12 Innovative Products All Pet Owners Need

Lucky for her, we discovered Ollie x Van Leeuwen Ice Cream’s nondairy ice cream for dogs. You can shop it at Van Leeuwen scoop shops across the country, as well as at most Petco locations and online. Ollie subscribers can add it to their orders, or join Ollie by June 13 for a free pint with purchase!

Puppy Love

Lucy's POV: First off, the smell! The scent of peanut butter, my fave, caused my tail to start wagging furiously. Then came the taste. The non-dairy ice cream is sweet and salty, with swirls of delicious peanut butter. One word: Drool! No belly aches here. Every lick = pure bliss. Paws-up from me!

But seriously, she LOVED it. She followed me back to the freezer hoping to catch another lick. She even rang her "bells" to go outside again, hoping there'd still be more there, lol

I’ve never seen her so excited for a treat – and she LOVES treats. I'm smitten with the idea of serving it for her birthday! BTW, yes, I also took a taste and it was really tasty and not super sweet! Exactly as Lucy describes.;)

Dog Breeds For Busy People

If you’re in the office 24/7, yes, you can still have a fur baby — just not one that requires a lot of attention, exercise, and stimulation. Although these pets might not pounce on you as soon as you walk through the door, they’ll love you just as much as their more rambunctious counterparts. And they’re equally as cute — promise.

1. Bullmastiffs: With a tough-looking exterior, these pups are really softies and extremely loyal to their owners. They only need a couple of short walks and bathrooms breaks to get by because they’re far less energetic than other large breeds.

2.Basset Hounds: These adorably droopy doggos are super laid-back and easygoing. Because of this, they don’t get anxious or stressed when their humans aren’t around, even for hours at a time.

3. Pugs: It’s no secret that pugs aren’t sporting dogs. In fact, they love lounging on the couch (or bed if they’re allowed) and long naps. Even when you’re away, they’ll likely be curled up, waiting to cuddle upon your arrival.

4. Bull Terriers: This independent breed likes to keep busy, but that doesn’t mean they need constant attention. Toss ’em a toy, and they’ll be entertained for hours while you’re in and out of the house.

5. Chow Chows: Chow chows are known for that cat-like personality, which is what’s to thank for their ability to be left alone for a good portion of the day. They’re quiet, meaning they tend not to bark, and did we mention they’re totally cute?

6. Beagles: Take your beagle for a generous walk before and after work, and they’ll be set for the rest of the day. They’re intelligent and energetic, so, much like bull terriers, a toy will keep them preoccupied — and quiet — during the hours alone.

7. Peekapoos: Expect to be lavished with love and affection while you’re home (Peekapoos love their human time), but they are perfectly content being by themselves, too, especially when they have a toy to play with.

8. Lhasa Apsos: Unlike many other small breeds, the Lhasa Apso is stress-free. Tiny but mighty, these furry little friends are hard workers who will keep busy by quietly protecting your house during the day.

9. Golden Retrievers: Somewhat surprisingly, despite how much they love their humans, Goldens are pretty good at hanging solo. They’re highly trainable, so if you give them a task (say, guarding the house), they’ll be happy to do it when home alone.

10. Greyhounds: These racing dogs really love lazing. They spend a good deal of their time sleeping on the couch, so leaving them home during the day really just gives them the chance to do what they enjoy most​​

Dog Breeds For Flexible People

If you’re a stay-at-home parent, a freelancer, or simply in a profession that allows you to be at your house or apartment frequently, then these people-loving pups are a safe option for you. The smart, social, and active doggos in the following list would make a fun and vibrant addition to your day-to-day.

1. Labrador Retrievers: Unlike their golden counterparts, labs — the most popular dogs for families — require pretty constant companionship. Because of how social they are, they tend to struggle when left alone too long.

2.Border Collies: Border Collies are a brainy bunch. Their intelligence level means they become quickly bored without much mental stimulation. They are also high energy, so expect to reach for that leash pretty frequently.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: As companion dogs, this breed lives up to their purpose. They enjoy spending lots of time with people and even experience anxiety when they’re apart from their owners too long.

4. Jack Russell Terriers: This dog needs a human that’s as much of a bundle of energy as they are. To be happiest, this breed needs a lot of entertainment and physical activity. In fact, they often get into trouble without their owner around and keeping them engaged.

5. German Shepherds: This beautiful, noble pet is really a baby at heart. German Shepherds become distressed when left alone and bored. Because they were bred to be working dogs, they thrive in mentally and physically stimulating environments.

6. Australian Shepherds: If not entertained, these dogs will, quite literally, be left running circles around you. Due to their herding background, they need an owner who will enable them to be active and engaged.

7. Bichon Frises: Bichon Frises do best when they have their human buddy around. Like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, this pint-sized companion dog can become easily bored and even distressed in their owner’s absence.

