Spring in Central Texas brings bluebonnets, beautiful weather… and pollen that coats everything in a lovely shade of yellow and gives us all the sniffles–often, including our pets.

But, how do you know if your pet is suffering from a pollen allergy, and how do you help?

Symptoms

According to VCA Hospitals, an allergy is “a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance called an allergen.”

In Spring, Central Texas experiences a spray of allergenic pollen from oak, hickory, and pecan trees, as well as some grasses and (obviously) flowers. In Fall, ragweed pollen abounds.

If you begin to notice the following symptoms when Spring arrives, pollen may be bothering your pet:

• Hair loss
• Eye discharge (conjunctivitis)
• Frequent scratching when no fleas are present
• Obsessive licking
• Snoring (caused by an inflamed throat)
• Biting and chewing of their paws and haunches
• Swollen paws
• Sneezing
• Ear infections
• Redness of the skin
• Hot spots
• Yeast skin infections

Solutions

Taking steps to reduce your pet’s exposure to pollen and control inflammation in general can help to alleviate symptoms:

Wipe ’em down: Wipe or brush your pet’s coat with a damp towel after a romp in the park. This will help remove pollen and other airborne allergens, while avoiding the dry skin that can accompany too frequent baths.

Allergy-Friendly ‘Poo: When bath time does roll around, reach for a hypoallergenic shampoo. We love the soothing oatmeal and honey formula from Petology.

Treat Symptoms: Even if you’re vigilant in preventative measures, your pet may still suffer from allergies. Try Wondercide’s Skin Tonic Spray on any hotspots that form from all that licking and scratching, and occasionally use their ear wash to ward off ear infections.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements: We recommend Omega-3 fatty acids and coconut oil to help decrease inflammation and slow the production of yeast, respectively. You can add these to your pet’s regular diet in the form of treats or supplements, or switch to a food rich in these ingredients.

Tried all of the above and still no allergy relief for your pets? Here’s two things to consider:

1. Consult your vet: Unfortunately, some pets have severe environmental allergies. If more natural remedies simply aren’t cutting it, your vet will be able to help.
2. Check the food:  While your pet may still have allergies, they may be internal. Food sensitivities may manifest with the same symptoms (frequent scratching, yeast in the ears, etc.), making them difficult to pinpoint. If this is something you want to explore, head on in to your favorite Tomlinson’s location and chat with a friendly team member about limited ingredient diets.

What did we forget? Tell us your favorite remedies in the comments below!

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Like humans, pets have food sensitivities. However, they are unable to communicate their symptoms, so we often miss their ailments, allergies and/ or sensitivity issues altogether.

Enter: Limited Ingredient Diets.

What is a Limited Ingredient Diet?

Must get every. last. bite.

In the pet food world, a food labeled as a Limited Ingredient Diet should be free of common allergy-inducing ingredients such as:

• Chicken
• Corn
• Soy
• White potato
• Grains with gluten
• Eggs
• Tapioca

Note that the above ingredients like chicken and eggs aren’t unhealthy for all pets. Just like nuts or shellfish for humans, these ingredients are fine for some but cause reactions in others.

Some LID formulas stick to one protein source and one carb source, such as salmon and chickpea. Others simply stick to a single protein source and a few carb sources known to be allergy-friendly, such as chickpeas and sweet potato.

Should my pet be on a Limited Ingredient Diet?

LIDs are ideal for pets with food sensitivities. Symptoms of pet food sensitivities include:

• Hot spots
• Itchiness without fleas
• Frequent ear infections
• Loose stool after mealtime
• Excessive gassiness
• Frequent vomiting (in more severe cases)

If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, an LID may be worth a try.

If your pet is currently thriving on her current food, keep it up! Although, you may look in to rotating formulas to minimize the risk of food intolerances.

So, how do I choose?

When you finish all your food…

Our biggest piece of advice: read the label! 

The term “Limited Ingredient Diet” is not regulated. There are excellent LID formulas available, but there are others who co-opt the term for marketing only.

So, do your research (or chat with a Tomlinson’s Team Member) to determine a true LID using the above criteria.

