Author: Callie

This week in our 101 Dog Tips Dog Safety series, Best Bully Sticks focuses on treating bites on your dog and any reaction they might have. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, so bites may be unavoidable. Bites and stings come from other insects and animals such as flies, spiders, ticks and snakes. Most of these critters can find a way into your house as well, and as unpleasant as that thought is, if you’re dog is bitten you’ll want to know what actions to take to treat your pup.

Insect Bites

Insect bites can range from flies, to spiders, to ticks.

Flies don’t cause much of a problem, but can leave you dog with red sores or scabs. Most commonly, dogs who live near farms or livestock have more of a problem with deer flies or horse flies, which are more painful.  Flies also tend to bite on dog’s ears. To treat a dog with small fly bites, usually a bit of antibiotic cream will help. If the dog’s ears have been bitten, use warm water and antiseptic soap to clean the bites and then use antibiotic ointment afterward to treat the wounds.  Prevention of these bites can include applying a topical insecticide to the dog’s ears, spraying the dog’s outside living quarters with a non-toxic bug repellant and keeping food waste and garbage cleaned up as not to attract bugs.

Spider bites are more severe and usually the culprits are black widow and brown recluse spiders.  Both of these spiders are venomous, but the severity of these bites depends on the location of the bite as well as the species and its size.  Here are signs to identify which type of spider bite and the symptoms.

A black widow spider bite causes immediate tenderness to the location of the bite and numbness and abdominal swelling and sensitivity. Seizures are possible as well as respiratory problems. If you notice any of these and you see a bite, it’s best to call ahead to your vet and then go there as well. Read more

Best Bully Sticks is all ears this week with our product spotlight! Pig ears have been around forever and dogs love them. They are a great way to encourage positive chewing habits and are long lasting. Oven baked and made in the U.S., these are whole dried pig ears and, of course, high quality! All of our pig ears packs are on sale this week and this item ships free! Remember you also can get an extra 8% off on items with regular delivery! Check out BBS’s delivery options under the “Deliver Every” drop down box.

Vicky says “My 1 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier (aka staffy/bully)is OBSESSED with these ears!!! She knows where I stock them and after her morning walk, she'll stare at the container wagging her tail furiously. Won't budge until she gets an ear! No one beats BBS treats.”

Originally: 23.47

NOW: 22.30!

Last week the Breed Spotlight looked at the very unique Xolo and this week Best Bully Sticks looks at another very unique breed, the Norwegian Lundehund.  Just keep reading to find about this surprising breed!

History & Background: The Norwegian Lundehund was used as a Puffin hunter in arctic Norway and has gained many interesting physical traits over time because of this. This dog wrestled and retrieved the birds from the crevices of steep vertical cliffs. When the Puffin bird became a protected species in the 1800s, the dogs were no longer of use to the farmers and breed number dwindled. During WWII two concerned Norwegians saved the breed yet numbers are still limited today.

Height: 13-15 inches (male), 12-14  inches (female)

Weight: 13-20 pounds

Coat: The Norwegian Lundehund has a double coat with a hard outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. This dogs fur is short on the head and the front of the legs and longer and thicker around the neck and the back of the thighs. Hair on the tail is plentiful and is feathered. The males have even more fur around their neck.

Color: Sandy brown (fallow) to reddish brown to tan with black tips and white markings, or white with red or dark markings. More black comes out in this breeds hair the older this dog gets. Read more

This week's Best Bully Sticks Weekly Drool Recipe will have your dog barking for more! A hearty winter treat, these Bacon Biscotti are easy to make and are packed full of real bacon. These biscotti also make great gifts or a crunchy contribution to a puppy party or play date.

Bacon Biscotti (for Dogs!)

6 slices bacon, chopped
canola or olive oil (optional)
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) flour
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole wheat flour
1 cup (250 mL) oats
1 tsp. (5 mL) baking powder
1/2 cup (125 mL) water
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60 mL) bacon drippings or canola oil
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) honey Read more

Best Bully Sticks knows that our product is a great chew that dogs just go crazy for! BUT what else do you think your dog would do with a Best Bully Stick? This week we're asking for creative uses for bully sticks! Show us the most creative use you can come up with for Best Bully Sticks, by uploading a PHOTO or VIDEO to our Facebook Fan Page.  The most "liked" photo or video will win $125 & $75 Gift Certificates from BBS!

For example, upload a photo of your dog using bully sticks as birthday candles, or upload a video of your dog using the bully sticks as bowling pins.  Any BBS treat or chew will work! Just show us creative and alternative uses for your dog's favorite treat! Just remember, be tactful and have fun!

Rules and Regulations

• Upload a photo or video of an alternative and creative use for a Best Bully Stick
• The most "liked" photo or video will win??
• Contest ends Friday 2/24/12 @ 3pm EST.
• 1st Place: $125 gift certificate
• 2nd Place: $75 gift certificate