Saturday, December 5, 2020

Eco-friendly Decor

Make Your Holidays Sustainable With Eco-Friendly Decor

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog post 11/27/20


 How great would it be if you could celebrate the holidays while giving our earth the gift of sustainability? Well, that’s exactly what we want to do! We’ve come up with some eco-friendly decor ideas so you can deck the halls without the guilt (or expense) of waste. Here are some of our favorites:

Go to your Favorite Search Engine and search the How To on these

Have Fun!

Pressed Leaves

As fall comes to an end, take up the leaves from your backyard and get to pressing! Elevate this tried and true activity to make gorgeous wreaths or tie them to your wrapped gifts as a colorful accessory. There are a couple ways you can press your leaves. You can use a heavy hard book and put the leaves between the pages to flatten them or iron the leaves between wax paper, paper towels or a thin cloth.  To preserve your pressed leaves, you can coat them with eco-friendly epoxy so you can use them for holiday decor for years to come!


Dried Fruit

Another elegant eco-friendly item you can use for your gifts, wreaths, and ornaments is dried fruit! This is a colorful way to decorate your space while using what you already have in your kitchen! Some of the best fruits to use are oranges, apples, and lemons. All you have to do is slice up the fruits and be sure to dry them out as much as possible with a paper towel. Then, lay them flat, bake in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 hours, and make sure to flip them until they are completely dry! And there you have it! Beautiful eco-friendly decor that smells good and looks even better.


Cranberry and Popcorn Garland

Need a new garland? Look no further! Make a new one that pops with color by using cranberries and popcorn. This is a classic to be sure, but if you’ve never tried it, it’s a wonderful homemade addition! You’ll need none other than popped popcorn and washed cranberries as well as craft string and a needle for threading. Make the popcorn a few days in advance so it gets slightly stale and is firm enough for threading. Thread your two snacks through the string in any pattern you like and then add it to your tree decor! If you really want your homemade garland to last a few more years, spray it with shellac to preserve and reuse!

popcorn garland


Gingerbread Ornaments

Get the kids in on the eco-friendly decor with gingerbread ornaments! This super easy craft looks adorable on trees and gives off an inviting cinnamon scent. These gingerbread cookies are made with only three ingredients, making it the perfect homemade project. All you need is craft glue, ground cinnamon and unsweetened apple sauce. Combine these ingredients together into a dough, roll out and get to work with the cookie cutter. Don’t forget to create the hole at the top for the string to hang. Let it dry by baking, air drying, or using a food dehydrator. Then, whip out the glitter and any other gingerbread accessories for decorating! Once these have all dried, string a ribbon through and hang them up for everyone to enjoy. Even though these look good enough to eat, make sure that you keep them away from kids and pets!




Cloth Gift Wrapping

Traditional wrapping paper doesn’t have the best impact on the environment, especially considering over two million pounds of it end up in landfills by the end of the holiday season. A fantastic alternative to wrapping paper, which is reusable and looks just as festive, is wrapping cloth. Also known as furoshiki, the practice of using cloth to wrap gifts originated in Japan. You don’t need to purchase the exact kind of cloth traditionally used because you probably have something very similar lying around the house. Once you find a fabric, check out the easy tutorials online for the many unique ways to tie up your gifts.


Recycled, Personalized Greeting Cards

Need a fun holiday decor project to do with the kids? Instead of buying a bunch of greeting cards that could potentially end up in landfills, make your own! You can get recycled cards or paper and customize them using potato stamps. All you need to do is outline the desired shape on the potato and then cut around it with a knife so the design sticks out. Dip into paint and you’re all set! This keeps the same festive feel as traditional greeting cards while adding a unique touch, and serious crafty bonus points


By all means, continue to enjoy festivities and less-DIY holiday decor! Just by making small changes to your decorations like we’ve listed here, you can reduce your environmental impact while still experiencing all the warm, fuzzy feelings of the holidays.




Monday, November 30, 2020

Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Cats

Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Cats



From our Family to Yours
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays!







