Life's Abundance | Premium health products

Best Practices For Managing Stress


woman doing a mediation

Are you stressed out? If you’re like most Americans, chances are the answer is, “Heck, yeah!” Unfortunately, stress is a way of life for too many of us. Whether it’s concerns over family, work, relationships or even daily traffic jams, there seems to be a never ending stream of stressors.

There are many different facets of stress. It can help you in some instances and hinder you in others. And there are coping mechanisms that can diminish it (the bad stress). If you’re already feeling too stressed to read the rest of this article, then it’s a pretty good sign that you should keep reading - so take a deep breath and read on.

What is stress?

Stress covers a range of physiological responses to certain life events, such as a threat, a heated argument, and real or imagined danger. In short, stress is your body’s way of protecting itself in the face of these challenges. Your body releases adrenaline and cortisol hormones in order to prepare you to take action. At the same time, your blood pressure rises, breathing becomes more rapid and your heart starts pounding. These physiological changes can help boost your strength, bolster your stamina and hone your focus, which is why some people claim they work well under pressure.

Common stressors

Some common negative stressors can include workplace stress, the death of a loved one, divorce, injury or illness. Even seemingly positive life events can bring with them stressors such as marriage, buying your first home, having kids, or even getting a promotion. Stress can even be self-imposed from pessimism, perfectionism, or the inability to accept uncertainty.

Are you a serial stressor?

There’s no doubt that stress can help you meet short term challenges. However, chronic stress can leave your body feeling overworked and can be detrimental to your health. Moreover, long-term stress can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, lead to premature aging, and leave you more vulnerable to anxiety and depression.


woman stressed at work

If you believe you might be suffering from debilitating chronic stress, the first step is to talk with someone trained to help you overcome these stressors, like a doctor or therapist. Next, try your best to avoid negative coping mechanisms such as smoking, overeating, or drug abuse. Here are our tips for reducing stress in your life in a healthy and more practical way:

Talk to a Friend: Expressing your feelings to a trusted friend can lighten your load. Remember, the more you isolate yourself, the more susceptible you will be to stress.

Exercise: Walk, swim or take a bike ride. When you exercise at a certain level over a period of time, the body produces chemicals that can make you feel good.

Eat a Healthy Diet: We know it can be difficult, but try to avoid fast foods loaded with fat and preservatives, overly salted foods, caffeine and sugar. Make sure your diet includes proteins, whole grains, fresh veggies and plenty of water.

Laugh: You read that right. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.”

Meditate: There’s no need to take a class or even buy a book on meditation. Just find a comfortable and quiet spot and think about all of the positive things in your life. Make an effort to feel truly thankful for each of them.

Curl up with a furry friend: We have to admit - this might be one of our favorite things to do. Spending quality time and cuddling up with your pet can lower blood pressure and stress levels.

Do nothing: Yep, nothing! Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that it’s okay to just do nothing at all for a while. Stop whatever activity is at-hand and savor the moment.

No matter which techniques you choose to incorporate in your routine, we truly hope they’ll help you to live a more abundant life, with less stress!

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What You Need to Know About Feeding Trials


woman feeding her dog food

While looking for healthy products for your furry friends, you’ve probably faced a slew of information, and we understand how overwhelming it can be - especially since you want to give them the best life possible. We want to be clear about what goes into our products because we want you to feel confident in the product you’re feeding your pets. We’re proud of our products but your trust in our company is more important.

As an employee-owned purpose-driven company, we think differently and our definition of transparency includes giving you a behind the scenes look into our decision to conduct dog food feeding trials - and why it should matter to you. 

What Are The Pet Food Standards?

Did you know that there are two ways a dog food maker can demonstrate the nutrition of their foods? These are set by the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the association that establishes nutritional standards within the pet food industry.

Nutrient Analysis

The most common of the two is through nutrient analysis. This involves laboratory testing of the finished food that measures how much of each key nutrient is present compared to the required amount. Beyond the required nutrients, additional tests can be ordered to tell a more complete story about the formula. For instance, if a brand prioritizes antioxidants they’ll want to test for that number, though it’s not required.

This additional nutrient analysis testing is the method we at Life’s Abundance have used for over two decades, and now, as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, we’re engaging in the second of AAFCO’s sanctioned tests - Feeding Trials.

