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Nuvet Labs May 25, 2023

Boredom Busters: Ultimate Toy and Tech Solutions for Pet Enrichment While You’re at Work

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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on pet enrichment, where we explore a variety of engaging and stimulating toy options to keep your furry friend happy and mentally sharp while you’re away.

Whether you work from home or leave for the office every morning, the challenge of keeping your pet occupied and mentally stimulated during your absence can be a daunting task. Perhaps you’ve installed a pet camera and discovered your furry companion spending the day sleeping or engaging in unwanted behaviors brought on by sheer boredom. It’s evident that your pet could greatly benefit from increased mental enrichment while you focus on your work.

Fortunately, there is a vast array of innovative products and toys available that can provide your beloved pet with the mental stimulation they crave during those idle hours. These tools not only alleviate their boredom but also help keep their minds sharp and active. In this blog post, we delve into the exciting realm of pet enrichment, exploring a variety of products designed to captivate and engage your furry friend’s senses and transform their alone time into a stimulating and rewarding experience.

Enrichment Toys & Tricks We Love:

1. Pet TV:

Firstly, let’s explore the world of Pet TV. As technology advances, so do the entertainment options available for our pets. Pet TV channels provide visuals and sounds specifically designed to capture your pet’s attention, whether it’s birds chirping, squirrels scurrying, or soothing nature scenes. These channels offer a window into a world that can engage and entertain your pet, helping to alleviate their boredom.

Enrichment activity example: Two dogs watching pet tv

2. Active Rolling Ball Toy:

Next up is the Active Rolling Ball. It offers a dynamic and interactive spin (no pun intended) on a traditional dog toy. The active rolling ball is designed to keep your pet engaged for hours on end. Equipped with built-in motor and/or sensors, this ball responds to your pet’s movements, encouraging them to chase and pounce. With its unpredictable patterns and rolling motions, the active rolling ball stimulates your pet’s natural instincts, providing both physical and mental exercise.

Orange active rolling ball enrichment toy with a white remote, and German Shepherd in the background holding the ball in its mouth

3. Automatic Ball Launcher:

For those energetic dogs, the Automatic Ball Launcher is a perfect choice. It takes the game of fetch to a whole new level. This device automatically launches tennis balls at varying distances, allowing your pet to enjoy a game of fetch even when you’re not available to participate. With adjustable settings, this toy provides a fun and mentally stimulating activity that can keep your pet entertained for extended periods.

Automatic ball launcher toy pictured throwing a yellow tennis ball to a group of dogs

4. Tether Toy with Ground Suction:

If you’re looking for a toy that keeps your pet grounded, consider the Tether Toy with Ground Suction. This ingenious toy attaches securely to the ground via a suction cup and features a dangling rope or toy that your pet can swat, pounce on, and play with. Tether toys provide your pets with an outlet for natural hunting and playing instincts, while the suction cup ensures stability, allowing your pet to engage with the toy without it constantly slipping away.

Examples of tether toy for cats and dogs

5. Puzzle Toy:

To challenge your pet’s cognitive abilities, the Puzzle Toy is a fantastic option. These toys typically involve hiding treats or kibble inside compartments that your pet must figure out how to access. By stimulating their problem-solving skills, puzzle toys provide mental stimulation while also rewarding your pet for their efforts.

Dog fetching treats from the pockets of a pet puzzle enrichment toy

6. Lick Mat:

For a versatile tool that provides both mental and sensory stimulation, consider the Lick Mat. Your pet will enjoy licking and foraging for the hidden treats in the grooves of this food-grade silicone mat. Whether you use peanut butter or your pet’s favorite treats, this activity can be a soothing and engaging experience that can alleviate anxiety and boredom.

Blue and green lick mats with grooves for spreading yummy treats

Here are a couple of our favorite lick-mat recipes:

PB Delight

Peanut butter
Banana
Unsweetened applesauce
NuVet Plus Powder

Berry Blast

Yogurt
Strawberry
Blueberry
NuVet Plus Powder

NuVet Labs pet supplements including NuVet Plus for cats and dogs in powder and wafer form, NuJoint Plus in powder and wafers, and NuJoint Double Strength in wafers.

