Dog Care 101

Love is in the air this Valentines Day, but so is bad breath. So pups if you are thinking about puckering up at the kissing booth, think again, it time to press the pause button for a second. Don't forget to pop in a bark-mint and brush those pearly whites. Canines beware of the bad breath police hounds on patrol, you don't want to get an embarrassing citation for poor dental hygiene.

Make sure your breath is oh so fresh and clean by brushing 2-3'x per week. Not only will this be a good hit with the ladies & gentlemen but your over health will be improved as well. Here are some tips to make teeth brushing a breeze. The first step of course is to purchase doggy specific toothpaste (comes in many dog-licious flavors) and a toothbrush at your local pet store.

1. Start  with small puppy steps by placing a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and allowing your dog to lick it off. This is the part your dog will love.

2. Next, apply another small dab of toothpaste to your finger. Sit beside your dog or straddle him from behind. Cup the top of his muzzle in your hand and gently pull back on the lips. Making sure you praise his or her good behavior.

3. Place your finger on the surface of one of your dog's front teeth and gum. Massage gently in a circular motion. Your dog will probably be licking at your finger as you do this but that's okay; he's getting used to having his tooth & gums massaged.

4. Introduce him to the toothbrush. Allow him to sniff or lick at the brush (sorry pups this is not a chew toy). Place some toothpaste on the brush and allow him to lick it off. Be patient and take as much time as your dog needs to become familiar with the brush.

5. Position the brush against his tooth (whichever tooth is easier to reach and he is most comfortable with) and move it gently in a circular motion.

6. Repeat the above steps for several days, until your dog is completely comfortable with the ritual.

7. Wet the toothbrush and apply a small amount of toothpaste to it. Sit beside or straddle your dog and gently pull back the lips. Begin by brushing the outside tooth surfaces (closest to the lip) of the fangs. Brush gently, in a circular motion, concentrating on the gum line. Spend at least five seconds on each tooth.

8. Move on to the first large teeth in the back of the mouth on each side. Brush gently, in a circular motion, as you did with the fangs. Once your dog and you are comfortable with brushing the fangs and back teeth, you can expand your efforts to include the outer surfaces of the other teeth.

9. Reward your dog with a bully stick, chew or treat!

There is a lot to smile about in February with Valentine's Day just around the corner and only a smooch away. It is only fitting that while your pet pucker up for their Valentine that we celebrate February National Pet Dental Month (coincidence, we think not). So, let's see those smiles!

Proper oral dental health is not only important for humans,  just as brushing our teeth everyday is second nature the same should be true for our pets. Since pet's lack opposable thumbs to do the teeth brushing themselves. As responsible pet owners it is our duty to help them maintain a healthy smile.  So, give your pet something to truly smile about making pet dental health a priority. Just as proper pet nutrition & exercise is important, proper oral care should be as well. But often times our pets teeth can become neglected only to put a huge toll on our pet's health and our wallets.

Preventive routine teeth cleaning & brushing is an important part of your dog or cats overall health & well being. Year round dental care not only means a healthier pet but less vet bills, so take a few minutes out of your day to brush your pet's chompers. So, how often should you brush your pets teeth? It is advised that you should brush your dog or cat's teeth 2-3 times a week. As Sushi and Espy would agree the rewards of clean breath and pain-free healthy smile is truly worth the time and effort. Also, you should take your pet in for a yearly vet physical & oral checkup.

Like anything,  prevention is the key! Proper pet oral hygiene helps your dog & cat ward off bad breath, , tarter build, plague, sickness, periodontal gum and heart disease. If proper dental care is not taken seriously, dirty plaque can be the breeding ground for bacteria which can wreak havoc on your dog's system and cause heart, liver and kidney problems. So, during your grooming sessions & daily teeth brushing check for pain, swellings, redness, abscesses, foul odors (halitosis), and loose or broken teeth in need of immediate vet attention. If your dog is having trouble chewing and swallowing then a dental checkup is in order.

What can you do to keep your pet's teeth healthy?

1.  Yearly Vet Dental Checkup! Have your pet's teeth examined by your trusted certified vet during his or her yearly physical. At this time a veterinarian will check for signs of bad breath, accumulation of tartar, signs of gum disease and other dental problems. Early detection of tooth, gum & oral disease will give you & your pet less of a toothache in the long run. The dental problem is more likely to be treated properly with a positive outcome.

2. Don't indulge your pet's sweet tooth since sugar can encourage bacterial growth.

3. Give your dog a good dental chew or treat to help keep tarter and plaque at bay. Not only are dental chews a great way to keep your dog's teeth clean but is a way fun away to keep your dog entertained for hours. Our bully sticks & dog chews do the trick!

