Little Dogs - Big Treats
My little dog loves his treats in the large economy size. One giant bully stick can keep him busy for hours.
Of course, I don’t let him finish the whole bully stick in one sitting but he is always happy to get his half chewed bully back the next day.
This video is dedicated to all the Little Dogs with eyes bigger than their stomachs.
What is a bully stick?
What are bully sticks made of?
Are they good for my dog?
Will they help with my dogs teeth?
Are they “all natural” and “fat free”?
Favorite Pet Care Products
Pet Expert, Allisa Merlin takes time out to show us her favorite pet care products on this short video.
I love her choices and recommend them them all, however she left out my absolute favorite product, Bully Sticks. These healthy snacks not only help keep your dogs teeth in great condition, but are great for keeping your dog happily occupied.
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.
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.
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