Dog Care 101

With spring here and loads of outdoor excitement ahead, we at BestBullySticks want to make sure you and your pet enjoy the sunny days ahead to the fullest. While there are some outdoor activities that can pose health risks to your pooch, rest assured— we’re here to make sure you can nip them in the bud! Here are three hazards to watch out for this season:

Lyme Disease

The first step to protecting your dog from Lyme disease is to ensure they’re on the appropriate preventative medications. We strongly suggest an all-natural flea and tick alternative to the toxic ingredients found in many medications. Common spot treatments are chock full of chemicals and have been reported to pose a threat to both pets and their human owners.

Caused by bacteria from the genus Borrelia, Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by deer ticks during the height of tick season (May through August). Borrelia-carrying ticks generally need to be attached for 18 hours to transmit infection. Should you suspect your loved one may have come down with Lyme disease take them to the vet immediately— here are a few early warning symptoms to look out for:

• Lameness accompanied by joint inflammation and stiff walking

• Fever, difficulty breathing and lack of appetite

• Swelling of the lymph nodes close to the tick bite

BestBullySticks.com has a whole host of all-natural flea and tick control products available through our online store. Don’t give Lyme disease the chance to affect your dog’s health this coming season. Read more

There are many debates among dog owners—how to train, what to feed, health and medical care—but one controversy hangs around one particular herb. Garlic. Is it safe for your dog? Why are some dog owners adamantly against it while others tout the power of garlic? BestBullySticks will lay down the facts!

About Garlic

Garlic is an herb, grown in cloves and is a part of the Allium family. This family also includes onions and shallots, which are well known to be highly toxic to dogs. This is why concerned doggy moms and dads are wary of using garlic. Garlic has also been used as a natural remedy for years in both dogs and humans and appears as an ingredient in many dog foods. So what’s the deal? Use Garlic or No?

Against Garlic

Garlic contains compounds called propyldisulfide and thiosulphate, which taken in large doses can cause red blood cells to burst, which is called hemolytic anemia. Signs of too much garlic ingested include shortness of breath, lethargy, elevated heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems. Yes, garlic can be toxic, but is it always?

For Garlic

Garlic has been used for its medicinal qualities for thousands of years. It has antifungal and antibacterial qualities as well as boosts the immune system and cardiovascular health. This is why many food manufacturers and treat makers use garlic in their formulas for your dog.

A highly popular reason to give dogs garlic is for pest control, including fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. There are two reasons this is thought to work. One is that garlic changes pH levels in your dog’s blood making it undesirable to any unwanted pest. It’s also suspected that when garlic metabolizes, it moves through a dog’s skin, which also might deter an insect. There is no conclusive evidence that this does work, but many dog owners swear by this method. Read more

After a long winter, your house may be in need of “airing out” and sprucing up. But your house may not be the only thing. Your dog has been cooped up all winter and chances are he’s going to want to spend some quality time outdoors. BestBullySticks thinks Spring Cleaning your house and your can coincide!

Your Dog

Brushing: If your dog has put on his winter coat in the last few months, all that extra hair will be coming out soon, which leaves your house covered in dog fur tumbleweeds. Buy a quality brush to make your dog feel better and your house tumbleweed-free!

Flea, Tick & Heartworms: Warmer weather (unfortunately) means mosquitoes, which are the cause of multiple problems for your dog. Make sure you’re current with your dog’s flea, tick and heartworm medications and he’s getting them each month.

Dog Shampoo: Rinse the winter right out of your dog’s hair! A good shampooing with loosen any trapped fur and make your dog smell and feel great! Check out organic dog grooming products from Tropiclean at BBS! These products are naturally green and environmentally friendly!

Clean Out & Spruce Up: Take a look at your dog’s bed, blankets, collar and toys. If they’re worn out or frayed, replace them. Make sure to wash beds and blankets to freshen them up.

Your Home

Muddy Dogs: Spring rains plus your dog’s need to play equals a muddy dog. Train your dog to wait at the door before he comes inside to get his paws cleaned.

Protect Your Furniture: If your muddy dog somehow slips by you, you can still protect your furniture! Use an old bed sheet or the pet furniture covers from SureFit. These form fitting covers are a beautiful and effective solution for protecting your furniture.

Use Safe Cleaning Products: Use all-natural, pet-friendly cleaning products in your home. These products protect your over curious dog from ingesting harsh chemicals.