8. Vizslas: Vizslas were bred to be hunters, an activity they did with humans, so, unsurprisingly, to this day, they love hanging out with humans. These short-haired sweeties experience anxiety when away from their people.

9. German Shorthaired Pointers: Equally as active and social as Vizslas, this hunting pooch has a similar response to being alone too. If they’re not getting their paws dirty, they’re known to become bored and/or anxious.

10. Toy Poodle: This teeny tiny pet is as gentle and loving as you’d expect. Because of this, they crave attention and affection from their human families. And without it, they can suffer significant separation anxiety.

What's the difference between cold and allergy symptoms?

Having seasonal allergies can be confusing when they coincide with cold season. Between kids being back in school and the weather changing, the fall/winter seasons seem to bring on sneezing, coughing, and more. But, how can you tell when you're merely dealing with allergies or something else?

"Colds are viral infections. Symptoms include a sore throat, cough and feeling tired," says Dr. Purdy. Dr. Stanford further explains that viral infections have "traditionally been Rhinovirus species, but it may also be Adenovirus species and others." Colds can also be accompanied by a fever in some cases.

On the other hand, Dr. Purdy and Dr. Stanford both agree allergies are specifically caused by allergens or irritants. "Common Symptoms include sneezing and itchy eyes," says Dr. Purdy. According to the CDC, around one quarter of adults deal with seasonal allergies (raises both hands), so it's not weird if you get confused about when it's time to switch from Claritin to Dayquil.

How should people relieve cold symptoms before heading to the pharmacy?

Before you head to CVS at the first sign of sneezing and a sore throat, there are a few things Dr. Stanford suggests you do. "Optimizing our immune systems by focusing on overall health and wellbeing can help reduce the risk of infections, including the common cold. This includes eating a healthy diet, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and keeping stress in check," she says.

Unfortunately, Gallupreports that 57% of people feel they're not getting the proper amount of sleep they need. But, this doesn't mean you should ignore your lack of rest just because others are struggling too. Take it from someone whose insomnia impacted their mental health and a nasty bout of the Flu followed by Covid-19 two years ago! "Properly treating other health conditions can also help prevent acute illnesses, like the common cold," says Dr. Stanford.

However, it's not unusual to get a cold because Dr. Stanford says they're the "result of germs spread from contact with others." Taking precautions just helps your immune system work the eliminate the viral infection faster.

Do elderberry and Vitamin C fight off colds?

This is where things get a little tricky. Though elderberry and Vitamin C have been hailed as supplements that combat colds, not everyone agrees on their effectiveness. Dr. Stanford says, "While the evidence for Vitamin C in treating colds is mixed, sufficient research suggests that taking vitamin C supplementation can shorten the duration and reduce the severity of cold symptoms." But if you're thinking about relying on Vitamin C supplements, Dr. Stanford is less likely to encourage you to take them because they haven't been proven "to be effective in preventing common cold symptoms."

She also doesn't think you should take elderberry as if that'll also fight off a viral infection. "Elderberry is not effective in preventing colds, and evidence is insufficient to suggest that it is effective in treating the common cold," she explains.

Do you recommend relying on Emergen-C to help combat cold symptoms?

So, what's the verdict on taking Emergen-C once it's confirmed you have a viral cold? The brand has several products that range from gummies to drink mixes, all aimed at supporting your immune system — but does that mean they're safe to take? According to Dr. Purdy, they are! "Emergen-C contains Vitamin C which is great for a good and healthy immune system and recovery. It also contains other good for you ingredients that help with your immune system like vitamin E and Zinc."

However, it's valid to want to know if there's a difference between Zicam and Emergen-C. According to Dr. Stanford, there is! "Similar to Vitamin C, evidence suggests that zinc may be effective in reducing the duration and severity of cold symptoms, but it is less likely to be effective in preventing the common cold," she explains. Plainly put, think of the two like this:

• Zicam = Zinc
• Emergen-C = Vitamin C

She even says, "Studies suggest taking both zinc and vitamin C could be beneficial!"

Can certain teas help soothe sore throats associated with colds?

Drinking warm tea can help alleviate cold symptoms, though you shouldn't think they're your only defense against viral infections. In conjunction with cold medicines, "throat coat teas really help soothe inflammation and help manage symptoms," says Dr. Purdy. The reason for this is that most "throat support products are indicated to ameliorate sore throat and similar symptoms, often by numbing agents, temperature, and other factors," Dr. Stanford explains. In short, don't be afraid to use tea as a form of hydration while you're sick!

Dr. Purdy says other things you can use to help alleviate your symptoms are a humidifier, nasal spray, and drops. Take it a step further by taking a "steam shower" to "provide some much needed relief."

Shop Emergen-C, Zicam, & Throat Coat Teas

Emergenc-C 1000mg Vitamin C Daily Immune Support

Zicam with Echinacea and Sambucus, Homeopathic Zinc

Traditional Medicinals Throat Coat Original With Slippery Elm

Yogi Honey Lemon Throat Comfort