This Dog Gift Contains:

Full-sized bag of Turkey Heart Freeze Dried Treats
Full size bag of Turkey & Berry Chewies
Can of Pork & Venison Dog Food
Celestial squeak toy (toy may vary)
A $46.00 retail value!

It’s all wrapped up in holiday reindeer tissue paper with a pet product catalog and a seasonal Life’s Abundance branded box
















This Cat Gift Contains:

Full size bag of Gourmet Cat Treats
Full size bag of Freeze Dried Turkey Hearts
Full size bottle of our Wellness Food Supplement
Can of Pork & Duck Cat Food
A leopard print catnip mouse with a pompom tail
two fun jingle balls
A $45.00 retail value!

It’s all wrapped up in holiday reindeer tissue paper with a pet product catalog and a seasonal Life’s Abundance branded box.


Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Sustainable Fisheries

 We Source From Sustainable Fisheries

Courtesy of the Life's Abundance Blog Post 11/20/20


At Life’s Abundance, our purpose is to help people and their pets live healthier and happier lives. Part of this vision includes committing to sustainability initiatives because in order to be healthy ourselves, our environment must also be healthy. That’s why we are so happy to share that when we select vendors we look beyond just the quality of their ingredients, safety protocols and facilities to see that they have a commitment to environmental sustainability, just as we do.


The fisheries that supply the whitefish meal in our dog foods and cat foods follow sustainable practices! This is particularly important because of the delicate nature of the ocean environment and the impact of overfishing on the food supply and ecology.  Our fish come from commercial fisheries on the West Coast of the United States, which are certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. This means that they have met sustainability standards including minimizing environmental impact, a commitment to healthy fish population levels, and complying with relevant laws.




The whitefish meal in our dog and cat foods is derived from de-boned, fresh cuttings of marine whitefish. The fish is tracked from the moment it is caught all the way through to its processing, ensuring only the highest quality ingredient goes into our pet foods. Cats and dogs love the flavor, but what they don’t know is that these strict standards mean that consistently robust nutrient levels are achieved with each batch - a wonderful source of wholesome protein complete with naturally high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.


We appreciate being able to do business with those who not only provide exceptional ingredients, but share our values and aim to promote responsible marine resource management practices. Whether you are considering our dog foods and cat foods for the first time, or already feeding them, you can feel good knowing that you are choosing high-quality nutrition that is also considerate of the earth.


 Life's Abundance dog and cat food samples


Thursday, November 12, 2020

Dog and Cat Holiday Gifts

Life's Abundance Dog and Cat Holiday Gifts are Here. 

🐢😺


These are such a FAVORITE every year. 

🠊 These GO FAST so Get one Today and Send one to a Furry Friend before they are Gone. 

(limited quantity) 



Life's Abundance Dog basket

holiday gift for dogs

Bow wow a special dog this holiday season with full-size bags of delectable goodies plus a precious plush squeak toy to cherish for hours on end.

  • Full size bag of Freeze Dried Turkey Hearts
  • Full size bag of Turkey & Berry Chewies
  • Can of Pork & Venison Dog Food
  • Celestial squeak toy that will provide hours of entertainment (toy may vary)

It’s all wrapped up in holiday reindeer tissue paper with a pet product catalog and a seasonal Life’s Abundance branded box

Limited quantity ... they go fast, so order now! 

A $46.00 retail value  ONLY $25.95

Click Here for Life's Abundance Secure Order Page




Life's Abundance Cat Basket


holiday gift for cats

Give a sweet kitty a heavenly holiday with delicious and health-promoting full-size products and fun toys for their chasing and stalking pleasure.

  • Full size bag of Gourmet Cat Treats
  • Full size bag of Freeze Dried Turkey Hearts
  • Full size bottle of our Wellness Food Supplement
  • Can of Pork & Duck Cat Food

A leopard print catnip mouse with a pompom tail and two fun jingle balls

It’s all wrapped up in holiday reindeer tissue paper with a pet product catalog and a seasonal Life’s Abundance branded box

Limited quantity ... they go fast, so order now!

