Easter is quickly hopping its way on over to us. And with the holiday comes plenty of candy, gift baskets, and bunnies. As we await this happy, cheer filled celebration, let’s enjoy the hidden Easter eggs, and avoid the hidden pet dangers.  While enjoying your day, keep in mind the following hazards to your dog or cat:  Chocolate  Chocolate is a known no-no in the pet world. Harmful to animals, especially, dogs, this sweet is a common, popular candy for every occasion. Especially holidays like Easter. However, it contains the substance theobromine, which is particularly prominent in dark chocolate. Consuming...

During your lifetime, you’ll have two puppy loves. One being your significant other, and the other being … your puppy (or kitten)! But if all goes well, it’ll come to a point when your two loves will eventually have to meet. After all, it is extremely important that your family approves of your boyfriend or girlfriend! That’s your beloved pooch and kitty’s approval included! Your pet may be well socialized and naturally friendly towards new people, but that can change when their owner suddenly starts giving more attention to someone they aren’t familiar with, especially if that someone comes into...

Do You Snow How To Keep Your Dog Active In Winter? People tend to think of summer as the season to get in shape and engage themselves in more physical activity. Going for runs, swims, hikes, and much more. The best part of these activities is that people often use them to get their pets active, too! Many dogs love to do these sorts of exercises, especially if it means extra time spent with their pet parent. But what happens when the summer sunshine starts to dwindle away, leading into the chilly days of fall? And then eventually into the...

From spooky scares to sweet treats, Halloween is a fun time of year. This holiday bring about a lot of fun and excitement. While we’re enjoying the holiday, it’s important to remember that we should take certain precautions to ensure that our furry pet friends have an enjoyable time as well!   1. Candy is for kids, not pets.– Candy can be toxic for pets. Chocolate especially can be dangerous (and even lethal) for cats and dogs. Be sure to keep the Halloween candy out of reach for your pets. 2. Keep pets away from the front door. – If...

When welcoming a new pet into the family, the first step taken in choosing your companion is figuring out exactly where you’ll go to find them. This is where the known catch-phrase “Adopt, Don’t Shop” comes in. The phrase has come to be used by a lot of people, but especially by animal rights activists due to its original intention and meaning. It comes loaded with a serious and clear implication that there’s one answer that best resolves the question of where to find your new pet. What is that answer? Shelters and rescue groups.  “Adopt, Don’t Shop” is a...

Probiotics: live microorganisms found in not only your gut, but your pet’s. Living organisms taking shelter in both mine and my pet’s bodies? Now this might sound a bit alarming, but take heart because we can reassure you that when given in appropriate amounts, it’s not. There’s a reason why so many supplements and food options available to both you and your pets use probiotics! Probiotics are indeed live organisms, typically bacteria or yeast, but they’re friendly ones! Most of the immune system is found working closely with the digestive system. It is for that reason that, found in the...

Grieving a Pet Pets are often referred to as our companions. And there’s no term that could better describe the role that they play in our lives than that. As companions, pets have been by your side through many of the ups and downs, highs and lows, trials, adventures, and celebrations of life. Simply put, they’re a part of the family. That’s why The Hungry Puppy understands how difficult it is to accept and grieve the loss of a pet. The healing process may not come easily, but that’s why we, along with professionals, loved ones, and those going through...

Fleas and ticks - two of the peskiest problems to plague pet owners, as well as the most common. Fleas and ticks absolutely love to make comfy, cozy environments out of your pet’s soft, warm, clean fur. Because of this, it’s important to understand, as the responsible pet owner you are, what exactly ticks and fleas are, what they do, and how you can finally pinpoint these parasites. Fleas are wingless insects that feed on the blood of your unsuspecting pet. They’re known to be high-hopping little creatures that, according to FleaScience, can jump a height of about 5.2 inches and...

Even if your pet would like to take seven walks to the park in a day, we can’t always make it happen. Duty calls and things like work, the kids, or household chores take away some of the attention we’re able to provide our companions. If your pet is feeling the lack of attention and isn’t having their daily needs for physical and mental stimulation met, they’ll get bored quickly. And they won’t hesitate to let you know. Signs Your Pet Is Bored Vocalizing - It’s normal for dogs to bark here and there, especially if someone’s at the door...

