Wildebeest Guides

Los Angeles is a vibrant city that welcomes your Beest with open arms. From trendy eateries to sprawling dog parks and scenic adventures, there are countless places where you can bring your pup along for the fun. We put together a list of dog friendly places that fit everyone’s style, whether it be cool and casual, adventurous, or a little bit of both. Check out some of these must-see locations when traveling to the city of Angels with your pup! Cafes & Restaurants 1. Muddy Paw Coffee  This coffee shop has 2 locations in Los Angeles. It’s the paw-fect place to take your dog as their slogan is “Have a cup, save a pup” with a portion of proceeds going towards local rescues. Muddy Paw also has a private dog park and patio. Muddy Paw Coffee 2. The Eveleigh  A seasonal farm to table restaurant with a garden patio that is dog friendly. Open 7 days a week and stays open late for dinner, and also serves early morning brunch. They are best known for their handcrafted cocktails and friendly pet loving staff. The Eveleigh 3. Morrison Restaurant The Morrison is voted “best happy hour & dog friendly restaurant”. They specialize in crafted burgers and are also very well known for their famous Butterscotch Bread Pudding. They pretty much cater to everyone in the family, including your pup, with their very own dog menu and serving trays. Morrison Restaurant 4. The Cat and Fiddle  Also known as Hollywood’s British Pub & Restaurant! The Cat and Fiddle offers a special dog menu and does have patio seating. They are well known for their pies, fish & chips, and Scotch eggs. They also feature a Pup of the Week on their social media, of pups who come to dine in with their owners / parents. The Cat and Fiddle Social Hangouts 5. Dog PPL  Located about 30 minutes away from downtown LA, Dog PPL is a dog park, bar, cafe & lounge all wrapped up into one. Membership is required for entry and is limited up-to 3 dogs. This is a great place to socialize your pup and yourself with other dog parents. All dogs are checked for vaccines and behavior issues to help keep everyone safe. Dog PPL 6. Angel City Brewery Pet friendly brewery that specializes in craft beers. Dogs are allowed in mostly all areas and are asked to be kept leashed and to be cleaned up and looked after. This place makes for a great spot to hang out in large groups or to socialize with other pup parents. Angel City Brewery 7. The Grove  This is the ultimate place for activities from dining to shopping. The Grove is essentially an outdoor mall filled with lots of entertainment and events, including a farmers market and park (across the street). Dogs are welcome in the common areas and various stores. The Grove Beaches & Parks 8. Rosie’s Dog Beach  This is a 4.1 acre that allows pups to be off leash. This beach is not fenced nor is a dedicated dog beach but does have a designated “dog-zone” in which pups are welcomed from 6am - 8pm daily. There can be occasional private events or poor weather conditions in which the beach may be closed so make sure to plan ahead and check the schedule. Rosie’s Dog Beach 9. Eagle Rock Dog Park This park is enclosed and kept clean. Owners are asked to clean up after their dogs and to have all their shots. Your dog must be leashed in the parking lot at all times. The recreational park has a great mix of turf, cement, and sand. Eagle Rock Dog Park 10. West Hollywood Park This is a recreation area with 2 sections for different sized dogs. Everything is fenced in and there is turf, water station, benches and more, in both areas. There is plenty of running room for fetch and socializing. West Hollywood Park 11. Runyon Canyon Park Located near the Hollywood Hills, this 160-acre city park is a great place to take your dog on a hike. There are a few trails to pick from and the hike is fair with a moderate incline. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash but owners are asked to clean up after their pets. Poop bag stations are located throughout the park. Runyon Canyon Park Sightseeing 12. West Griffith Observatory Trail Dogs are not allowed inside the Griffith Observatory, however there is a trail that still lets you enjoy the outside views with your pup. The west Griffith trail is a popular route for walkers and tourists. It’s an easy walk and leashing up your dog is required. You can find a picnic area and Trail cafe near the trail. West Griffith Observatory Trail 13. Electric Dusk Drive-In Enjoy a night at the Drive-Ins with your Pup. Electric Dusk is the longest running pop-up drive-in and is dog friendly. Located near Dodgers Stadium and has a wide variety of movies and food to choose from. Dogs are surly welcomed but must remain leashed at all times. Electric Dusk Drive-In 14. Echo Park Lake This park is very dog friendly, pups are required to be leashed at all times. There is a scenic walking path that's perfect for an afternoon stroll or enjoy a lunch with your pup on the picnic tables around the park. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even rent a swan boat and ride around on the lake with Beest. Dogs are allowed on the boats as long as they are well behaved and kept on leash. Life jackets are not provided but you are more than welcome to bring your own for you and your dog. Echo Park Lake 15. Hollywood Walk of Fame Walk with the stars, even with your pup! The Hollywood walk of fame is a must see and what a better way to experience it then walking it with your dog. It stretches out 15 blocks along Hollywood Blvd with over 2,600 stars on the pavement. This street can get busy so make sure to keep your dog on leash. Hollywood Walk of Fame * Local Feature * Los Angeles native + dog momma, Nina love to adventure throughout the city with her four-legged companion, Hera. Here are some of Nina and Hera's favorite spots in and outside of L.A. that are dog friendly and perfect for anyone traveling or local! Hikes / Walks Bluffs Creek Trail (Playa Vista) Switzer Falls (Angeles National Forest) Eaton Canyon Trail (Altadena, CA) Shopping Westfield Century City Mall Rosie Bunny Bean Urban Pet Provisions – "cute pet store where we got our Wildebeest Funston Baggie from. - Nina" BlueCollar Working Dog Row DTLA Plan your next trip to Los Angeles with Beestie in tow and make it a great bonding experience and fun adventure for you both. There are plenty of dog-friendly places and activities throughout the sprawling city to fill your visit with lots of unforgettable moments!Thinking about exploring other places? Check out these other dog-friendly City Guides from us! 25 Dog Friendly Places in San Francisco Go To Guide >> 15 Dog Friendly Places in Seattle Go To Guide >>

San Francisco is one of the most dog friendly cities in the country. If you’re not local to the Bay Area, you might assume that you can bring your dog anywhere in San Francisco, which is not entirely true. While most places love to see your four-legged fur friends or welcome them in with a dog water bowl or tasty treats at the entrance, not all businesses / environments allow pets in their establishment, unless they are a service animal. As locals, we thought it would be helpful to put together a list of places that are guaranteed to welcome your Beest with belly rubs and treats. Whether you’re visiting the city, wanting to explore new spots, or training your pup for social interactions, we’ve got a place for everyone’s taste! Cafes & Restaurants 1. Park Chalet This spacious and dog friendly restaurant is located at the end of Golden Gate Park, near Ocean beach. This spot makes for a great place for brunch or to grab a quick drink after walking your beest on the beach. Park Chalet offers indoor and outdoor seating and recommends your dog to be on leash. Park Chalet 2. Stable Cafe Stable Cafe, our go-to, is in the heart of the Mission District. This is the perfect place to sit out on the patio and enjoy a cup of coffee or lunch with your pup on a sunny day. Patio seating at Stable is beautiful and covered in greenery, and they welcome any big or small four-legged fur baby. Stable Cafe 3. Zazie Zazie’s is a French bistro in Cole Valley that is popular and well known for their delicious brunch plates and cocktails. They offer patio seating and insist you to bring your dog along especially on Monday’s as they host “Dog Night” and offer $10 off on a bottle of wine for the humans and unlimited treats for the pups. Zazie 4. Novy Novy is located in Noe Valley and is a woman and family operating restaurant. They are Mediterranean influenced and are known for their great food and customer service, Pups are welcomed in their outdoor patio everyday of the week! Novy 5. The Ramp Located in Mission Bay, The Ramp offers spacious tables, outdoor seating with a great bayfront view for you and your beest, and live music / entertainment. Great for brunch! The Ramp 6. Wildseed Wildseed is a restaurant located in Cow Hollow known for their superb cocktails and seasonal vegan cuisine. They offer various outdoor seating options and are often packed, so make sure to book a reservation ahead of time so you don’t wait too long with your dog. Wildseed Beaches 7. Crissy Fields With the Golden Gate Bridge as its backdrop, Crissy Fields is a beautiful place for a walk or to take your pup for a swim. Certain parts, such as the East Beach, are off-leash approved but can get pretty packed with tourists and other dog owners so be sure to plan accordingly. It also tends to get pretty windy so bring a jacket to stay cozy as you stroll along the shore. Crissy Fields 8. Baker Beach Known to be one of San Francisco’s best beaches that’s dog friendly with a superb view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash but not recommended to swim as the waves can get unpredictable. Baker Beach 9. Lands End / Mile Rock Beach This beach is part of Land’s End trail and is not a widely popular dog beach as it’s a long walk down (0.5-1 mile) with a steep trail to the beach but is great for more adventurous Beesties. Dogs are allowed to be off leash. For an epic view of the Golden Gate Bridge make sure to hike to Land’s End Lookout Point, which is definitely worth the walk. Mile Rock Beach 10. Ocean Beach / Great Walkway If you're looking for a huge beach with lots of walking room and sand to dig for you and your pup, Ocean Beach is the perfect place. Dogs are required to be on leash all year round. Also, in 2022 San Francisco voted to keep the Great Highway by the beach car-free and bike and family friendly on the weekends for the next 3 years. So be sure to experience the coastal promenade the next time you & pup are visiting Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach Parks 11. Fort Funston A local and well-known park in the city that is filled with various trails and places to explore with your pup. During the spring season there are coyote alerts, so be mindful of keeping your dog on leash, but off leash dogs are welcome throughout the park. Fort Funston 12. Upper Douglass Dog Play Area This is a recreational play area, great for all sized dogs and can be off leash.Your dog must be up-to-date on their vaccinations and non-destructive. Cleaning up after your pet is highly encouraged to maintain the park. This park is enclosed yet large enough to get a good amount of exercise, make sure to bring along a ball or frisbee. Upper Douglass Dog Play Area 13. Alamo Square Alamo Square has one of the most iconic views with the infamous “Painted Ladies”. Dog mom and content creator, Dianna, and her pup Raylan love this park and is one of their go-to spots for play dates or a nice stroll. “The views are my favorite part, I’m a big fan of Full House so I love seeing the Painted Ladies!” Alamo Square 14. Golden Gate Park Looking for a massive park to get lost in? Golden Gate Park has so many paths to explore and is one of the most popular parks in San Francisco. Filled with large grassy fields, trails, meadows, and picnic areas, you’ll never run out of places to explore. Golden Gate Park 15. Glen Canyon This 66.6 acre recreational area includes scenic hiking trails and large open areas for you and your dog to explore together. Glen Canyon Park is one of San Francisco’s significant natural resource areas filled with important plant species. Dogs are required to be on leash. Glen Canyon Social Hangouts 16. Tornado Pub This local pub is located in the Haight and offers an assortment of craft beers. This is a great place to hang out with friends and pups are welcome if they are on leash. Tornado Pub 17. El Rio A queer neighborhood bar located in the Mission District, that offers a backyard patio along with dancing and live music, all are welcome, including your beest. It can get pretty packed on special event nights, so be sure to plan accordingly if you plan to bring your pup. El Rio 18. Palm House SF A colorful hangout spot with a tropical theme perfect for meeting friends and family for happy hour. Located on Union Street, this bar welcomes pup’s with their very own lei and lots of treats. Palm House was voted to be one of the Bay’s “most dog-friendly restaurants”. Palm House SF 19. Barebottle Brewing In the mode for a good craft beer? Barebottle has various amounts of craft beers and food trucks. They have 2 locations, one in Bernal Heights and the other at Salesforce Park. They are very dog friendly and offer outdoor seating! Barebottle Brewing 20. Spark Social SF Located in Mission Bay, Spark Social has something for everyone. Filled with food trucks, games, and lots of outdoor seating, this is a great and dog friendly place to hangout at. There are a number of food vendors and even a dog vending machine. Spark Social SF 21. Zeitgeist A long time Mission District institution, Zeitgeist is a bar and beer garden known for its huge craft beer selection (64 on tap), bloody marys and outdoor patio with picnic tables. Pups are welcome to hang with you in their back yard but remember it can get crowded especially on those warmer days! Zeitgeist Sightseeing 22. Cable Car Take your dog on a sightseeing tour of the city on the cable car. 1 pet per car is welcome to ride during non-peak hours (5-9am and 3-7pm on weekdays). Pups must be leashed and on their parent's lap or sitting right next to them. Cable Car 23. Bay Cruise A 60-minute tour of the bay on the Blue & Gold Fleet with your pup. You’ll be able to enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Pier 39 and much more. Dogs must be leashed or in a carrier and well behaved in order to board. Bay Cruise 24. Hotel Kabuki Located in Japantown, this hotel is a great place and location to stay if you're planning on traveling with your dog. Bay Area local + doodle mom Melanie and pup Ruby, visited Hotel Kabuki and enjoyed their experience. “We felt safe walking at night and didn’t experience any boundaries. We were able to take Ruby almost anywhere in the hotel (not the gym or attached restaurant). It’s walking distance to a lot of dog-friendly things and close to grass…” Hotel Kabuki 25. Coit Tower An iconic San Francisco landmark that is a must see if you haven’t yet. Bring your dog along for a scenic hike up to the top of the tower to get a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline view. Pup’s are recommended to be on leash and able to walk up and down a few flights of stairs. Coit Tower Plan your next trip to the busy city and don’t feel guilty for not being able to bring your pup along. With restaurants, trails, parks and social gatherings, there's plenty to keep yourself and Beest engaged and making new memories together. Traveling to a different city? Stay tuned for more dog friendly city guides to come!   Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

In honor of Earth Day, we’ve been thinking a lot about what we can do as pet owners to make more eco-friendly choices! Here are some ways we can make a big impact with small everyday choices.