If you already know your pet is allergic to an ingredient, reading the ingredient deck will help narrow down your search.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your dog’s tummy troubles, try an elimination diet: 

1. Inspect at the ingredients of your pet’s current food, looking for any of the allergenic ingredients listed above.
2. Identify an LID formula without said ingredients.
3. Over 7-14 days, transition your pet to the new food, giving a little more new food and a little less old food each day.
4. Once fully transitioned, keep track of your pet’s symptoms over 30 days.
   1. If symptoms dissipate, BINGO! You’ve found your food.
   2. If symptoms remain, test another LID formula or brand.

If your pet can tolerate it, we suggest rotating protein formulas within the same LID brand to avoid developing any further sensitivities. Plus, it keeps mealtime more interesting when you’re not always eating the same thing.

Need help getting started? Here are some more tips on how to choose the right food for your pet. 

What are some of Team Tomlinson’s favorites?

Tell us about your experience with LIDs in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!

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CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS!

Team Tomlinson’s has fallen head over paws for Kitty Kubes.

Here’s why you should take one home right meow:

Modern. The clean, simple lines of the kubes will look good in any space. The design possibilities are endless- which is purrfect for both your cat and your living space.

Easy to assemble. All pieces click right into place- seriously, it’s that easy. If your kitcat’s still not into it, check out these helpful tips.

Customizable. Whether you go for a single kube, spring for the starter kit, or add accessories, you can make your kube your way. (Err, the cat’s way. Because we all know they’re actually in charge here.) 

Sturdy. Anti-skid pads and stability straps will keep these kubes right where you put them. And, single kube has been proven sturdy enough to support 290 pounds… we’re pretty sure that’s bigger than even the piggiest kitty. 

Want to see these kubes in action? Head to our Leander and South Lamar locations and take a peek in the cat rooms!

Oh, and just when you thought it couldn’t get any better…Kitty Kubes are now on sale! For a limited time only, receive 30% OFF single cubes and starter kits!

Source: Katt3 Website

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A New Year brings new opportunities to make small changes that reap big rewards on our wallets or waistlines.

And it’s no different with pets: small adjustments to your pet’s nutrition can bring big improvements to her health.

We’ve polled our team, and whipped up these 7 easy ways to start fresh with your pet’s diet this year:

1. PICK A TOPPER

Canned, dehydrated, or freeze dried foods all make for a great kibble topper. Not only will your dog love the special ‘treat’, but it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to add variety and up moisture intake.

Benefit: Increased hydration from high-moisture toppers keeps your pet’s internal organs well-lubricated and functioning optimally.

2. ADD AN EGG

Eggs are egg-cellent (sorry, we had to) for healthy skin and coat, increased food palatability, and weight management. If time allows, fry one up and add it right on top of their normal food.

Of course, eggs are high in calories and (healthy) fats relative to our pets’ small bodies. If your pet is overweight, be sure to account for the increased calories of the egg by decreasing your pet’s kibble portion.

Want to try something other than eggs? Read about our favorite fresh foods for pets here. 

Benefit: Eggs are packed with Vitamin E, meaning your pet will have the most luscious locks on the block in no time.

3. TRY JUST *ONE* SUPPLEMENT

From goat’s milk to fish oil to kelp, we know first hand just how overwhelming supplement choices can be. But, it’s not all or nothing- start 

small and choose just one supplement to add to your pet’s food for a full month.

Supplements can be used as preventative measures, to promote overall health and wellness, or to address a specific issue.

Team Tomlinson’s loves pet supplements! Here’s our top recommendations for probiotics, greens for your pet, and more.

Benefit: Giving your pet health and wellness an overall boost means a longer lifespan and lower vet costs in the future.

4. FEED IN A SNOOP

Whoever said you shouldn’t play with your food never tried a Snoop.

Stuff this interactive puzzle toy from Planet Dog with your pet’s favorite food, then sit back and watch as your dog pounces, nudges, and nibbles for hours as they try to unlock the hidden treasure.

Benefit: Interactive feeding triggers your pet’s hunting and foraging instincts, and keeps their mind engaged. Mental health is important, too!

5. JUST ADD WATER…

…or bone broth, or goat’s milk. Adding warm water or broth to your pet’s kibble can increase palatability and increases hydration (obviously).