By incorporating these innovative products and toys into your pet’s daily routine, you can ensure that their time away from your affection is filled with mental engagement and enjoyment. Together, let’s enhance our pets’ mental well-being and provide them with the mental enrichment they deserve.

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Nuvet Labs April 14, 2023

Are You Prepared? Tips and Resources To Ensure Your Pet’s Safety In An Emergency

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4 Ways to Prepare for a Pet Emergency. Plus, first aid kit essentials

April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month and a time to check in with yourself and get honest about whether you’re prepared should an emergency event take place. It’s okay if the answer is no, but it also means this is the perfect time to learn and take the steps you can take to keep your furry friend safe. It’s important to understand that accidents can happen at any time, and being prepared could be lifesaving for your pet.

First and foremost, it’s essential to know what constitutes a pet emergency that requires immediate care. Some common examples include:

Choking: Signs of an object lodged in the pet’s airway may include pawing at the mouth, coughing, gagging, or difficulty breathing.
Difficulty breathing: Difficulty breathing can be caused by several things, including an allergic reaction, asthma, or a foreign object in the airway. Signs of difficulty breathing may include rapid or labored breathing, wheezing, or gasping for air.
Poisoning: Pets can accidentally ingest poisonous substances like household cleaners, medications, or toxic plants. Signs of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, or difficulty breathing.
Seizures: Seizures can occur for various reasons, including epilepsy, head injuries, or toxic exposure. Signs of seizures may include convulsions, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, or drooling.
Severe bleeding: Severe bleeding is caused by trauma or injury and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Signs of severe bleeding may include rapid or shallow breathing, pale gums, or blood loss from a wound.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a pet emergency is to create a First Aid Kit.

It should include the following:

Gauze
Non-stick bandages
3% Hydrogen Peroxide (vomit-inducing)
Disposable gloves
Antiseptic wipes for wound care
Milk of Magnesia
Digital thermometer
Tweezers
Blunt-edge scissors
Sterile eye solution
Phone number, clinic name, address of your veterinarian, and local veterinary emergency clinics.
Your pet’s medical records, as well as any medications they might be taking
(Bonus: treats!)

A readily available first aid kit can save precious time in an emergency.

CPR

Another important aspect of pet first aid is knowing how to perform CPR. While this may seem daunting, there are many resources available that can teach you how to perform CPR on your pet. You can take a class, watch a video, or read a guide online. Being able to perform CPR can make all the difference in a life-threatening scenario.

Creating a Safe Environment

Creating a safe environment for pets is an essential part of pet emergency preparedness. Here are a few actions you can take now:

Store hazardous substances out of reach: Keep household cleaners, pesticides, and other toxic substances out of reach of pets. Make sure they are stored in locked cabinets or high shelves where pets can’t access them.
Keep electrical cords and wires inaccessible: Pets may chew on electrical cables and wires, which can lead to electrocution or burns. Secure cords and wires to walls or hide them behind furniture.
Secure gates, windows, and balcony doors: Cats and dogs may be curious and try to jump out of windows or balcony doors. Make sure to secure windows with screens or keep them closed. Balcony doors should be secured with locks or latches to prevent pets from getting outside.
Avoid plants that are toxic to pets: Some common household plants are toxic to pets, including lilies, aloe vera, snake plants, and ivy. Make sure to research which plants are safe for pets and avoid those that are toxic.
Keep small objects stored away: Small things, such as toys, coins, or buttons, can be choking hazards for pets. Keep these objects out of reach and supervise your pet when playing with small toys.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

Last but certainly not least, knowing when to seek professional help is essential. While you may be able to handle some emergencies on your own, others require the expertise of a veterinarian. If you’re ever unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to contact a professional or an emergency veterinary clinic.

Remember, your pet’s health and safety are in your hands (no pressure!), so taking the time to educate yourself and preparing an emergency plan are the best things you can do for your pup.

Jason Weiss March 9, 2018

Police Dogs: K-9 Officers and How They Serve

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When most people hear “police dogs”, they tend to imagine a ferocious German Shepherd, baring his teeth at suspected criminals. The truth of their service, however, is far more subtle, complicated and honorable.

History of Police Dogs

Domesticated dogs evolved alongside humans in a variety of working capacities. The 14th century is when the world’s first documented use of a dog in law enforcement was found. K-9 officers were used in France to guard dock installations.