Feeding Trials

Simply put, feeding trials allow us to study the nutritional value a pet gets from consuming a food. So - how does it work? Eight dogs are exclusively fed the food being tested for a number of weeks (duration varies based on life stage). Periodic blood tests and the dog’s weight are tracked and recorded to demonstrate that the nutrients shown on paper actually make it into the dog’s body at life-sustaining levels. The dogs are always humanely treated and if for any reason they aren’t doing well on the food they are immediately taken off the trial. 

Why Conduct Feeding Trials?

First and foremost, we have a responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of dogs eating our food, and because of this, it’s important to know how nutrients in our formulas behave once digested by the dogs eating them. Our formulation philosophy for years, has been made up of nutritional analysis and decades of anecdotal evidence but with the addition of science-backed feeding trials, that philosophy is even stronger. 


Life's Abundance dog foods

In the veterinary world, feeding trials are the gold standard to demonstrate a food’s nutrient value. Now when your vet asks if your dog’s food has been through a trial, if you’re feeding Life’s Abundance, you can confidently say ‘yes.’ We know from all our veterinary consultants and colleagues how important feeding trials are to veterinarians as a mark of quality assurance. This is our way of showing we're absolutely serious about making the best food out there.

The decision to conduct feeding trials was a years-long process involving many levels of staff at Life’s Abundance. We’ve:

  • consulted with veterinarians,
  • consulted with insiders who have seen many sides of laboratory research,
  • looked for alternative testing protocols,
  • interviewed testing companies and toured testing facilities ourselves

It took all of this time, effort and consideration to be certain we’d found a testing company that met our standards for animal care, interaction, environmental enrichment and overall welfare. It was important for us to take this time so that we feel as good about the process as we do the results, so you can too.

What Feeding Trials Won’t Tell You

Though a feeding trial is a true scientific study, it will only tell you whether a food is adequate enough to keep a dog alive. It won’t tell you about the quality of the ingredients or if they have any health enhancing benefits. At Life’s Abundance, it’s more than formulating, making and delivering great food. It’s about getting the ultimate nutrition into your dog so they can thrive.

Feeding trials take time to complete but we’re dedicated to taking as many of our products through trials so you can have full confidence in our products. Here is our feeding trial status as of Fall 2021:

  • All Life Stage Dog Food, Lamb Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2022.
  • Adult Weight Loss Dog Food - Successfully completed Spring 2020.
  • All Life Stage Dog Food, Chicken Meal & Brown Rice - Successfully completed Summer 2021.
  • Grain Free All Life Stage Dog Food - In queue to start. Tests are not run concurrently which makes the timeline to complete the series quite long.

We remain dedicated to adopting certified testing methods to reassure our customers of the quality of our product. If you’re not currently feeding your pet Life’s Abundance food consider making the switch to our uniquely formulated foods that have feeding trials to back their efficacy.

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Stress-Relieving Skin Care


woman giving self facial massage

Have you ever noticed how your acne, eczema and other complexion issues flare up when you’re stressed? It’s no coincidence - it’s science! It’s been shown that external stressors can have an adverse effect on not only your skin but also your mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to schedule some relaxation time! Here are some ideas to help you unwind while taking care of your skin - it’s the only kind of multitasking we recommend.   

Wash Your Stress Away Each Evening

Mindfulness can be a powerful ally in reducing your stress levels, and adding this simple relaxing skin care routine each night can help. As you wash your face, imagine all the stress you've collected during the day washing away as well. Certain scented soaps can really help your mind and body get into a relaxed state.

Give Yourself a Soothing Facial Massage

Who doesn’t love a good massage? We get it though, you can’t always hit the spa every time you’re feeling stressed - that’s where an at-home facial massage comes in. Each night during your skin care routine, as you apply serum, take your time massaging the oils into your skin. Concentrate on areas where you tend to carry the most stress - for most people it’s their temples and jaw muscles.


man doing skin care in mirror

Rejuvenate With a Facial Mask

Continue your at-home spa activities with a luxurious facial mask. Not only will your skin reap the deep cleansing benefits, but you'll have an excuse to take 10-15 minutes and relax your mind as the mask does its magic. For bonus relaxation points, consider streaming a free guided meditation, or even some soothing music. 

Glow From the Inside Out

When you've got a lot going on, it's more important than ever to help your body work smarter. Ensuring that you get the nutrients you need will go a long way in preventing fatigue and other factors that can wreak havoc on your skin. And if you don't have time to cook yourself a delicious healthy meal each day, supplements can be a quick and easy way to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Consider working a daily multivitamin into your regimen or replacing sugary sports drinks with a minerals and antioxidant-rich drink mix.

