#FoodShelterLove Is The Formula For Cats And Dogs To Live In Harmony!

Hills Food, Shelter & Love®  program helps to "bring some love home"!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® and Food, Shelter & Love® Program, but Bocci's Beefs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

 Have you ever wondered if cats and dogs can really get along, or whether one or the other is simply biding its time...?  Let me put your mind at ease right now: With a little planning, preparation and a bit of patience, most dogs and cats can live together in harmony, and even, well, enjoy one another.

 I won't admit to loving our cat, Bella, but she does make a pretty good pillow.

Although Parental Unit didn't adopt Bella from an animal shelter, she did find her on the street (directly under the wheels of a massive truck), when she was only about two months old.

       Little Ms. Bella, shortly after she took over the household.

 When Parental Unit found Bella, she'd never had a cat and dog at the same time, and she was introducing Bella to her 13 year old Wire Fox terrier, who had been an "only pet" his entire life. She was not worried that they would fight, but that she would make her elderly pooch feel bad—like he was being replaced. Parental Unit followed our veterinarian's suggestion to keep her dog and new kitty separated until she was sure they got along, introducing them slowly and making sure to show affection to each. She also kept their food and water in separate rooms. It took no more than a few weeks for Bella to win him over. It turns out that old man Carson enjoyed her company!

 Parental Unit found me at the animal shelter a few months after Carson passed away, and felt confident she could successfully introduce the right dog to the feline queen of the house. First, I was tested in the shelter with their "house cat", and shelter staff were certain I showed no signs of kitty aggression. She was also able to take me home for a half-day trial run. All I wanted to do was play, but Bella initially kept a respectful distance. Despite my cat-friendly nature, Parental Unit was still very careful, keeping us apart for the first several weeks unless supervised, and slowly allowing us to play. But don't just take our recommendations, check out these tips from Pet MD for introducing dogs and cats.

It's also important to carefully watch your pets' diet during any time of transition, including the introduction of a new pet to your household, because it can be a stressful time for all. Hills Science Diet has a special adult sensitive stomach and skin formula to help sooth an anxious pet's stomach.

Now Bella and I guard our house together. We both make sure our yard stays squirrel free!


We think the key to transitioning a new cat to your dog-friendly home and vice versa is to first consult with the shelter staff about how that particular pet reacts with other animals, discuss with your veterinarian how best to integrate your new family member, and of course, have lots of patience. Then, sit back and enjoy the beginning of a beautiful friendship...

Share

Three Top Pet Care Tips to #GetHealthyHappy!

For the last few months we've been sharing strategies for healthier pets and happier lives for both pets and pet parents. After all, we pets depend on our Parental Units for just about everything, so it's kinda important that you stay on top of the latest pet care information to help us #GetHealthyHappy" and to stay that way. Right?

We love this illustration because it's so true: It's all about love and the human-pet bond, and what we can all to do make that bond stronger. The healthier your pets are, the longer and happier their lives will be—and the care you pet parents give makes all the difference.

For us, it comes down to three basic ways to reach the goals of happy dogs, happy cats and healthy pets.

Let's talk mealtime. You are what you eat. And since we depend on you to choose our food for us (unless we routinely counter surf), please choose wisely. There are so many pet foods out there, so scrutinize labels and talk with your veterinarian about the best food for your pet and his or her breed and lifestyle.

By the way, don't miss this $10 off promotion on select Hills Science Diet products to get your pet started on #GetHealthyHappy!

The Little Extras. We think these tips for bonding with us really are the icing on the cake, so to speak. And cake without icing can be a bit bland!. Exercising our intellectual capabilities as well as regularly indulging our physical need for lots of exercise are just two of the "Little Extras" that make our lives better. Try puzzle toys, food foraging, training, competitions or just long walks by your side to add fulfillment to our lives and yours. We love just being with you, you know?

And don't forget our treats, they're a great way to reward us for good behavior and, well, just because!

                      Haven't I been a good boy, Parental Unit?

Annual Vet Visits. It bears repeating that skipping just one of your pets' annual checkups is like you humans missing five years of doctor's visits! It's so important to establish a relationship with a veterinarian that you like and trust, so he or she can get to know your pet. That way, it's a lot easier for your vet to spot unusual changes or conditions that can nip any ailments in the bud—before they become serious. It's our belief that regular vet visits come with the pet parenting territory, so do both your pet and you a favor and schedule any overdue vet checkups today!