Prepping Your Pet Sitter: What They Need To Know Finally bought the plane ticket to that resort you’ve always dreamed of vacationing to? Or maybe you got called down to another state for a business trip. Whether you’re embarking on an excursion for a fun time or because you have responsibilities to fulfill, you’ll always have the duty of making sure your pet is taken care of while you’re away. It won’t always be possible to take your companion along with you on a trip, which means it’s up to you to find a trustworthy pet sitter to take your...

According to the Pet Diabetes Month Campaign, it is estimated that 1 in 300 adult dogs and 1 in 230 cats in the US have diabetes. Diabetes is even more common among humans, and people will find that the disease is very similar for people and animals alike. Realizing that even furry friends can be affected by the health condition helps raise a sense of urgency in pet parents. Diabetes is a very real disease that people should be educated on not only for their own health, but their pet’s as well. What is diabetes, and is my pet at...

Before taking home a new addition to the family, pet parents try to make sure the house is fully and completely ready for the arrival of a new dog or cat. From setting up a bed, buying toys, filling their food bowls, to putting up gates, laying out wee-wee pads, and covering the furniture. New pet parents’ minds swarm with what could be added to the house to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible. But what about the things that should be taken out? What may seem like a harmless or staple item to the household for us,...

When you first got your new dog, it was from that moment on that you officially became a proud pet parent! You found yourself excitedly buying them all the necessary supplies and cutest accessories. But down the line, you may find yourself awaiting the moment that you become a parent to a newborn baby. The time to introduce your fur baby to your new baby will quickly approach, and you have exactly nine months to prepare your companion for this new and exciting transition in your lives. Dogs and cats all have very unique personalities and traits, so it’s not...

Natural Disasters: Planning for Pets June may have been National Pet Preparedness Month, but determining a plan for how to best care for your pet in the case of a natural disaster should be done as quickly as possible no matter the season. After all, you never know when disaster will strike. Your pet fully and completely relies on you for everything. They’d need you to especially take care of them during an emergency, whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, tsunami, etc. It’s a terrifying time for the both of you, and it’s crucial that you plan ahead of time...

With the New Year comes a clear slate, meaning you have the power to turn your days and habits into anything you want! This coming year, make your pet an active part of your day and an active part of your resolutions. Here’s a few things may want to plan and try out with your furry friend as 2021 gets closer:  Mindful Eating A great debate among pet parents is Timed Feeding vs. Free Feeding. Timed feeding is when your pet is fed at set times throughout the day and the food is only available to them for a limited...

Christmas is right around the corner! And you know what that means. Gifts, hot cocoa, stockings, tinsel, freshly baked cookies, fuzzy socks, and the fresh, soft snow falling around us. Tis the season to be jolly, but also tis the season to be on the lookout for hidden pet dangers. Give them cuddles, treats, toys, and love - not unexpected recipes for disaster.  Here are some of the Christmas staples that people enjoy, but can be of risk to our beloved pets:  Tree Decorations  If decorating the tree for Christmas is a tradition for your family, your pet may want...

Pet Valu, a retailer of pet food and supplies founded in 1996, has recently announced that it will be closing its 358 locations and warehouses, as well as its office in Wayne, Pennsylvania. Having been financially impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, as said by chief restructuring officer Jamie Gould, the company made the difficult decision and announced it on November 4th. The Hungry Puppy understands that the closing of Pet Valu may have a significant effect on pet parents of dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small animals that have become accustomed to turning to their stores for needed supplies, such as...

Benefits of Freeze Dried Foods for the Finicky In today’s society people are always keeping up with the latest health trends and diets. Keto, paleo, low carb, intermittent fasting, juice cleanses, the list goes on and on! Pet owners’ own diet preferences and health consciousness often translates into how humans choose to feed their dog. Both pet owners and their pets may be getting pickier, but luckily there’s an option that is sure to satisfy them. One of these preferences is freeze dried foods - they’re not just for astronauts! The history of freeze dried foods go way back, but...

Days spent wading in the pool, digging in the sand, and roasting marshmallows are slowly coming to an end, and are soon to be replaced by days spent sitting in the classroom learning some new lessons. It’s back to school season! To your surprise, you might not be the only one kicking and screaming at the thought of returning. Your pet may be, too.   Back to school blues are a very real thing for companion animals. Afterall, they’ve had a whole summer to get used to around the clock attention and endless cuddles, walks, grooming, etc! Such a transition can...

