Learn about safe vs. unsafe food, household spots to watch, and other things that may surprise you!

Happy holidays everyone! Your pal Poppy here.

Isn’t Christmas just the best?! Not only are all my friends and family home to visit, but I get to watch the snow fall, help the team pick out presents…AND Santa brings me all my favourite things!

We get so busy thinking about all the fun and excitement the holidays bring — the family, food, parties, gifts… We often forget about the toxins and hazards around the house that can make your pet sick or injured.

Holiday food staples may be delicious to us but they can be toxic for pets. Most people know about the usual items you shouldn’t give your pets — like chocolate and alcohol — but here are some you might not have considered.

Grapes & Raisins

While grapes and raisins are just about everywhere at Christmas: fruit cakes, butter tarts, cookies — you name it! They can cause vomiting, gastrointestinal upset and even kidney failure in dogs and cats.

Keep cakes, cookies and chocolates tucked away in a sealed container or in the fridge where pets can’t access them. And remember not to leave food gifts under the tree either!

Xylitol Sweetener

Xylitol is a popular sweetener in keto and diabetic treats, and can be found in everyday foods too like peanut butter, ice cream, and jam. It is also extremely toxic to cats and dogs and can lead to liver failure or death.

If your pets are begging for a treat, try giving them Peanut Butter and Honey Cookies for dogs or PureBites Freeze-Dried Cat Treats.

Photo courtesy: Mallory Ahern (@goosethesheltie)

Turkey

Plain turkey is not inherently bad for pets and it can be found in many nutritious, high-quality pet foods your pets love. However, Christmas turkey can make your pets super sick. Additions like butter, oils, seasonings, onions, and garlic can be toxic to pets and lead to gastrointestinal issues or even pancreatitis.

You also shouldn’t give your dog turkey bones to chew on. They can splinter easily, which can be a choking hazard or puncture and block their digestive system. Instead, try giving them a proven pet-safe raw, frozen turkey neck or bone chew.

Photo courtesy: Naturawls

Besides food, there are many other household hazards you should be aware of during the holidays.

Christmas Tree

Cats and dogs alike can be tempted to play with decorations or chew on string lights dangling from the tree. These can lead to choking, strangulation, cuts, and many other injuries.

Take care when putting up your tree. Avoid placing hanging decorations near the bottom of your tree, and secure lights to branches with twist ties or pipe cleaners. And remember to always unplug the tree when your pets are home alone.

Holiday Plants

Plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and lilies can all make your pet sick and cause gastrointestinal upset. If you have these in your home, keep them in a spot your pets can’t access them, like a high shelf.

Alternatively, stick to synthetic, pet-safe plants, or choose decorative outdoor holiday shrubs instead.

Tinsel and Ribbon

Stringy decorations may look like a cat’s dream — but they can be your worst nightmare.

Tinsel, ribbon, scraps of wrapping paper, and other stringy plastic or fabric can result in choking or blockages — as well as costly procedures that you didn’t plan for. Even if your pet manages to pass the objects, it can be very uncomfortable or painful for them.

Providing interactive toys like puzzles and food dispensing toys are a great way to keep their mind active and make them less tempted to go after the things they shouldn’t. Cats love feather or rope cat toys, and no dog can have too many interactive toys to keep them stimulated.

Photo courtesy: ZippyPaws

Stressful Situations

The holidays can be especially stressful on pets as their routines may be disrupted and they face new situations and people. You can reduce your pet’s stress over the holidays by planning in advance.

Try to stick to their feeding and walk times as close as possible. When you have visitors or there are fireworks, make sure your pets have their own place to eat and lie down away from the commotion. To keep them calm and reduce anxiety, your pet may also benefit from a calming vest, natural calming supplements, or even pheromone diffusers like Feliway or Adaptil.

Photo courtesy: Ceva Animal Health

Pets are undeniably part of the family and we all want them to be part of the holiday fun. Even though your pet could encounter lots of hazards or toxins during the holidays, you can keep them safe, healthy and happy.

