Bully Sticks

Non-Anesthetic Dog Teeth Cleaning

Any time you are talking about putting your dog under anesthesia you are taking a risk, especially with an older dog, however, all dogs should have their teeth inspected by a Veterinarian at lease once a year. Many animals including dogs are prone to dental problems and need to be monitored carefully for signs of periodontal disease.

An alternative to traditional methods of deep cleaning your pet’s teeth is the Non-Anesthetic method. Most Vets will recommend you avoid this non-licensed procedure. I hesitate to recommend this because there has been many reports of abuse. It is worth checking into but with caution. Watch this informative video from dog advocate, Jan Rasmusen and see what you should expect from a qualified practitioner.

Any time you are talking about putting your dog under anesthesia you are taking a risk, especially with an older dog, however, all dogs should have their teeth inspected by a Veterinarian at lease once a year. Many dogs are prone to dental problems and need to be monitored carefully for signs of periodontal disease. You can help your dog avoid periodontal disease by daily brushing and feeding all natural dog chews

Expressing your dogs anal glans

One of the most overlooked yet necessary dog grooming steps is the expressing of the anal glans. It’s a dirty job, but someone needs to do it. Every dog has two small sacks in the anal region that contain small amounts of fluid. This fluid should be expressed on a regular basis to avoid an impaction or infection. It sounds gross but in reality it’s a quick and easy procedure that can be done in the tub before the bath. Watch this quick video for instructions on how to express your dog’s anal glans. Of course, after your pooch has suffered such an indignity they deserve a nice bully stick reward.

How to Bathe a Poodle

This how to bathe a Poodle video is a quick course in bathing not only Poodles but any dog. The only thing they forgot was to give this poor puppy an all natural dog treat at the end.

Caution: Be very careful not to get water in your Poodles ears

Training your Dog to use the Litter Box

Teaching your dog to use a litter box is a lot easier than you might think. Dogs naturally like to relieve themselves in the same spot and are motivated by scent. These two factors are great motivators for your dog to choose a litter box.

My dog has used puppy piddle pads since the first night we brought him home. The pads have a scent that attracted him to them. It was only natural to get him to step up to the litter box. All it took was a little encouragement and a bully stick reward.

Watch this short video on How to Train Your Dog to Use a Litter Box.

Fast tip for smooth dog toe nails

We all know how much damage sharp nails can do to our tender flesh, even when it’s unintended. Small dogs seem to be the worst offenders.

Dogs will naturally scratch at you for attention or as a way of asking for an all natural dog treat.

Keeping those nails trimmed is quicker and easier with an inexpensive dremel tool found in any local hardware store.

In this video, our expert groomer shows you just how easy it is to get well rounded dog nails.

Make your own Dog Grooming Bows

My dog hates having a bow in his hair. It nearly drives him insane.

I’m not sure what the issue is… after all he is a Shih Tzu and Shih Tzus are suppose to have bows.

The only way I can get him to stop trying to remove and destroy the bow, is to distract him with a bully stick. Once the bully stick is gone, operation “Get rid of the Bow” begins again.

My sister’s dog is the complete opposite. Daisy loves being groomed and has a complete collection of bows for all occasions. She would never dream of removing a bow from her well-groomed top knot.

For those of you who want to make your own bows for your dogs accessories collection, here’s a quick easy method.

Why Your Dog Has Bad Breath

Dogs commonly have bad breath. Unfortunately, most owners attribute it to a dog’s inherent nature. But, canine halitosis can be due to a dental issue that requires an examination from a veterinarian. The odor may be caused by an infected or abscessed tooth, foreign material (for example, a portion of a plant) stuck in his teeth, or periodontitis. In most cases, your dog’s bad breath is cause for concern. In this article, we’ll describe 2 of the most common causes of canine halitosis and offer a few suggestions regarding how to treat it.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis impacts the bone and gum tissue that support your dog’s teeth. It manifests as an inflammation in the affected area and is usually the result of bacteria. Typically, the bacteria emerges when plaque collects on your dog’s teeth. As the condition progresses, the underlying support structure of the teeth begins to deteriorate. Most dog owners would be surprised to learn that nearly 80% of dogs that are 3 years of age or older deal with some level of periodontal disease. And it causes their breath to smell badly.

