J-B Pet Supplies Blog Posts

  Fall Shedding in Pets: Why It Happens and How to Manage It As the seasons change, many pet parents notice an increase in fur around the house, on the couch, and even on their clothes. Fall is one of the peak shedding seasons for dogs and cats. While shedding is perfectly normal, there are steps you can take to minimize the mess and keep your pet’s coat healthy. Why Do Pets Shed in the Fall? Pets naturally adjust their coats to match the changing seasons. In the fall, they shed their lighter summer coats to make room for a thicker winter coat that will keep them warm. Several factors influence shedding: Seasonal changes – Shorter daylight hours trigger hormonal changes that signal coat growth or loss. Breed and genetics – Double-coated breeds (like Huskies, German Shepherds, and certain cats) shed more heavily during seasonal transitions. Overall health – Poor nutrition, stress, or underlying health issues can increase shedding beyond what’s normal. Preventing Excessive Sheddin...

  Rabies: What Every Pet Parent Needs to Know Rabies is one of the oldest and most feared diseases in the world—but with proper prevention, it’s also one of the most avoidable. As a responsible pet parent, understanding rabies is crucial to keeping both your furry friend and your family safe. What Is Rabies? Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system of mammals, including dogs, cats, wildlife, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. The virus spreads through saliva, most commonly from the bite of an infected animal. How Do Pets Get Rabies? Pets usually contract rabies through: Bites from infected wildlife 🦝🦊🐿 (raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are the most common carriers). Scratches or saliva exposure from an infected animal. Contact with wild animals in your yard, on a walk, or even while exploring. Even indoor pets can be at risk if a bat or other wild animal enters your home. How to Prevent Rabies in Pets T...

  How to Read a Pet Food Ingredient Panel When it comes to choosing the right food for your pet, the packaging can be confusing. Bright colors, happy pets, and marketing buzzwords can grab your attention, but the most important information is on the ingredient panel and guaranteed analysis . Learning how to read these panels helps you make informed choices about your dog or cat’s nutrition. What’s Required by Law Pet food labeling in the U.S. is regulated by the FDA and often follows model guidelines from the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) . By law, every pet food label must include: Brand & Product Name – tells you what the food is called, though marketing words here can be misleading. Net Weight – how much is in the package. Manufacturer or Distributor – the company responsible for the product. Guaranteed Analysis – lists the minimum % of crude protein and fat, and the maximum % of crude fiber and moisture. Ingredient List – all ingredients list...

  Fall Flea Prevention: Keep Your Pets Itch-Free This Season As the leaves change and the air cools, many pet parents assume flea season is over. Unfortunately, fall is one of the most active times for fleas. Understanding why and how to protect your pet will help you keep your furry friend comfortable and your home pest-free. Why Fleas Are More Active in Fall Fleas thrive in moderate temperatures and humidity. While summer heat can slow their activity, the cooler, damp conditions of autumn create the perfect environment for fleas to breed. Even after the first frost, fleas can survive in your home, on wildlife, or in shaded outdoor areas. The Flea Life Cycle To stop fleas effectively, you need to understand their life cycle: Eggs : Fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day, often falling into carpets, pet bedding, and furniture. Larvae : These worm-like pests feed on organic matter and flea dirt (dried blood). Pupae : Protected in a cocoon, fleas can stay dormant for months, waiting for the...