Bully Sticks

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.

The Dog New Year’s Resolutions

This year my dog, Bonkers has made a list of New Years Resolutions that unlike past years he actually intends to keep. As a good “Dog Mom” I’m going to do my best to help him accomplish his goals.

Bonkers 2009 New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Start eating Healthier - More all Natural Dog Treats
2. Exercise - More brisk walking less sniffing bushes
3. Better Dental Hygiene - Brushing teeth daily and more Bully sticks (Bonkers likes the Bully sticks…teeth brushing not so much.)
4. More patience and tolerance of the cat - “Can’t we all just get along”.
5. Stop licking the micro suede couch - (Please!)
6. Take better care of appearance - (Can you say - BATH!)
7. Dress Better (The torn up orange T-shirt has got to go)
8. Use my “quiet” voice inside
9. Stop eating Legos
10. Give more hugs and kisses - Wag my tail more and be content with life.

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.