A $45.00 retail value  ONLY $21.95

Click Here for Life's Abundance Secure Order Page



*** NEW *** Products for the  Wonderful HOOMAN in your life (or treat yourself)

WE are THRILLED these new products are here just in time for the Holidays



hibiscus mask & scrub

Everyone deserves to be pampered. Brighten their season and their skin with this deliciously gentle treatment made with honey and organic flowers.

  • 98% organic ingredients
  • cleanses & exfoliates
  • gentle and beautifully effective
  • organic flowers, berries and honey

Click Here for More Information/Buy







shampoo

Give them an experience they will look forward to every time, and results they’ll love. Life’s Abundance shampoo is thoughtfully made to give a creamy, luxurious lather and a gentle, renewing cleanse.

  • organic, plant-based ingredients
  • good for all hair types
  • safe for treated hair
  • no sulfates or other harmful ingredients

Click Here for More Information/Buy






conditioner

Healthy hair will help them shine this holiday season! Pairing perfectly with Life’s Abundance Shampoo, this gift will never go out of style.

  • organic, plant-based ingredients
  • shiny and manageable hair
  • supports hair growth and repair
  • good for all hair types

Click Here for More Information/Buy

Sunday, March 29, 2020

FDA Loosens Restrictions On Telemedicine For Pets

FDA Loosens Restrictions On Telemedicine For Pets

From Life's Abundance Blog Post dated 3/27/2020 

telemedicine for pets

In a news release on March 24, 2020 the FDA announced that “it intends to temporarily not enforce certain requirements in order to allow veterinarians to better utilize telemedicine to address animal health needs during the pandemic.” Learn more about this positive development and how it might affect pet parents below.

---

News Update from Dr. V:

I think it was maybe four years ago when I started asking my colleagues if we could start talking about veterinary telemedicine. The answer was a near-unanimous “no!” I lectured to empty rooms about this topic I’m passionate about and wrote articles no one understood.

dog computer

Sure, maybe a few veterinarians here and there showed some interest in a telemedicine app, but the chances are pretty low that it’s something you’ve used with your vet. Well, that’s all about to change.

Until COVID-19 shut down entire states and even countries in a matter of weeks, we’ve always assumed that if your pet had a problem, you would take them to the veterinarian. As a profession we are very married to the idea that unless you have your hands on the pet, you won’t get a complete picture of what’s going on and wouldn’t be doing right by the pet.

What is a VCPR?
Legally, a hands-on examination has always been required for us to create what’s called a VCPR- a valid client patient relationship. Without this VCPR, a veterinarian cannot diagnose or prescribe medication to your pet. While each state defines this VCPR, they’ve all been pretty consistent in requiring this.

Let’s pause here for a moment because the next thing I’m about to say is super important.

Once you establish that VCPR with a veterinarian, it is good for a specific amount of time- usually a year. During that period of time, in almost every state, your veterinarian can do telemedicine visits with you, including follow ups and prescribing medication. I’m not saying they will do it, but they could from a legal perspective — and that’s been the case for quite a long time, actually.

cat with computer

What people are talking about right now is that the FDA has temporarily removed the requirement for the veterinarian to be in the same location to establish a VCPR. In this case, you could have a telemedicine visit with a veterinarian you’ve never met, and they could make a diagnosis and prescribe a medication without ever seeing you. It happens all the time in human medicine, but those laws are very different.

So does that mean when you get up tomorrow you can google “online vet” and get some heartworm pills for your dog with a remote visit? Probably not. Here’s why:

The FDA is a federal organization. But the rules surrounding the practice of medicine are determined by the state. In this case the state laws take precedence. In only a handful of states, such as California, they have made an emergency exemption where a California veterinarian can establish a remote VCPR with a California client. I can’t tell you what other states this is happening in, because the laws are changing quite literally daily. It’s astounding.

But to get back to what I said earlier, even if you can’t establish a relationship with a new vet online, you’ve likely already been able to conduct a telemedicine visit with your current one. It’s just that very few were willing to do it. That’s what’s changing.



