5 Ways To Refresh Your Pet's Routine For Spring + Supreme Source® Pet Food Promotion

This post was sponsored by Supreme Source® as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Please Note: Nothing contained below should be taken as professional veterinarian or medical advice. 

Please always consult your pet's veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet or routine.

A few weeks back I told you about a special 10-Day Pet Detox*** program I was helping "the girls" (A.K.A. Nora and Gidget) take part in thanks to special inspiration from Supreme Source® pet food. Not only is Supreme Source® grain free and made with real fruits and veggies for potassium, fiber, vitamins and minerals, anyone can take advantage of refreshing their pet's diet this Spring thanks to their special Super Food Switch promotion. We picked up our Supreme Source at our local VONS, and for a limited time this spring those who log onto the Super Food Switch site can take advantage of special savings on a bag of Supreme Source® cat or dog food, and receive daily emails with tips on how to start your pet's 10-Day Detox.

***While this is a “Pet Detox” Promotion, products and information provided by American Pet Nutrition are not intended to substitute for medical advice or treatment. It is always recommended that you consult your veterinarian or a qualified medical professional for your pets. The information and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical problems.

What exactly is a "pet detox"?

It's a lot simpler than it may sound. Essentially it's a refreshing of your pet's routine from diet to overall activity levels and engagement. You'll find plenty of resources to help you along the path of your pet's 10-Day Detox at SuperFoodSwitch.com, but we've compiled some of our favorite general tips based on our experiences participating in it.

#1. Provide fresh fuel.

It's natural to think that what one puts in their mouth will play a big part on the overall function of both their body and mind. You may not literally turn into a pink frosted donut with sprinkles (though how awesome would that be for just a day?) but you might begin to feel the effects of sugar highs and lows, if you eat them all the time. 

Spring is the perfect time to look at your pet's diet. Really look. Not just at that ingredients label for recognizable ingredients, but the bottom line of the PRIMARY ingredients. What are you feeding your pet?

For us gradually introducing Grain Free Supreme Source® Lamb Meal and Potato Recipe dry dog food to both Nora and Gidget's diets over the past 10 days has really been a wake-up.  Nora, going on 7 years of age now, is known for her random spurts of high energy followed by long periods of napping and laziness. We've definitely noticed that her energy levels are more consistent throughout the day, making her a more social and well-rounded dog in that sense. Going grain free for Gidget, the youngest, has meant a big handle on getting 'regular,' if you know what I mean?

#2. Looking good + feeling great!

While you work on slowly introducing your new Supreme Source® food to your pet's diet you'll want to help your pet look and feel it's best by doing a little spring cleaning, erm, grooming.

You may likely already have a regular grooming routine for your pet, but odds are there are a few 'extras' you've been putting off through the winter. In our home Nora gets quite the wild child coat growing through the colder months- she requires daily brushing or she will begin to build up tough mats. Even the most diligent care and we will still have some rough patches come 'summer trim' time.

Another grooming area that is often overlooked are paw pads and nails- consider booking an appointment for your pet to have their nails professionally groomed so you can start with a nice clean slate going into those warmer months when pet's will naturally be more active and self maintain the length with clawing and outdoor grinding.

In general picking up your pet's grooming game will give both them and you more confidence, which will help boost that fresh outlook for the sunny season to come. Consider checking out some of the amazing dog grooming products on the market for at home pampering.

#3. Keep them busy, mind and body.

Along the way on our 10-Day Pet Detox there were many helpful activity suggestions and tips to engage our pet during the detox. Naturally, it's great to jump-start good habits during a detox, but these concepts are just as positive in impact year-round, too.

Have you ever thought about what you would do all day if you were a cat or dog?

For indoor pets, especially those with working human parents, the days can be quite tediously filled with nothing but daydreaming, or finding creative ways to wreak havoc (or in pet speak "show their love.") While you refresh for Spring consider investing in a few brain stretching treat toys and puzzles, or even making a few of your own! There are plenty of concepts for handmade pet toys in interest to engage pet's mind of all shapes and sizes. After all, you know what they say about "idle paws"!

#4. Go a little wild.

Bonding with your pets isn't something you need to be told to do, it's obvious they are part of the family, but finding new ways to engage with them should be on your list.

I'm sure your family has that favorite trail your dog loves to hike, and your cat really loves that wand toy with the fake feathers on the end, but extraordinary pets deserve extraordinary adventures. Flexing your pet's personality is just another way you can help your pet refresh mind, body, and soul.