The notorious Jack the Ripper case in 19th century London is often considered the birth of the modern police dog. Bloodhounds were used to track the scent of suspects, although the case was never solved.

The U.S. first employed police dogs in riot control, giving rise to the stereotype mentioned above.

Breeds

German Shepherds and their similar-looking cousin, the Belgian Malinois, are the most common breeds used in law enforcement. Bloodhounds are still popular for tracking work, while Labrador Retrievers are often used in search and rescue, drug or explosive detection and evidence recovery.

Responsibilities

The majority of a police dog’s duties stem from their extraordinary sense of smell. Canines have as many as 300 million scent receptors in their noses, 50 times more than humans, and the portion of their brains dedicated to analyzing smell dwarfs a person’s 40 times over. To illustrate the power of a dog’s nose, PBS’s “Nova” cites an expert who says a dog could smell a single rotten apple in two million barrels of fresh ones.

This stunning ability means dogs can track someone on the run, the trail of a missing person, find someone trapped in rubble, and even bodies buried underground. Dogs assigned to airports are trained to find drugs, explosives and other items considered illegal to carry between countries. Border patrol K-9 officers also smell for humans being smuggled.

New York state took the skills of K-9 officers into the wildlife arena. Their team of German Shepherds search for poachers, people who hunt animals off-season, after hours, or by other illegal means. These dogs can identify many types of wildlife hidden by illegal hunters, as well as evidence like shell casings and the trail of the poachers.

Training

Many K-9 officers begin training shortly after being weaned from their mothers. Obedience, endurance and agility training give the dog a solid foundation of compliance and control.

Before a dog can become a police dog and meet join their handler, they are expected to pass the normative police test. Specialized training – for drug or explosive detection, human tracking – follows and continues with his human partner throughout his years of service.

True Officers

Most police dogs are considered full-blown law enforcement agents. Anyone attacking, injuring or killing a K-9 officer may be subject to the same penalties as harming a human officer. In fact, the death of a Pittsburgh police dog in the line of duty in January 2014 prompted lawmakers there to consider increasing the maximum sentence from seven years.

K-9 Health

Police dogs are expected to be athletes. They need to be in great shape to keep up with their training and be successful in their duties.

In 2017, NuVet Labs partnered with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office to help support the health of their K-9 officers. They donated NuVet Plus, an immune system building pet supplement, and NuJoint DS, a joint supplement, to help the 4 police dogs meet their nutritional needs.

To learn more about how NuVet Labs supports the pet pet community, follow them on Facebook!

Jason Weiss February 8, 2018

National Dental Hygiene for Pets Month

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In honor of February being National Dental Month for pets, we thought pet parents could benefit from an article about their canine companions dental hygiene.

Canine Dental Hygiene

More than likely, dental hygiene is a priority for your own health, but did you know you were supposed to be brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis? Many pet parents purchase quality pet food products that are supposed to protect the gums and help teeth remain strong. They may even invest in dental hygiene treats. However, you should also take the time to brush your dog’s pearly whites!

Why It’s Important to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental hygiene for dogs consist of many aspects. Brushing your dog’s teeth is just one way to help your pet stay healthy. Just a few of the benefits of brushing your dog’s teeth are listed below.

When you brush your dog’s teeth on a daily basis, you will help prevent your dog from developing bad breath. A foul odor coming from your dog’s mouth can be disruptive to your household, and can make visitors shy away from loving on your pooch.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to help prevent dental hygiene issues from developing in your pet. The average dog over the age of 5 experiences dental hygiene issues, since most pet owners do not prioritize oral hygiene for their pets.
By brushing your dog’s teeth, you will become familiar with your dog’s mouth. You will notice if the gums look different or if your dog has broken a tooth, in which case you can take him to a qualified veterinary professional.

Tips on Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

1. Timing is Everything

Wait until your dog is calm and relaxed. If possible, make it part of your daily routine!

2. Have your Tool Kit Ready

Get a toothbrush especially made for dogs, as well as dog-friendly toothpaste. Human toothpaste can contain ingredients that can harm your pet.