When we think of the holiday of the summer, our mind automatically springs to the Fourth of July! A day filled with family, friends, good food, fireworks, and maybe even a dip in the pool. There’s a lot for people to love! But for pets, the Fourth of July can actually be quite dangerous. That doesn’t mean your furry friend can’t join in on the fun, just be aware of the potential hazards of the celebration. Fireworks Fireworks are a sight for sore eyes, making them a Fourth of July staple. Watching them is so mesmerizing that it can equally...

Made in the USA  Living in the United States means different things to different people. For some, it’s job opportunities, fair pay, and more rights. For others it’s diversity, freedom, and culture. Then there are the people that take it to be a country that sells goods of the highest, safest, most luxurious quality. While some people may simply glance over the “Made in the USA” labels on their groceries and other belongings, many do not. American made products are constantly rising in popularity, and it shows by how many people seek out the label that indicates merchandise that is...

Frozen Foods for Furry Friends What Is Frozen Pet Food? Many people are familiar with the unbeatable taste of a fresh, homemade meal. Nothing is quite like it! But pet owners rarely have the time to make one for themselves in today’s fast paced society, let alone make it for their pets. That’s when frozen meals come in. By finding just the right frozen food products, even your pets can experience what feels like a real home cooked breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are plenty of frozen cat and dog foods on the market today, whether raw or cooked. Regardless...

Beat Heart Disease in Pets Our pets have the biggest hearts. They’re the most loyal, loving companions to accompany us in life. And in turn, they make our hearts full! It’s a true testament of how strong their hearts are. But unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean physically. Some dogs and cats develop heart disease. It’s a scary and confusing illness, but the best way to help your furry friend is to inform yourself. What is Heart Disease? The heart is an organ with the vital task of pumping blood throughout your pet’s body. And in that blood is much needed...

A Pawsitively Easy Way to Transition Foods Adding a little variety to your pet’s day can be fun. Taking them to a new park, giving them a new bed, having them try a new treat, or maybe even enrolling them in a class. But another way is to give them new food! There are so many yummy, delicious, healthy options out there that you’re bound to be interested in more than one for your furry friend. Or perhaps it’s time to make a dietary change due to health concerns or allergies. Whether you’re switching from dry food to wet food,...

Restore Peace to Your Pet  Anxiety is now the most common mental health illness among people in the United States. So it’s not surprising to learn that even pets can experience it. As much as we need to look after our own health, the same needs to be done for our pets who rely on us for safety and security. But if It’s often hard to manage anxiety in ourselves, how will we be able to recognize and treat the symptoms of anxiety in our dog?   It’s easier to be on the lookout for signs of anxiety if you know...

The following article is from Wellness Pet Food's Live Well Blog: As we approach the winter season, the days will get shorter and the temperatures will get colder. Cats might be resourceful, but they still need shelter when the temperatures drop. When the temperatures get really cold, cats can suffer from frostbite or hypothermia. Their fur coats sometimes simply aren’t enough to keep them warm. Outdoor Shelters for Community or Stray Cats Building an outdoor cat house for kitties can keep your feline friends safe and warm during the coldest part of the year. You might want to build an...

Most people would agree that owning a pet is a positive experience. But did you know that there are actual health benefits to pet ownership? The bond between people and their pets is a mutually beneficial relationship. According to the CDC, this bond can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.  Pet ownership increases the opportunities to exercise. Whether it's taking your dog for a walk or playing with them in the yard, your body is moving. This activity can also lead to a decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  Pets also provide their owners with social...

Walking Dogs in a Winter Wonderland As people start trading in their tank tops for flannels and parkas and their shorts for jeans and sweatpants, many pet parents wonder if there’s something they should be doing to prep their fur babies for the cold winter months ahead. Your pet may not require a flannel or sweatpants (though they’re definitely out there for pets if you search hard enough), but will they require a winter coat or boots?  Consider the following in deciding if a coat or shoes will be necessary for your pooch this winter. Size Smaller dogs and miniature/toy...