How is COVID-19 going to affect you as a pet parent?
  • You may be asked to do drive-up medicine. Although you’ve probably heard that two dogs did test positive for COVID-19 in their system, there is no evidence they get sick from it or can infect others. The health precautions we are taking have to do with keeping both you and the veterinary staff safe, and that means practicing social distancing. Many clinics are asking clients to remain in their cars or limit the number of people in the exam room to one. We don’t like it either, but it keeps us safer.
  • You may be asked to postpone wellness care. Again, it’s to keep us all safe. In addition, many veterinarians are donating as many masks and gloves as they can to help the doctors and nurses keeping us safe in the hospitals. This is a community effort.
  • You may find your vet is suddenly offering telemedicine. I’m biased, but I think this is great. It’s important to note that telemedicine is only useful in some situations. An emergency will always require a visit to the ER. Pets will still need surgeries and bloodwork and x-rays and get hurt, and we’re doing all we can to stay open and be there for you when you need us. 

So when are veterinarians using telemedicine?
Most of the time, it’s for things like follow up visits, skin issues like hot spots, recurring ear infections, mild limping, “is this normal” questions, prescription refill requests, flea and tick medications, and general advice. It’s a limited list, but it covers a lot of ground. Again, every veterinarian is allowed to decide for herself if and when they want to offer telemedicine, so there’s no requirement that they do.

I may be biased, but I hope they all decide to do so! If they’re not offering telemedicine services, it never hurts to ask if they will consider it. It can get put into place very quickly. In fact, I’ve spent the last two weeks working behind the scenes with my colleagues to pull together resources to help those in the profession get onboarded with telemedicine as quickly as possible- so if you see my name out there, say hi! 

I do this because I believe in helping pet owners in any way I can, and this is my way of serving the community in time of crisis. 

Thinking of you all and hoping you remain safe and well,

Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, DVM

Dr. V


Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Help your pet lose weight

From Life's Abundance Blog Post 3/13/20:

4 Simple Ways To Help Your Pet Lose Weight

Did you know that more than half of the dogs and cats in the U.S. are overweight? All that extra heft puts our beloved pets at-risk for many serious health conditions.


exercise with dog

The good news is that solving your companion animal’s weight problem might be easier than you’d expect!

Check out these helpful pet weight loss tips to ensure your beloved friend will live an even healthier and happier life:

Select A Wholesome Diet 
One vital measure towards curbing weight is also a simple one — selecting the perfect food. Choose a diet that states an animal-specific protein source (such as chicken or fish) as the number one ingredient. Avoid foods pumped up with corn, wheat and glutens, as carb-loading will sabotage any weight-loss efforts. Our wholesome dog foods and cat foods provide a complete spectrum of nutrition that your pet needs to thrive at a healthy weight.

If you have a hefty dog at home who is ready to drop some pounds, try our Adult Weight Loss Formula — this recipe is enhanced with L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism and weight management.

Use a Measuring Cup for Portion Control 
Did you know as few as 10 extra pieces of kibble can lead to excess weight gain in smaller dogs? Just by measuring meal portions, you can help your dog or cat shed unwanted weight! Each pet’s metabolism is different, so it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian — they can calculate your pet’s ideal daily intake.


overweight cat


Only Feed Healthy Treats
It feels great to give your pet a tasty treat — but you can feel even better when that treat has a nutritious benefit! Many treats out there aren’t much better than canine candy bars — that’s why at Life’s Abundance, we believe that every treat should have a purpose, and every calorie should have a benefit. Over the years we’ve worked to create the best healthy dog treats and cat treats on the market. Your pet won’t hesitate to scarf down our delicious treats - and get a boost of nutrition at the same time!

Short Daily Exercise
Research has proven that the one of the most effective ways to live a healthier and happier life is daily exercise, for both pets and humans! As little as 20-30 minutes of brisk walking can have a remarkable effect on your health and your dog’s, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing mood and boosting immune function. If you have a cat, get them active for 10-15 minutes twice a day, whether it be with their favorite toy or even using a laser pointer.