Each day brings plenty of little opportunities to help reduce stress while maintaining your skin. Yes, it may be tempting to believe that serenity requires a week-long yoga retreat, you now know that relaxation can be found right at home - and all it takes is your favorite skincare product and a willing set of hands. 

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Introducing A New Cat Into Your Home


person holding two kittens

Cats make wonderful pets. With temperaments ranging from affectionate to reclusive, cats bring joy and playfulness to our homes with their unique personalities and endearing quirks. So, you’d think that bringing a second, third, or fourth cat into your home would be bliss right?

While, in theory, this may seem simple, the process of introducing cats to one another and teaching them to coexist can be a somewhat involved process. Because cats are often loners by nature, it’s important to take the proper steps to ensure that your two cats feel comfortable and safe around one another. Here’s what you can do to give your resident cat and newcomer the best chance at a successful introduction and set them up for a lifetime of companionship or at the very least, a peaceful coexistence.

Separate Spaces  

When you first bring your new cat home, it’s important to keep them completely separate from your current cat. The best way to do this is to enclose the new cat in a room with a door, like a bedroom or office. Preferably one that your current cat has spent significant time in so that their scent is present in the room.

Make sure this room is pleasant and comfortable for your new cat and keep in mind that isolating them isn’t a punishment; it’s an effective way to make them feel safe in their new home. Some things you may want to stock their room with are toys, a cozy bed, food, water, and a litter box. Also, it’s best if this room is easily accessible by human family members, so that they can enter often to play and socialize with your new cat.

A room with a door that has a little bit of space underneath is ideal as this gives the cats an opportunity to be in somewhat close proximity and in some cases even see one another, if they choose, without forcing them to socialize.

Mirrored Feedings

When it comes to feeding your cats, think of the door dividing them like a mirror. Whatever you do on one side, you do on the other, meaning the cats should be fed at the same time, with their food placed close to the door, on their respective sides.

If either cat hisses or shows aggression when coaxed to eat near the door, simply move that cat’s food a few feet back from the door and allow them to eat from a distance. With each mealtime, try inching their food bowl a little bit closer to the door. When the cat complies, be sure to reward them liberally with enticing treats they love.

The Great Switcheroo

After about two or three days of relatively calm behavior between the cats, it’s time to make the big switch. Give your new cat free reign of the house and put your current cat in the room where the new cat has been living. Don’t switch anything else – they should be using one another’s toys, food bowls, litter boxes, etc. (Do be sure to clean the bowls and the litter boxes before the switch, though).


woman playing with two cats

This step may need to be repeated, particularly if one or both cats is showing signs of stress. Repeat this process until both cats are comfortable around one another’s scents. To help facilitate this, consider rubbing the cats with a towel that possesses both of their scents. Start by rubbing a small, clean towel or blanket on one of your cats. Then, without washing it, rub the same towel on the other cat, so that their scents are mixed. Then take this towel back to the first cat, so that both cats have one another’s scents on them.

Visual Confirmation

If all goes well, it’s time to let the cats see one another while still keeping them physically separated. It’s likely they’re not ready to be together quite yet, so you can open the door to the new cat’s room and secure the entrance by stacking two baby gates in the doorframe. This creates a barrier tall enough to keep your cat from easily scaling it, otherwise you’ll witness firsthand just how agile felines can be. This will allow them to be contained but still see one another.

If the cats both seem calm enough, you can attempt a more formal introduction. If possible, each cat should be accompanied by a human on opposite sides of the barrier. Place each cat a couple of feet back from the barrier and let them see one another. If they acknowledge one another, introduce them by saying their names, and don’t forget to reward them with a treat.

Time to Meet

If your cats have progressed through all of these steps without fear, anxiety, or aggression, it’s time for the official meeting, which should be brief and supervised, with a human standing by to separate the cats if things take a turn-you’ll want to avoid any cat fights.

If this is successful, you can start to increase the time the cats are together, until they’re finally both comfortable occupying the same space. And if they aren’t ready yet? That’s completely okay! It can take some cats up to a year to fully accept another cat into their home territory. Have patience and keep trying- you’ve got this!

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What Is Inclusive Beauty?


man doing skin care routine in mirror

The days of niche or “boutique” beauty brands with limited product lines are gone. Over the last several years, as you’ve browsed the beauty aisles you’ve probably seen that the beauty industry as a whole has experienced a major shift towards becoming more inclusive. Some skin and hair care products, for example,  have changed to show that they’re “made for all skin or hair types.” 