Happy Howl-O-Ween! Halloween is right around the corner, and along with it comes the trick or treaters, the steady stream of candy, the festive decorations, and the creative costumes! This sounds like every child and Halloween enthusiast’s treat, but it can quickly turn into a tricky nightmare for unprepared pets. Leave the mischief and mysteriousness of the holiday up to the haunted houses, horror movies, and the neighborhood children wondering what candy they’ll receive. Don’t let your dog or cat’s health remain a mystery to be solved this Halloween. Instead, be aware of the possible pet dangers around All Hallows’...

Keeping Pets Out Of The Lyme Light Many dogs love to frolic in the grass, run along the trees and bushes, and get a good breath of fresh air. But did you know that the outdoors is exactly where your pet’s arch nemesis likes to hide out? Ticks are commonly found in greenery, such as tall grasses, marshes, shrubs, and wooded areas, allowing them to cling onto your pooch as they pass by. Ticks can even be carried into your backyard or very own household through another animal. This is the perfect opportunity for your pet to be exposed to...

  Fireworks and the 4th of July go hand-in-hand. However, the same can't be said for many of our pets. Fireworks can be dangerous for our pets. Aside from the risk of injury, some pets do not react well to the sights and sounds of fireworks. Many pets experience anxiety when it comes to loud noises like fireworks. There is a rise in the number of dogs that run away during firework season, especially on the 4th of July. For this reason it is best to keep your pets safe inside during this time. While they're inside, they still may...

  Traveling with Toto Knowing you’re about to go on a fun vacation and get away from the daily routine of the household is a fun and exciting time! But what you can’t get away from is the question of who’s going to hold down the fort while you’re gone? Will you need someone to collect your mail? Someone to water your plants? More importantly, do you have a pet that needs to be taken care of? You have several options for how your pet situation can be handled when you’re about to leave for a trip. Fido can be...

You’ve got a picky eater, we’ve got some solutions! Some dogs love to eat – they’ll eat anything and everything. Other dogs … not so much. If you’ve got a picky eater at home – have no fear! Put down those homemade gourmet dinners for Fido and check out the following tips for fussy eaters.   Change the flavor of your dog’s current foodMany dog food brands offer a variety of flavors or formulas. If your dog seems to be losing interest in their current food, switching up the flavor may do the trick in making them interested in the...

Moist dermatitis, summer sores, hot spots… Whatever you choose to call them, they are irritations of the skin that commonly affect dogs. These red, moist, irritated patches of skin are caused by an initial irritation that worsens from a bacterial infection.     Hot spots are typically found on the head, chest, hips, or limbs. While hot spots can affect your dog year round, they tend to be more prevalent in the summer months due to high heat and humidity. Moisture and heat from matted hair, summer warmth and humidity, on open scrapes or cuts can further increase bacteria growth....

Healthy Essentials Probiotic Food Spray for Dogs An easy, natural, and effective way to give your dog probiotics. Healthy Essentials Probiotic Food Spray contains 11 strains of live and viable bacteria.     Why would I feed my dog bacteria?!When you first hear the word “bacteria,” you may think about germs or diseases. However, there are good bacteria that live inside of our bodies and help them function. Just like with humans, bacteria lives in the gastroinstestinal system of dogs and aids in digestion. These bacteria also help fight off possible pathogens, makes vitamins and minerals, and boosts the immune...

The best way to prevent pet illness is with vaccines! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), vaccinations protect your pet from highly contagious and potentially deadly diseases. They also help improve your pet’s overall quality of life. Within the last century, the widespread use of vaccinations has prevented death and disease in millions of animals. There are many different vaccinations out there for both cats and dogs. However, your pet will not receive every single one of them. The vaccines they receive are determined by what is required of them and their risk of exposure to certain diseases....

*The following blog post was written by King Kanine – all credit goes to King Kanine*“When our pets panic, we panic. Dogs, especially, tend to be anxious creatures when certain sounds or sights set them off, from rain and thunder to fireworks and the Amazon delivery man. No one likes to see their pets suffer, so when it comes to assuaging the nerves of a jittery Jack Russell or a petulant pussycat more pet owners are looking towards CBD for pets. According to Preventative Vet, CBD oil for anxiety can provide much-needed relief in pooches petrified of separation or travel. CBD...

