Bully Sticks

Dogs need to stay healthy, too. The average life span of a dog is 10 to 12 years. However, many dogs die before they are 6-years old. These early deaths might be due to unhealthy diets.

That is why it is important to check what your pets eat. If possible, organic dog treats are healthier than ordinary salt-laden snacks. They are chemical and pesticide free, making them the snack of choice.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Kits

Every Pet owner should have a Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit ready in case of emergency evacuation.  Whether it’s hurricane, tornado, fire or some other emergency, it is your responsibility as a pet owner to insure your pet’s safety.

The first requirement is to know your communities guidelines and whether they will allow your pet in an emergency shelter.  Some communities allow pets only if they are in a sturdy crate or confined.

If you are forced to evacuate inland then be sure to have a designated hotel or motel that allows pets.

When putting together a pet disaster preparedness kit include the following:

• Pet food for up to three days
• Water for three days
• A bowl for water (collapsible bowls are ideal)
• Pet medications
• Copy of Vet records
• Copy of dog license
• Leash and collar
• Crate
• Towel or blanket
• Dog Chews and bully sticks to keep your dog occupied

Having a plan and knowing your options can be the difference between life and death for you pet.

Dog Hygiene: Keeping Your Dog Clean

While many owners give their dogs periodic baths, their main goal is usually to eliminate odor and give their dog’s coat a glossy shine. But, his hygiene is far more important than odor elimination. Without properly cleaning him, small hygiene issues can eventually lead to bigger - and costlier - problems. Below, we’ll describe the main things you should devote your attention to when cleaning your dog to ensure he remains healthy over the long-term.

Cleaning His Ears

Over time, tiny ear mites can burrow into the waxy area of your dog’s ears. If allowed to live there, they’ll grow, eventually becoming black. This can potentially cause your dog to suffer from earaches. If the grown ear mites are not cleaned out, an infection can occur. Visit a pet supply store to buy a special treatment that can get rid of ear mites before they cause a significant health issue. You’ll apply the treatment to the affected area with a Q-tip. Your dog won’t like the procedure, but he’ll enjoy an earache even less.

Cleaning His Teeth

Your dog’s teeth can collect plaque and tartar if they’re not cleaned regularly. If the problem persists, cavities, gum disease, and infections can occur, causing him pain and discomfort. While you should take your dog to a veterinarian for an occasional dental checkup, most of the cleaning can be performed at home.

Buy a toothbrush and toothpaste that have been created specifically for dogs (toothpaste that is made for humans will taste and smell awful to dogs). You can purchase them at most pet supply stores. Brush your dog’s teeth 2 or 3 times each week to keep the plaque and tartar from building up.

Also make sure to give your dog plenty of dog chews like bully sticks as they will help keep teeth and gums clean naturally!

Checking His Eyes

Periodically, check your dog’s eyes and wipe away any excess discharge. Don’t be alarmed by the discharge; it manifests in most breeds (though some are more susceptible than others). Soak a washcloth in warm water before wiping it away. If you notice a green hue, contact a veterinarian to schedule an examination. Also, keep in mind that many dogs tear excessively and that tearing can leave a trail. There are treatments that you can use to reduce or eliminate the tear trail, but check with your veterinarian before doing so.

Clean And Happy

If possible, try to clean your dog’s ears, teeth, and eyes at the same time. If you’re planning to give him bath, that’s an ideal opportunity to get everything done. Even though your dog would prefer not to be inspected and cleaned, he will enjoy the attention that you’re giving him. Plus, by keeping these areas clean, you’ll ensure that his hygiene is properly maintained. And a dog with good hygiene is a happy dog.

Is Your Dog Overweight?

Most dog breeds cope with health and physical limitations during their lives. Some are genetic while others develop with age. But, obesity can affect all dogs. Not only can the excess weight have a negative impact on their overall health, but it can have ancillary effects, too. For example, many veterinarians are unwilling to perform surgical procedures on obese dogs because the weight poses an additional risk. Plus, the extra weight can place stress on bones and joints that may already be problematic (i.e. hip dysplasia).

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that can lead to obesity in dogs. Then, we’ll offer a few helpful tips that you can use to help your dog shed the unwanted pounds.

Factors That Cause Obesity

Dogs are very similar to humans regarding how they gain weight. Most dogs that are obese have packed on the extra pounds as a result of eating too much, not getting enough exercise, or both. If your dog’s metabolism can’t burn through the calories he consumes each day, those calories are transformed into fat. Over time, the fat is stored and your dog gains weight. If left unchecked, he’ll become obese.

