Bully Sticks

Dealing with dog allergies

It’s that time of year again… Spring has sprung.

Yep, Spring has sprung forth with massive amounts of pollen ready to irritate you and your dog.

Dogs are increasingly showing signs of allergic reactions to pollens, flea bites and even some food products.

In most cases, the first sign of your puppies allergies is the familiar scratching.  You think it’s just your basic average scratching until you notice it’s non-stop and his coat is missing patches of hair, revealing a lovely shade of pink skin.

So what’s a pet owner to do?

First off, see your Vet.  There are test that can be done to determine exactly what is causing the problem.  Allergies cannot be cured, but they can be managed.

Food allergies can be a bit trickier to detect.  You’ll need to switch you dog to a new dog food, preferably one with only one or two ingredients.  After a couple weeks on the new food, if your dog has stopped the scratching you will know it was something in the old food.  If the scratching continues, then you know the culprit is one of the ingredients in the new food.

If you do have a dog that is sensitive to food allergies, you may want to try hypoallergenic dog food and dog treats like kangaroo and emu all natural dog treats.

Cutting down on Dog Obesity

Has your lovable pooch been packing on the pounds? Dog obesity can be a serious health hazard leading to heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

Choose smaller portions of a healthy dog food that has a meat protein source as it’s main ingredient, offer only a limited number of all natural dog treats and start an exercise program for your obese pet. Remember that you need to start off slow when beginning a new routine for your couch potato canine.

Many dog treats are full of chemicals and empty carbs. If you want your dog treats healthy, we suggest making sure your buy good dog food or even make your dog treats yourself. When shopping for your dog treats, it is important to read the labels carefully. You read the labels of the food that you buy for your family, why shouldn’t you do the same for your dog?

The best ratio of nutrients in your pet food should be: 40% meat, 50% veggies, and 10% carbohydrates. Meat protein sources should make up the bulk of the dog food, and they should be easy to digest. Chicken parts such as chicken bones, beaks and feet are often sneaked in by unscrupulous manufacturers. You may end up buying a product that has more fillers than real meat. 

Dogs sure love to beg for treats. But even the vet advises not feeding them scraps from your table. And did you know that some dog treats can be toxic? Here is a list of foods that the ASPCA says that you should never feed your dog.

*Avocado   
*Almonds
*Anise oil
*Brazil nuts
*Canned tuna
*Carob chips
*Cheese
*Chocolate
*Cocoa Powder
*Coriander and parsley
*Corn
*Cucumber
*Cranberries
*Deer meat
*Eggs
*Food coloring
*French fries
*Garlic
*Grapes

Taking care of your Senior Dog

Once your dog has reached six years old, it’s time to start thinking about changing his/her food and the way you exercise your pet. You may also want to step-up his/her dental hygiene by feeding quality treats like bully sticks.

Choose the right pet food for your dog

Choosing the right pet food for your dog can be confusing but following a few of these wise steps could help you make the right decision.

Part 1 of Choose the Right Pet Food for Your Dog

Small Dog Breeds - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Intelligent, affectionate and fun-loving the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is said to be naturally well-behaved.  Always eager to please, with an easy going manner and a small but hearty size the Cavalier is a favorite of apartment dwellers.

Size:  Weight: 10-18 pounds (5-8 kg)          Height: 12-13 inches (30-33cm)

Exercise Requirements:  They are moderately active and suited for apartment living or areas with a small yard, however Cavaliers are descendants of hunting dogs and will require a daily walk, they will also enjoy a good chase.  They should not be left alone all day, but should it be necessary … be sure to take them for a brisk walk before leaving.

Health:  There a number of health issues with the King Charles including eye and ear problems, some cases of hip dysplasia , and hereditary heart disease.  Dislocation of knees is another problem to consider.

Life Expectancy:  9 - 14 years

Grooming:  Requires frequent brushing and combing to avoid matting.  Ears should be kept clean to avoid infection and hair between toes kept trimmed.   Average shedding

Children and Other Pets:  Cavaliers are very social and get along well with older children and other pets, however like many small dogs they can attempt to be “pack leader”  when  treated in a spoiled manner.

Diet:  Feed a good quality dry dog feed along with all natural dog treats like bully sticks that promote good dental health.

 Rex - President Ronald Reagan’s King Charles Spaniel

Even if you fill your pet’s food dish, he might still be hungry. Just as people need to eat to keep up their energy, dogs that are frisky and playful may also need to take some dog snacks between their meals. This will ensure that he gets enough fuel for his, and your, playtime.

Dogs that eat too much and exercise too little are also prone to obesity and all the health problems that the condition brings. That is why pets can also benefit from nutrition advice given by their veterinarians. Following a good health plan will ensure your pet lives and long and healthy life.

The trend of dog treats seems to be going more towards bully sticks because of their inclusion in the all-natural category. These treats are also easily digested and don’t pose any choking hazards.

Dog chews bully sticks come in various flavors and sizes that will suit every size and breed of dog. Because of their increasing demand, it is likely that bully sticks will take the place of rawhide in various pet supply stores around the country.

Like humans, dogs should also be given vitamin supplements. There are natural supplements available that contain the necessary nutrients for a dog. Some supplements may even target a specific nutritional deficiency.

In some cases, dogs must also take supplements for various ailments. One of these is arthritis. Dogs, especially older ones, are also prone to arthritis and hip joint pain. Studies have shown that the nutrient glucosamine for dogs has been effective in treating osteoarthritis in aging dogs. This is good news for dog lovers and pets because arthritis is a debilitating disease that causes uncomfortable pain when left untreated.