welfare wisdom
Welfare Wisdom is your practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping dogs healthy from nose to tail. Here we cover the everyday essentials that support a good life — nutrition, vaccines, exercise, grooming, preventive care, and the often-overlooked details in between. Because good welfare isn’t about trends or perfection; it’s about informed choices that help dogs feel better, live longer, and thrive alongside the people who love them.
should you get a dog?
TRUTH: Dogs are not for everyone. They're a lot of work.
We live in a society that paints a pretty and idealistic picture, one where the perfect life includes a family, home, and a fuzzy dog running around the yard. But the reality is that many dogs end up in shelters and rescues because people fail to consider what actually goes into adding four legs, a tail, and a mouth to the family.
think you're ready for a dog?
Before bringing home a new member, ask yourself these questions:
What are your plans for the next 10 or so years?
The average lifespan of a dog is between 10–13 years, although small dogs can live much longer. If you're lucky enough to have one live longer, keep in mind that senior dogs sometimes require extra assistance. Are you ready to make that kind of a long-term commitment?
Will you be able to give up sleeping in on weekends?
Becoming a dog parent means putting their needs ahead of yours. You'll need to allow for ample potty breaks — even in winter, walks, playtime, and other mental stimulation activities or training. If missing your team play is a no, getting a dog should be a hard pass.
Are you prepared to dog-proof your house?
Dogs of any age need a safe home. You need to be prepared to secure trash cans, check toys for damage, remove toxic plants from the inside and outside of your house, and keep cleaning supplies — and butter — out of their reach.
What's the health of your bank account?
A general rule of thumb is to allow for $1,900 per year for dog expenses, depending on where you live. This takes into consideration food, supplies, vet bills, annual medications, grooming, obedience classes, toys, and winter/summer clothes.
How will you respond when your new pal eats your shoes?
Dogs are really good at testing boundaries. They're going to have accidents and destroy things. If you get stressed, they'll pick up on that and will also get stressed. If you struggle with stress management, adding a dog may not help.
Is everyone in the house on board with the decision?
Unless you're the only person in your household, adding a dog needs to be a decision everyone is on board with. Have a conversation to discuss who will be responsible for what, including bill paying and poop scooping.
find your perfect match
Growing up, we got dogs based on their appearance. My mom would see a picture of a specific breed and decide that was what we were bringing home. And let me tell you, this is NOT the way to add a dog to your family. The Old English Sheepdog was a grooming nightmare. The Bearded Collie's tail regularly knocked things off the coffee table. The terriers were ... well, terriers. And this is one of the reasons so many dogs end up in shelters and rescues.
Before you bring home a cute doodle that will make you want to pull your hair out, take a quiz and see what breed you should actually be considering.
OUR FAVORITE daily use products
I am not a doctor. If you are having medical issues with your dog, you should consult your vet. My dogs have all responded well to these products, but your dog might not. I do NOT receive any compensation for the recommendations on this site. If I post a link to a product, it's because I like it, trust it, and use it with my own crew every day.
OraVet Dental Chews
Let's face it, no one is using a toothbrush on their dog, even though they know they should. That's why I'm so glad I found these poultry-flavored treats. They fight tartar and plaque buildup and my kids love them. The downside is that they turn their poop green and they're a little pricey.
The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form Digestive Supplement
This is my go-to whenever anyone in my crew gets an upset stomach or has loose stool. It's got natural ingredients like papaya leaf, plantain, and slippery elm which create a paste to coat the stomach. It's also great to use when transitioning foods.
Rogue Pet Science Healthy Weight
Gus goes through periods where I cannot get weight on him to save my soul. During those periods, I add this to his food until he looks healthy and then I stop until I need to use it again. It's made of eggs, sprouted barley, and dried sweet potato. He loves it and it doesn't bother his guts.
Native Pet Bone Broth
While no one in my house is a picky eater, this would be a great addition as a topper for those who are. It's loaded with collagen and protein from grass-fed beef. If your pup can't handle beef, it also comes in chicken and turkey formulas. I'm actually a big fan of everything from this brand and highly recommend them.
Douxo S3 Pyo Mousse
This product claims to be the #1 non-prescription topical brand used and recommended by veterinarians in the U.S. on dogs with skin conditions. I believe it. It contains ophystrium, a natural ingredient that helps support the skin's physical barrier so the skin stays hydrated and soothed while it's doing its antibacterial, anti-yeast work.