Have you ever been to or even heard of a Pack Walk? For those who may not know, a pack walk is getting your own pack (you + your pups) together with another pack(s) (someone else + their pups) and taking a walk or a hike together. As of recently, pack walks have been popular as it can help with confidence building and socialization in your dog and are great for all types of dogs in any stage of training. Pack Mentality The definition of the word PACK is “a group of wild animals, especially wolves, living and hunting together” (according to Google) and with dogs being direct descendants of wolves, they are pack animals by nature. In every pack there is always an alpha who is considered the leader and protector of the pack, which is what your dog probably sees you as since the day you brought them home. As you’ve fed, trained, and given them access to your home and control many aspects of their lives, you as their human are considered their alpha or pack leader. This type of dynamic and structure help create a healthy pack mentality in your Beest and it’s no secret that they thrive when given direction and purpose. Pack walks are a great way to practice this dynamic in a collective way. Organizing A Pack Walk Whether you're wanting to have some quality time with your circle of friends or connect with other dog lovers in your community, we’ve put together a quick and easy guide to help you get started on organizing your own pack walk! Decide on a date. Pick a dog friendly location and consider how difficult or accessible the walk or hike will be for you and others joining the pack walk. Share your pack walk details 2-3 weeks before the actual date and confirm with everyone who will be attending. Designate a meet up spot and make sure everyone who is joining has a map or knows the trail / walking route. A couple days before the pack walk: send out a reminder to those who've confirmed, including rules, meet-up location, time and weather updates. Day of the walk: bring your list of participants, check everyone in and take a head count of your pack. Providing name tags for dogs + humans is a nice touch! Go well-equipped for your pack walk: Leash: 4ft length is great for keeping Beestie close especially if you have a big pack or are going on a tight trail. 6ft length is fine if you have room to spread out. Comfortable and secure harness or collar Poop Bags, to leave the trail how you found it Treats for you & Beest + Treat Pouch for carrying ‘em! Water bottle + portable bowl Proper attire for the trail and weather conditions, e.g. hiking shoes, windbreaker, backpack, etc. Portable charger, just in case! Some pack walk etiquettes to remember: Dogs attending the walk should always be leashed and well distanced from others No nose-to-nose or butt sniffing during the walk so your pup knows that it isn’t playtime Reactive or dogs who are vocal should walk towards the back of the pack Have FUN! It's hard work hosting a pack walk, but so worth it. Remember the goal is to help train, exercise, socialize and have lots of fun! Our friends, dog mom Lauren + her Lab mix, Boomi @boomibringsthings hosted Wildebeest’s very first pack walk in the Bay Area and shared why they loved putting one together so much, The best thing about organizing a pack walk is meeting so many new people in your area that you may not have. It's so different talking to people online vs real life. I always leave a pack walk feeling so high from having a great walk and meeting amazing dog parents in the community. For first time organizers, try to at least say hi to everyone who is there. Introduce yourself, and thank them for coming! @boomibringsthings Finding A Pack Walk Near You If you're looking to join a pack walk instead of hosting one, a good place to start is searching and joining some Facebook groups in your city and neighborhood. Social media and neighborhood apps are a great way to find out what’s happening in your community and hashtags can be useful in broadening your search too. Sometimes local brands or businesses in the pet space are hosting pack walks – we did! – and will post event updates on their social media. You could always ask other pet parents, dog trainers or walkers who may have knowledge in pack walks happening in your community as well. Now You Know How! Pack walks can be such a positive and supportive community activity for both pups and humans. What’s better than to be outside exploring new surroundings with your Beestie and sharing the experience with other like-minded packs? We highly recommend pack walks for all dog parents… especially if you’ve never done one before. It just might help you become a tighter, better pack as you build more confidence and bond with your Beest. Happy Walking!   Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your Beest. We'll be right there every step of the way, with our gear & Wild4Life Warranty in tow, supporting you & Beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship!

