 times stronger than ours, so why oh why would they sniff another dog’s butt? Well, dogs see the world mostly through their noses, and in the canine world few things give off as much information as the booty. In fact, a dog can uncover far more than you’d expect from a quick sniff—including personality, diet, and even if the other dog is pregnant or has ever been pregnant. Crazy, right?

 

Digging

There’s several reasons a dog might dig. Anxiety, boredom, hiding toys, or creating a cool spot to lie in hot weather are the most common. The easiest way to prevent digging is to minimize the amount of time you leave your dog outside unattended. This will likely decrease boredom, ease anxiety, and prevent your pup from overheating, thereby addressing the root causes of digging.

 

 

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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10 Tips for Cat-Proofing Your Home

 

If you want your cat or kitty to enjoy a long and healthy life, cat-proofing your home is absolutely essential. From the kitchen to the bathroom, there’s plenty of spaces to address and items to store far out of reach. Don’t get intimidated: it doesn’t take that long and it’s really not that difficult. Taking just a few extra precautions could save you a lot of heartache and veterinary costs in the long run. Here’s a short guide to get you started.

 

Keep the Toilet Lid Down

An open toilet lid is an invitation for a drink—a very unsanitary drink. Even worse, young cats can slip and fall inside, making toilets a drowning hazard, too. As a precaution, keep bathroom doors shut and toilet lids closed as often as possible.

 

Lock Up Medication

Keep medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (including vitamins and supplements), out of reach of your cat, such as in a cabinet or drawer. If like many cats, your feline can open cabinet doors, use locks or baby proof latches to secure them.

 

Secure Window Dressings & Cords

As cat parents know all too well, felines can’t resist anything resembling string. Case in point: window dressings and blind cords. Just like with children, these represent a serious strangulation risk to your cat. Whether it’s tucking them behind the top of the blinds or simply knotting them, find some way to hide these items from your cat. It might just save their life.

 

Keep Chemicals out of Reach/ Switch to Non-Toxic Cleaners & Pesticides

From detergents and cleaning supplies to pesticides and antifreeze, our homes are filled with chemicals that endanger our feline friends. For chemicals with natural alternatives—like pesticides, kitchen cleaners, and air fresheners—make the switch if at possible. The long term side effects of these chemicals on our cats—not to mention ourselves—are both frightening and well documented. For the chemicals you can’t easily replace, like antifreeze for example, just be sure to store them far out of reach of your kitty.

 

Secure Trash Cans & Recycling Containers

Cats are curious, and one thing they often get curious about are trash cans and recycling bins. They’re full of interesting smells and sometimes food scraps our kitties would just love to snack on. But hazards ilke plastic bags, floss, bacteria, and sharp objects also lurk inside. Choose trash cans and recycling bins with securable lids, because once your cat pries off that top, there’s no telling what they’ll get into.

 

 

Monitor Furniture

Furniture—especially items that recline or fold like sofa beds—are surprisingly dangerous for cats. Cats love hiding in hard-to-reach places, such as those inside recliners and underneath couches. As you can imagine, failing to check these spaces before use can have life-threatening consequences for your feline.

 

Hide or Organize Electrical Cables & Cords

If your cat bites into a live electrical cable, they could get shocked. If they get tangled in appliance cords, they could suffocate. In addition to health concerns, if your cat snags a wire, they could easily damage costly entertainment equipment or your cell phone. Make your life simple: Organize, conceal or use cord protectors for exposed electrical cables and cords. For extra safety, unplug unused cables when leaving home (it helps save energy, too!)

 

Remove Toxic Plant Life

Some cats just love chewing plants. Even though non-toxic plants can still cause stomach issues, for the most part this habit is little more than an annoyance. However, if you have toxic plants inside your home, things can go wrong quickly. To sidestep an emergency vet visit, remove or stow away plants toxic to cats. Consult this list to know which plants to avoid.

 

Keep Windows Closed

A barely open window is plenty for your cat to escape and get lost. To keep things simple, never leave a window open unless you’re home and can monitor the situation. Do a quick check of your home’s window screens, too. Not only are cats notorious for getting tangled in loose screens, but if you live on a higher floor, a faulty screen could mean a nasty, potentially fatal fall for your feline.

 

Keep Human Food Out of Reach

Whether toxic for cats or not, keep all food in your home off counters and out of reach of your felines. Non-toxic foods can still cause an upset tummy, but more importantly, food packaging doubles as a serious choking and suffocation hazard.

 

For more Cat Parenting tips, like “9 Tips to Help Your Cat Live Longer” and “7 Ways to Show Your Cat You Love Them” subscribe to our newsletter.

Thoughts, suggestions, have your own tips to add? Comment below or head over to our Facebook page to let us know what you think!

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