Some dogs suffer from a hereditary problem with their metabolism. It’s slower and therefore, cannot burn through calories as quickly as it should. That said, such problems are rare. Canine obesity is more commonly linked to overeating, which manifests for a couple of reasons. First, many dogs are trained to do so as puppies. Their owners provide far too much food for them. Second, dogs will eat when they’re bored, which often happens when their owners neglect them.

Helping Your Dog Lose Weight

First, take your dog to a veterinarian. After an examination, he’ll suggest a diet that is appropriate, given your dog’s age, weight, and health. The diet will likely provide a source of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and protein in volumes that allow your dog to slowly pare the amount he eats without feeling hungry.

Second, plan a schedule to take your dog for walks. Any sort of physical exertion is helpful because it encourages his metabolism to burn through the calories he has consumed. Without a schedule, it’s easy to neglect the exercise. So, plan it in advance to ensure it happens regularly.

Whether your dog is overweight or obese, you should take steps to bring his weight under control as soon as possible. If you fail to do so, your dog may eventually need to cope with issues such as liver disease, pronounced joint problems, and even diabetes. Curbing the problem today means preventing bigger problems in the future.

Also, always make sure to not give your dog too many treats or chews and if you give them regularly choose healthily with choices like bully sticks for dogs or beef trachea.

Tips For Keeping Your Dog Happy

Just like humans, dogs can be happy or unhappy based upon a number of factors. Thankfully, making sure that your dog is emotionally content is easier than doing the same for people. In other words, your dog has simple needs. If you meet those needs, he’ll be happy. Unfortunately, millions of owners neglect their dog’s emotional state. As a result, their companions become lethargic and despondent. In this article, we’ll give you 3 easy tips for making sure that your dog is happy, healthy, and sociable.

Tip #1: Give Him Exercise

Your dog requires daily exercise. While the physical exertion is critical for maintaining the strength of his bones and muscles, exercise also plays a key role in his contentment. A quick walk allows your dog to escape the confines of the home or backyard, and explore the world beyond. In so doing, it strengthens the bond that exists between you, making him infinitely happier.

Tip #2: Maintain Good Nutrition

Diet and nutrition also play a major role in your dog’s emotional state. Similar to people, dogs have specific nutritional needs. He should enjoy a regular diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Most commercial dog food is formulated to provide all of these, so ensuring his dietary needs are met is low-maintenance. Like people, if your dog doesn’t receive the food he needs, it will affect his emotional state.  A treat or chew like a bully stick is always a great option for your dogs.  Dog chews will not only help to keep your dog(s) happy but they will also keep teeth and gums healthy!

Tip #3: Offer Mental Stimulation

Your dog’s happiness, or lack of it, is also a reflection of the mental stimulation that he receives on a regular basis. Dogs become bored easily. If your dog doesn’t have the opportunity to apply himself to tasks throughout the day, his boredom will eventually cause him to become depressed. For example, imagine someone who watches television for several hours. It doesn’t allow for active participation and can often lead to a subtle melancholic state. Your dog experiences the same emotions. Stimulate him mentally and he’ll be happier.

Happy Equals Healthy

Doctors often claim that a patient’s likelihood of overcoming a disease or physical impairment is often associated with their emotional state. In short, the happier they are, the better their health. Your dog’s happiness and health are similarly linked. Fortunately, much of his emotional state is firmly within your control. Provide a regular outlet for him to exercise, maintain a diet that meets his nutritional needs, and offer him a source of mental stimulation.

In the process of meeting his physical and emotional needs, you’ll also strengthen the sense of companionship he feels. And that companionship can yield dividends for a lifetime.

When Your Dog Has Arthritis

It’s estimated that 1 out of every 5 dogs copes with pain and discomfort in their joints. Under ideal circumstances, a dog’s skeleton will not only support their frame, but work seamlessly with their muscles while they’re active. Their joints have sufficient lubrication to allow their bones to move fluidly. However, many owners report that their dogs often have trouble moving without experiencing stiffness or discomfort. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at canine arthritis and provide a few tips to help you relieve your dog’s discomfort.

Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

DJD (also referred to as osteoarthritis) is a condition in which your dog’s cartilage gradually deteriorates. This can happen as a result of normal activity over several years or it can occur due to hip or elbow dysplasia (when the socket can no longer support the bone). Conditions such as hip dysplasia are often made worse by a dog overstretching or overexerting himself.