*The following blog post was written by King Kanine – all credit goes to King Kanine*CBD affects the endocannabinoid receptors which are in both the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. Endocannabinoid receptors are very important as they function to maintain body homeostasis. CBD is deeply involved in those endocannabinoid neurotransmissions in that they upregulate and downregulate neural transmissions as needed to maintain that homeostasis, helping keep the body in a normal and healthy state. Although we’re focusing here on the use of CBD for pain in animals, other known actions in humans include the downregulation of anxiety, noise...

Did you know that February is Spay & Neuter Awareness Month? It’s also Prevent a Litter Month, and the two go hand-in-hand! Pets.WedMD states spaying involves removing the ovaries and uterus of a female pet. Neutering is the process of removing the testicles of a male pet. These procedures are the only way to truly prevent a pet from reproducing. According to the ASPCA, pet homelessness is a big problem in the United States. Humane Society.org states that every year, 6-8 million homeless animals enter animal shelters. Only about half get adopted. The other half are euthanized due to overcrowding. Spaying or neutering...

February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Just like people, taking care of your pet’s teeth is an important part of their overall health. Just like we take regular trips to our dentists to make sure our pearly whites are healthy, your pets should also visit their vet at least once a year to get their teeth checked out. This yearly visit is helpful in keeping the teeth healthy and determining if there are any potential health concerns. If you notice any of the following symptoms or problems, you should have your pet’s teeth checked sooner rather than later. These...

Pedicures are for pets, too! Nail care is an important part of a healthy pet’s routine. A cat’s nails should be trimmed every ten days to two weeks. A dog’s nails should be trimmed at a minimum of every four weeks. However, the schedule of trimming depends on the lifestyle of the dog. In any case, a dog’s nails should be trimmed when they are just about to touch the ground when they walk.

Microchipping is a simple procedure for dogs and cats that only takes a few seconds, but lasts a lifetime! A microchip provides your pet with a permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read over time. If your pets get lost and is brought to a veterinarian or animal shelter, they will be scanned for a microchip. You will then be contacted via the information on file with your pet’s microchip. A common misconception is that microchips act as a GPS or tracking device. This is not true; they cannot tell you the exact location...

Pet Beds: More Than Just A Box One of the biggest joys of having a pet is always having a reliable cuddle buddy. Someone to snuggle up to in bed and keep you company while you both start to doze off. While that’s certainly an advantage of having a pet, there’s no harm in purchasing your companion a bed of their own! In fact, there are plenty of reasons why you should - because they need more than just a box! Dogs and cats sleep 12 - 14 hours a day, so it’s only natural that they have a luxurious,...

Many different types of oils have been used by both people and their pets throughout the years. Coconut oil, CBD oil, Hemp oil, and essential oil have all become popular for several reasons, whether it be their ability to relax and calm, or their ability to leave behind a healthier, glowing look. Another type of oil has recently joined the team - salmon oil!  Salmon oil is taken from the salmon, which is a fish native to the North Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. They hatch in freshwater and migrate to the ocean before returning to the freshwater to reproduce. These...

Handling A Hairy Situation Pet owners love the soft, silky feeling of running their fingers through their cat’s fur. But what they love less is when that same fur comes back up minutes later in the form of a hairball. It’s even worse when you’re the one that catches your kitty retching it up onto your prized sofa or newly vacuumed rug, becoming your responsibility to clean it up. It leaves a lot of people feeling disgusted or nauseated, while it leaves others wondering “What causes this mess to happen in the first place? Is this normal? What can I...

There has been a rise in the popularity of grain-free pet foods. It seems like every brand is now offering a grain-free option, and for some other brands, it's all they stock. But what exactly is grain-free food and does it actually benefit our pets? What are grains?Grains are the seeds of grasses that are cultivated for food. The most common grains are wheat, rice, corn, oats, barley, and millet. Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide our pets with energy. If the entire grain is used, it is referred to as a whole grain. If the grain...

Choosing a Cat Toy Cats are one of the most intelligent animals there are. They naturally have higher IQs, and it shows in how well they interpret people’s moods, how complex their brains are, and their amazing short term memories.  So cats clearly work hard, but they play even harder. Why Play Is Important Felines love to play, but the pet parent should love it, too! This is because pet play is important and beneficial for both the pet and pet owner for several reasons: Cats are predators. Cats have a natural instinct to replicate what they were designed to...