J-B Pet Supplies Blog Posts

  Why Is My Dog So Itchy? Common Causes & How to Help A little scratching is perfectly normal for dogs. But when your dog seems to be scratching constantly, licking their paws, chewing at their skin or developing red and irritated areas, something else may be going on. Itchy skin—often called pruritus —is one of the most common reasons dogs visit the veterinarian. The challenge is that itching isn't a disease itself. It's a symptom , and there are many possible causes. Fleas and other parasites, environmental allergies, food sensitivities, bacterial or yeast infections and other skin conditions can all make a dog uncomfortable. Nutrition can also play an important role in maintaining healthy skin and coat. Let's look at some of the most common reasons dogs itch—and what you can do to help. First: How Much Scratching Is Too Much? Every dog scratches occasionally. It's time to pay closer attention when scratching or licking becomes frequent or seems difficult for your...

  Dog & Cat Vaccinations: What New Jersey Pet Owners Should Know Vaccinations are an important part of preventive healthcare for dogs and cats. They help protect pets from infectious diseases that can cause serious illness, long-term health problems and, in some cases, death. But pet vaccination isn't necessarily a one-size-fits-all program. Some vaccines are considered core vaccines because they are recommended for nearly every pet. Others may be recommended based on your pet's age, lifestyle, travel habits and exposure to other animals. Where you live matters, too. Here in New Jersey, diseases carried by ticks and wildlife can influence the vaccines your veterinarian recommends. Understanding what the different vaccines do—and why your veterinarian recommends them—can help you make informed decisions about your pet's preventive care. How Do Vaccines Work? Vaccines introduce the immune system to a harmless form, component or genetic representation of a disease-causing...

  Raw Pet Food 101: What It Is, Why Pet Parents Choose It & Separating Fact from Fiction Interest in raw pet food has grown tremendously in recent years. More pet parents are taking a closer look at what goes into their dog or cat’s bowl and looking for foods made with recognizable, minimally processed ingredients. For many of those pet parents, frozen raw food has become an appealing way to feed. But raw feeding also comes with plenty of questions. Is it nutritionally complete? Is raw meat safe? What about bacteria? Is it difficult to feed? And is raw food really as risky as you may have heard? Let’s take a closer look at what frozen raw pet food actually is, why so many pet parents choose it, and some of the facts behind the most common concerns about feeding raw. What Is Frozen Raw Pet Food? Frozen raw pet food is exactly what the name suggests: food made primarily from uncooked animal ingredients that is kept frozen rather than being cooked at high temperatures. Depending o...

  Healthy Ears, Happy Pets: A Guide to Caring for Your Dog's and Cat's Ears Our pets rely on us for more than food, toys, and belly rubs—they also depend on us to help keep them healthy from head to tail. One area that's often overlooked is ear care. Healthy ears are essential for your pet's comfort, balance, and overall well-being. By learning what healthy ears look like, recognizing the early warning signs of trouble, and following a simple care routine, you can help prevent painful infections and keep your pet feeling their best. Why Ear Care Matters Dogs and cats have sensitive ear canals that can trap moisture, dirt, wax, pollen, and debris. If left unchecked, this buildup can create the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. Certain pets are naturally more prone to ear problems, including: 🐾 Dogs with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Labrador Retrievers 🐾 Dogs that swim frequently 🐾 Pets with seasonal or food allergies 🐾 Br...

  Kids and Dogs: Part 2 — Preparing Your Dog for Safe Interactions with Children In Part 1 of our Kids and Dogs series, we discussed how to teach children to approach and interact with dogs safely. However, creating positive experiences is not only the child’s responsibility. Parents and dog owners also need to prepare their dogs, supervise interactions, and recognize when a dog is becoming uncomfortable. Dogs and children can form wonderful lifelong friendships, but those relationships should be built gradually, with patience, structure, and respect for the dog’s boundaries. Understand That Not Every Dog Loves Children Some dogs naturally enjoy being around children. Others may find children’s quick movements, high-pitched voices, unpredictable behavior, or direct attention overwhelming. A dog that is nervous around children is not necessarily a bad or aggressive dog. The dog may: Have had limited exposure to children Be sensitive to noise or sudden movement Have experienced a fri...