For small and medium dogs filling a kiddie pool with plastic kiddie pool balls can be a true blast. Dogs love to be engaged by the sight of rapidly moving targets, and these colorful balls are sure to fly every which way when your pup jumps in to retrieve their favorite rope or tennis ball. And, as the weather gets warmer you can even fill it with water and make a cool relaxation station in the backyard! Other possible ways to let your pet loose might include leash training your cat, buying a new cardboard cat scratcher, going wild with a laser pointer, or visiting a new dog park (or even scheduling a play date!)

#5. Schedule more Face Time.

I know what you're thinking.

I live with my cat/dog, they are in my home, and I see them all the time. I feed them, bathe them, fluff their pillow, I spend a lot of time with my pet!

But when you stop to think about it consider you are your pet's best friend. Sure, you may have other pets in the house, even pet siblings, that make their lives amazing and awesome but I guarantee your face will hands down always light up your pet's day. You're kind of a big deal in their world, so why not indulge them a little and find just a little more time in your day to love on them?

Stop by on your lunch break to toss them a treat, call them over while you're binge watching Netflix on the couch, get off your chair and leave your desk to toss a ball in the backyard for 5 extra minutes.

Remember when you were a kid and your Mom would bring cupcakes by the school on lunch break to celebrate your birthday and you felt like a celebrity. It's kind of like that for your pets, every single time you give them attention. And it's absolutely free.

Of course these are just a few of the ways you can begin to enrich your pet's life with a quick refreshing any time of the year. Any and all of these suggestions should always be practiced in addition to taking your pets in for their annual veterinarian visits. Your family veterinarian is the true expert when it comes to your pet's well-being and physical health, just as much as you are the expert when it comes to their emotional happiness. For more great tips on how to engage with your cat or dog, and to take part in the 10-Day Pet Detox challenge with Grain Free Supreme Source® pet food be sure to check out the SuperFoodSwitch.com website and follow Supreme Source® on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Now, tell me, what is one of your favorite ways to spend time with your pet?

10 Habits of Highly Loved Pets + $10 Gift Card When You Spend $40 at PetSmart Deal

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PurinaMysteries #CollectiveBias

If someone came to me and asked me to draw my family tree it's no mystery who would be in my closest branches- the cat and the dog. It may sound silly to some, but for the better part of the pet loving population pets ARE family and they most definitely get treated as such. For better and for worse, as Truffles reminds me every annual vet checkup.

But we, as humans, don't just care for our pets- animals of all shapes and sizes play a vital role in the happiness, and even well being, of their owners. You wouldn't be surprised to learn that those who have pets in their home often benefit from reduced stress, increased physical activity, and potentially longer (certainly happier) lives. So it's also no mystery why we spoil our pets- something Purina and PetSmart know all about.

If you've ever walked into a PetSmart you know it's much more than a pet store- it's an entirely different experience than walking down the pet care aisle of your local grocer. Every single person working is dedicated to, and passionate about, the happiness and well being of pets. Not only are you welcome to bring your well behaved, leashed, pet in shopping with you but you'll find aisle upon aisle of the newest, most popular, and even specialty toys and food to truly spoil your pet.

Our local PetSmart also offers full service Banfield® Pet Hospital and Grooming departments, as well as obedient and agility training classes for dogs. I love that I can go in with Nora, get some shopping done, discover a few new treats and surprises, and pick her up fully groomed with a smile on her face! The staff truly is wonderful and welcoming, making the choice to shop for all our pet's needs there a 'no brainer'.

One of the things you might not already think of PetSmart for is savings- so Purina® and PetSmart are teaming up this Summer with their special Codeword promotion. Taking advantage of amazing savings on your favorite Purina® products is as easy as spending $40 in participating Purina® products, at PetSmart, during June 1, 2017- June 30, 2017. Then, with your receipt in hand head to the Codeword redemption site and upload your receipt before July 9, 2017. In 4-8 weeks you'll receive a $10 PetSmart gift card in the mail as a special thank you!

But wait! You can redeem this offer as many times as you want on qualifying Purina® at PetSmart purchases of $40 or more made throughout June. That means there's no limit to the number of gift cards you can receive! Even more exciting the landing page for the Codeword promotion will feature exclusive deals and savings on Purina products you buy and love already.

All this talk about spoiling, erm loving, our pets and the special Purina® at PetSmart Codeword $10 when you spend $40 deal had me inspired. Not only did we head right to our local PetSmart to stock up on some Purina® favorites, but I've decided to share a fun little look at what I call "10 Habits of Highly Loved Pets". You know, those things you or your pets do automatically because of that unbreakable bond between the two of you? Yea, I bet you can check a few of these off the list.....

#1: Your pets go shopping with you.