Remember to keep human food away from your pets (even if that means reminding Great Aunt Betty not to feed them from the table), safety proof your home, and keep fun, enriching toys on hand. If you run low on any of those helpful pet essentials but are too busy to get to the store, you can always order online and get it delivered!

Want more ideas on how to keep your pets safe, happy and healthy this holiday season? Visit us in-store in Charlottetown or Summerside. Our expert Pet Care Specialists are pet parents themselves and they love sharing their tips and recommendations, especially when it comes to nutrition and enrichment.

Plus, sign up for the Global Pet Foods PEI newsletter using the link below and get 20% off your next purchase — great for getting your stocking stuffers!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

– Poppy

Get outdoors, stay active, and eat well.

Hey friends!

Poppy here from Global Pet Foods Summerside.

I spend most of my days making sure everything is tickety-boo here at the store. Quality assurance, you know? Making sure the beds are comfy, the toys are fun, and the food is delicious and nutritious…

I don’t spend much time outdoors, but when I see the leaves falling through the window and feel that cool breeze through the front door, I know it means one thing: winter is coming.

This time of year, we often hear from customers, “Bear gets dry skin and dander this time of year and it drives him crazy!” or “Ollie meows to go outside and run around, but it’s just too cold!” The colder months aren’t just tough on people — they’re hard on pets too!

Here are some ways you can keep your pets from going stir crazy this fall and winter and keep them happy and healthy.

Most dogs need to be walked at least once a day. Others may need to be walked more often, depending on their breed and energy level.

Make walks a breeze this fall and winter with these tips!

1. Before you hit the road, use a protective balm like Skout’s Honor Probiotic Balm on your dog’s paws and nose to protect them from the elements like ice, salt, and gravel. Your pup’s pads will thank you! (Plus, this balm is also great for kitties too!)

Photo courtesy: Mallory Ahern (@goosethesheltie)

2. Since it gets dark so early, it’s important to make yourself seen by cars and other pedestrians. Just clip on this water resistant collar light by Nite Ize to keep your pet safe in the dark, rain, and fog.

3. Nobody wants to have to crawl over a snowbank in the dark to get to the closest garbage bin after your dog goes number two. (This is why I use a litter box like a civilized pet! But I digress.) Make walks easier with a bag clip like the Earth Rated Compostable bag dispenser. It clips on to any leash and holds poop bags so you don’t have to!

Between the rain, the fog and the snow, it’s not always realistic to get outdoors during the colder months. That means indoor physical enrichment is essential!

For dogs, cats, and small pets alike, physical enrichment can reduce stress, keep them mentally stimulated, reduce destructive behaviour patterns, engage natural instincts, increase happiness, improve sleep habits, and allow them to get rid of pent up energy — not to mention, it can prevent them from pestering you 24/7.

Here are a few customer-favourite enrichment toys new to Global this month:

1. Dogs love to play with the Mammoth Snakebiter for hours! It encourages different types of play and stimulation — perfect for tug-o-war and tossing across the rec room too.

2. Sophisticated cats like me still like to let loose. I’m a big fan of Cat Lures Fur Frenzy toys! These faux fur toys attach to any stick and string — and make me feel like I’m on the hunt.

3. Small pets might not want to hunt or chase, but they can still have fun! This Hay Corral by Oxbow is great for rabbits, hamsters, ferrets and other little guys who love to explore, hide, and play.

When pets spend more time indoors during the colder months, it doesn’t just make them stir crazy. It can cause health issues like dehydration, dry skin or weight control problems. Here are just a few ways to combat these issues with supplements and nutrition:

1. We’re shifting into soup mode! I love this chicken bone broth by Caru — and your cats and dogs will too. It tastes amazing and it’s a great way to stay hydrated and get extra essential nutrients during the colder months.

2. It’s easy for fur to dry out in the fall and winter, and dander can be itchy, annoying, and even painful to your pet. Keep their coats healthy from the inside out with Omega Alpha Shiny Coat Pet Supplement, and mix it into kibble or wet food for easy digestion.