What’s considered an inclusive beauty product?

Inclusive beauty products are products that cater to a wide range of consumers irrespective of gender, age, skin tones or hair types. Very literally - everyone. 

Why is inclusive beauty important?

In a recent study, a stunning 72% of American adults expressed that "society's idea of beauty is too rigidly defined." This same study revealed that almost half of beauty consumers say they have looked for or bought from brands with diversity or inclusivity as a core company value,  in the last year. Clearly, it's high time to make this enormous industry more accessible to all.

There are a number of ways that beauty has become more inclusive:

  • Offering products for “all skin or hair types”
  • Creating a wider range of color palettes for skin care and makeup products
  • Being transparent about the ingredients in formulas
  • Representing diversity in their advertising


woman putting face lotion on face in mirror

Life's Abundance Clean Beauty & Clean Body

At Life’s Abundance, our Clean Beauty and Clean Body products are made with everyone in mind. We’re committed to creating and perfecting safe, gentle, and effective beauty products that you can feel comfortable using - regardless of your skin or hair types.

Here are a couple things you’ll love about our products:

  • All of our Clean Beauty and Body products are free of sulfates, chemicals and harmful additives - just take a look at our labels and you’ll find only skin-loving ingredients!
  • Our Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap contains Dead Sea salt which has nutrients that promote moisture while also correcting  imbalances so, no matter what type of skin you have, you can enjoy its benefits.
  • Our Facial Cleanser is great for all skin types as it gently removes impurities without harming your skin’s natural barrier (unlike other cleansers that can strip protective oils).
  • Just as effective, our Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for virtually every hair type from thin to thick or straight to curly. The nourishing formula works to deliver a gentle cleanse without stripping your locks of its oils.

If you’ve ever had trouble finding products that properly represent your hair or skin type, it’s time you feel the effects of formulas that really work. Try anything from our Clean Beauty and Clean Body line and you’ll see the results in your clear, nourished skin and healthy, shiny hair.

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Can Dogs Be Bilingual?


man talking to his dog

One of the most wonderful things about having a pet is the strong connection and bond we share with them. Have you ever talked to your dog, and watched as they seemed to listen intently, tilting their head and hanging onto your every word?

But do they really understand us - and what about when we speak to them in different languages? Is it possible for them to become bilingual?

Dogs and Human Language

Do dogs even understand human language? As it turns out, yes and no. Dogs process language similar to the way human children (up to the age of 14 months) do. That’s to say that they understand commands and familiar words, but have trouble distinguishing between commands, and words that sound similar. For example, if you tell your dog to “drop” or “bop” they may hear no difference between the two.

However, we do know that they do listen to what you say, and they comprehend at least some of it. As for how much, no one is quite sure- perhaps with further research, we’ll learn more about how much of their bedtime stories our furry friends are actually understanding.

Bilingual Dogs

Are dogs capable of understanding more than one language? Yes they are, as long as they’re taught from an early age - like human children. In a recent study, it was determined that dogs can tell the difference between their “native” language (the one in which they were trained) and other languages.

During the study, dogs were played recordings of the classic book “The Little Prince”, in their native language, and then in a language to which they hadn’t yet been exposed. During the study, brain scans were taken of each dog. The results show that their brains reacted differently to the unknown language, indicating that they can distinguish between various human languages.

This indicates that if you are bilingual, and you’d like your dog to be as well, it’s possible to train them to understand multiple languages, at least when it comes to common commands.


woman on bridge shaking dog paw

Training a Bilingual Dog

The keys to training a dog to become bilingual are consistency and repetition - just like teaching them how to sit. For example, if your dog is already fluent in English commands, use this as a jumping off point. Say the English command, and then immediately follow it with the same command in whichever language you’d like your dog to learn. Another key to training is to reward them with one of their favorite dog treats each time they correctly obey. 

Be sure to use the same word to indicate a command every time, especially in languages that might have many word options that mean the same thing.  Once your puppy reaches genius-levels of obedience when responding to commands in the second language, be sure to continue reinforcing that behavior with consistent treats for a job well done!

Aren’t our dogs amazing? Not only do they fill our lives with love, spread joy everywhere they go, and keep our lives exciting, but they also have the capacity to be bilingual (or tri-lingual, if you consider the fact that they’re already fluent in ‘dog’!) Learning a second language can be  challenging for anyone, so if you succeed in training your dog to become bilingual, be sure to show them your support and admiration by constantly telling them how much you love them - in both languages, of course.