-----

Many pets around the country struggle with weight problems — implementing any of these four suggestions could drastically improve the life of any pet, especially if they have a weight problem.  

Be sure to share this post with other pet parents! It just might be the first step in the process toward a better life for a precious cat or dog.

Friday, February 28, 2020

Five Mistakes Dog Owners Make

From Life's Abundance Pet Food Blog Post February 27, 2020: Common Mistakes Dog Owners Make


Deciding to bring a new dog into your family is exciting — it’s also a long-term life decision. It’s important to be prepared before you embark on the journey of bringing a new four-footer into the home!

There are some common problems that folks run into, but once you’re aware of them, you can steer your pup towards a healthy and happy future.

Here are five common mistakes dog parents make:

Impulse Adoptions 
It’s common knowledge that dogs have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. But when those puppy-dog eyes are melting your heart, it can be easy to forget that you’ll need to budget for a decade or more of veterinary bills, food, supplies and grooming. If you have children, the companion animal of a ten-year-old is likely to become yours when your child goes off to college. Sleep on any adoption decision, and do your homework before you bring that pup home!

Failing to Spay or Neuter
For starters, spaying and neutering drastically reduces the risk of some cancers. These procedures can also reduce behavioral problems, such as roaming, fighting, and mood swings. Most obviously, spaying and neutering reduces dog overpopulation. Your veterinarian will know the best timing for your dog’s spay or neuter surgery.

Poor Training Techniques
Unfortunately, some pet parents use punishments rather than reward-based training — this can create major barriers to the bond you share with your pet. Instead, concentrate your efforts on setting boundaries to set your pet up for success.

dog biting


Keep them safe using supervision and a controlled environment — use a leash during walks or in a pet-proof room or crate when home alone. Above all, you should provide rewards for good behavior, like healthy dog treats. This will reinforce appropriate behaviors and prevent problems from becoming habits.


Failing to Vaccinate
This mistake represents a troubling trend - more and more new pet parents are failing to vaccinate their companion animals. Distemper and parvovirus in dogs are still very present in much of the United States and prove fatal for a significant number of pets annually — the bottom line is vaccines do save lives.If you have a new puppy or dog , make sure you provide them with ‘core vaccines’, which includes protection against rabies, distemper and parvo in dogs. If you have rescued an adult who has no verifiable vaccination history, two boosters of core vaccines are advised. For non-core vaccines, such as canine lyme, discuss these preventatives with your vet.

Being Reactive and Not Proactive
Last but not least, new pet parents tend to be reactive rather than proactive when it comes to their companion animal’s overall health. Obviously, it is important to address health problems with your veterinarian when they arise. However, it is equally important to take the steps now to ensure the long-term health of your furry friend. Remember, a dog’s health starts with their primary nutrition source — their food. Make sure they are eating a high-quality diet that is complete and balanced!

New pet parents need to know that getting off to the right start, including diet and lifestyle choices, can improve the health, longevity and quality of life for their pets. Avoid these common mistakes and you will be well on your way to being a happy pet parent with a happy, healthy new best friend!
---

New pet parents need to know that getting off to the right start, including diet and lifestyle choices, can improve the health, longevity and quality of life for their pets. Avoid these common mistakes and you will be well on your way to being a happy pet parent with a happy, healthy new best friend!

Please visit our Life's Abundance Dog food website for all the wonderful products!

Monday, February 3, 2020

Is Dental Disease in Older Pets Only?

Let's play 'True or False' with our staff veterinarian, Dr. Jessica Vogelsang!

When I say “puppy breath,” what do you think of? It’s most likely a pleasant thought, right? People like puppy breath (well, at least dog lovers do!)

Now what about when I say “dog breath?” Not such a great thought! No one wants to be told they have dog breath, not even a dog. So what causes the transformation from the sweet smell of puppy breath to the putrid stench of dog breath?