The beginning of the New Year is a great time to implement some new healthier habits, not just for you but also for our pups. We cover 5 solid training ideas that you & Beest can work on such as walking etiquette, separation anxiety and learning new tricks.

What exactly is mental health? It’s the well-being of our mental state which affects how we think, feel, and act. According to the World Health Organization there has been a 13% rise in mental health troubles within the last decade. These days especially with the pandemic, excessive social media consumption, climate change and other global happenings around the world, mental health issues are more prevalent in our society than ever. Mental fatigue can cause having low energy, pulling away from usual activities, eating or sleeping too much / too little, or feeling stress and anxiety, and can lead to more severe symptoms that affect our quality of life. Many of us have turned to animal companions, such as adopting a new dog or cat to help cope with our mental struggles. Scientific research and studies over the years have proven incredible mental health benefits of the human-animal bond. Animals can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression in people, but they can also suffer from feeling emotions and absorbing our energy. It’s important to check in on our mental state every now and then and address it in a healthy way so we can not only take care of ourselves but also live long, happy lives with our animals together. Here are some actions you can implement for a better mental health and lifestyle for you & beest. 1. Keep Active Exercising is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood overall. Find an active activity, get those endorphins pumping, and do it with your dog. Get outside and go on a walk or run*, take a hike or a bike ride, do some yoga in your favorite park, or go to an outdoor gym. Staying active & spending quality time together will keep you & pup feeling energetic, sleeping better and in shape physically and mentally. * A recent study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. 2. Take A Break Whether it’s a break from work, study or personal project, it’s important to step away from whatever we are doing and take a breather. Step outside and look at the sky and take in fresh air, have a play or petting session with your dog, or sit in your favorite part of the house together in silence for a nice break. Social media is a huge outlet for many of us today and yes, there’s no harm in a funny meme or cat video here and there but we can probably all agree that too much social media exposure (even the dog world) can sometimes have a negative effect on our mental health. Taking meaningful breaks from our phones & media can also help clear our heads, minds & perspective. 3. Share Gratitude  Grounding yourself and taking time to appreciate where you are in life sometimes get overlooked. Don’t forget to give yourself credit for how far you have come. Create some time in your day to reflect and share what you're thankful for in your life. You can spend 5-10 mins to either journal your gratitude or meditate on it daily. Practice saying out loud what you’re thankful for as it can be a great type of therapy that calms and relaxes your mind. And share these affirmations with the best listener you have, your dog! :) 4. Do What You Love Spend time doing the things that bring you zen and joy and come up with creative ways to incorporate your dog into those activities / hobbies. If you love to cook, bake some homemade treats for your dog, if you love doing puzzles, get one for your pup so they can work on theirs while you solve yours, or if you love to playing music, create a cozy lounge spot for pup so they can listen. Carving out time to engage in the hobbies we love gives us something to look forward to and distracts / redirects us from stress, worry, comparison and our unhealthy emotions that we experience. 5. Connect With Others The saying “we are who we surround ourselves with” is a positive reminder that we should make the effort to be around others who reinforce positivity and light in us. Find ways to connect with like-minded people or look for new people to build connections with. Strong, healthy social connections are important for mental health as they not only reduce anxiety and depression but they also build self-esteem. For us dog people, we can find and confide in fellow dog parents by going to your local dog park, joining meet-ups / community groups, or checking out social events or venues that are dog friendly. Mental health has become an important social topic in recent years and we’re thankful for the increasing awareness, open discussions and resources available today. It can however be overwhelming for those who are experiencing mental struggles to know where to start and what to do exactly to feel better. A great first step is to do what makes us happiest and for a lot of us pet parents, we can always look to start with our animals. But rather than solely relying on our pets to alleviate our mental problems, we can think about how to get them involved whether it’s making new connections through them or staying active and spending time outdoors together. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues and are seeking help, please visit MentalHealth.gov for more information and resources. Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR >>>