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Cherry Lemonade Recipe


cherry lemonade with minerals and antioxidants

Staying hydrated for the summer doesn’t have to be boring! Amp up your H2O game by making this delicious lemonade recipe using our Minerals & Antioxidants - packed with all the nutrients your body needs and none of the sugar it doesn’t. Follow along for a refreshment that’s perfect for sipping poolside.

What We Love About Minerals & Antioxidants:

  • Contains 74-plant based, naturally chelated trace minerals as well as antioxidants from 10 nutrient-rich superfruits including acai, cranberry, goji, maqui and pomegranate
  • It’s got a high ORAC value, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity and it's a way of measuring the free-radical fighting antioxidant level.
  • No harmful chemicals. Our formula is made with coconut water and aloe vera and it does’t contain any added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
  • Gives you sustained energy for the day.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 min 
Total Time: 10 min 

Ingredients:


Preparation:

  1. Combine lemon juice and maple syrup in a pitcher.
  2. Stir in water. Add more water or maple syrup to achieve your desired taste.
  3. Add four scoops of Cherry Flavored Life’s Abundance Minerals & Antioxidants
  4. Add your mint and lemon slices.
  5. Enjoy!

Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

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A Spa Day For You And Your Pet


woman shampooing hair

Summer days are fun but they can be long, hot, and draining. Whether you’re spending the time with your furry friend just lounging outside, traveling, or playing - it’s bound to get tiring and we know just what you and your pet will need - a spa day! Here’s our necessities for ultimate relaxation - not just for you, but your furry friends too!

Nothing cures a stressful day better than a soothing bath. Research shows that spending 30 minutes in the tub helps to lower blood pressure, fight depression and allows you to sleep better. Want to give your bath a boost? Use a cleansing soap with charcoal to draw impurities from your pores - leaving you with clean, refreshed skin. It also features tea tree and neem oils which are amazing at soothing and calming your skin. Plus, there’s no dry-skin feel afterwards thanks to the Dead Sea salt contained in this bar that helps retain natural moisture.

For a more complete refreshing experience from head to toe, while you shower, remember to use a light facial cleanser to help brighten up your skin. Preferably one that includes these key ingredients that offer a slew of benefits:

  • Aloe leaf juice, argan oil and shea butter to capture debris without stripping skin.
  • Sugar cane, white willow bark and citrus peel extracts to gently exfoliate and reveal your natural glow.
  • Apricot, neem and hemp seed oils to calm irritated skin.
  • Bilberry and cranberry fruit extracts to help fend off the effects of environmental stress.
  • Omega fatty acids to deeply nourish and promote healthy, even skin.

Prolonged time in the sun and exposure to harsh UV rays can damage hair cuticles causing dry, brittle hair. So make sure to restore your hair with a botanical shampoo and conditioner. Regardless if you have curly, dry, or oily hair - these two products are made with all hair types in mind. Lather, rinse and repeat if necessary and you’ll be ready to show off your hair’s natural vibrance all summer long.


dog in the bath

Now that you’re refreshed it’s time to take care of your furry friend. After an hour or so of  playing in the yard they’re going to be due for a cleansing bath. No one loves that wet dog smell - not even your pet, probably - so pamper them with this luxurious shampoo. Infused with rosemary and sage, just a small dollop will bring out your pet’s natural shine, and it’ll do more than just mask odors - it neutralizes them. They’ll be left with a beautiful coat and a light citrus aroma.

However, if you don’t have time for a full-on bath (and they’re not too dirty), this portable Bath Fresh Mist is a quick fix until you can get around to bath time. This spray on formula uses the same Ordenone ingredient to completely get rid of odors rather than cover them up. You’ll love the way this mist nourishes their coat with a mix of certified organic herbal extracts, aromatic botanicals and natural fruit extracts.

After this spa day, you and your pet will be feeling your very best. Now, it’s just time to cuddle up on the couch after a long day - feeling refreshed, clean and relaxed.

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Aromatherapy For Glowing Skin


woman putting lotion on legs

Have you ever wondered what our ancestors  used as skin care? It’s safe to assume that Mona Lisa didn’t achieve that killer complexion by using our favorite serum.  

These days, the market is flooded with products to choose from, but before fancy ingredients came into play, cultures around the world have looked to aromatherapy to promote both mental and physical well-being.