This one's pretty self explanatory and if you have a dog at home and a PetSmart nearby it's almost guaranteed you've done this a time or two. If not, what's stopping you? There are many places we would love to bring our pets when we go out and about but let's face it, not all are pet friendly. PetSmart is a fun, judgement free, zone where you can bring your pup or leashed cat (or well behaved anything, really) and have some fun shopping together. It doesn't matter if your 6 year-old dog acts as though she has no training and is as excited as a puppy (*cough* Nora) every time she sees someone, of if your poodle is desperately in need of a good shave. There's always a smiling face and helping hand in the form of an eager associate waiting to help you.

#2: Your pets get 'spa' days.

I'm not talking about bringing your pet to the groomer for a nice touch up trim or Summer shave- I'm talking about all those extra services you add on for your pet you'd never dare pay for for yourself. It has been near half a year since my last professional pedicure and Nora had her nails painted by a 'pro' last month. In fact, I dare say we know our PetSmart groomer better than I know any of the family stylists. Whether you add in a Top Dog spa package, or just tack on the aromatherapy conditioner- your pet deserves a little extra pampering.

#3: Your pet has their own wardrobe.

You may not dress your pet up day in and out but you definitely own a costume or two, a few bandanas, and some coordinating leashes (because hey, you like to match your pet from time to time and they DO have a favorite color.) Whether you've got a tiny dog who feels more comfortable (and warmer) in clothing than their own skin or an ever so patient cat with a collection or designer harnesses, your pet deserves to be just as fashionable, and unique, as you do.

#4: Holidays are just as much for your pets as they are for any children in the family.

And, I dare-say, if you do not have any human children your pets are the full center of attention and spoiling during any major festive holiday. Let's face it, when your chihuahua wore those antlers for the family photo they earned an entire stocking of apology gifts lat Christmas. In our household we like to justify our special pet holiday expressions by saying we are making the holidays safer for our pets by turning all of our decorations into actual treats and pet safe toys. It helps me sleep at night after I've tucked away all of the PetSmart receipts.

#5: You occasionally feel guilty for your pet's 'captivity' so you attempt to bring the outdoors indoors.

For years we lived in a small second story condo with a tiny concrete patio lined with metal rods gaped too far apart to be safe for Nora to play on. We'd attempt to take her out as much as possible but it still never quite eased my own personal guilt for not providing her a large backyard to lounge and roam in. I even had guilt about the cat we'd brought home from a chicken farm and committed to a (rather kushy) domestic life.

If you've ever built a catio, made a custom 2 story dog house, or set up a weekly delivery for a square of sod for the cat to lounge on you're guilty of this habit. Let's face it no matter how many amazing toys and Purina treats a home is stocked with your pet's bound to get stir-crazy now and again. For those times pet parents often bring a little bit of the outdoors, or outdoor enjoyment, to their home.

#7: Humans that don't travel far without their pet/s.

Naturally not all highly loved pets WANT to travel- Heaven knows I've wanted to plop Truffles in a bubble backpack and go for a hike on a few occasions but she's the sort of cat that panics stepping 2 feet outside her backyard door. I daresay it wouldn't be much fun for her.

But for those lucky, and enthusiastic, traveling pets the most highly loved ones travel in style. And the smallest ones have devised a brain-altering technique to convince their humans they must not walk at any expense. Usually this involves some sort of pawing at a human's ankles, or simply offering a 'Puss In Boots' face with a slight whimper. Yes, our highly loved dog is most often carried, rides in her own open-air backpack, or strolls in her own stroller. We pay extra for her to fly on planes, and stay in hotels. Can you say spoiled?

#8: Getting away with murder.

Barring a horribly 80's cinematic comedy, we certainly hope not pets are getting away with actual homicide- BUT there certainly have been a few plants, sofas, and other household 'accidents' our cat's planned through the years. She's even developed a sort of 'What are you going to do about it?" face that slightly unnerves me. But, at the end of the day we chalk it up to her raging catnip addiction and repair the damage as though the 'incident' never happened. That's the sort of brainwashing power highly loved pets have.

#9: Idle paws are best kept busy.

Which brings us to number 9. If you've ever had the bright idea to turn an otherwise human activity or tradition into a pet inclusive one then this one's for you. Whenever I know I will be going away for a few days, or simply unable to offer extra attention due to a busy schedule I always find one-on-one things for the pets and I to do. Honestly, I think it makes me feel better more than them- but we always have fun. Hey, we even made a work of art once!

#10: Everything the human buys MUST be for the pet. It's only logical.

The cat, more so than the dog because of her mobility, is pretty convinced every item which passes through our home requires a thorough inspection. Furthermore the vast majority of these things could only be present for her benefit, and her benefit only. The only exceptions being things which do not generate enough interest to pass her test- which much be destroyed or removed immediately. Either one- she'll help if needed.