3. Be Aware of Body Language

Create a relaxed atmosphere by kneeling by your canine when going in for a good teeth brushing. Standing over your dog or having a more aggressive stance can result in increased anxiety for Fido.

4. Transition Period

If you have never brushed your dog’s teeth before, start slow. Let Fido get use to it by first placing your finger along his upper gums and teeth.
Once he is comfortable with this, you can move forward with a full cleaning.

5. The Taste of Hygiene

Get a flavor of toothpaste that your dog will like. Before using it, let Fido sniff the paste to see if he has any interest in the flavor you’ve chosen.

6. It’s Time

To begin, lift your dog’s upper lip and angle the toothbrush 45 degrees. When massaging the gum line, remember to be very gentle.
Just like when you’re brushing your own teeth, it is ideal to use a small circular motion. Brush the entire mouth, but feel free to pay more attention to areas with a buildup of plague.

Note: Initially, it is normal for your dog’s gums to lightly bleed. However, if there is a lot of blood or it continues to happen, talk to your veterinarian.

7. Be Encouraging

Help your dog stay calm and learn that the toothbrush is not a punishment by giving him praise and reassuring affection throughout the process.
If all goes well, reward your canine companion with a treat! NuVet Plus comes in a delicious wafer, and helps support canine health.

8. Duration

2 minutes a day should keep the bad oral hygiene away! Although it is great to brush your pet’s teeth daily, it may not be necessary. Talk to your veterinarian to determine which frequency is best for your dog.

In addition to purchasing a tooth brush made especially for dogs, you might want to consider investing in a pet supplement product made especially for canine health.

NuVet Plus canine is made specifically to build the canine immune system. The NuVet Plus formula includes a well-balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants for dogs, and it promotes the development of healthy teeth and gums.

Visit NuVet Labs Facebook to order NuVet Plus for your dog, or just enjoy reading feedback from NuVet pet parents. Follow @NuVetLabsOfficial on Facebook for pet themed entertainment and information.

Jason Weiss February 2, 2018

Getting Involved in Animal Rights

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Mahatma Gandhi stated that “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Animals cannot speak for themselves. In today’s society, there is no reason for anyone to suffer, even the smallest of creatures. Animal rights imply the right to avoid suffering by having their needs met and avoiding cruelty.

Resources

The pet industry is thriving because more and more individuals are treating their furry friends like family members. There are resources to help every dog and cat, regardless of the financial status of the owner.

Some people are not motivated, or simply don’t know where to turn to get the care they need for their pets. As a society, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that animals are treated properly and don’t have to suffer needlessly.

You can help protect the rights of helpless companion pets and wild animals by taking action. If you see something happening that is wrong, speak up and contact the proper authorities.

If you don’t get a response in a timely manner, escalate your complaint to a higher authority until someone listens. Help educate other members of your community about animal rights.

Animal rights extend beyond the rights of animals. By teaching others how to respect the rights of the voiceless, you also teach them to respect the rights of other humans.

Fighting for Animal Rights

This doesn’t mean you have to devote every moment of your life to fighting for animal rights. It can be overwhelming and many rescue volunteers can get burned out. Take on only what you are comfortable with.

There are many ways you can help animals in your community. The following list can help you get started.

Make a monetary donation to your local animal shelter or rescue.
Donate old towels, newspapers, kitty litter, or cleaning supplies to your local shelter.
Donate food to the local pet food bank.
Drop off food, toys, treats and blankets to your local shelter or rescue.
Donate leashes, collars, harnesses and even cute pet clothing to your local rescue or shelter.
Donate NuVet supplements to help support the health of the animals at your local rescue.

If you prefer not to donate physical items, you can also participate in the following:

Foster a homeless pet while it awaits adoption.
Adopt a furry best friend of your own.
Volunteer to drive rescue transports.
Spend a few minutes a week walking a dog or cleaning up at your local shelter.
Treat the animals you meet with kindness.

Thinking Outside the Box

If you have creative talents, you can volunteer to write animal bios or news articles. You can also take photos of adoptable pets or create brochures and other materials for local shelters and rescues to help them get animals in front of potential adopters.

You can even volunteer for community outreach programs to educate others and speak to pet owners that need some assistance.