At least once or twice in our journey as dog parents, especially in the beginning, we’ve all stopped and wondered, why has nobody told me about this before? From unexpected trips to the vet because your dog got into something they weren’t supposed to have their nose in, to dealing with pest infestations, and random happenings in between, sometimes figuring things out the hard way just feels like a normal part of being a dog parent. Though it’s hard to be prepared for every little situation that can go wrong with our beests, we thought it would be helpful to put together 5 common but important topics that every dog parent should know about. 1. Dental Hygiene  Taking care of your dog’s teeth and gums as early as possible will prevent a lot of health complications as your dog gets older. Dental disease is one of the most common illnesses in dogs which can cause other health complications such as organ failure, eye issues and tooth loss. It’s recommended that you begin taking care of your pups’ teeth early on or as early as possible. If not taken care of regularly, early signs of dental disease are bad breath, excessive drooling, discolored teeth, or inflamed / bleeding gums and can be seen as early as 2-3 years of age in your dog. As your dog gets to their senior years, dental hygiene becomes one of the key factors attributing to life span and health complications. Most dog parents wished they would have been more proactive and educated on preventive action in their dog’s early years. Our doggy dental guide has more information and tips on ways you can start taking action. 2. Foxtail Foxtail is small sharp prickly clusters of grass that pops up once Spring hits, and it can linger around up until Summer. It is found in tall grass areas, hiking trails, open fields / parks, alongside the road and also sidewalks. Little pieces of foxtail can get stuck on pup’s skin or in their paws and sometimes be inhaled through their nose while they’re sniffing around, triggering sneezing or coughing fits later on. Foxtail can cause serious pain, discomfort, and sometimes bleeding or infection so we recommend inspecting your pup, even if they have no symptoms at all, after every walk / adventure. Check your pup’s face, ears and paws first, then inspect large fur areas such as neck, stomach, and hips. If you suspect foxtail injuries in your dog, look up how to remove or treat them safely (combing it out or using tweezers or your fingers) or call your vet for advice. But some precautions you can take are avoiding tall grass areas or protecting your pup with paw booties or face mask. No one ever tells you about Foxtail injuries and some of us unfortunately have had to learn the hard way. It’s important to remember that educating ourselves (and fellow pet parents) can help prevent these stressful situations and keep our dogs safe. Remember to curb your pup during these warmer seasons and check your neighborhood / hiking trails for any Foxtails as the seasons start to change. 3. Emergency Bag & Plan Harsh weather changes, the global pandemic and natural disasters like wildfires or floods are more common now than ever. Most of us have some sort of plan for ourselves or family put into place for those emergency situations, but a lot of us forget that we also need one specifically for our pups. Emergency situations can be overwhelming and chaotic for a dog at any age, so making sure you have an action plan and an emergency bag ready will prevent a stress filled environment for everyone. Do research on evacuation locations and pet hospitals in your area that are dog safe. Also put together a “go bag” or emergency bag kit just for your pet, including extra food, medication, a first-aid kit and extra gear. Our guide to making your own Emergency Kit lists what important things should be in your kit to help prepare for any situation. 4. Senior Care & Preventatives As humans, most of us take a lot of early prevention so we can live a longer and healthier life and same goes for your beests. Being a dog owner is a lifelong commitment which means that we are also responsible for our pup’s when they get to their senior years. We may not be experienced enough or completely prepared to care for a senior dog but taking precautions and practicing good habits can steer us away from serious health complications later on. Feeding a healthy diet, giving supplements and proper vitamins, keeping a strong immune system and scheduling regular vet visits are some ways to keep beests healthy. Once your dog hits the senior age (as early as 6-7) making sure you make adjustments to accommodate their needs is important, such as taking shorter walks / exercises often so as not to physically overexert your dog, avoiding hard foods / treats that their stomach might not be able to digest anymore, or using steps / ramps to help them get on and off the couch or car as their joints and muscles are not as strong as they used to be. Our senior care guide lists more helpful tips on how to better take care of your senior beesties and what you can start implementing early on. 5. Fleas & Ticks Warmer weather seasons are great for adventures but it also means pests like fleas and ticks are out looking for hosts like your pups to feed off of. 1 in 7 dogs can carry fleas which are tiny insects that feed off your dog’s blood and cause them to intensely scratch and cause severe discomfort. Fleas can also carry bacteria and dirt that can cause your dog to get other health complications. Some signs that your dog might have fleas are if they are scratching, licking, or biting. Another sign might be if you see red bumps on the skin under their fur or if you have small red itchy bites. If not taken care of, fleas can quickly reproduce and infest your home and dog which can take several months to get rid of. We recommend researching a preventative that works for your budget and can be easily added to your routine. Topical and oral medications are available which you can give your dog regularly, along with natural remedies such as