Archive for December 2011

The New Year’s are all about looking back at the past. But most importantly looking forward to the future and resolving to follow through on changes in our lives. So, while I was making my own 2012 New Year’s Resolution it got me thinking about the health, well being & happiness of my two adorable pugs Sushi & Espy.

We sat at the dinner table reflecting and pondering the question “How can we be better dog owners in 2012?”  Here are some wonderful realistic & easy top 10 New Year’s resolutions compliments of our paw pals at Trupanion. Thanks for helping pet owners set realistic 2012 resolution goals. Sushi & Espy send New Year's wags your way!

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions for Pet Owners by Trupanion

Every year, we go through the same motions of planning New Years resolutions for ourselves: lose weight, eat healthy, travel, and spend more time with friends and family. However, what many people don't realize is that their pets may need some goals set for them as well!

There are many lifestyle changes you can make to ensure a happier and healthier life for your pet. Try to work some of these resolutions into your plans:

1. Train your pet. This year, teach your pet a new trick or two. Many pets enjoy mental challenges to give their brain some exercise, plus it's good bonding time for you and your pet.
2. Slim down that fat dog or cat. Pet obesity is a growing problem that leads to many health issues down the road. These health issues can be potentially expensive and life threatening.
3. Get your pet into a routine. If you have a new puppy or kitten, practice getting them used to regular feeding times and potty times. This will reduce the frequency of "accidents" if they know when they can expect their next visit to the "bathroom".
4. Kick bad habits. If your pet has separation anxiety, check out some of these tips on how to alleviate the problem. If your pet is a beggar at the dinner table, train him to wait in his bed or space until your meal is finished, and stop feeding table scraps altogether.
5. Make a new pet friend. If your pet is friendly with other pets, introduce him to a new playmate and let them romp around together.
6. Resolve to get out more. Take your pet on more regular walks, to the park, or just let them roam in the backyard more frequently. The new sites and smells keep them busy and are a real treat.
7. Play more. Set aside some extra time each day to play with your pet, whether it be throwing a ball, tug-of-war, or dangling a string throughout the house. This is a great way to give them two things they love: toys and your attention.
8. Give back to the community. Take in a foster pet for a week or volunteer at your local pet shelter to give back to homeless pets.
9. Clean up clutter. Go through that pile of pet toys and get rid of those that your pet no longer plays with.
10. Get your pet checked and vaccinated. Be sure your pet is up to date on the latest vaccinations, and flea and heartworm medications. Also schedule your pet's regular checkups to ensure they are in tip-top shape!

Good luck and Happy New Year furiends!

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Give the gift of a good chew. Delicious & all natural, the way nature intended!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats & chews, and of course our bully sticks. Try our odor free bully sticks!

Take The Guessing Out Of Gift Giving With A Best Bully Stick Gift Certificate!

But what do you do for the pampered pup or feline that has everything? Hmmm..For the pet that has everything give a Best Bully’s Gift Certificate and take the guessing out of gift giving! This is a great way for you to give that furry special someone in your life or loving pet owner a special gift by allowing them to select the exact products their furry companion are looking for.

Max & Sam Miniature Schnauzer's alert & ready for a treat (pic by flickr KRO-Media)

We always love getting emails from our customers & readers asking us to feature their dog or favorite breed for our Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed blog series every Thursday. As always we are honored to oblige. We are excited to spotlight the Miniature Schnauzer.

Height: 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm)

Weight: female 12 to 18 lbs & male 12 to 20 lbs

Coat: They have a double coat. The exterior fur is wiry and the undercoat is softer. Harsh and wiry when hand stripped, soft and curly when unclipped

Color: Black, salt-and-pepper, black-and-silver and white

Appearance: They Miniature Schnauzer are characterized by a long head with bushy beard, mustache and eyebrows; teeth that meet in a "scissor bite"; oval and dark colored eyes; and v-shaped, natural forward-folding ears. (cropped ears point straight upward and come to a sharp point.) Their tails are naturally thin and short, and may be docked (where permitted). They will also have very straight, rigid front legs, and feet that are short and round (so-called "cat feet") with thick, black pads