I love visiting Dr. Mike...but I'd like to go back to Parental Unit now, if you don't mind!

We all want to give our pets the longest, healthiest and happiest life possible, and that journey starts with you, and the care you give your beloved four-legged companions. To learn more about Hills Healthier Pets, Happier Lives program visit http://blogp.ws/DogsGetHealthyHappy or http://blogp.ws/CatsGetHealthyHappy. And give your pets a great big hug for us!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Healthier Pets. Happier LivesTM, but Bocci's Beefs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Share

And The Winner Of The #GetHealthyHappy Hills Pet Prize Package Giveaway Is....

#GetHealthyHappy with Hills Science Diet Goodies!

We're pleased to announce our winner of the #GetHealthyHappy "Bundle of pet goodies" giveaway. The winner, as chosen by Random.org via Rafflecopter, is Jason of "bearsbearsbearswoo"! Let's all put our paws together in a round of applause for Jason. His entry was #152!

By the way, this is the first time we've used Rafflecopter and we're thrilled with how easy it was—Parental Unit says she's never going back to her old-fashioned, manual way of running a giveaway!

                   Don't mind me, I'm taking a play break...

And speaking of Hills Pet...stay tuned later this week for more savvy strategies to help you and your pet #GetHealthyHappy!

Share

#GetHealthyHappy With Your Pets...And "Little Extras" Giveaway!

Don't just get happy. #GetHealthyHappy!

 Scroll to the end of this post for details on how to win one of two "Little Extras Prize Packs" for your dog or cat, courtesy of Hills!


Raise your paw if you manage to engage your human in playtime at least once a day!

Newsflash: Playing with your pets regularly is one way to ensure they stay not only healthy, but happy, too. You see, we dogs and our feline friends are smart, and we need to use our brains every day to solve problems, like "How do I get my "fetching stick" back from Parental Unit (see above picture) or "Someone just threw a ball, where the heck is it?" And the currently popular, "How do I get the dang lid off this ridiculous puzzle toy to get the treat hidden inside?"  In the old days, when most dogs had outdoor jobs like herding sheep or guarding property, this work was our daily enrichment. Today, we pampered pooches and indoor kitties need those "little extras" to #GetHealthyHappy, and stay that way.

This is my pal, Bella, hiding in her favorite scrunchy bag and joined by her favorite toy. Cats, by the way, should engage their predatory instincts during play, say, with a moving ball, mouse or feather at the end of a string.

 It's more about chasing and chewing to engage dogs' instinctual behaviors.

Of course, regular vet visits and proper nutrition are tops in importance for ensuring your pet has a long and healthy life. But you can't forget about our mental health, and that's where bonding with you comes in. Basic training, with treats as a reward (hint, hint), is also a great way to spend quality time with your pet. Happy pets equals happy humans, too!

Our friends at Hills have a plethora of treats to help reinforce our good behavior...and to give us just because we're cute! Parental Unit breaks my biscuits into smaller pieces, and I usually get a few on our walks or during grooming (see below). I've also trained her to give me a treat after I get my paws wiped off when coming in from the backyard—hehehe!

To sweeten the pot, Hills is offering a $10 rebate for select Hills Science Diet products. Just click and save!

And you know, we pets love it when you spend time with us, even when you're (dare I say it) grooming us. Now, I'm not a fan of Parental Unit brushing or combing my fur, but she does it anyway to make sure my coat isn't tangled, and to remove dirt, excess hair and whatnot before I snooze on her bed. And of course, I get a few treats if I don't try and run away. Offering a small treat during and after grooming helps your pet associate this time with a pleasurable experience, like EATING!

The bottom line is "Love". And how you show your love for your pets is different for each pet parent: long walks, training, playtime, grooming, sharing toys and treats, or just hangin' out are great ways to let your four-legged friends know you care enough to give them the best life possible.

And now on to our giveaway! To celebrate the"Little Extras" that enrich our pets' lives, Hills is giving away bundles of goodies every pet parent can enjoy sharing with their dog or cat.

Dog Bundle: 

1) a stainless steel dog bowl, 2) a bag of Hill’s Science Diet Dental Chews,  3) a bag of Hill’s Science Diet dog treats,  4) a Healthier Pets, Happier Lives tote bag.

Cat Bundle:

1) a laser pointer toy,  2) a stainless steel cat bowl,  3) eight micro cans of Hill’s Science Diet Grain Free entrees,  4) a Healthier Pets, Happier Lives tote bag.