3. If your pet is less active in the winter months, they may require a lighter diet to prevent unnecessary weight gain. However, outdoor pets generally need more calories in the winter to keep them warm. All pets have different nutritional needs, but the Pet Care Specialists at Global can help you out. Just visit us in-store in Summerside or Charlottetown and they’ll be happy to provide you with custom nutrition recommendations!

So, how do you keep your pets from going stir crazy during the colder months? Get outdoors, prioritize enrichment play at home, and make sure their diet contains the right everyday nutrition and supplements.

Want more ideas on how to keep your pets happy and healthy year-round? Visit us in-store in Summerside or Charlottetown. Our expert Pet Care Specialists are pet parents themselves and they love sharing their tips and recommendations, especially when it comes to nutrition and enrichment.

And remember! Global Pet Foods offers free delivery on orders over $49, so you can get all your favourites delivered right to your door. Shop online to get started!

Plus, sign up for the Global Pet Foods PEI newsletter using the link below and get 20% off your next purchase.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

– Poppy

Because pets are undeniably part of the family.

Hey Global Pet Foods fam!

Poppy here, resident kitty king at Global Pet Foods Summerside. I’m here today to share with you how you can include your pets in the Thanksgiving fun (and keep them busy while you have some fun of your own!).

When the turkey comes out of the oven, it’s hard to resist. Keep the paws off the table with Iron Will Raw Turkey food for dogs or cats! Made of yummy turkey and vegetables, your pet won’t know the difference between their meal and yours — it’s just as tasty and nutritious!

Rather keep them busy a bit longer? Try a natural chew like Redbarn Collagen Stick dog treats: super tough, long-lasting chews made from beef collagen that are a safer and healthier alternative to rawhide chews.

Who doesn’t love a pumpkin spice latte this time of year?

Your furry friends can enjoy one right by your side with ‘pumpkin spice’ Primal Raw Goat Milk! Cats and dogs alike love lapping this up, and you can even freeze it for ice cream for an extra special treat.

Photo courtesy: Primal Pet Foods

October means football across Canada! If your pups get a little too riled up when your team scores, they may just need some fun of their own.

Keep them entertained for hours with the SodaPup Corn on the Cob Treat Dispenser. Dogs love to chew on this durable treat dispensing toy and it can be popped in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Many families like to burn off that big Thanksgiving dinner with a walk around one of our awesome trails or parks after dinner. It’s the perfect activity to include your four-legged friends, and you can keep them safe with the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness! This harness is light and flexible, and it’ll keep them comfortable all walk long, no matter the terrain.

Photo courtesy: Ruffwear

We all know what comes after a big dinner and a big walk: a food coma on the couch!

Give your pets their own place to curl up and relax on a Be One Breed Diamond Pet Bed! This pillow has a unique design that will reduce stress on your pet’s joints, making it the perfect place for them to rest after a long day. Plus, the cover is easily removable and washable, making it easy to clean (especially if they drip any of that #PSL on it!).

Photo courtesy: Be One Breed

Mm…turkey and naps. My favourite things!

Pets are part of the family and including them in the Thanksgiving celebrations will make the holiday that much more enjoyable.

For more ideas on how to include your pets in your Thanksgiving plans, come visit us at Global Pet Foods in Charlottetown or Summerside. Our Pet Care Specialists love sharing their recommendations for fun fall treats, premium nutrition, toys and weather-friendly accessories that’ll keep your pets happy and healthy all season long.

Don’t forget! Global Pet Foods offers free delivery on orders over $49, so you can get all your favourites delivered right to your door. Shop online to get started!

Plus, sign up for the Global Pet Foods PEI newsletter using the link below and get 20% off your next purchase.

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Happy Thanksgiving!

– Poppy

Check out this salad bowl snuffle mat for dogs by Injoya. These mats are excellent for engaging your dog’s foraging instincts by mimicking a scent-based hunt. Hide treats among the leaves and adjust the size of the bowl to increase or decrease difficulty. These mats make meals fun, reduce overeating, and can keep your dog busy for ages.

Photo courtesy: Little Chief & Co.

Activate your cat’s hunting instinct with this flying feather cat toy from Go Cat!