It’s easy to combat bad breath with dental treats, but it’s important to monitor your pet’s complete oral health on a regular basis. Did you know that medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and liver disease can also manifest in the breath?

In honor of February being National Pet Dental Health Month, we’re going to play ‘True or False’ to see what you know about your pet's pearly whites!

“Only old dogs and cats get dental disease.”

False: While dental disease is obviously more severe in older pets who have had years to accumulate the effects of periodontal disease, over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats develop oral disease by the age of three. This is why it’s so important to begin preventive care early in life!

“It’s time to get your dog’s teeth cleaned when you can start seeing buildup.”

False: Dental disease is a progression that begins with signs invisible to the naked eye. The bacteria in our mouths combine with food bits to produce the invisible sticky film called plaque, which coats the teeth and sneaks up beneath the gum line. Over time, this plaque hardens into tartar, the visible brown stuff you can see on your pet’s teeth.

This stews below the gumline and causes gingivitis, which results in the inflamed reddened gums most commonly visible on the back teeth. Left untreated, the bacteria begin to wreak havoc on the tissues and bone underneath the gums, and that’s when things get ugly.

dog dental exam


“Anesthesia-free dental cleanings are almost as good as a full cleaning.”

False: Now we’re getting into rough waters. Dogs and cats need anesthesia in order to have a full dental cleaning, because no pet likes the feeling of a dental scaler plunging into their sore gums. I mean, who can blame them?

Without anesthesia, cleanings are limited to scraping off the plaque you can see with the naked eye. This type of cleaning makes the teeth look better, but they’re often no healthier afterwards. It’s like cutting a weed and leaving all the roots — it looks better temporarily, but you haven’t done anything to stop it from spreading.

“Some dogs are more prone to dental disease than others.”

True: Short-nosed breeds such as pugs and French bulldogs are more prone to disease due to their propensity for teeth overcrowding and misalignment. This creates a big net for food debris to stick around, no pun intended.

Small dogs such as Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels also develop dental disease earlier in life. Their small mouths just struggle to fit all 42 teeth and often end up misaligned. Breeds such as Dachshunds, Boxers, and Shih Tzus have genetic quirks that impact their dental health as well.

“My vet’s going to judge me for this and it’s stressing me out.”

False (I hope!): Being vets, we are accustomed to seeing significant diseases. I don’t care about anything except helping the pet feel better! Everyone who comes into the clinic has done a tremendous thing by coming in and getting treatment.

dog teeth




I can’t speak for every veterinarian on this earth, but I do know without a relationship of trust and working together, you’re not going to get the optimal results for your pet. If you don’t have a strong honest relationship, for whatever reason, I’d highly encourage you to seek out another provider. It’s fine! Both you and your pet deserve that bond.
---

Dr. V


Dr. Jessica Vogelsang, DVM
Dr V

National Pet Dental Health Month Product Savings

National Pet Dental Health Month 


dog tooth



February is National Pet Dental Health month and Life's Abundance is offering these great products at their reduced Autoship prices. Order now and save up to 18% off retail!












dental treats for dogs
gourmet dental treats for dogs
  • Help support healthy teeth and gums!
  • For strong teeth, healthy gums & fresher breath
  • Wholesome ingredients including probiotics
  • Gluten free, no artificial preservatives or colors
  • Made with care in a USA bakery
Was $9.68 Now $8.21   9 oz. bag
Was $17.10 Now $14.37 18 oz. bag
















porky puffs for dogsporky puffs

  • Loved by dogs of all ages!
  • Irresistible flavor and chewing satisfaction
  • 100% pork snouts
  • No harsh preservatives or artificial flavors and colors
  • Made in the USA
Was $10.50 Now $8.95













buffalo bully sticks for dogs
buffalo bully sticks

  • The ultimate in chewing satisfaction!
  • Helps reduce tartar and maintain dental health
  • Free-range, grass-fed buffalo
  • No additives or preservatives
  • A safe alternative to rawhide
Was $16.41 Now $14.37 Pack of 4 - 9 inch sticks














Enjoy pricing for February 2020 all month - Prices go back up March 2020.