Aromatherapy involves the inhalation or application of essential oils - derived from aromatic plants - each of which offer their own unique set of benefits. Essential oils even earned a stellar review from the father of modern medicine himself. 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates once claimed that “the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage.” 

Sounds great except who has time for a nightly soak or money for a daily massage? For a more practical approach try our Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap, which combines essential tea tree and neem oils with the power of naturally activated charcoal and Dead Sea salt.

Tea tree oil is packed with natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that make it a one-stop-shop for the skin. It’s one of the few ingredients that boasts the ability to help both dry and oily skin alike. It can also aid in the treatment of skin irritations and acne.  

Neem oil also brings plenty to the table with a powerful combination of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that soothe the skin and help to promote collagen growth.  


charcoal soap on blue towel

The aroma from the essential oils themselves can have a profound effect on mental well-being. Such is the case with essential lemon oil, which studies have shown can help fight depression, all while clearing skin and reducing inflammation. 

The same can be said for essential geranium oil, which smells so amazing that it's commonly used in perfume. But don’t be fooled by its delicate floral scent, because this one essential oil is loaded with skin care benefits. Studies have shown that the natural properties of geranium oil make it a great choice for fighting  acne, skin irritation, and other skin infections.

Impressed? We were too.

That’s why we made sure to include both essential lemon and geranium oils in the list of natural ingredients that make up our soothing Body Lotion. 

We didn’t stop there. We’ve combined a selection of all the most trusted aromatherapy products throughout history into one powerful Facial Serum that’s enough to make a convert out of even the most skeptic skincare aficionado. It contains natural ingredients like myrrh, which was literally worth its weight in gold among the ancient Egyptians. Due to its powerful healing and protective properties, myrrh earned a spot in the annals of skin care history among a variety of ancient civilizations. Also included are essential oils such as may chang, carrot seed, clary sage, thyme, and more.

We invite you to try one of our skin care products and reap all the historical benefits of aromatherapy.  And don’t be surprised when you end up with healthier, glowing skin from these naturally occurring, stand out ingredients.

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The 5 Best Apps For Your Pet


man looking at phone with dog next to him in car

Pets are always there for us, whether we're looking for a cuddle or a laugh to help us wind down after a long day. For all they do to make our lives a little brighter, our furry friends deserve the best of everything, and that’s why we love the variety of apps that have popped up to improve our pets’ lives. Whether you want to make sure you never miss a vet appointment, keep your shoes from becoming a chew toy, or find new ways to have fun together “there’s an app for that.” Here are five of the best apps to download today for those with fur babies:

PetDesk

PetDesk helps you keep track of your pet's veterinarian appointments, vaccinations and lab results. You can request in-person appointments and/or launch virtual care appointments, all within the app. PetDesk is a great way to stay organized and make sure your pet is up-to-date on their shots and medications - truly a must-have for any pet parent!

GoodPup

GoodPup is a top-notch pet app that offers 1-on-1 video chat sessions with experienced trainers, which means you can get custom advice and guidance in the  comfort of your home. This app is great for anyone that needs a flexible schedule or wants to teach Fluffy not to jump on the counter without spending a fortune.  It also has a 24/7 chat feature that allows you to connect with an expert whenever you need it- for those late-night puppy woes. 

Pro tip: While using this training app, make sure to keep some delicious, healthy dog treats or cat treats on hand as a reward. Your furry friend is guaranteed to be on their best behavior!


woman looking at phone while playing with cat

Puppr

For those pup parents accustomed to a more ‘on-demand’ video service, the Puppr app is purrrfect. Puppr features over 100 recorded video lessons, and a live chat feature that connects you with trainers for a little extra help when you need it. There are other fun features like a progress tracker, photo entry challenge, and a built-in training clicker. If your pup could brush up on their manners, or you're looking for a fun way to bond, give Puppr a try.

BringFido

Love to vacation with your pet but find it hard to find pet-friendly getaways? With BringFido you can find pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, attractions, and more. Whether you're on the go or looking for local spots that welcome guests on two legs or four, BringFido is a great resource.

Buddies

Being a pet parent is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it's also a big responsibility. Now  you can earn actual rewards every time you take good care of your furry friend, just by logging their exercise, diet, appointments, and food purchases. You can also take and share photos of your pets, write updates about their day-to-day lives, and invite your friends and family to follow along - even better, you can redeem points for treats for your pet to enjoy. 

There are so many apps out there that can make our pets' lives better, and taking care of them a little easier - these are just five of our favorites. What apps do you use to improve your pet's life? Let us know in the comments below!

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