Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference
✅ Every Choice Matters to Improve Your Pet's Health! 🐾
At House of Paws, we know that every pet parent is doing their best to give their furry family the happiest, healthiest life possible. And we know that's your focus too! No matter where you are on your pet care journey, there’s always an opportunity to refine, improve, or learn something new, and we’re here to help!
Instead of feeling like you need to change everything at once, we encourage a building block approach: swap out one thing at a time, maybe one thing to stop and one thing to start, every couple of weeks. Small changes add up, and you’ll likely see noticeable improvements in your pet’s health before you know it!
🐾 Five Things to Consider Stopping (If You Haven’t Already!)
❌ Using plastic bowls or storage containers
Plastic can leach harmful chemicals into food and water, potentially disrupting hormones and causing skin or digestive issues. Switching to stainless steel or a Pyrex style glass helps reduce exposure to toxins! Plus, we can sanitize stainless steel or glass where plastic, overtime becomes impossible to clean thoroughly and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
❌ Feeding only dry food
Kibble alone can leave pets chronically dehydrated, which may contribute to kidney issues and urinary problems, especially in cats. Adding moisture—like bone broth, raw goat milk, or even wet food or raw food supports digestion and overall hydration. It's a great way to introduce variety and keep meal time fun and exciting!
❌ Using chemical flea & tick treatments
Conventional flea and tick products contain harsh pesticides that can burden your pet’s liver and immune system. They are designed to paralyse the insect's nervous system, but they don't distinguish between the bug's nervous system and your pet's. Safer, natural alternatives—like essential oil-based sprays or food-based preventatives—can be just as effective without the risks!
❌ Vaccinating every year without checking immunity
Over-vaccinating can put unnecessary stress on your pet’s immune system. A simple titer test can check their immunity levels and help avoid unnecessary boosters. Vaccinating our furry family when they're babies is essential, but over-vaccinating is harmful and completely unnecessary when immunity exists.
❌ Using chemical-based yard sprays and pesticides
Lawn chemicals, weed killers, and pest control treatments can linger on paws and fur, leading to ingestion and long-term health concerns like cancer and neurological issues. Research suggests, these chemicals increase our dog's chance of cancer by up to 70%. Choosing pet-safe alternatives helps keep your backyard a healthy space for your pet to roam!
✅ Five Things to Consider Starting (If You Haven’t Already!)
✔️ Switch to stainless steel or glass bowls
Not only are they toxin-free, but they’re also easier to clean, reducing bacteria buildup that can cause skin and digestive issues.
✔️ Add hydration to every meal
Even adding a small amount of water, broth, or raw goat milk to kibble can improve digestion, support kidney function, and boost overall health.
✔️ Explore natural flea & tick prevention
Options like diatomaceous earth, ultrasonic deterrents, and food-based preventatives (like garlic) can provide effective protection without chemical exposure.
✔️ Ask about a titer test
Instead of automatically vaccinating, a titer test checks your pet’s immunity levels to see if they actually need a booster. This helps prevent unnecessary vaccinations and supports long-term health.
✔️ Use pet-safe yard care options
Look for natural alternatives like vinegar-based weed control, beneficial nematodes for pest management, and organic fertilizers to create a safer outdoor space for your pet.
Let’s Build a Plan Together!
The great news? You don’t have to figure this out alone! Whether you’re already making some of these choices or want to explore new options, we’d love to help you create a personalized plan for your pet.
🌟 Stop by House of Paws to chat with us! Let’s talk about what changes make the most sense for your furry family. Whether it’s nutrition, flea prevention, or finding pet-safe products, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!
We can’t wait to see you in-store soon!