Dog Care 101

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.

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!

Bark the Word! Join the Best Bully Sticks Free Affiliate Program & Earn 6% Commission or 6% Product Discount

Tis the season to open up your heart and home! Are you looking to support your favorite local animal shelter or rescue but aren’t ready for the full commitment of pet ownership permanently. Well, not only can you volunteer your money or  time at your local shelter but maybe you want to become a foster parent.

Fostering a needed pet can be richly rewarding & wonderful experience for you and a deserving shelter animal. There are a large number of pets that need fostering. Animal shelters & rescues are in desperate need of people to open their hearts & homes temporarily to a needy animal.

Although you may not be able to keep the pet permanently, you are providing the best possible environment, along with plenty of love until he is placed in a forever home. Plus, you are alleviating some of the burden on overcrowded shelters. Fostering just one pet helps your community and makes a world of difference for that pet.

What is a foster parent? A foster parent takes care of a needy animal in their home for an agreed upon period of time. Foster care can involve administering medications for sick pets, feeding special foods to animals on strict medical diets, helping an animal to be more sociable with other animals or humans or simply giving a homeless pet a break from the cramped cages and excessive barking and smells at animal shelters.  Now that you have decided to take a big & fulfilling heart leap to help out a furry friend by fostering. Here are some ways to get started as a foster pet parent.

1. Temporary Housing. Consider that fostering a pet is temporary and be prepared for the day when a forever home is found. Make sure you discuss it with your kids and other family members so they know what to expect & to make sure your family is ready to be a foster family.  Hey,  with all this bonding time you might even decide to make your furry foster friend a permanent honorary member of the family. As long as you are providing a loving & nurturing home the animal shelter & rescue will happily oblige!

2. Call your local animal shelter or rescue. If you are interested in fostering a shelter animal contact your local animal rescue or shelter. You can also search local pet publications and online for listings of animal rescue organizations and shelters. Most of them will have foster programs.

3. Duration of Pet Stay. Decide how long you will be able to keep the pet. If it’s a puppy or kitten it will probably only be for a few weeks until they are old enough to be adopted. If it’s an adult dog from a rescue group it might take several months until a home is found. Please don’t overlook adult dogs when considering adopting or fostering because they are just as in need of a loving home.

5. Budget. Figure out your budget and how much you will be able to allot for food, maintenance and medical attention for the pet. And keep in in mind–if you have love to give and it’s only your budget that’s standing in the way–many rescue organizations and shelters will cover the cost of veterinary services, and in some cases food for the duration of the pet’s stay. It is normally your responsibility to transport the pet to the vet and to any adoption events.

6. Suits your Lifestyle. At a local animal shelter or rescue you will find dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds, ages & temperaments. So, chose a foster a pet that fits your lifestyle. For instance, if you live in an apartment, you can request an older dog that is low energy or a dog recuperating from an illness or a cat. If you are an active family or have a house with a big yard, you can foster a pooch that needs plenty of exercise.

Don't wait to give bark, make a difference and become a foster parent today! Your heart & life will be enriched! Hey, you never know your foster pet may even become a permanent family member.

We would love to hear your foster pet parent or pet adoption story. Leave a comment below!

How Can You Give Back To Barkworthy Rescues and Shelters Across the Globe?

Well, we we tell you how you can help Best Bully Sticks support them. With your help we can save lives one $1 at a time and no animal needs to suffer.

Click to Give a $1 at Checkout! Participate in our Best Bully Sticks $1 Donation Program by shopping on www.bestbullysticks.com and clicking to donate a $1 at checkout. For every $1 you donate at checkout we will donate a $1 with a 100% of the proceeds going to rescues and shelters in need across the country. The money raised will help with out reach, basic animal necessities and rescue programs. Donations raised monthly by you will be given to 3 lucky rescues during our ongoing monthly Best Bully Sticks Rescue Shelter Giveaway.

With decorations strung across the mantle, mistletoe & finger licking dishes galore. Not to mention tree's a glow and beautifully adorned with glistening ornaments you & your pet are sure to get in the Holiday spirit. However, festive eye catching decorations are bound to catch the playful attention of the family pet. Whiskers can't resist climbing great heights to bat at the fragile tree ornaments, while Fido can't resist the fun urge to use them as chew toys. But what's really on your dogs mind & stomach is his hankering appetite for the Christmas ham. Tis is the time for season's eatings!