Whisk this stick-and-string feather toy around and it’ll make your cat go wild, whether you drag it on the floor or flick it in the air. Your cat will love the flapping sound the feathers make, and love the texture even more. For indoor cats especially, this will help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and get out pent up energy.

The feathers are super durable too, so they can handle some intense hunting and chewing!

Photo courtesy: Go Cat

If your dog is a fast eater, this wobble bowl is the perfect solution. A combination slow feeder and treat puzzle, this bowl will slow your dog’s eating while putting their brain to work! It holds up to a cup of kibble, so you can use it not just for treats but for full meals.

Not only will your dog smell the kibble in the bowl, but they’ll see it through the clear lid too! The added visual encourages them to work for their reward — it’s just a wobble or two away!

Photo courtesy: Nina Ottoson

Small pets may be just that — small! — but they need enrichment too.

This customizable maze for rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and other small animals encourages exploration, safe chewing, hiding, and playing. The unpredictable and winding maze mimics the places they’d find in the wild, and you can add treats throughout it to encourage foraging and gathering.

Photo courtesy: Oxbow

Does your dog prefer wet treats to crunchy ones? There’s an enrichment toy for them too! This honeycomb-shaped licking mat lets you fill each individual hole with a wet treat (like canned dog food or peanut butter), which your dog gets to lick out one-by-one. Rather than having your dog figure out a puzzle, this toy soothes and calms them by providing crevices for them to lick for hours.

Photo courtesy: SodaPup

Keeping your pets stimulated and busy is important for their health and happiness.

Toys like these can improve pet behavior and distract them from environmental changes that may cause anxiety during the summer — such as warm weather, the sound of fireworks on Canada Day, plane travel, car rides, or even just having company visiting from away.

For more summer enrichment toy recommendations, visit Global Pet Foods in Charlottetown or Summerside. Their Pet Care Specialists are always happy to share their recommendations for what toys customers find the best and which ones will suit your pet.

You can also order all of these toys on Global Pet Foods’ website and have your order delivered right to your door. (Home delivery offered island-wide!)

Happy playing!

– Keenan & Arlo

The Brackley Drive-In Theatre is the perfect place to have fun with family, friends, and four-legged pals. (Just make sure they’re on a leash and you’re golden!)

Open 7 days a week throughout the summer, the Brackley Drive-In features new releases every night. (Gates open at 8 p.m. and shows start at 9:20 p.m.) This season, they’ve already featured movies like Top Gun: Maverick and Jurassic World: Dominion — and coming soon you can catch Thor: Love and Thunder and Minions: The Rise of Gru!

Photo courtesy: Brackley Drive-In Facebook page

While outside snacks aren’t permitted, the drive-in has a full concession stand with great options like popcorn, fries, burgers, hot dogs, nachos, pop and more!

Here are some tips from the drive-in for making the most of your visit:

• Bring bug spray and a flashlight.
• Learn how to keep your car’s headlight from coming on. Each car is a little different and in some cars you just can not turn them off. So please take a blanket or towels to cover them.
• If you have a little time, make a bug screen for your car windows so you can keep the windows open without having to deal with pesky mosquitoes. (A window screen from the dollar store and a few fridge magnets should do the trick.)

Downtown Charlottetown is a great place to find some of the best shopping on PEI. Find retail stores, professional service providers, beauty services, restaurants, hotels, and more all in one place.

But that’s not the best part. Look for the “Paws Downtown” signs in the windows of pet-friendly retailers and service providers who want to do their part to prevent pets from being left in hot cars in summer. Some shops even have a water bowl, poo bags and treats on hand — a dog’s gotta eat and drink too, right? Visit Downtown Charlottetown’s website for a list of Paws Downtown businesses.

Photo courtesy: Downtown Charlottetown Farmer’s Market Facebook page

To find out which businesses are pet-friendly throughout PEI, visit the PEI Humane Society’s list of pet-friendly stores.

Located in Bonshaw, PEI, the Riverdale Orchard and Cidery is the perfect place for a simple-yet-magical adventure.