Giving Back

Since 1997, NuVet Labs has tried to help support animals in need by donating to various pet charities and rescue organizations. They continue to help the animal community by providing highest quality immune system support supplements and joint support supplements to our beloved furry friends.

You can learn more about NuVet Labs by reaching out on their contact us page.

There are so many ways to help animals in need, and most of them don’t take a large investment of time or money. Some of these ideas can even be accomplished from home, so everyone can get involved regardless of physical abilities. No matter what you choose to do to help further the rights of animals, your gift, no matter the size, can mean the world to an animal in need.

To learn more about the pet community, follow NuVet Labs on Facebook.

Jason Weiss January 15, 2018

The Truth About Pet Food And Your Pet

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You know that pets need lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of water in order to live a long, happy life. However, you may be under the assumption that your pet’s receiving all the nutrients it needs from its pet food.

Most of us trust that pet food companies have our pets’ interests at heart, just as we do. Consumers rightly believe that these companies should only use the best ingredients. However, many pet foods are lacking nutrients or have ingredients that are not healthy for your pet.

When shopping for pet food or treats, keep the following information in mind to help choose only the best for your fur-baby.

Pet Food Concerns

There are hundreds, if not thousands of brands of dog and cat food on the market. Some of these brands are better for your pet than others.

Generally speaking, the cheapest brands contain the most fillers and “junk”. While these brands are cheaper at the store, they can cause many problems for pets. In fact, buying the cheap food can be just as expensive since your pet will need to eat more to get the same nutrients they’ll get from a higher-end brand.

Beet juices, pulps, corn, wheat byproducts and bone meal are empty fillers that provide no nutritional value for your pet. Brewer’s flour is also another ingredient that you should avoid. These items are as helpful for your dog as eating a bag of chips is for you.

Grain-Free and Organic

The best foods for dogs are grain-free brands. When you choose a high-quality pet food, your pet will eat less. A proper diet may help improve your pets energy levels, joint health, skin appearance, and overall health.

One resource you can use to gather more information on pet food and ratings for each brand is DogFoodAdvisor. Choose a 4-star or 5-star food whenever possible.

Even better, if you have the time, is a home-cooked diet. You can find many great recipes online that can be made as you make your own dinner.

Treats

There has been a lot of information in the media lately about treats for pets, and especially your dog. For example, jerky treats made in China have been found to contain harmful contaminants.

As a precaution, try to purchase treats made in the United States, whether you opt for jerky or any other type of treat on the market. Remember, if you don’t know what an item is on an ingredient list, do your research before making a purchase.

NuVet Plus vitamins come in a small wafer form and are commonly used as treat replacements. They are manufactured in an FDA registered laboratory in the USA. They are also made with natural ingredients.

Why Supplementation is Important

Whether you have chosen your new furry friend from a certified breeder, or you adopted it from a rescue organization, you will want to look into pet supplements to help boost your new addition’s immune system. Even if you opt to purchase high-end natural pet food for your dog or cat, it may not meet all of your new pet’s nutritional needs.

Pet food is created with the sole purpose of sustaining life. It is not formulated to help your pet develop its immune system. In addition, pet food production often requires intense heat, which destroys a lot of the nutrients in the food.

Picking the Right Supplement

Pet supplements are an important part of caring for your pet and helping it to live a long, healthy and happy life. When you are looking for vitamins and supplements for your pets, you can always trust NuVet to provide safe supplements, cold processed to maintain the rich nutrients of each highest quality ingredient.

NuVet Plus offers a canine and feline formula, designed to fill in the nutritional gaps in your pet’s diet. Ingredients like cat’s claw, evening primrose oil, vitamin B1 and many other beneficial vitamins and minerals are joined together to help your pet’s entire body, from bones and joints to skin and coat.

If you have questions about which foods or supplements are best for your canine or feline friend, consult with your veterinarian.

Jason Weiss January 12, 2018

Protect Your Pet Through Every Season

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To help puppies and dogs stay healthy and happy throughout the new year, owners need to take careful consideration of the weather and the season. Each period carries its own joys and hazards that owners should consider.

Everyone here at NuVet is happy to give a few suggestions on how to help four-legged family members enjoy each season in the year.