Even if you see your pet frequently lapping up water from their bowl, chances are they’re not as hydrated as you think.

Not only is this a simple, tasty way to increase the moisture in your pet’s diet, but bone broth and goat milk are also packed with other nutrients.

Benefit: Proper hydration is key for digestion, proper joint function, and overall vitality.

6. ROTATE FORMULAS

Variety isn’t just for human diets: if your kitty doesn’t have a sensitive stomach, try another formula from the same brand.

Many of our manufacturers formulated foods with this in mind, so their formulas are easily rotatable. This gives your pet the health benefits from multiple protein sources, fruits, and veggies.

Benefit: Periodically switching up your pet’s diet can minimize the risk of food intolerances, create excitement during mealtime, and round out your pet’s nutrition.

7. DENTAL DESSERT!

Dental care is equally important in pets as it is for humans, yet it is one of the most neglected areas of pet care. 

Why is dental care important? Bad breath, mouth sores, and loose, missing, or broken teeth can all be avoided with proper dental care. Whether you choose to go for a breath-freshening chew or a bacteria-fighting raw bone, don’t let your pet’s dental health fall to the wayside this year.

Benefit: Not only will your pet’s breath smell better, but proper dental health helps avoid more serious issues, like heart disease, down the road.

What are some of your tried and true methods to including fresh foods in your pet’s diet? We’d love to hear- tell us in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page.

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Picking out the purrfect gift for your fur children can feel like a challenge when there are so. many. options. Plus, they may or may not be spoiled year-round… (guilty as charged).

Here’s a few #TeamTomlinsons favorites to help narrow down your list:

Toys

• SNOOP: A staff (and customer) favorite is the interactive Snoop from our friends at Planet Dog. Simply stuff with your dogs favorite food or treats and watch them try to wrestle out their reward.
• CATNIP: Put this in your cat’s stocking and they just might stop plotting world domination for a few hours.
• CHRISTMAS TOYS: Nothing says ‘happy holidays’ like your dog pulling all the stuffing out of a Santa toy, right? Plus, all Christmas items are 30% off!

Treats

• BONES & HARD CHEWS: On top of being a tasty treat for your pooch, there are health benefits to feeding bones and hard chews from our Pet Deli. (Read more here.)
• CHRISTMAS COOKIES: As if your dog couldn’t love cookies any more, they’re currently available in fun Christmas patterns!

New Bed

• PET BEDS: Even when you regularly bathe your pet and wash their bedding, pet beds can get pretty stinky. Treat your pet to a cozy new bed this Christmas. (Added bonus: you’ll get *tons* of likes on an Instagram shot of their new bed in front of the tree.)
• BLANKETS: Many pets love to burrow under the covers. Get them their own blanket so they can stop leaving yours covered in hair.

Collar/ Leash/ Harness

• COLLAR & LEASH: After countless hours of play time, snuggles, walks, and runs, there’s a good chance your pet’s collar and leash have seen better days. Start the new year off on the right paw with a pretty new collar and leash.
• HARNESS: Maybe your New Year’s Resolution includes going on more outdoor adventures with your pet- that’s where a harness would come in.

Strudel is showing off in the Pawsitive Karma giving tree at Tomlinson’s Far West.

Giving Back

• Pound4Pound: Our annual Pound 4 Pound pet food drive is in full swing! Stop by your favorite Tomlinson’s store and donate a bag of healthy pet food, which will be matched by generous manufacturers- pound for pound. Our goal of 175,000 pounds will feed hundreds of Central Texas rescue pets for all of next year!
• GIVING TREES: Rescue pets deserve a merry Christmas, too! Each Tomlinson’s location has partnered with a local rescue organization to showcase wish list items for some adorable adoptables.

What are your favorite holiday memories with your pets? Share with us in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!

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You’ve probably heard Team Tomlinson’s raving about pet supplements- especially pet probiotics.
But what are they, does my pet need probiotics, and how do I know which one is right for my pet?

What are pet probiotics?

According to PetMD, probiotics are living microorganisms very similar to the billions of bacteria that keep your pet’s gut running smoothly. Probiotic supplements are so important for maintaining a healthy level of this gut bacteria throughout your pet’s life.

Does my pet need probiotics?