How To Identify Canine Arthritis

First, arthritis can affect all dog breeds (it’s not exclusive to certain breeds). Second, it is progressive. The earlier you can identify it, the more quickly treatment can be applied. The simplest way to tell whether your dog is suffering from arthritis is to watch his gait. If he’s constantly putting more weight on one leg, it may be a sign that he feels discomfort in one of his other legs. Also, watch your dog as he lifts his body after lying down. If he has difficulty doing so, he may have arthritis.

How To Treat Canine Arthritis

Some forms of arthritis can be treated surgically. For example, if your dog is suffering from hip dysplasia, consult your veterinarian. He may suggest that your dog is a good candidate for a hip replacement. If surgery is not an option, you can still provide your dog with relief from the pain by altering his diet (thus, controlling his weight) and having him participate in low-impact exercise (for example, swimming).

Some veterinarians will also suggest giving your dog joint supplements to help rebuild the deteriorated cartilage and reduce any inflammation. Finally, try to make your dog more comfortable at home by constructing small ramps in places that he frequents. By using the ramps, he can avoid putting undue pressure and stress on his joints.

Another great natural option for dogs living with arthritis is to give them beef trachea chews which are a lot like bully sticks in that they last for a while; but they also have the added benefit of being a natural source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

The Comfortable Companion

Most owners don’t consider the possibility that their dog can experience arthritis until it happens. Then, they’re often at a loss for solutions. If you notice that your dog is displaying signs of joint pain, take him to a veterinarian. Through surgery, weight control, low-impact exercise, and a comfortable environment at home, you can provide him with relief from the pain.

Why you should never feed chicken fat to your dog…

I just read a heartbreaking post from a fellow blogger, Jan Ferrante. She lost her beloved pet, Maggie over the weekend. The saddest part is that Maggie’s loss could have been avoided.

Last week Jan made the mistake of thinking that chicken fat would be a good treat for her loving pet, only to discover to late that Maggie had pancreatitis. Within a day, Maggie was one sick puppy. It began with gas, and quickly moved to diarrhea. When her dog began throwing up water, Jan rushed Maggie to the vet, only to find it was too late.

Maggie died on Sunday. Our hearts go out to Jan and her family for their terrible loss.

Jan is now spreading the word to warn other pet owners not to feed chicken or poultry skin to their pets. With the holiday’s fast approaching this important message needs to be forwarded to all pet owners.

Remember to only feed healthy all natural dog treats like bully sticks to your faithful companions.

Pet Insurance For Your Dog

Dog owners naturally want to make sure that their dogs can receive the care they need in the event of an accident, illness, or even a routine checkup. The problem is that many types of services that are offered by veterinarians are prohibitively expensive. It’s not uncommon for a simple procedure (for example, a tooth extraction) to cost nearly $1,000. More complex procedures can cost far more. In fact, it’s estimated that pet owners will spend in excess of $11 billion in 2008 for veterinarian care (according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association).

Some owners opt to buy a pet insurance policy for their dog to cut costs. In this article, we’ll briefly describe how pet insurance works and whether it’s the right option for your dog.

How Does Pet Insurance Work?

Pet insurance works similarly to health insurance. Dog owners can select from a number of different policies, each offering varying levels of coverage and associative premiums. And similar to health insurance, the price of the premiums will reflect the relative age and health of your dog. Many policies also carry adjustable deductibles and even co-payments. Plus, some policies will exclude conditions that are either hereditary or pre-existing (more an issue for dogs that are purebred).

The industry has expanded over the past decade and policies now offer a lot of variability. For example, some will cover accidents and injuries, while others may only offer partial coverage for older dogs and might entirely exclude dental procedures. Because there are so many different types of coverage, premiums vary widely (though between $5 and $40 a month is common).

Questions To Ask

Before investing in a pet insurance policy for your dog, find out how payment and reimbursement works. Also, ask whether the premiums will increase over time or if they’ll remain level over the long-term. You should ask about coverage limits, deductibles, and find out about any procedures that are not covered by the policy. Finally, ask whether it covers the ongoing costs of medications if a veterinarian recommends them.

Making The Choice

Pet insurance isn’t the best choice for every owner. If your dog is older or suffers from chronic health problems, it may be a poor investment. After all, your dog is unlikely to be fully covered and the premiums will probably be high. Plus, many owners will not want to subject an older dog to a major operation, given a dog’s age and health.

Speak with a veterinarian about the prospect of getting pet insurance coverage for your dog. He’ll be able to provide an unbiased opinion based upon your dog’s current health and age. As long as he’s not receiving a commission for the insurance policy, you can feel confident in your decision to insure your favorite companion.

Please make sure to take time out and visit our dog chew and bully stick site for a great selection of all natural dog treats and chews offering free shipping!