lavender plants and apple cider vinegar spray to keep pests away. Ticks are similar to fleas but are mainly found outdoors and they prefer to latch onto humans and pets. They are typically bigger than fleas and can carry more bacteria than fleas when they latch on to a host. The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers in an upward and steady motion, it's also important to clean the area and the tools you are using. Once the tick is removed dispose of it in alcohol or a sealed container, or flush it down the toilet, and remember to never crush it with your fingers. If you do believe your dog has a flea infestation or is suffering from excessive tick bites ask your vet about a plan of action that is safe for your dog. ...There is no handbook for being the perfect dog owner, but sharing first hand experiences and constantly educating ourselves is a step in the right direction in making sure we give our pups the happiest & healthiest life. You can never be prepared enough for situations like a flea infestation or a natural disaster but as long as you make a quick plan of action, stay calm and ensure your dog knows they'll be okay…you’ll be able to get through any situation together.  P.S. Please share this post with a fellow dog parent !! Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship.  SHOP OUR GEAR >>>

We are all guilty of getting a little too busy or distracted with work and personal life that we sometimes forget how important setting one-on-one time aside for our pets can be. In the spirit of “Love Your Pet Day” (Feb 20th) we want to share 5 things you can do to make your pup feel extra special and unconditionally loved to bring your bond closer together. 1. DIY DOG TREATS Homemade goodies are a great way to any’s heart, especially your dog’s. Find some recipes with ingredients that your pup likes or that they could benefit from. There are also so many easy homemade treat options if baking isn’t for you such as frozen or dehydrating recipes. Start with your pup’s top favorite ingredient, remember to have fun with it and don’t be afraid to get your pup involved. Try letting them watch you put the ingredients together or lick the bowl / spoon in between ingredients for a little taste test! Check out our DIY treat guides (frozen OR baked) to get you started on some easy ideas. 2. DATE NIGHT Set up a doggie date night and treat your dog to some quality time with you and your family. :) Switch up their usual dinner food to something they only get for special occasions like a fresh food meal or frozen dog patties. Then after dinner pick a movie / show / background music and get cozied up for some relaxing time together.  3. UNINTERRUPTED QUALITY TIME Stepping away from our devices isn’t always easy and getting side-tracked when we bring them with us doesn’t help either. Make sure to set aside your smart devices from time to time and truly be present with your dog when you are taking them out for a walk or playing with them at the park. Having your undivided attention will strengthen your bond with your beest and you may be surprised how it changes your relationship for the better. Check out our guide on what you can do to build a stronger bond with your dog HERE. 4. A NEW ADVENTURE Nothing can be more exciting for your pup than getting to see / smell something new with their favorite person… you! Take them to somewhere they (or neither of you) have never been before such as a new neighborhood or hiking trail. If you bring your pup out to social gatherings like outdoor cafes or beer gardens, try going somewhere new. Checking out the new pet store that opened near your area or taking a trip to a new city. Experiencing new adventures together will really make your pup feel special. 5. A NEW TOY + TREAT Every dog has a favorite toy or treat that makes the world a little brighter in their eyes. Whether it’s a new squeaky toy, something new to wear, or a delicious type of treat, you’ll see their immediate excitement with a waggy tail and a big smile! Splurge on something they love like a new squeaky toy or interactive game. Or try putting away an old favorite toy for a couple of months and bringing it back out – it’s like a brand new toy! :D  ...There are so many different ways that we show our love to our beests on a daily basis. But we encourage you to mix in some special activities or days where you take the time and effort with an intention. Every pup’s unique so find out what your pup’s “love language” is and treat them to that every now and then. This will help strengthen your bond with beest and make them feel special and loved unconditionally, just like they do for us. Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR >>>

Taking care of your dog is a lifelong commitment. As pet parents we want to give our dogs a happy and healthy life throughout their time with us. Just like us humans, getting older for dogs can mean physical challenges such as loss of sight, hearing and smell, and a decrease in energy level and sometimes health issues. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, your dog, depending on the breed, would be considered a senior as early as age 6 or 7 which is about 40-50 years in human years and can benefit from a lifestyle shifted to meet their needs as older pets. In this blog article, we want to highlight the importance of taking early health precautions and list a few things that you can start implementing to maintain your senior pup’s wellbeing and maximize their lifespan as the years go on.... 1. A HEALTHY DIET What you feed your pup is basically what they’re made of. You may want to or need to consider changing up their diet as they grow older and based on specific health needs that may arise. Daily diets that incorporate above-average protein, below-average calories, and no high-risk preservatives are generally good anti-aging formulas to look for. Depending on your dog’s specific dietary needs, you may consider adding supplements (more on that topic later), probiotics, pumpkin for increased fiber intake, and steamed dark green veggies (ex. Kale, broccoli, spinach) for calcium, antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients to their current or senior catered diet. There are many great food options out there today so we encourage you to do some research to find the option that best serves you & your senior pup. And remember to feed your dog proper portions according to their size, weight and exercise levels.  @huskymax_pugmolly 2. A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM Just like humans, taking care of your dog’s immune system can help prevent more severe illnesses or diseases. Dog parks, vet offices, city streets and many other places that you visit on the daily can expose your dog to harmful bacteria or parasites. A strong immune system helps fight these harmful elements and keeps your dogs healthy. A compromised immune system can cause diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, joint pain, and much worse and senior dogs are much more vulnerable. Some ways to keep the immune system strong are: Proper hygiene - bathe your dog regularly to eliminate bad bacteria / parasites that your dog may pick up An ideal weight for their size and age - consult a veterinarian on what a healthy weight looks like for your dog and how many calories they should be consuming Rich antioxidant foods that are safe for dogs - like beans, apples, berries, cooked potatoes, cabbage, and broccoli can be fed safely and in moderation Clean toys and bowls - these are germ magnets as your dog touches everything with their mouth / nose after being outside, clean these with non-toxic cleaners Keep them stress free - avoid situations and environments that cause your dog to get anxious and remember that they can pick up on your stress as well Ask your vet - next time you go in for a comprehensive exam, ask your vet what other ways you can help boost your dog’s immune system 3. SUPPLEMENTS Increasing your pup’s intake of nutrients can be easily achieved with the help of supplements. You can find most options in treat forms or easily add to your dog's meals. Consult with your vet to see what supplements your senior dog would benefit from. Some general supplements beneficial for senior dogs are: Omega-3 / fish oils - helps with brain activity, eyesight, heart and kidney function, immune system and keeping skin and coat smooth and shiny Senior chewable formula - contains vitamins and minerals to support overall health Hip & Joint - supports hips and joints against pain and deteriorating range of motion with active ingredients like omega-3 and glucosamine. Bladder Control - supports normal bladder control and immune system function  Heart Health - increases nutrients of L-carnitine and Coenzyme Q10 (older dogs don’t have enough in their bodies) and supports cardiovascular health  4. DAILY EXERCISE No matter what age your dog happens to be, giving them daily exercise is always important. Although senior dogs may not be able to be as active like they were as a pup, make sure to maintain that daily exercise and slow things down for them. A leisurely stroll around your neighborhood, initiating play time, or swimming (hydrotherapy) are great exercises for senior pets. Daily exercise can also lessen the chances of joint problems as consistent movement of muscles will support joints and keep them limber. For more activity ideas, check out our “Guide to staying active indoors & out” 5. MENTAL STIMULATION & PLAY Dogs crave for both mental and physical stimulation, but once your dog starts to get older you should increase the amount of mental stimulation especially as they start to encounter challenges with getting enough physical stimulation. Keeping their minds stimulated will increase their happiness and health. Consider getting your dog puzzle toys / mats or planting treats in a room of the house for them to smell out. Any fun and creative activity that gets them using their brains will keep them sharp and focused as they get older. For more indoor activity ideas, check out the Exercise + Activity section from our blog article “Guide to staying at home with your dog in a pandemic”, or “Guide to staying active indoors & out” 6. REGULAR VET VISITS Vets recommend scheduling a visit every 6 months for senior dogs. These are wellness exams to keep a closer eye on your dog’s health so that they can catch any developing conditions early and provide treatment as soon as possible. Ask your vet about scheduling routine checkups for your senior dog.... If given the opportunity to stop time and keep our furry friends around forever, we probably wouldn’t hesitate to do so. But growing older is a natural progression that happens to all of us and the best we can do as caretakers of our beests is to provide them with a healthy, happy life full of love and special moments that they so deserve. We’re most certain that staying proactive and conscious of your dog’s basic needs -- both physical and mental -- and remembering to venture out together and build your bond with them along the way... will bring about a truly fulfilling life and companionship that we all dream about. Wildebeest creates everyday essentials that help you build that special bond, share adventures big & small and make amazing memories with your beest. We want to be there every step of the way, with our gear & pom pom’s in tow, supporting you & beest all throughout the lifetime of your companionship. SHOP OUR GEAR