Thursday, January 2, 2020

Dealing with an Aggressive Dog

How to Overcome Aggressive Dog Behavior

by Life's Abundance and their blog post  12/30/19

Just like humans, dogs can get scared — and when they do, they may defend themselves by acting out aggressively. If your dog is behaving this way, it’s your job to do what you can to help them get over that fear!


beware of dog


Here are some tips for overcoming aggressive dog behavior at home:

Learn About the Breed

Some dog breeds are naturally more fearful than others. For example, the Chihuahua has a notorious reputation for acting aggressively out of fear. To understand your dog's fear, it can be helpful to educate yourself about the breed of the dog you have.

If you have a Chihuahua and research the breed, you would learn that they act aggressively because they are small-statured and more likely to be treated as prey by larger animals! Also, female Chihuahuas are more likely to act aggressively than males.

Socialize Your Dog

Aggressive dog breeds do exist, but the primary personality of a dog comes from the environment it’s raised in and social interactions. A dog that doesn't have a lot of interaction with humans or other dogs is far more likely to be scared or aggressive.

If you adopt a puppy, socialization should be a big part of their training from an early age. If you bring home an older dog that has not been properly socialized, this aggressive dog behavior can be harder to correct but not impossible.

scared dog


Aggression Triggers and How To Avoid Them

Avoidance is something most pet parents deem as a last resort when it comes to dealing with a fearful and aggressive dog. However, it’s sometimes best to keep your dog away from certain environments or triggers that you know may lead them to aggressive dog behavior.

These are some ways to avoid aggressive dog behavior at home:


  • Close the blinds so your dog can't see strangers approaching or passing your residence
  • Avoid areas on walks where small children are playing
  • Remind home visitors to not reach for the dog to try and pet them
  • Keep your dog separate from other pets as much as possible
  • Avoid behaviors that your dog may deem menacing, such as staring them in the eyes


Food aggression is quite common among all breeds — the remedy for this is to ensure your dog is fed separately from other pets and that they have their own bowl.

In addition, make sure your dog’s food and dog treats are supplying them with the nutrition that their bodies need. In many cases a dog’s diet can directly affect their mood and behavior.

Canine fear and aggression are normal behaviors for some individual dogs, and you will likely love your pooch in spite of their tendency to lash out when afraid. If you're still having issues with a nervous dog after trying to help at home, enlist the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Click to learn more about Life's Abundance Dog Food

Friday, December 20, 2019

Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

From the Life's Abundance Blog Post 12/19/19

7 Signs of Arthritis in Dogs and Cats

As your furry friend gets older, are they showing signs of slowing down? Arthritis in dogs and cats can potentially be treated, giving your pet an active life for years to come.

Here are seven common signs that may indicate your pet has arthritis or other joint problems:

1. Limping
Did your cat land wrong when jumping off the couch or is it a sign of something else? If your pet's limping seems to be related directly to a potential injury, it's important to have it checked out by a vet.

But if your pet seems to regularly have issues with limping, it may be a sign of a developing condition that could impact their joint health.

2. Stiffness
Many of us pet parents relate to the extra time it takes to get going in the mornings or during cold weather. Just like us, arthritis may be to blame more than old age. When your pet's joints hurt, they don't want to move as much, and who could blame them? The trouble is, this causes their muscles to become even tighter and stiffer after long periods of time without activity.

3. Problems Moving or Standing
Tight muscles and achy joints can also keep your pet from wanting to move as much as they used to. You may notice that your dog or cat has problems standing up or moving around, almost as though their muscles are bound.

This isn't far from the truth — the lack of use and limiting motion can cause your pet's muscles to atrophy, making early treatment of arthritis in dogs and cats important.