We recently switched Nora to the new Purina® Bella Dry Small Dog Food and Truffles has NOT let a day pass without showing some very special attention to the 2nd bag. The first day I was sitting on the couch typing up a post when I heard some loud rustling behind me on the photo table. I didn't think much of it until it was still continuing, even escalating, 10 minutes later. As it turns out Truffles things Bella must be the best cat food ever. She has proceeded to roll all over the bag multiple times a day for nearly a week since. I don't have the heart to tell her that's the dog's food, or to put the bag away.

So there you have it, 10 Habits of Highly Loved Pets- and a few of them you can begin instituting this month with a little help from PetSmart and Purina®. At the very lest you need to stop into PetSmart just to browse the adorable range of Summer toys and accessories- We HAD to take a pineapple, dog beer, and a watermelon teether home. I couldn't get enough of all the bright colors and fun characters! And, while you're at PetSmart remember they are currently running a very special Buy A Bag, Give A Bowl charitable promotion where they donate a bowl of food to an animal in need for every bag of dry food purchased. That's any size, any brand- of course we're a little partial to the new Purina® Bella, which just so happens to be participating in the Purina® PetSmart Codeword promotion as well!

Oh- And I guess there's one more way to tell you have a highly loved pet...sometimes its literally spelled out in writing....on your wall.

Make sure to spoil your pets a little extra this Summer and take advantage of the Purina® Codeword at PetSmart promotion by uploading your participating receipts to the Codeword website by July 7th, 2017! For more fun ideas on how to spoil your pet check our the Codeword Social Hub! Now, tell me, what are some of the things you do to spoil your pet?

D.I.Y. Cardboard Cat Scratcher Tutorial Or How To Convince Your Cat They Want To Destroy Something

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #IAMSCat #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: We only exist to serve them.

Truffles, like most domesticated cats, likes to think she runs things around here. When Jay and I first moved in together I made sure he provided her daily meals for a period of time, until they had established a relationship. Before him it had always just been Truffles and I, so there was, understandably, some animosity. But delicious food found a path from her stomach to her heart and Truffles was soon enough accepting enough to share her home.

Well, recently we changed Truffles routine yet again when we dropped her dry food meals down to a single portion in the morning. Understandably, she didn't catch on to the concept of portioning right away so I began insisting Jay give Truffles a secondary portion of food, or helping of treats, right before we went to bed. That stopped the hassle of a 'starving' cat wandering the hallways, demanding food at all hours, but it also brought back an old tradition. One Truffles is not about to let go.

Now, instead of random meowing throughout the day, she parks herself outside the bedroom door desperately trying to pry it open, screaming in all tones, until her father gets home (or back up) and feeds her her justly due treats.

Now, Truffles would have you believe she's been wronged with this new dietary arrangement, and her parents, like all are, are incredibly unfair, and uncool. But I'll have you know that Truffles is by far the most spoiled cat I know. Aside from constant attention (whether she wants it or not,) and a plethora of furniture, loungers, and toys, Truffles never wants for flavor or food. When I have to run into Walmart for even the quickest trip, I am always sure to stop down the pet aisle on a search for her favorite IAMS™ Purrfect Delights Canned wet food, and anything new which might catch my eye. Walmart has a large selection of pet food, including IAMS™ Proactive Health dry cat food, which comes in specially formulated recipes designed to target your cat's unique needs.

Of course one can't leave the store without buying some cat treats as well- Did I mention this was one spoiled cat? 'Treat' should be her middle name- from back scratches and sunbathing to handmade toys and IAMS™ Chicken Flavor Hairball Care Daily Treats, available at Walmart now in a Mega Bag. But some fresh IAMS™ cans and treats wasn't going to be enough to ease my guilt about cutting mealtime down to just once a day. No, this cat mom had to go the extra mile. So I came up with a ridiculously simple, pretty much free (don't tell Truffles that) project to make a cardboard cat scratcher.

First you're going to want to gather the following materials:

Exacto/Utility Knife

A Cardboard Box In Good Shape

Scrap Cardboard

Straight Edge For Cutting Along

Colored Duct Tape (For Decoration)

To answer a few quick questions- You will want to choose a cardboard box that is about 3 times the base surface area of your cat 'loafed.' Your cat should comfortably be able to sleep and lounge in the box. If you're lucky, and you leave the box lying around, your cat will inspect this part for you, if not, eyeball it for general judgement. We went with a box about 12" x 20". For your scrap cardboard try and choose one, large, box, broken down. Ideally you will be able to cut all of the cardboard needed from one large box- if not, try to find boxes that are uniform in wall thickness.

