Bully Sticks

Warning Signs of Canine Cancer

Cancer is a very real and deadly problem in dogs and like humans, early detection is key to survival.

Warning Signs of Canine Cancer.

The 10 early warning signs of cancer are:

• Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
• Sores that do not heal
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
• Offensive odor
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
• Persistent lameness or stiffness
• Difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecation

Toxic Flea and Tick Medications

Are you poisoning your pet unknowingly?

Can that same poison make you sick?

Green Paws has recently done a study and listed the results on their site. Many of today’s most popular flea and tick medications can actually be doing more harm than good. You, your children and your pets could all be at risk.

Most of us pet owners have been so concerned about the poison in pet food and dog treats that we have missed the big issue of poison in pet flea collars and medication. Many of these meds can cause cancer in your dog or cat and we recommend that small children and pregnant women not be exposed to these poisons.

Check out http://www.greenpaws.org for the complete list.

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.

Are you stressing out your dog?

My dog, Bonkers, seems to always know when I’m sick or tired.  He will snuggle up to me as if to say “here Mom … pet me, it will make you feel better”…. and he’s right.  It does make me feel better.

Studies have shown that having a pet can reduce stress and help humans heal faster.

But what about our pets?  What kind of effect does our mood  or stress have on them?

With the economic stresses of today and the increased workload, more and more people are dealing with higher and higher levels of stress.  As our tempers grow short and our tone sharper, our pets are increasingly left confused, frightened and stressed.

Dogs especially take their sense of security from their human, Alpha Dog.  If we are agitated, they are agitated.  The constant stress can cause the same types of health issues in your pet that you may be experiencing.  Things like …eating problems, heart problems, depression and a number of even more serious illnesses.

Next time you come home full of anger at the traffic or the idiot at work, remember to hug and comfort your dog first.  Take time to walk your dog and give him a dog treat.  You will be amazed at much better you both will feel.

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.

What happens during a Dog Cancer Biopsy?

Dr Damien Dressler, Dog Cancer Specialist shows us exactly what happens when his own dog goes in for a cancer biopsy.

I’m hoping Bjorn’s test come back negative and he’s able to return to chomping on bully sticks and enjoy many more years with Dr. Dressler.

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.

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.

Preventing Canine Distemper

There are certain requirements that should be required of every dog owner. Things like providing quality food and all natural dog treats. Love and attention should also be a requirement, as well as providing a safe environment.

Pet owners should also be required to provide the proper protection from Canine diseases like Distemper.

Canine Distemper is a highly contagious respiratory illness in dogs that can be up to 75% fatal in very young and very old dogs. Fortunately there is a vaccine available to dogs as young as 6 weeks.

Please take the time to view this video and insure that your dog has been properly vaccinated.