Caring For Your Dog’s Teeth

Similar to people, your dog’s teeth need to remain clean, and free from decay and infection. When they eat, plaque can collect on their teeth. Left unchecked, the plaque can turn into tartar. Eventually, an infection can emerge causing severe discomfort and pain for your dog. Many owners, perhaps from negligence, fail to keep their dog’s teeth in good condition. Below, we’ll describe a few measures you can take to help ensure that your dog’s teeth are clean, healthy, and free from problems.

Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth

Your dog’s teeth need to be brushed a couple of times each week at a minimum. This helps them to remain clear of plaque, and thereby prevents the build up of tartar. When you brush his teeth, don’t use the toothpaste from your grocery store. The mint taste may be pleasant for you, but it can be excruciating for your dog due to his heightened level of smell. Visit a pet supply store to purchase a toothpaste that is formulated for dogs. They’ll also carry special toothbrushes that are designed to reach your dog’s teeth.

Chewing For Good Dental Hygiene

When dogs chew on food or toys, the process can keep their teeth clean. For example, dog biscuits are usually hard and break easily. The small bits from the broken biscuits rub against your dog’s teeth, effectively keeping the plaque and tartar from collecting. Of course, chewing shouldn’t take the place of brushing, but it is an alternative for owners who are too busy to brush their dog’s teeth. Ideally, you should brush his teeth a couple of times each week and allow him to chew biscuits throughout the week. Some of the best chews on the market to keep teeth clean are bully sticks, make sure to checkout the selection at Bully Sticks For Dogs !

Time For The Dentist?

Occasionally, your dog will need to have his teeth professionally cleaned by a veterinarian. Even with diligent brushing and constant chewing, bacteria can build in the crevices between his teeth. With enough time, that bacteria can grow and enter your dog’s body, causing harm and impacting his overall health.

Typically, a veterinarian will use an anesthesia to keep your dog sedated during the cleaning process. Then, an x-ray will be taken to examine his teeth more clearly. If the veterinarian doesn’t find any teeth that have been damaged or have become abscessed, he will perform the cleaning. Otherwise, he may suggest that your dog receive a root canal or other procedure.

Only One Set

Your dog has only one set of teeth and can’t afford to lose them. To keep them clean and healthy, brush them regularly and give your dog plenty of opportunity to maintain their cleanliness through chewing. Then, schedule a visit to the veterinarian to have your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally. Through regular dental care, you can prevent your dog from enduring discomfort and pain.

3 Tips For Getting Your Dog To Mingle

When you bring a new dog home, you’ll need to take steps to socialize him. It’s an ongoing effort over your dog’s life and is a critical component of his development. A dog that hasn’t been exposed to others (whether people or other dogs) poses a risk. Dogs can become uncomfortable or agitated quickly. Factors such as loud noises, other dogs, and even people wearing hats can cause your dog to become alarmed. In that state, they’re unpredictable.

Eventually, you’ll want to take your dog with you to the park, beach, friend’s house, or any place where others might be. Below, we’ll give you 3 quick tips for encouraging your dog to mingle well with others.

Tip #1: Obedience Class

Whether you’re trying to socialize a puppy or a fully-grown adult dog, enroll him into an obedience class. He will be exposed to other people and dogs in a controlled environment. Plus, your dog will learn that others do not necessarily pose a threat to you. As a result, he’ll learn to remain relaxed in the presence of those who are unfamiliar to him. The earlier you do this, the better.

Tip #2: Inviting Friends Over

Invite 1 or 2 friends over to your house. This is an opportunity to socialize your dog in an uncontrolled environment (that is, without an obedience instructor). Over time, have other friends stop by. Ask them to do so in pairs, if possible, so your dog doesn’t feel overwhelmed. By doing this, you continue the education process whereby your dog learns that people who are unfamiliar to him are typically non-threatening.

Tip #3: Training On The Go

Grab your dog’s leash and take him for a walk. If possible, start in a sparsely populated area. A few people walking their dogs as cars race by can provide your dog with the loud stimuli he needs to grow accustomed to the noise and activity. As your dog grows more comfortable, take him for walks in more densely populated areas with more traffic. Doing this will desensitize his natural instinct to become alarmed.

Lifetime Socialization

By using the tips above, you can gradually transform your dog into a sociable pet that is friendly with others. If your dog resists the efforts by barking, sniffing, or jumping on people, try to react subtly and refocus his attention on you. Try to encourage him to focus on something other than that which prompted the undesirable behavior. Also, it is important that you reward your dog generously for good behavior with dog chews like bully sticks. Over time, your dog will become the companion that you can take anywhere you go.