4. Refusing Normal Activities
Is your pet no longer wanting to jump, climb or run as they once did? When joint disease and arthritis make these activities painful, your pet may not want to partake in them anymore. Though this could be a temporary situation, make sure to pursue treatment options if the behavior continues for more than a few days or weeks.

old cat and dog


5. Snapping
Your precious pet may be the friendliest animal on the planet, but if they have suddenly become grumpy it's important to find out why. If an animal is in pain, touching may add to their discomfort. That's why it's vital to take a pet to the vet if you see them reacting to being petted or touched in certain areas.

6. Licking Sore, Swollen Joints
Animals lick their bodies to soothe pain — licking sore joints is no exception. When your pet spends significant amounts of time licking their joints, it's a good indicator that the underlying area is painful for them.

Some animals that are in pain can even end up creating bald spots from the continuous licking. The good news is that this is something you can easily watch for and monitor.

7. Shying Away from Attention
When your social butterfly has become a wallflower, it's because your pet is having a slightly different response to the snapping symptoms listed above.
To avoid pain, your precious pet is trying to avoid being petted, lifted or played with. It's vital that these symptoms be treated relatively quickly, before the temporary behavior becomes a permanent pet problem.

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By keeping an eye out for some of these symptoms and involving your veterinarian early, you may be able to help avoid years of chronic pain for your pet. For more advanced arthritis and joint treatments, talk to your vet about options such as cold laser therapy and underwater treadmills.

Pet parents in the know often turn to dog supplements and cat supplements that specifically support joints. Agility Formula for dogs and cats not only addresses joint health, but supports the entire musculoskeletal system. If you have a pet approaching middle age or just want to be proactive as they get older, try our Agility Formula and see what a difference it can make!

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

What's Dog's Real Age?

Courtesy of Life's Abundance Blog Post of  December 2, 2019

What is your Pup's Real Age?


dog and woman



We love our dogs — so much, in fact, that we are obsessed with comparing their age to our own. The problem is that the formulas we have used to calculate dog years may be completely wrong!

A new study of doggie DNA by the University of California, San Diego shows that young dogs with a lot of energy may actually be older than you think.

After comparing the results of over 100 labrador retrievers with around 300 humans, the study shows that:


  • Dogs mature quickly in their first year, but their aging slows over time.
  • By age two, the DNA of a labrador is similar to a human entering their early 40s.
  • By age ten, a labrador is most comparable to a human aged 68.
  • This data on dog years, yet to be peer-reviewed, shows many similarities between the aging process between humans and dogs, researchers found, with an eight-week-old puppy resembling a nine-month-old baby.



dog years table to human age




“The expected lifespan of labrador retrievers, 12 years, correctly translated to the worldwide lifetime expectancy of humans, 70 years,” researchers noted.

Unfortunately, the new equation isn’t as simple as multiplying our dog’s age by 7 to find out their age in human years. Here’s the formula: 16 x ln(your dog’s age) +31.

If you have a scientific calculator on hand, you can calculate the dog years to human years yourself — or follow the guide below. We’ve done the math for you!


The aging rates of different breeds could vary drastically, so future research will be needed to determine the differences. Studying different breeds with different lifespans could shed some new insight on the aging process of both humans and dogs!



Sunday, November 24, 2019

Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Cats

The 2019 Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Cats are Here from Life's Abundance!

Hurry - they go fast!

Holiday gift basket for dogs

Holiday Dog Gift Basket


  • Full size bag of Freeze Dried Turkey Hearts
  • Full size bag of Turkey & Berry Chewies
  • Can of Pork & Venison Dog Food
  • Celestial squeak toy (toy may vary)
  • $44.75 Retail Value!
ONLY $25.95
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!


It’s all wrapped up in holiday reindeer tissue paper with a pet product catalog and a seasonal Life’s Abundance branded box



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Holiday Cat Gift Basket 
holiday gift basket for cats

  • Full size bag of Gourmet Cat Treats
  • Full size bag of Freeze Dried Turkey Hearts
  • Full size bottle of our Wellness Food Supplement
  • Can of Pork & Duck Cat Food
  • Super fun and whimsical toys
  • $44.50 Retail Value!
ONLY $21.95










*Toys may vary.
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