They offer adult artisan cider, but also a variety of family- and often pet-friendly events. Kite-flying. Lunching at their picnic pods. Exploring the apple orchards. Relaxing on the deck with a pint. Walking through the hills and orchards. And so much more!

Photo courtesy: Riverdale Orchard and Cidery

Several days a week, Riverdale offers experiential events that are always family-friendly and, when possible, dog-friendly too. (They just ask that you keep your dog on a leash at all times.)

Delicious comfort food, warm and cold beverages, and fun are hallmarks of each and every event they host. Their events are inspired by some of their favorite Scottish and Canadian traditions – from curry & cider nights to outdoor adventures, bonfires, live music, and more.

Check out their calendar of events for upcoming opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry at Riverdale Orchard & Cidery — with your pups in tow!

When in doubt, take a hike! There’s no better way to experience the views and scenery that PEI has to offer than exploring it on foot with your doggy friends at your side. Here are some of our favourite hikes! (Just remember to bring water, bug spray, and poop bags, and to always keep your dog on a leash.)

• Confederation Trail
  Starting and finishing at each tip of Prince Edward Island, this trail follows a stoney path that weaves between rich forests, rolling hills and beautiful ocean views. It’s great for all skill levels, as it’s flat and features lots of convenience points along the trail where you can stop for a break.

Photo courtesy: Tourism PEI

• Farm Lands and Bubbling Springs Trail
  This 5 km trail is a great hike to take on with your dog by your side. You’ll pass mixed forests, the Stanhope Cemetery and a beautiful lake along the way where the water appears to bubble out of the ground.

Photo courtesy: All Trails

• Cape Tryon Lighthouse Trail
  This 8 km trail is actually a farm path that follows some of Prince Edward Island’s tallest cliffs from Yankee Hill to Cape Tryon lighthouse. With farm fields on your left and the Gulf of St. Lawrence on your right, the views you’ll get on this hike are spectacular — especially at sunset! Just remember to stay several metres back from the cliffs as any coastline can be unpredictable.

Photo courtesy: UPEI

Did you know that many charter boat tours will allow well-behaved, friendly dogs on board? Just keep them on a leash and you and your pup can feel the gentle saltwater breeze on your faces while enjoying incredible views of the island and ocean like you’ve never seen before.

Here are some charter tours that may allow you to bring your dog on board;

• DogBoat Adventures
• Pauley Tours
• Fortune River Charters
• The Fiddling Fisherman
• Captain Nates Murray Islands Adventures

Photo courtesy: DogBoat Adventures’ Facebook page

Summer is a great time to get out of town and explore — but exploring the province doesn’t mean you have to leave your pets behind.

For more ideas on what to do with your pets this summer around the province, pop in to Global Pet Foods in Charlottetown or Summerside. Their Pet Care Specialists are pet parents too, and they can provide recommendations on their favorite spots.

Have a fun, happy summer!

– Keenan Costain (@kcost27)

Some pets travel well, others…not so much. I’m sure many of us have a story or two about mid-trip accidents…

Here are some tips to help make your road trip with your furry and feathered friends go off without a hitch.

1. Keep your pets comfy. Give them a soft bed or blanket to lie on that smells like home.
2. Pack a little extra in case of emergency — extra food, fresh water, cleaning supplies, medication (if needed), supplements, etc. Depending where your road trip takes you, you might not be able to get pet essentials everywhere you go.
3. Make sure the temperature is right for them, and provide fresh air when needed by opening a window or operating a USB-powered fan. (But never, ever leave your pets in a car unattended.)
4. If your road trip is longer than a few hours, make sure you have everything you need for regular bathroom breaks. (If you’re travelling with a cat, a portable litter box is your best bet. For dogs, that means having enough poop bags on hand!)

Travelling by plane with your pet usually requires more planning than a road trip. Here are a few essential tips to ensure smooth sailing!

Going on vacation and leaving your pets at home just doesn’t feel right. After all, home is wherever your pets are — with you!

If you want more tips and advice on travelling with your pets this summer, do what I did and visit Global Pet Foods in Charlottetown or Summerside. Their Pet Care Specialists can provide advice and help you find the right products for travelling with your pet this summer.