Enter via the Rafflecopter Widget below. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Share

Mealtime Is The Time To #GetHealthyHappy !

                             Did someone say "mealtime"?

The old adage, "You are what you eat", really isn't so old anymore, because the current science of nutrition has finally caught up with what grandma always knew. Proper nutrition for both humans and pets affects not just how long we live, but our quality of life, too. And we want to feel great every day, don't we?

In addition to regular veterinary visits, you pet parents should make sure that your furry companions are getting the right kind and amount of food for their age and activity levels. The good folks at Hills  have done all of the hard work to ensure that each of their pet foods meet only the highest dog nutrition and cat nutrition standards. Just like humans, we pets have different nutritional needs for the various stages of our lives, and nutritionally balanced pet food will make all the difference in how we feel, from puppy or "kitten hood" straight through to our senior years.

        Hills even makes a grain free formula, available for both dogs and cats.

We know there are lots of tips available to help you choose the right food for your pet, but we've culled a few of the best strategies to share with you:

1. You should probably have a chat with your veterinarian, who can help guide you to the right foods for you pets' life stage and life style. (Don't forget that Hills Science Diet is giving away a $100 credit towards a veterinary visit every day for 90 days to help your pets #gethealthyhappy!)

2.  Consider specially formulated foods that cater to your pets' specific needs. Choosing the right food can help manage certain health conditions, for example. And whether you're pet parent to a couch potato or canine athlete, there can be specific nutritional needs for the more or less active dog or kitty. Check with your vet on this one, too!

3. Transition foods slowly. If you choose to change pet foods, remember to gradually transition to the new food—it takes at least a full seven days to successfully change your pets' diet and avoid stomach upset or digestive issues. 

To help call attention to your pets' specific nutritional needs and get your pets on their way to happy and healthy, Hills is offering a $10 rebate for select Hills Science Diet products. 

Want to really "GetHealthyHappy? Take this fun and informative quiz from the experts at PetMD to find out whether your pet is eating quality food.

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Healthier Pets. Happier LivesTM, but Bocci's Beefs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Share

Why Regular Vet Visits Help Your Pets #GetHealthyHappy !

We all know the benefits of preventative care, both for ourselves and our beloved pets. But there are countless reasons we don't always follow through. For the sake of our pets living longer, healthier and happier lives, though, we have to make the effort. Unfortunately, according to a recent poll by PetMD, nearly two in ten pet owners had not visited their vet for a routine check-up in the past year, and a whopping 26% of dog owners don't visit their vet until their pet is sick.

Why is that a big "Oops"? Because pets age faster than humans, so skipping even one annual veterinary exam is like you humans missing five years of check-ups! From that perspective, we can start to see how missing your pets' annual checkup could lead to future medical issues. In fact, Dr. Ashley Gallagher, a veterinarian at the Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, D.C., says that "Annual checkups also allow your vet to more easily spot problems at their earliest stages, when they can often be handled simply and cost effectively." How does that translates into dollars and cents: The American Pet products Association's 2013-1014 survey reports that while routine vet visits average $231, emergency visits average $314 and illness visits "$364. That's quite a jump!

Speaking only for me, I visited my vet twice this year— once in early spring to have my heart worm test, and just a few weeks ago to have my complete checkup and vaccines.

Here I am making nice with Dr. Mike, my longtime veterinarian. He always sits on the floor and plays with me first, while sneaking in a bit of the exam. (I can never figure out why he smells my ears, can you?)

    And you've got to get your heart and lungs checked, don't you?

                 Where's my post-exam treat, Dr. Mike?

You can  get the most for your money by bringing a list of questions to your annual visit, so your veterinarian will give your humans tips on maintaining a healthy weight, proper dental hygiene and more. That's also one of the benefits of establishing a long term relationship with a vet you trust—he or she will become familiar with your pets and better able to more easily spot anything different about their health.

And we can't think of a better way to jump start your regular vet visits than with a credit toward your next exam. That's why we're excited to announce that Hills Science Diet is giving away $100 toward a vet check up, every day for 90 days, to allow more pet owners the chance to enjoy annual checkups for their pet!

Just visit http://www.hillspet.com/healthy-pets-happy-life.html, choose "Healthy Happy Dogs" or "Healthy Happy Cats",  complete the short entry form and you're on your way to #GetHealthyHappy!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® Healthier Pets. Happier Lives.™, but Bocci's Beefs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

Share