Herbsmith’s Microflora can be served as a pill, or sprinkled over food.

A pet probiotic is one of our top recommended supplements (along with fish oil and E3Live) to help healthy dogs and cats truly thrive.

We particularly recommend pet probiotics when your pet is:

• transitioning to a new diet
• struggling with tummy upsets
• stressed from major life changes
• recovering from illnesses
• coming off a round of antibiotics

Through regular use of a probiotic, these issues will be minimal due to greater immune system support and better overall wellness. The folks at PetMD say “they also play a vital role in removing toxins, enhancing digestion, and out-competing disease-causing microorganisms.”

Dogs find goat milk irresistible!

Which pet probiotics do you recommend?

• Goat milk. Raw, unpasteurized goat milk is packed with natural nutrition. Not only is it a great probiotic, it increases palatability and enhances hydration. The Bones & Co. formula is locally sourced!
• Herbsmith Microflora. Microflora Plus is a complete combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and herbs to support proper digestion and bowel health. Supplemental use of Microflora Plus will help your pet break down proteins, starches, cellulose and fats while supporting bowel health.
• The Bear & The Rat Frozen Yogurt. Yup, you read that correctly. This frozen yogurt is full of live, active probiotics, making feeding this supplement tastier than ever!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: no two pets are alike, and it all comes down to what’s best for your pet’s individual needs. Should you have any questions about probiotics, a member of Team Tomlinson’s will happily assist you- many of our own pets are loving their daily probiotics!

Tell us your pet’s favorite probiotics in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!

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In a city as pet-friendly as Austin, dogs are considered family members and tend to go everywhere with their humans. As a weekend morning at the dog park is a way of life, you and your canine companion are bound to meet other dogs and their owners quite often. (These tips also apply if you’re introducing a new dog into your home!)

But, how can you ensure these meetings go smoothly? Keep these six things in mind next time your pup is meeting other dogs for the first time:

1. Meet in a neutral setting. If possible, make sure new dogs meet in a neutral setting, like a dog park or favorite Tomlinson’s location. This will prevent the dogs from becoming territorial of their own safe space, such as their home.
2. Hide favorite items. If a friend is headed over to your place for a puppy play date, make sure your dog’s toys, treats, food, and other favorite items are completely out of sight, as this may trigger resource guarding.
3. Take it slow. When the introduction is happening in someone’s home (or another location that a dog may consider ‘their territory’), it may be a good idea to introduce scents before the dogs actually meet. Put your dog in his kennel at home to give the new dog a chance to get a feel for this new space. Next, you can put the new dog outside while your dog gets acquainted with the smell of the new dog. Once all dogs are calm, you can introduce them.
4. Watch your body language. If you feel tense or nervous, your dog may pick up on and mimic these emotions. Staying calm will encourage your pup to do the same.
5. Watch the dog’s body language. Snarling, lip curling, or fur standing up along the shoulders or base of the tail are all signs that a dog isn’t feeling so friendly. This is your cue to walk away with your dog on a short leash.
   

   Some dogs become instant best friends!

6. Ask permission. If you and your dog run into another dog and their human by chance, always ask if the two can meet. This rule applies any time you or your dog want to meet a new furry friend.

Remember: each dog meeting is different. Some dogs instantly make a connection and immediately want to play, while others may be skittish and need more time for interaction.

What methods have worked for you in the past? Sound off in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!

Sources: PetMD, Humane Society of the United States, Best Friends Animal Society

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And since Austin is such a pet-friendly city, dog lovers are bound to run into new dogs at the store, park, or even our favorite restaurants. But, your excitement can be overwhelming and make some dogs nervous.

Keep the following 5 things in mind next time you’re meeting and greeting a new furry friend:

1. Ask permission. They may be a service dog, in training, or simply nervous, in which it may be best to avoid petting- but you won’t know unless you ask his human first.

2. Stay calm. Dogs are very intuitive and can easily pick up on and mimic our emotions. Showing fear or overexcitement will encourage the dog to do the same, which doesn’t always make for a smooth meeting.

Offering your hand for the dog to smell gives them a safe space to get to know you.

3. Don’t be intimidating. Even if we’re unaware, things like sudden movements, direct eye contact, and standing over the dog can be seen as intimidating.