Keep Your Dog Calm:  If your dog becomes nervous when you clean the house, distract him to keep him calm. A great distraction is a bully stick or all natural dog chew, which will last your dog until you finish the room he’s in!

We hope your Spring Cleaning for both your home and your dog goes well!

What are you doing to spruce up your dog this Spring? Share your comments below! 

Easter is in less that a week and is a great time to celebrate the coming days of Spring with your dog. BestBullySticks wants to share some fun and easy ways to make this Easter special with your four-legged family member.

Easter Egg Hunt
Your dog can find Easter Eggs, too! Fill break-open Easter Eggs with a bit of peanut butter of your dog’s favorite all natural dog treats. Scatter the eggs around in your yard and let your dog loose! The brightly colored eggs and your dog’s powerful nose will lead him to the hiding places!

Go to the Park
Take a trip to a park in your area and take your dog for a leisurely stroll. This is a great way to exercise your dog and let him explore in an environment outside of your home. New smells, sights and sounds will stimulate your dog and if you have company coming over, your dog will be calm because of his expended energy. 

Have a Picnic
If you’re already going to the park, why not plan a picnic? If it’s nice out, take a blanket and relax in a sunny spot. You and your dog will love this time out of the house and in the sun!

Easter Basket
Your dog is like a fuzzy kid to you, so why wouldn’t he get an Easter Basket, too? Check out all of our Easter Basket gift suggestions to say “Hoppy Easter” to you pup. Great bully sticks, all natural dog treats, toys and more will have your pup hopping around the block!

Hazards
Remember, there are some hazards you want to be aware of during Easter. Chocolate, sugar substitutes, Easter grass and Easter Lilies are all toxic to dogs. Read our full Easter Pet Saftey blog to make sure your dog stays happy and safe.

Watch the Busy Bee Dogs Easter story to see some highly motivated Easter Egg Hunters! 

You have a good dog, but as one of the great laws of nature states, “accidents happen” and inevitably—your dog is going to pee on the carpet. Whether your dog is a puppy learning, an older dog or just couldn’t get the to door quick enough, there will inevitably be an “uh-oh” on the rug. So how do you clean it up and clean it up well? BestBullySticks.com is here to help with some natural cleaning solutions for pet stain removal.

Treat the Stain ASAP

Using newspaper, eco-friendly paper towel or a rag, blot the stain from the outside to the inside to pick up moisture. If you’re dealing with carpet or a rug, try to get to all layers of flooring including padding. The most important part of pet stain removal is not only removing the stain but the smell. If the smell still exists after you clean, your dog has the potential to return to this spot and eliminate again.

Homemade Pet Stain Removers for Carpets & Rugs

Make your own pet stain remover from items you most likely have in your kitchen cupboard.

• Baking Soda: You already know baking soda as a natural odor remover, so why not use it on pet stains? Throw soda into your wash if your dog has soiled machine-washable items. You can also use baking soda in the first step in carpet or rug treatment. Sprinkle soda onto the pet stain and allow it to soak up any remaining moisture. After awhile, vacuum up the soda and follow one of the following treatments.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 12 ounces of Hydrogen Peroxide, ½ teaspoon natural dish soap and 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda in a spray bottle and spray away! Let this solution cover the stain and let air dry completely. Vacuum up any remaining solution.

• Rosemary Oil: Melt a bar of castile soap and mix with equal parts rubbing alcohol and rosemary essential oil. Allow the solution to thoroughly combine use on a rag to blot the area or use in a spray bottle. Using Rosemary essential oil will discourage your dog from eliminating in the area again.

• Vinegar: After the original baking soda treatment, combine warm water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Use this mixture to blot with a rag or use in a spray bottle.

Stain & Odor Removal for Hardwood Floors

• Removing dog stains and odor from hardwood floors is much easier.
• Remove any solids or wipe up with a rag
• Using a cloth and warm, sudsy water clean the affected area
• Wipe the area again with a cloth and clear, cool water.
• Dry with a clean cloth

If you believe your dog’s indoor accidents are due to medical accidents, see your vet. Your dog could also be eliminating indoors because of stress such as adjusting to a move or a new baby in the house. Read our blog on House Training An Adult Dog for step on how to retrain your pup.

Bully Sticks are a great way to reward your dog for good behaviors. Check out our full line of all-natural dog treats and chews at bestbullysticks.com.