Temperament: Miniature Schnauzer are "alert and spirited, yet obedient to command. They are friendly, intelligent and willing to please and should never be overaggressive or timid. " Usually easy to train, they tend to be excellent watchdogs, with a good territorial instinct, but more inclined toward vocal notification than attack. They are often guarded towards strangers until the owners of the home welcome the guest, upon which they are typically very friendly to them; unlike some of their terrier cousins, they are not typically aggressive. However, they will express themselves vocally, and may bark to greet their owner, or to express joy, excitement, or displeasure.

Proper socialization with other dogs and people is important. The breed is generally good with children, but as with any dog, play with small children should be supervised. They are highly playful dogs, and if not given the outlet required for their energy they can become bored and invent their own "fun." Schnauzers have a "high prey drive" (appropriate for a ratting dog), which means they may attack other small pets such as birds, snakes, and rodents. Many will also attack cats, but this may be curbed with training, or if the dog is raised with cats.

Health: The average lifespan of this breed is between 12-15 years. While generally a healthy breed, Miniature Schnauzers may suffer health problems associated with high fat levels. Such problems include hyperlipidemia, which may increase the possibility of pancreatitis, though either may form independently. Other issues which may affect this breed are diabetes, bladder stones and eye problems. Feeding the dog low- or non-fatty and unsweetened foods may help avoid these problems.^. Miniature Schnauzers are also prone to comedone syndrome, a condition that produces pus filled bumps, usually on their backs, which can be treated with a variety of protocols.  Miniature Schnauzers should have their ears dried after swimming due to a risk of infection, especially those with uncropped ears; ear examinations should be part of the regular annual check up.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email with the subject “Spotlight My Dog”. If you are submitting your very own dog don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic  and a short 2-3 sentence bio about your canine buddy.

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Feed your dog the breakfast of champions...no we are not talking about Wheaties! A healthy and hearty bowl of oatmeal is a great source of fiber and the perfect grain for dogs with allergies. What makes your dog go crazy for this recipe is the banana's and peanut butter. Go ahead dish up!

Ingredients:

2 single-serving packets of plain instant oatmeal
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/2 banana, chopped
1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

Prepare the oatmeal in a bowl according to package instructions. While it's hot, stir in the peanut butter and banana. Top with the yogurt, then drizzle with the honey.

Courtesy of  Rachael Ray

Stay tuned for delicious dog recipes every Wednesday in our Weekly Drool Recipes blog series. Check out our other drool-worthy recipes! Also, remember food is meant to be shared! So be a pal and submit your favorite dog recipes to be featured in this delicious blog series by emailing us at bestbullysticks@gmail.com.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Give the gift of a good chew. Delicious & all natural, the way nature intended!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats & chews, and of course our bully sticks. Try our odor free bully sticks!

DONATE BEST BULLY STICKS CHEWS, TREATS & MORE!

Bully Sticks and its loyal customer base support many Dog Rescue & Charity organizations. However there is always more need than we as a company can support.

To solve this problem, BestBullySticks has come up with a solution.

Most Dog Rescue charities are always in the need of supplies for their rescue dogs.

Here is where you can help:

1. Browse our store
2. Pick out some products
3. Ship it directly to the Charity of your choice

Need some help picking products?

Click for Bully Sticks - Dog Toys - Dog Food - Special Charity Package

Please contact your local dog rescue, give them this URL and ask them what dog supplies they are in need of...from dog toys to dog treats. We provide healthy all-natural dog chews and safe dog toys to millions of customers through out the United States, why not send some of our products to dog rescues in need?

Please review Best Bully Sticks Supports for rescues we have donated to before or send to your local charity.

Please contact your rescue or charity and let them know before placing your order, to stop any refused packages or incorrect shipping addresses. Thanks for caring and helping!