Instead, let the dog come to you, offer your hand for sniffing, and scratch neutral areas like the chest or chin.

4. Stay away from the face. Showering any and all dogs with hugs and kisses is oh so tempting, but also not so smart. This may cause anxiety, and gives them prime opportunity to nip at your face if they feel unsafe.

5. Watch their body language. Just like humans, dogs have boundaries. If they shift their weight away from you, move so you’re no longer in contact with their body, or revert their ears, that’s your cue to cease petting.

Meeting new dogs should be fun, and these tips help ensure a comfortable environment to do so. Respecting a dog’s personal space is simple and will ultimately lead to better relationships with the dogs and their humans.

What did we miss? Tell us your tried and true tips in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!

Sources: Pet360,

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Just as we’re constantly learning more about human nutrition, pet parents are becoming better educated and are striving to provide better nutrition for their furry friends.

And in recent years, we’ve learned that corn, wheat, and soy–all common pet food ingredients– aren’t optimal food sources for dogs and cats.

So, why are they so frequently used in pet foods? These cheap ingredients keep production costs low, and therefore cost less for consumers.

Here’s why we don’t love these ingredients, and some healthier alternatives:

Corn

Even this lab isn’t the least bit interested.

Corn is one of the most commonly used ingredients in pet foods. When reading ingredient labels of pet foods, you will see corn listed in various ways, including:

• Whole Corn: Whole corn is the entire corn kernel, including the bran, before it is ground.
• Corn Gluten Meal: Corn gluten meal is the moist, protein portion of a corn kernel. It is used to increase the amino acid profile of the food. It DOES NOT have the same qualities of whole corn, corn meal, or corn flour.
• Ground Corn: Ground corn is a meal ground from dried whole corn, but does not include the bran.
• Corn Flour: Corn flour is the highly-processed starch and endosperm of the corn kernel.

But, contrary to popular belief, corn is difficult for your pet to digest and pales in comparison to meats as a healthy source of protein and energy.

Processed corn is also known to quickly raise the blood sugar of dogs, which can lead to diabetes.

Wheat

Wheat is another ingredient commonly used in pet foods…and believed to be one of the most common causes of pet allergies due to its overuse in foods.

White flour shouldn’t be a mainstay of your pet’s diet.

Pet food manufacturers—and human food makers—use white flour so frequently because of its low price point.

You’ll find wheat listed under several names:

• Whole Ground Wheat: Whole ground wheat is a meal ground from the entire wheat kernel, including the bran.
• Ground Wheat: Ground wheat is a meal ground from whole wheat, but does include the bran.
• Wheat Bran: Wheat bran is the outer coating (the fiber) of the wheat kernel and is used to reduce the likelihood of constipation.
• Wheat flour: Wheat flour is the highly-processed starch and endosperm of the wheat kernel.

Don’t mistake “wheat flour” for the nutritious brown whole wheat flour in your human breads. Wheat flour is standard white flour, and has no place in the diet of a healthy pet.

Whole grain wheats may contain some fiber, but not enough to outweigh the frequent complications, such as allergies, itchy skin, ear infections, hair loss, and skin infections.

Soy

Soy is not an ideal source of protein for carnivorous pets.

Many pet food companies like soy because it is a cheap source of protein. Pet food manufacturers use soy in a few forms:

• Soy Bean Meal: Soy bean meal is the by-product result of the soybean oil extraction process that includes the protein portion of the soybean.
• Soy Flour: Soy flour is the highly-processed starch and endosperm of the soybean.
• Soy Protein: Soy protein is isolated protein made from soybean meal after the soybean has been removed from its outer layer and has had the fatty acids removed.
• Soy Oil: If farmed responsibly and processed minimally, soy oil is actually a beneficial ingredient, offering Omega-3 fatty acids to balance Omega-6s in fish oil.

Not only is processed soy a less-than-healthy ingredient in pet foods, but the overuse of pesticides in its farming may cause long-term health problems for your pet when used by unscrupulous manufacturers.

The Takeaway

In their pure, unprocessed forms, whole corn, whole grain wheat, and whole soy beans can offer a healthy mix of micro and macro-nutrients to herbivores.

