October is Pet Wellness Month, a national celebration dedicated to the holistic health of our furry family members. Just as humans prioritize wellness through routine checkups, mindfulness, and nutrition, pets benefit greatly from proactive care as well.  

But what does “pet wellness” really mean, and why has it become such a growing priority for pet parents everywhere? In this guide, we’ll explore the growing trend of pet wellness, why it matters for your pet’s health, and how proactive care can make a lasting difference. We’ll also spotlight one of our favorite animal health companies, Virbac, whose innovative products provide extra support in keeping pets calm, comfortable, and thriving!  

Why Pet Wellness Matters 

Wellness for pets encompasses physical, mental, and emotional health, and currently it’s no longer a niche concept. According to ADM's 2025 Global Pet Nutrition Insights Report, 85% of pet owners now consider proper nutrition and supplements as important for pets as they are for humans, and 78% of global owners are interested in products that may help increase their pet’s lifespan.  

Why is proactive pet wellness so crucial and growing in popularity? A strong wellness routine can: 

• Help pets live longer, healthier lives 

• Reduce the risk of costly medical problems down the road 

• Ease stress and anxiety, creating a happier home environment 

• Strengthen the bond between pets and their people 

Beyond enhancing quality of life, taking care of your pet’s wellness is also a smart financial strategy. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) emphasizes that investing in preventive healthcare like regular exams can help detect issues early, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on later treatments.  In that light, Pet Wellness Month reminds us that small, consistent choices now pay off in long-term health for your pet and in your wallet. 

Tips for Supporting Pet Wellness  

Here are three simple yet impactful ways to support your pet's well-being: 

1. Prioritize Daily Activity and Socialization: Whether it's play sessions, walks, or the enrichment your dog gets at PetSuites daycare, movement and interaction reduce stress and support physical health. 

2. Maintain Grooming and Dental Care: Regular grooming keeps skin, coat, and nails in check. Dental attention, including brushing, chews, and water additives, help prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to broader health issues if untreated. 

3. Support Nutrition and Digestion: A proper diet, healthy treats, and supplements including prebiotics or vitamins can help support digestive health and overall wellness. 

By building these small habits into your daily routine, you're setting the stage for a thriving pet. Among all these areas of care, managing stress may be one of the most important factors for long-term wellness, which is why it deserves a closer look on its own. 

Stress Management: Why It’s a Key Part of Pet Wellness 

Stress is more than just a momentary concern, it can have real, lasting effects on a dog’s physical and emotional health.  

Studies from Applied Animal Behaviour Science indicate that dogs with fear or anxiety issues tend to have shorter lifespans, more frequent skin problems, and greater vulnerability to other health issues. Additionally, research shows that chronic and unmitigated stress can disrupt immune function, worsen gastrointestinal health, and even lead to behavior problems that affect both pet and owner. 

Why reducing stress matters: 

• Can boost immune system health and helps pets recover faster from illness 

• Improves gut health: stress is strongly linked to digestive upset and reduced appetite  

• Lowers risk of skin and other stress‐related disorders 

• Enhances emotional well-being: calmer, more secure pets are more likely to engage, play, socialize, bond, and avoid unwanted behaviors 

By giving your dog a safe, comforting environment and tools to manage stress, you can support their overall wellness in ways that go beyond just physical care. Speaking of tools that support wellness, next up, we're excited to feature some products from Virbac that can help provide stress relief and even support dental health!    

Virbac CalmCare Products Can be a Solution for Your Pet 

Virbac’s CalmCare product line offers pet parents practical, science-backed solutions to help dogs feel calmer and more secure.  From chews that combine dental care with stress-related support, to pheromone-based collars and gel diffusers that mimic the natural comfort signals of a mother dog, these products are designed to reduce stress-related behaviors while supporting overall wellness.  

By pairing everyday care with proven stress relief, Virbac makes it easier for pet parents to give their dogs a healthier, happier life. Let’s take a closer look at each of these products and how they can make a difference in your pet’s daily routine! 

C.E.T.® VEGGIEDENT® Zen Tartar Control Chews for Dogs 

These multifunctional dental chews go beyond fresh breath: 

• Mental Well-Being Aid: Contains L-theanine from green tea to help reduce stress 

• Innovative Z-Shape: Cleans teeth thoroughly from front to back 

• Digestive Support: Includes a prebiotic to support gut and intestinal health 

• Carefully Formulated: Plant-based, gluten-free, and free from animal-derived ingredients 

• Where to Find: Shop C.E.T. VEGGIEDENT Zen Chews online! 

ZENIDOG® Long-Acting Collar 

Designed to bring peace of mind wherever your dog goes: 

• Pheromone Comfort: Mimics mother-dog calming signals 

• Proven Effective: In a 90-day study, stress-related behaviors for dogs dropped by 89% (Nicolas et al., 2022) 

• Long-Lasting: Works up to three months, three times longer than many competitors 

• Eco-Friendly and Durable: Equipped with a recyclable box and fewer replacements needed 

• Adjustable Fit: Comes in sizes for dogs up to 22 lbs and up to 110 lbs, compatible with flea and tick collars 

• Where to Find: Shop the ZENIDOG Long-Acting Collar online!  

ZENIDOG® Gel Diffuser 

Perfect for at-home stress relief, this diffuser helps create a calming environment for your dog: 

• Pheromone-Based Support: Releases dog-specific calming pheromones for both puppies and adults 

• Fast-Acting and Proven: Owners reported noticeable reductions in stress-related behaviors within just seven days, with most signs reduced by 50% or more in a 60-day study (Nicolas et al., 2022) 

• Long-Lasting: Each diffuser lasts up to two months, twice as long as the main competitor 

• Convenient and Portable: No electricity required, effective in rooms up to 750 square feet, discreet and odorless to humans 

• Eco-Conscious: Energy-saving use, recyclable packaging, good for pets and the planet 

• Where to Find: Shop the ZENIDOG Gel Diffuser online! 

Celebrate Pet Wellness with Us This October

Pet wellness is a journey built through daily care, awareness, and intentional choices. From stress management to exercise and preventive nutrition, each step helps your pet lead a healthier, happier life. 

This October, Pet Wellness Month is the perfect moment to prioritize your pet’s health. At PetSuites, our services from grooming and training to daycare and boarding can all contribute to your pet’s overall well-being. We hope you’ll visit your local PetSuites to experience our comprehensive care offerings and explore how Virbac’s dog wellness products can support your pet!