You'll want to being by turning your box into a narrow base/tray. Do this by measuring a border approximately 2" tall from the floor of the box. In our case we had a level that happened to be longer than the box and exactly 2" in width, so we used it as a guide while cutting. You may have to use whatever tools you have on hand- a stainless steel rule, scrap of plywood, or such can work just the same. While cutting be sure to move slowly alongside your straight edge, as to not dig into it. And, always work on a flat, stable, surface in a spacious work space.

Once you have your box base trimmed to size you may wish to wrap and line the inner edges with your duct tape of choice. Looking back I wish I had done the inside walls with duct tape, to add that extra pop of color and reflection on the cardboard.

Next will be a lot of repetition. If you have a high quality, thick, shipping box you'll require less strips to fill your base. To make the best use of your scrap cardboard, flatten any boxed you may be using and cut long strips to match the width of your box base. Next cut 2" strips until you have cut enough strips to fill your base. The strips should all fit side by side tightly- you may even have to force the last 1 or 2 in. The tighter they are, the more friction your cat will have when scratching and the less likely any of the boards will kick up during use.

DO NOT attempt to cut more than one strip at a time, as this could be dangerous.

With your box base now officially a scratcher, stuffed with lovingly cut fresh smelling cardboard strips, you'll want to personalize it to give it a little pizzaz. Go ahead and wrap the outside with some colored duct tape and scribble your cat's name on the side. It doesn't have to be a work of art- this is intended to be ripped apart and destroyed, after all.

Now the next step is crucial.

Throw your shiny new homemade cardboard cat scratcher on the floor with absolutely no concern and walk away as though it were trash. Even the slightest aura of concern or pride could communicate the wrong message to your cat. Remember- they know best. And they do what they want. When they want.

Do not be dismayed if your cat shows absolutely no sign of interest.

In fact, it is highly likely your cat will stand near the scratcher, walk past the scratcher, jump over the scratcher, and entirely ignore the scratcher for a period of time. They're testing you. Remain vigilant, hold your ground. You don't care if they ever notice it exists. You made that for you, not them, and you're happy with it laying on the floor like a grade school art project.

But just one little sniff....surely your cat could be bothered to show some interest.

Nope....they will even stand directly behind your shiny new cardboard cat scratcher and stare at you mockingly. You may even begin to have a conversation with your cat in your head. You know that look. It's the "I know what you want me to do, and it's the last thing you're going to see me do." look.

Because they are a cat. And cats do what cats want.

On their own terms.

After a while you'll forget why you're so genuinely annoyed at the stubbornness of your cat. Then you'll think- maybe if I reward them, they'll be happy- then they'll play with my scratcher.

Yes, that will work. For sure.

So, go grab a can of the IAMS™ Purrfect Delights you picked up at Walmart and treat your cat to some flaked tuna and mackerel in sauce. Just don't be surprised if they continue to glare at you from behind the scratcher. Even while a fresh plate of delicious cat food sits conveniently just to the side. It's too late. Your cat knows. It's a bribe.

And the best thing you can do is just leave the room.

You'll return to an empty dish, of course.

At least you got your way with something. Kinda.

 Now's a good time to admit again that the cat really does call the shots. You're only there to serve them. They only allow you to feel as though they need you. So give your cat a scratch behind the ear, make absolutely no eye contact with the offending 'scratcher in the room,' and go about your day.

Once you've shown sufficient enough disregard, and even contempt for the cardboard scratcher you so lovingly made for your cat, your cat will decide the lesson is over. At which point the scratcher is now the coolest thing in the house. After all, it can be laid on, destroyed, and even hauled halfway through the house in the middle of the night. It's pretty freakin' awesome.

Just don't let your cat catch you getting any satisfaction out of those crinkled shredding noises.

Yup. Cats are fickle, and Truffles is no exception. She is the queen- after all, for the longest time she DID have more Facebook fans than me. But, at the end of the day, I'm still her parent. I may let her think she makes all the decisions when I put two cans of food in front of her and wait for her to 'choose,' but I'm the one picking them out off the shelf in the first place. Discover more feline stories and pawwsitively creative cat projects on the IAMS™ Walmart social hub. Keep up with the brand, and company of fellow cat lovers, on the IAMS™ Twitter feed.

For those wondering, Truffles now lounges on her scratcher every chance she gets- especially in the window soaking up the sun. As for scratching? It's held up great through multiple daily 'therapy' sessions.

What Daughter Says: I stopped trying to negotiate with the cat a long time ago. I've been much happier ever since.