Winter Season

In the cold, the most important consideration is the dog’s skin and toes. Avoid dry skin by not bathing the animal too frequently through cold periods. It may also be a good idea to dress him in sweaters or coats to help maintain warmth and avoid having the skin dry out.

Keeping the home filled with dry, warm air can be damaging to skin, especially when repeatedly coming in from the cold. Additionally, trim the hair on long-haired dogs to avoid clinging ice crystals. Do not cut the hair too short, however, as it is critical to keeping the dog warm.

Protecting Their Paws

Protect paws by either having the dog wear booties or washing out paws after a romp outside. This can minimize the ice and burning chemicals that can be lodged between toes and cause sensitivities. Massaging petroleum jelly or a waxy substance known as Musher’s Secret onto paws before venturing outdoors can also help minimize any sensitivities to paws.

Venturing Outdoors

Remember to never leave dogs locked in a car, even for just a minute. If it is too cold for humans, it is probably too cold for dogs as well. If there is concern about dogs getting adequate exercise through the coldest months, consider looking into indoor training classes to help the animal stay active and maybe make some friends.

When the dog is taken outside, keep them as active as possible, which will help them stay warm as well. If trying to house train a new puppy, consider paper training the youngster until it begins to thaw outside to avoid unnecessary frustration.

For dogs that love playing outside regardless of the weather, remember to increase food supply and water in the winter, as they will burn more calories working to stay warm while playing. Also watch for any chemical spills, such as antifreeze, which is dangerous to dogs.

Spring Season

One of the biggest hazards for dogs, as the weather begins to warm, is the various projects their owners have going on around the home. Any spring cleaning chemicals should be kept out of reach of curious pups.

Similarly, watch which fertilizers are used in gardens that dogs have access to. Remember that certain plants themselves, such as Easter lilies, can be hazardous. As the bugs come outside, make sure that the dog is up to date on all medications and vaccinations.

If you’re tempted to throw open the windows to welcome the warm weather, make sure that it is not possible for small dogs to get through the opening and make the leap. Also, do not allow dogs to ride with their heads out the car window. Although Fido looks adorable with his head out the window, it can be very dangerous if debris should come flying.

Summer Season

Primarily, make sure that canines have plenty of access to water and shade when spending time outside, but no access to party foods or alcoholic beverages. When taking dogs near water, even if it is just a backyard pool, never leave them unsupervised and make sure they wear a life vest when on a boat.

Many owners will trim their dogs’ hair to help them stay cooler. This is fine to a degree, but do not cut the hair too short. It not only keeps the animal warm in winter, it also helps avoid overheating.

Try to confine walks to the cooler parts of the day, as hot asphalt can also burn paws. Know the warning signs of a dog overheating, such as labored breathing, drooling, and weakness to help them avoid injury. Never leave a dog in a parked car, as tragedy can strike in minutes.

Autumn Season

Rodents can be a concern in the autumn for animals and humans. If spraying to keep pests out of a home, keep dogs away. Also, know the types of snakes in the area. Snakes tend to be the most temperamental as they prepare to hibernate in the fall. This makes Autumn the easiest time for a curious canine to get into trouble.

Similarly, watch out for mushrooms growing in the area. Some mushrooms can be extremely harmful to canine health if ingested.

Keep animals away from certain human products, such as glue sticks for back to school and coolants used to prepare cars for winter. As always, being attentive to the animal is key. Being aware of what is left lying around can be best protection against tragic accidents.

For more pet safety tips and animal themed information, visit NuVet on Facebook.

Jason Weiss January 2, 2018

Pet Owner Essentials: The Basics of Caring for Your Pet

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Whether you are looking to adopt a pet into your family, or you’ve been a pet owner for a while, there are a few basic things that you should know. Dogs and cats bring an immeasurable amount of happiness into the lives of pet parents. In return, they must be cared for properly.

Keeping the following pet owner tips in mind will help you keep your pet healthy and happy so you can enjoy many years together.

1.Pet Health

Pet health is very important. As a pet owner, you should take your pet to the vet at least once a year for a checkup and vaccinations.

If your dog attends daycare or utilizes a boarding facility, ask your veterinarian how frequently Fido should come in for an appointment and what shots are recommended. You should also keep your pet on monthly heart worm and parasite preventatives.