Rather explore pet travel solutions online? You can do just that right on their website and have your order delivered right to your door. (Home delivery offered Island-wide!)

Safe travels and happy summer!

– Keenan Costain (@kcost27)

Image by Skout’s Honor.

Image by Aimé Kitchen.

Image by Messy Mutts.

Image by The Honest Kitchen.

Image by Oxbow Animal Health.

Image by Integricare.

Image by Adored Beast Apothecary.

Image by Bluestem.

Image by Emerald Pet.

Image by Shameless Pets.

Want to know if these health and wellness must-haves are right for your pet? Contact our buddies at Global or visit them in-store in Summerside or Charlottetown. Their Pet Care Specialists will know exactly what you need!

And don’t forget: When you visit them in-person, you’ll find exclusive in-store sales! (We love us a good sale.)

Rather shop online? You can do just that right on their main website. NOW AVAILABLE: Home delivery throughout PEI!

Image by BeOneBreed.

Image by Rolf C. Hagen Inc.

Image by West Paw Inc.

Image by Shameless Pets.

 

I hope you liked what I picked out for you! Keep an eye on Global’s Instagram and Facebook in early December. They liked my list so much they’re going to give some of it away to one lucky winner on December 13!

Happy howlidays, everyone! I hope Santa Paws is good to you. (Even if we can be naughty sometimes, he knows we’re on the nice list!)

– Nessie

If you have any questions about these products or would like to chat with a team member, feel free to contact us or visit us in-store to speak with a Pet Care Specialist.

PLUS, if you visit our Charlottetown and Summerside locations this holiday season, you’ll find in-store exclusive deals — up to 75% off! — and winter accessories.

Prefer to shop online? You can do just that right on our main website.

Eat. Play. Love…for the holidays!

Name: Christian
Location: Charlottetown
Pet Name: Dexter

Product: Dog Bites Freeze-Dried Chicken Hearts
Why do I love this product?
Dexter goes bananas and will do anything to get his paws on some of these chicken hearts. Just look at that face! I love that they’re a healthy, natural, and safe product that keeps both of us happy.

Name: Ashley
Location: Summerside
Pet Name: Tillie

Product: Zilla Shed-Ease Reptile Bath
Why do I love this product?
Tillie is so thankful for Zilla Shed-Ease reptile bath this fall! It’s sometimes hard to find the right product for such a special creature, but we recommend this one to all his scaly friends who visit Global Pet Foods!

Name: Kennedy
Location: Summerside
Pet Name: Salem & Asher

Products: Primal Raw Goat Milk with Pumpkin & Almo Nature Tuna wet food recipes
Why do I love this product?
These two cuties each have their own favourites — Primal Raw Goat Milk with Pumpkin and Almo Nature Tuna wet food. I love them because I can mix and match with all the different flavours (so they’re never bored) and they’re the perfect size to fill these growing babies’ bellies!

Name: Faith
Location: Summerside
Pet Name: Ace & Charlie

Products: Primal Pet Foods Frozen Nuggets for Dogs
Why do I love this product?
Primal Nuggets are one of our go-tos. Not only has this raw food done amazing things for both Ace and Charlie’s health — I also love that I can trust they’re both getting a complete and balanced raw diet. Plus, with easy packaging and zero prep work, I love how convenient it is. Look at those faces — I think they love it too!

Name: Christian
Location: Charlottetown
Pet Name: Blake

Products: Nature’s Own Buffalo Mint Twist
Why do I love this product?
For such a small dog, this little guy has a lot of bite — if he had his way, he’d chew on anything he could find! But these Buffalo Twist Sticks definitely pass the Blake test. They keep him chewing, entertained, and busy for hours — and they give me some peace of mind too!

Looking for more world-class fall products for your pet?

Visit us in-store to chat with an experienced, knowledgeable Pet Care Specialist who can provide custom recommendations to keep your pet happy and healthy all season long.

Prefer to shop online?

You can do just that right on our website!

Eat. Play. Love…for fall!