This is not a condition that can be reversed through regular brushing. Rather, it’s progressive and requires a veterinarian to x-ray and examine your dog’s teeth. And the sooner you do this, the better.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is often related to periodontitis. It is caused by the build up of plaque on your dog’s teeth and inflames the surrounding gum tissue. In many cases, gingivitis is a precursor to periodontal disease. A veterinarian will usually sedate your dog while performing a comprehensive examination of his teeth and gum tissue. This includes taking x-rays to examine the tooth area that lays under the gum line. If gingivitis is detected, there is a high likelihood that your dog has one or multiple cavities.

The veterinarian will clean the diseased tooth (including the entire structure) and seal it, thereby eliminating the gingivitis. If the condition is identified early enough, it can be neutralized before it progresses to periodontitis.

Improving Your Dog’s Breath

Your dog’s breath is a helpful barometer of his dental health. If his breath is bad, it may be due to something that is caught in his teeth that can be easily removed. Alternatively, the halitosis could be a sign that an infection or disease has occurred. Sadly, most owners remain ignorant of this and as a result, their dogs often develop gingivitis and periodontal disease. Not only do these conditions cause discomfort and pain for dogs, but it can lead to costly corrective dental procedures in the future.

If your dog has bad breath, schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. The earlier you can identify and resolve any issues related to dental disease, the better.

Also, as we always suggest use dog chews like bully sticks to naturally help keep teeth and gums healthy!

4 Tips For Giving Your Dog A Bath

Dogs love to be clean, even if they seem to do everything in their power to resist a bath. When you properly clean and groom your dog, you’re actually providing several benefits. You’re giving him attention that he loves, making him feel and look clean, and preventing hygiene issues from causing problems in the future. That said, giving your dog a bath can be challenging. After all, he may not be predisposed to allowing you to clean him. Below, we’ll give you 4 useful tips for giving a bath to your dog while minimizing the struggle.

Tip #1: Mind The Temperature

Just because your dog has a coat doesn’t mean he enjoys standing patiently while you drench him with cold water. At best, he’ll shiver. At worst, he’ll resist getting a bath as much as possible. If you’re bathing your dog outside using water from your garden hose, mind the temperature. The water can become cold quickly.

Tip #2: Buy A Raised Bath

Millions of owners intimately know the frustration of wrestling their dog to keep him in a small tub (or within a confined area) during the bath. Consider buying a raised bath. Not only will it save your back from the discomfort of kneeling over, but it will also keep your dog from escaping. As an added benefit, many of these baths have a valve that allows you to keep the water warm.

Tip #3: Come Prepared

A bottle of shampoo and a garden hose may seem like a complete dog-bathing arsenal at first, but it’s hardly exhaustive. One of the keys to making your dog comfortable - and yourself less frustrated - is planning ahead so you won’t waste time. Bring cotton balls to plug his ears, so water doesn’t get into them. Have a dog shampoo ready that is formulated for his skin (i.e. dry, itchy, flea-infested, etc.). Also, have towels, brushes, and a pet dryer on hand to complete the job.

Tip #4: Start With The Head

Not only is starting at the head useful when your dog has fleas, but it trains him to become accustomed to the bathing process. If your dog is uneasy, gently massage the shampoo into his scalp. Doing so will calm him and keep him settled during the remainder of the bath.

Making Your Dog Comfortable

Even though your dog may initially put up a struggle, there’s plenty you can do to make him more comfortable. Mind the water’s temperature, used a raised bath, have all of the required supplies on hand, and start with his head. In time, he’ll become accustomed to the process, enjoy the attention you’re giving him, and remain calm throughout. Plus, his shiny coat will make him noticeably happier.

Make sure to give your dog(s) plenty of all natural dog treats after their baths to keep them happy!

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.

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.