But when ultra-processed as they often are in the pet industry, and when served to carnivorous dogs and cats who have little biological use for them, they serve as nothing more than inexpensive ways for pet food manufacturers to meet minimally required nutrient levels.

Our Favorite Alternatives

Thankfully, a growing number of foods are available without any of the above ingredients. Below are some of our top alternative ingredients.

Look for pet foods that list a named animal protein as the first ingredient.

Protein: Tomlinson’s recommends aiming for foods that list a named animal protein as their first ingredient. For example, Chicken, Beef, Salmon, or Chicken/Beef/Fish meal.

Carb: If you have a high-energy dog that thrives on some inclusion of carbs, we love low-glycemic options like peas, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes.

All of these ingredients are nutrient rich and benefit your dog or cat in a number of ways, including digestive health. They can also be given as a healthy snack.

Sources: Dog Food Advisor, Pet Care RX, Dogs Naturally Magazine, The Honest Kitchen, Animal Wellness Magazine, Feedipedia, Dogington Post

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Penny the Goldendoodle patiently awaits her bone.

Bones and hard chews- like those in our Pet Deli– are fun, tasty, and great for mental stimulation and dental health. Here are our tips for keeping chew time safe and fun.

Benefits

On top of being a tasty treat for your pooch, there are health benefits to bones and hard chews:

• Help improve dental health- scrape away plaque, control tartar buildup, maintain gum health
• Provide stimulating activity
• Satisfy your dog’s innate urge to gnaw
• Relieve puppy teething pains

Choosing the Right Chew

There are a few factors to consider when picking out a bone or hard chew for your dog:

• Age
  • Puppies (up to 1 year, up to 2 years for large breeds)
    • Stay away from hard chews such as antlers, water buffalo horns, hooves, etc. until all puppy teeth have been replaced with adult teeth.
    • If puppy is new to the family and you don’t know what kind of chewer she may be, start with softer items like bully sticks and wholesome hides.
    • Always observe new puppies with new chews. Keep an eye out for things like: Do they shove the chew to the back of their mouth? Are they extremely aggressive chewers? Do they try to swallow large portion or do they whittle them down? This will help determine what kinds of chews to buy in the future.
• Size
  • Make sure the size of the bone is appropriate for the size of the dog. The whole bone should not fit inside the dog’s mouth.
  • Medium, large, and giant breed dogs should always have bones that are made to bear heavy weight. This includes cut femurs, jumbos, and knuckles.
  • Things like pork, lamb, and chicken bones are far too brittle and small for larger dogs- which may easily be swallowed and cause a blockage.
• Chewing Power
  • If your dog is an aggressive chewer, steer clear of antlers and water buffalo horns, as can be hard on the teeth- especially for these power chewers. Even though you’ll have to purchase more often, bully sticks are a better option than a painful, costly cracked tooth.
  • The back teeth are more brittle than the front. If Fido likes to stick chews in the back of his mouth and go to town, don’t use harder items.

Basic Recommendations

• Always monitor chew time. Take away any pieces that become too small and may pose a choking hazard.
  

  Ranger picked out the perfect bully stick.

• Know when the bone is ‘finished.’ The goal of bone feeding is to gnaw off any soft tissue, such as marrow or tendon- NOT to consume the entire bone. After your pet has gnawed off all the good stuff, trade your pet a favorite toy in exchange for the bone and toss it.
• Limit chew time- I suggest less than an hour. Your pooch should never have free access to their chews. 
• Rotate chews to keep pup from getting bored. I keep a cookie jar full of partially chewed bully sticks, moo tubes, etc. and pull different ones out every time it’s time to chew.
• Soak antlers in beef bone broth or fish stock a couple of times a week to keep pups interested.
• Bones and hard chews- antlers in particular- are NOT recommended for dogs with weak or sensitive teeth, or those that are powerful, destructive, aggressive chewers that like to ‘go for the kill.’ Stick with items that are no harder than a Kong.

No matter which bone is best for your individual pet, you can rest easy knowing that all of our chews are natural, made in the USA, and never treated with artificial preservatives or bleaches.

What is your dog’s favorite chew? Let us know in the comments below, or over on our Facebook page!

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