Just a few dollars a month for these medications can save you thousands of dollars on vet bills. You should also purchase your pet’s medicines from your veterinarian or a trusted pet supply store. Many online pet pharmacies sell fake or expired medications which can be harmful to your pet’s health.

2.Safety First

Always keep your dog leashed, no matter the size or temperament of the dog. Your dog may be the friendliest dog around, and you know Fido wouldn’t hurt anyone, but the leash does not just protect others from your dog. The leash also helps you guide your canine away from other dangers.

If your pet plays in a fenced yard, keep an eye on them. There are many stories of pets being stolen from their own yards during a romp in the grass.

Indoors, keep all hazardous chemicals out of reach of your pet. You should also consider putting covers over outlets as you would for a human child.

3.Training

Training is also important; no dog is ever too old to learn. Enroll your pooch in a good training class to teach him basic manners. This will ensure that he is on his best behavior while at home or in public.

Training classes can also help ensure your dog’s safety. With proper training, he will be more inclined to listen to your commands and stay by your side when you are out and about.

Once the puppy class is complete, most dogs do well in an advanced class or refresher class to help them keep up on their training.

4.No to Human Food

It’s tempting to give your pet table scraps and people food, especially when they look up at you with those sad eyes and beg with all their heart. However, it is important to avoid this practice.

For one thing, it teaches your pet bad habits and lets them know that bad behavior will be rewarded. Keep in mind that some people foods, such as chocolate, caffeine and other items, can be harmful to your dog or cat if ingested.

Another hazard for your pet is eating too much fatty or greasy foods. Feed your dog and cat a high quality pet food; organic is great, and in the case of most pets, grain-free is preferred.

5.Supplements

Even the best pet food may not be enough to give your furry friend all of the vitamins and nutrients they need to live a long, healthy life.

NuVet Plus is a wonderful addition to any dog or cat’s diet. It promotes a healthy skin and coat, supports healthy eyes and ears, and improves energy for your pet.

NuVet Labs also has a hip and joint supplement, NuJoint Plus, which is also great for bones and joints. It will help improve your dog’s mobility and flexibility and lubricate their joints for fluid movement.

NuVet Labs supplements are safe for pets of all ages, from puppies and kittens to seniors.

For more NuVet reviews and tips, check us out online. You can also order NuVet Plus online for your furry loved ones and have it delivered right to your doorstep.

Jason Weiss December 26, 2017

Antioxidants: Why Do We Want Them?

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There is a lot of buzz in the news about free radicals and antioxidants. It is clear they are important players in our health and the health of our pets. Keep reading for a better understanding of what they are and how they impact physical condition.

What is a Free Radical?

A free radical is an atom or molecule with an unpaired or odd electron in its outer shell, which results in a very unstable state. The free radical is like a renegade that reacts quickly with other compounds trying to steal an electron so it can become stable.

When it attacks a stable molecule to capture an electron, it turns the attacked molecule into a free radical. This starts a chain reaction or domino effect that produces more and more free radicals.

Types of Free Radicals

There are many types of free radicals. Oxygen is especially susceptible to radical formation. Oxygen free radicals are also the ones that can be most detrimental to health.

Some free radicals are produced during cellular metabolism or chemical reactions necessary for normal body functions. Others are a result of outside sources like tobacco smoke and pollutants.

Each cell in the body gets hit by free radicals 10,000 times every day. The renegade free radicals damage molecules in cell membranes or attack DNA and weaken the cell. Free radical damage causes the weakened cells to eventually mutate or die, which can result in more than 50 health issues.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants come to the rescue since they can safely react with free radicals, turning them into stable molecules. This stops the domino effect, as there are some enzyme systems within the body that scavenge free radicals and neutralize them.

Noted authorities, including the National Institutes of Health, note that vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, and vitamin C are the primary antioxidants. They do most of the work but must be supplied in the diet since the body cannot manufacture them.

Types of Antioxidants

Vitamin E is one of the most efficient chain-breaking antioxidants, protecting critical cellular structures against damage from oxygen free radicals. However, it has many other important jobs in the body. For example, deficiencies in Vitamin E may lead to reproductive issues, muscle weakness, and poor development.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral found in small amounts in the body. It is a vital antioxidant that inhibits the oxidation of lipids (fats). It works synergistically with Vitamin E to aid in the production of antibodies and help maintain a healthy heart and liver.