We have all heard Christmas horror stories of a Christmas tree being knocked over by a rambunctious dog running through the room or playing tug of woof with a string of lights. Of course, your dog always wins leaving the tree & decorations toppling down. TIMBER!! Or perhaps, your Christmas dinner has fallen victim to your pups hungry appetite leaving your empty stomach growling for leftovers, but there aren't any.  No one wants these scenarios being played out or repeated again this year!

So, we were so happy to come across a wonderful insightful Christmas article that gives tips on having a safe, healthy, happy and festive Holiday with the loving pets in our lives. Let the countdown begin! The Twelve days of Christmas isn't complete without the  ”twelve pet tips of Christmas” to help keep your dog and cat safe during the eventful holiday season.

1. Anticipate your guest's arrivals and confine your dog to prevent it from escaping or worse yet “soiling” your guest’s clothes with an unwanted jump.

2. Reduce your dog's stress by maintaining its regular feeding and exercise routine. Develop a routine for your dog during holiday parties. A special treat in a special room of your house works well.

3. Put packages out of reach! Dogs who smell food in a package will rip it open. Food is the number one holiday hazard for dogs. The foods that we eat can cause havoc on an animal's intestines. Put away children's toys after they are opened. Ingested toys can cause choking and may have to be removed through surgery.

4. Tell guests not to share indulgences with your pet. Poultry skin, fat trimmings, rich gravies, and buttery sauces can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, or even worse, a life threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Also, remember that an ounce of alcoholic beverage can put a small dog into a coma.

5. Stow chocolate candy or baking ingredients out of reach. Chocolate is the most common toxicity treat during the holidays. Small amounts cause problems. Larger amounts can cause above normal heart rhythms, nervous system malfunctions, and even death. Secure your garbage in bins with tight lids. (This is a good habit to get into all year!) A dog can chew up holiday garbage, which can result in intestinal problems.

6. Buy only decorating products that are labeled non-toxic.

7. Secure large trees to the wall to prevent tipping, or consider a smaller tree that can fit on a tabletop.

8. Remember that stomach problems can be caused by popcorn and gumdrops. Avoid using these strings of edible decorations.

9. Fasten all your tree decorations securely, with the more fragile ones at the top. Dogs who chew these can suffer cuts in their mouth from broken ornaments.

10. Return paper and other gift wrapping materials to their storage places after gift wrapping is finished.

11. Place holiday plants out of reach and vacuum often. Poinsettia can cause drooling, oral pain, and vomiting. Mistletoe causes vomiting, labored breathing, shock, and death from cardiovascular collapse. When animals eat the needles from real or fake trees, they can also get intestinal blockage.

12. Display candles on high shelves to avoid painful burns and singed Whiskers and make sure that cords are tucked out of reach. Electrocution can put a huge damper on Holiday festivities.

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Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 10,000 fans.

When we reach 10,000 fan “Likes” all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can’t spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 “Likes” the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for “Liking” our page.

If you are like many pet owners then your dog or cat is probably hanging in your hall of frame or will grace your Christmas family photos. We pet owners love our pets so much they we even carry pictures of them in our wallets. To us our pets are part of our family, irreplaceable. Our furry life co-pilots give us joy, humor and unconditional love and make life worthwhile.

One of the things we love to do is pamper our fur-kids, just ask our adorable pugs Sushi & Espy. So, here are a few simple things you can do each day to spoil your best buddy rotten.

1. Keep their toy box full & interact. Buy them toys and play with them! Playing with your dog is a great way to develop a bond and your dog will be happy.
2. Feed them good all natural, healthy and nutritious food & treats without preservatives, additives or byproducts.
3. Walk them everyday around the neighborhood. Great for excercise, staying fit and releasing pent up energy in hyperactive dogs.
4. Praise them regularly for good behavior.
5. Give them their very own safe place to flop. Every dog loves a comfortable dog bed to catch up on some sleep after a long day at the dog park.

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.

The Benefits of a Best Bully Sticks Gift Card!

1. Since very few people will actually tell you what they truly want as a gift, a gift card can eliminate the disappointment that is evident when you get someone something that they do not enjoy. With a gift card, the receiver is free to pick out whatever they choose, instead of relying on your psychic abilities to provide a good present.

2. Gift cards make perfect last minute presents. Whether you are celebrating the arrival of a new pet, bark-day, or decking the halls with your pet this howliday, gift cards are great for any occasion.

3. Foolproof white elephant gift that anyone could appreciate. Perfect for any secret gift exchange.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 10,000 fans.

When we reach 10,000 fan “Likes” all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can’t spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 “Likes” the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for “Liking” our page.