There is a growing pet epidemic on the raise. What is it you say? Each year thousands of dogs and cats suffer from accidental poisoning from the ingestion of household cleaners, plants, medications, common foods and pesticides. There is a lot of truth to the proverb "curiosity killed the cat" but we can't forget that dogs often fall victim.

Understanding your pets health risk and dangers comes with the territory of being a responsible owner & parent of our furry citizens. Playing  a crucial role in helping you  provide your pet with a safe home to grow, fetch, sleep & play.

So what are the most common top pet toxins to BE-WARE of?

1. Acteminophen can be found in Tylenol. Although great pain reliever & fever reducer for humans if ingested is lethal to pets. It only takes 1 pill to kill a cat and can cause kidney & liver failure in dogs.

2. Ibuprofen common brands include Advil, Midol, Motrin.

3. Plants are beautiful but can be poisonous & deadly if ingested by your pet. Here are a list of plants to avoid:

*Amaryllis
*Azaleas
*Christmas tree pine needles
*Daffodils
*Easter Cacti
*Holly
*Hyacinths
*Mistletoe
*Mulch with Cocoa beans
*Oleander
*Poinsettias
*Sago Palm
*Tulips
*Lilies

4. Human Food include avocadoes, chocolate, coffee, raisins, nutmeg, onions, grapes,  garlic, raw salmon and sweetener Xylitol found  in sugar free candy & gum. Of course the list goes on.

5. Household Cleaners can cause serious chemical burns if licked & consumed

6. Anti-freeze with its sweet smelling aroma will prompt our pets to lick away.

7. Pesticides

8. OTC flea medication contain the insecticide pyrethrin & permethrin that can be just as harmful as the fleas that plague your pet. Opt for a more all natural flea preventive route. Always consult your vet before using any type of medication.

Remember that your pet is not invincible and can become seriously ill & die from the ingest of these household hazards. Many of them lurk under kitchen cabinets, in garages, driveway, backyards, trash cans  and pose as beautiful floral centerpieces. Here are a few tips to help in the prevention of accidental poisoning and keep your inquisitive pet safe & toxic-free.

1. Bag & Cover it! Use covered trash cans to prevent access to empty cleaning bottles, table scraps, leftover foods, disposed medications.

2. Not a Pet Zone. Keep pets out of garages & sheds and away from oil and anti-freeze leaks. Pets will be tempted by the spilled sweet smelling scent of anti-freeze in your garage, driveway, on the street or in parking lots.

3. Store cleaners away safely out of paws reach. Keeping clean house is important for the health & well being of your family. So be careful where you store potentially hazardous cleaning products. You see, pets are sneaky & quite resourceful and will use their smarts to gain access to your cleaning stash found in lower cabinets or empty bottles in trash cans.  If storing your cleaners under your cabinets make sure it is under lock and key. Better yet, opt for more eco-friendly, safe & toxic free household cleaning alternatives (Greenworks, Method, Mrs. Meyers, 7th Generations)

4. Ain't no Watering Hole! During Christmas, cover tree water so pets are not tempted to take a sip. You see pine needles are poisonous to dogs & cats.

As always, if you suspect your beloved pet have ingested a poison. Don't wait, please seek vet emergency help quickly and in a timely manner. Please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 5,000 fans.

Give the gift of a good chew. Delicious & all natural, the way nature intended!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats & chews, and of course our bully sticks. Try our odor free bully sticks!

Take The Guessing Out Of Gift Giving With A Best Bully Stick Gift Certificate!

But what do you do for the pampered pup or feline that has everything? Hmmm..For the pet that has everything give a Best Bully’s Gift Certificate and take the guessing out of gift giving! This is a great way for you to give that furry special someone in your life or loving pet owner a special gift by allowing them to select the exact products their furry companion are looking for.

A picture is worth a thousand words, or shall we say free bully sticks!

Our photo gallery is growing constantly, please submit a photo of your dog enjoying any of our products to enter our twice monthly contest! Each month we will have a drawing on those customers who submitted pictures to the gallery and a winner will be chosen and posted on the site. The winner will win more bully sticks!

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