Beta-carotene is another powerful antioxidant that limits free radical damage to cell membranes, DNA, and protein structures in tissues. It is also the precursor to Vitamin A, which is essential in skeletal growth, testicular and ovarian function, proper eye function, embryonic development, and differentiation of tissues.

Beta-Carotene and Vitamin A promote cardiovascular health and help lower cholesterol. Vitamin A is necessary for healthy skin and mucous membranes.

Vitamin C serves as an antioxidant and protects other antioxidants, like Vitamin E. This vitamin is great at combating free-radical formation caused by pollution and cigarette smoke.

Significant amounts of Vitamin C are key in protecting cells in the brain and spinal cord against free radical damage. In addition to its role as an antioxidant, Vitamin C also stimulates the activity of certain key immune cells.

Supplementing Antioxidants

The NuVet Plus supplement contains Vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, and Vitamin C which are essential to the war against free radicals. NuVet Plus wafers also include a number of additional ingredients and nutrients that benefit your dog’s health in many other ways.

Make certain your pet receives the necessary antioxidants to help minimize free radical damage. It is as simple as giving your fur-baby NuVet Plus as part of their daily routine. Your pet will gobble them as treats!

Learn more about NuVet products by following NuVet Labs on Facebook at @NuvetLabsOfficial.

Jason Weiss December 19, 2017

Can My Dog Take My Joint Supplement?

Contest, Dogs, Pet Health, Pet Supplements Comments Off

joint supplement, dog, joints nuvet labs dog tips

Human Supplements vs. Dog Supplements

As humans, we experience many of the same joint problems that our best dog pals feel. We are prone to stiffness, limited mobility and other signs of aging. While many of us take a joint supplement, it’s important to differentiate between what’s beneficial for us and what’s best for our pets.

Canine joints require special care and attention, so you want to choose the right joint supplement for your canine companion.

Is it Safe?

Generally, supplements designed for humans have similar ingredients to the supplements designed for dogs. For example, Glucosamine is found in both human and canine joint supplements. However, that doesn’t mean that these supplements are safe for your furry friend, or the best choice to improve your dog’s hip and joint health.

Things to Consider

Harmful Ingredients: Human joint supplements are often times composed of multiple ingredients. Common ingredients like xylitol, various flavoring, and even chocolate are used to make human joint supplements more palatable. Although these ingredients are completely safe for human consumption, they are harmful to your pet’s health if digested.

Digestion: Human supplements are manufactured to be as efficient as possible when traveling through the body. Once swallowed, they are designed to dissolve in the digestive tract. The canine digestive system is much smaller than an humans; therefore, the supplement does not have enough time to fully dissolve.

Dosage: It is also important to consider the dosage for a human supplement versus a pet supplement. A human dosage may be suitable for a large breed dog, but it may be too much for a smaller dog. Pet supplements designed to benefit dogs are created specifically with your pet in mind, and come in a variety of dosage options in order for you to choose the one that is right for your dog’s size and breed.

What is the Difference Between a Human Joint Supplement and a Pet Supplement?

There are several important differences between human joint supplements and pet supplements. For starters, pet supplements such as NuJoint Plus are created with the highest-quality ingredients that your pet needs. It is a specialized formula designed to optimize canine health.

Pet supplements also contain ascorbic acid, which helps your dog absorb all of the essential vitamins and nutrients in the supplement. Human joint supplements are not as easily absorbed by your pet. Nuvet Labs also utilizes cold processed chicken liver so dogs love the taste of this nutritious supplement.

There are many differences between dogs and humans that need to be considered when it comes to health care. While it might be safe to give your dog a human fish oil supplement or human glucosamine, it may not necessarily be the best choice for your pet. Work with a pet care professional in order to find the joint supplement that is right for your dog.

NuJoint Plus and NuVet Plus are two pet supplements designed specifically for dogs, ensuring that your pet gets all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that it needs to live a long and happy life. Learn how you can win a FREE year supply of NuVet Plus or NuJoint Plus for your furry companion by entering NuVet’s Holiday Pet Contest!

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