Bully Sticks

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.

Pet Peeves - Abandoned Dogs

When my son was only five, a friend convinced me to take one of his friends 3 year old mixed breed as a pet for my son.  He assured me she was friendly, house-broken and would make a perfect pet.  What he didn’t tell me was that she was not used to being around young children and could get aggressive.

From the beginning, Susie showed a dislike for my son that started with growling and ended with a bite to his arm that resulted in her having to be confined for 10 days to insure her behavior was not rabies related.

From day one, I tried to introduce her to my son slowly and supervised all interaction.  Billy was used to dogs and had a kind nature, never overly rough or mean.  He offered her dog chews and bully sticks for treats, talked in a soft voice and moved slowly around her, but to no avail.  Perhaps something in her history had convinced her children were evil.  I on the other hand was convinced that Susie had to go….

I called my friend and told him that I could not have a dog that bit my child and to please come get her…. His response shocked me.  “Just take her to a nice neighborhood across the bridge and let her loose, someone will take her in“.  I wish I could say he was kidding, but unfortunately this happens all the time.

How can people just abandon their pets?  How cruel?  Not only for the poor confuse dog, but what if Susie attacked and bit another child.

People who desert pets by the side of the road or in “nice” neighborhoods should be held accountable.  They are just too lazy to take the time to find a proper alternative.

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.

Pet Peeves - Dogs gone Wild

Roxy was a cross between a German Shepard and a Pit Bull.  Every morning she would wait with the kids at the bus stop making sure each child was safely off to school, then she would trot on down to my house where the lone home schooled child slept.

She arrive on the front porch, rap on the door and wait for me to bring her dog bones.  Most of the time she would hang around my house all day waiting for Billy to come out and play, then off she would go to the bus stop waiting for the other kids.

The entire neighborhood was her territory and every child her pup.  I loved Roxy and always kept a bowl of water on porch just for her, but when our town finally adopted a leash law…. I rejoiced.

Although Roxy was kind and loving to children and the adults that were kind to her, Roxy also had killed one small dog and seriously injured two others.  She terrorized the cats and squirrels and chased cars.  She was extremely over protective of her territory and could be dangerous.  She would even attack smaller dogs that were being walked on a leash and frighten their owners.

I can’t blame Roxy….. She was only doing what came naturally.  This was natural dog behavior.  She was Alpha female and guarding her hood.  Her owners, were responsible for allowing her to roam and not setting boundaries and when the town finally started enacting fines they  finally began keeping Roxy safely at home.

I missed Roxy stopping by every day but knowing she was no longer running wild was much nicer.

Autism and Dogs

Seeing eye dogs have been around for a long time and over the few decades we have seen service dogs used for things like finding drugs and bombs, helping find people trapped in the rubble of a collasped building and I’ve even heard of dogs detecting sickness and cancer in their owners.

Now we are seeing more special dogs being trained to help children with Autism.

It never ceases to amaze me, what a properly trained dog is capable of learning. And they do it all for a few all natural dog treats.

The Greatest Dog Escape Artists

Dogs are known for being very resourceful when it comes to finding their freedom, especially when there is food or fun on the other side of that fence. Most of the time it entails digging their way out, but the dogs in this video were forced to try a different route.

Had these pooches known they were being watched, they probably wouldn’t have attempted their phenomenal feats.

The moral is… Never underestimate the power and determination of a dog to get to those bully sticks.

Stopped by my 75 year old Mother’s home yesterday for a visit, and was surprised to find my usually chipper Mom looking and feeling a bit on the worst for wear side. Her adorable 9lb Shih Tzu, Baby looked a bit pooped out as well. It didn’t take long to discover what the source of their exhaustion had been.

It seems my nephew had decided to take a quick trip to the beach with his college buddies and had gotten Grandma to baby sit his new 20lb puppy. Poor Mom had spent the day trying to keep the rumbustious pooch under control.

Within moments of his arrival he had eaten all of Baby’s food, a box of Q-tips, a number of Baby’s toys and Mom’s eyeglasses. His massive paws had been up on her counters, her tables, couch, chairs and walls.

Poor Baby had been stepped on, tossed like a rag dog, wrestled with and sniffed in places only a dog would attempt.

The big guy was also an escape artist and quickly plowed his way out of the fenced yard,… so back inside he came, to continue his reign of terror. Locking him in a room proved fruitless as those massive paws also contained claws that could do severe damage to a wooden door.

Baby tried to seek protection on Mom’s lap, but this only caused the persistent pup to jump up on my delicate 75 year old Mom.

Poor Mom managed to survive until my Sister-in-law arrived to take over dog sitting duties.

Next time Mom needs to insist that the puppy arrives with a crate and some bully sticks to keep him occupied.