4. Brush your pet's teeth on a daily basis (2-3x's a week). Although dental chews are a great, they should not substitute for a good teeth brushing. Purchase a special pet toothpaste & toothbrush, never use human toothpaste since pet's can not spit or rinse. The key to successful teeth brushing is to start your pet off slowly for your pet to adapt, be gentle and use positive reinforcement. Treats work wonders! To make teeth brushing easy for the both of you, it is important to acclimate your anxious & often fearful pet. Start by placing toothpaste on your fingers and gently rubbing them in your pet's mouth. Not only will this get your pet accustomed to the taste of toothpaste and fingers, it will be a lot easier to introduce a toothbrush.

5. Professional Dental Cleaning. At home pet dental cleaning is a must, but nothing compares to a good thorough yearly cleaning by a certified vet during your pets yearly physical. During your pet's yearly vet checkup your vet should inform you if a professional pet dental cleaning is needed. Consult with your vet further about any specific health risk for your pet prior to procedure since anesthesia will be used. Remember each pet's circumstance is unique.

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Best Bully Sticks News!

Being a responsible dog owner means knowing what to feed and not to feed your pooch since not all foods are good for your dog. Our friends at Moderndog Magazine has come out with a helpful list of 20 nutritious human foods that are safe for you to share with your dog. These pet friendly foods are sure to spice up your dogs meal and get that tails wagging. Remember a balanced diet & excercise is the key to good health. Chow hounds bone appetit!

1. Yogurt is a good source of available calcium and protein. When choosing yogurt, pick one that has live active bacteria and no sugars or artificial sweeteners. The active bacteria may act as probiotics. If your pooch is pudgy, make sure that you pick fat-free yogurt but not one that contains fat substitutes (e.g., Simplesse or Olestra). Frozen yogurt is a nice summer treat for dogs.

2. Flax seed (ground or oil) is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids that are good for skin and coat. Whole flax seeds are best if ground right before feeding as this type of fat can go rancid quickly. Flax seed can also be added to your dog’s diet as a source of fibre. Flax oil is a more concentrated form of omega- 3 fatty acids without the fibre. Make sure that you store the oil or seeds in the fridge in an air tight dark container.

3. Salmon is a fatty fish which is also a good source of omega- 3 fatty acids. These fats support the immune system and can be beneficial for skin and coat health. There has also been some indication that they may benefit dogs with allergies. You can feed salmon or salmon oil. If feeding salmon, make sure it’s cooked before serving, as raw salmon can carry a parasite that can make your dog sick.

4. Pumpkin is a good source of fibre and beta carotene (a source of vitamin A). Dogs need fibre in their diet. The current trend is towards highly digestible diets that lower stool volume and this is not necessarily a good thing. Keeping the GI tract moving helps keep the cells lining the gut healthy.

5. Sweet potatoes are another source of dietary fibre and contain vitamin B6, vitamin C, beta carotene, and manganese. Sweet potatoes are great sliced and dehydrated as a chewy treat for your dog. There are so many dog treats on the market that we often overlook the simple, healthy, and reasonably priced treats available at our grocery store.

6. Green beans are a good source of plant fibre, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. If your dog has a tendency to put on weight, then replacing some of her regular food with green beans is a great low calorie way to fill her up and help her maintain a healthy weight. Many dogs enjoy green beans frozen.

7. Eggs are a great source of very digestible protein, riboflavin, and selenium. For some dogs that are prone to digestive upset, eggs can give them a little protein boost. Adding eggs to your dog’s food is a healthy treat. Make sure to use cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause biotin deficiency. If you do a lot of training with your dog, consider taking cooked eggs to your next class as training treats.

8. Brewer’s yeast is the yeast that’s left over from making alcohol. Dogs seem to really enjoy the tangy taste of brewer’s yeast. It’s full of B vitamins which are good for skin, coat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Make sure you’re using brewer’s yeast (available at health food stores), not baking yeast which will make your dog sick. Brewer’s yeast can spice up your dog’s appetite. Just sprinkle a little on the food of a picky eater and watch her dive into her food.

9. Apples are wonderful crunchy treats for your dog. Apples with the skin on are full of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) that are thought to be protective against some types of cancer in humans. They are a source of vitamins A and C and fibre. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.

10. Oatmeal is a good source of soluble fibre. This can be beneficial for some older dogs that may have trouble maintaining bowel regularity. Oatmeal is also an alternative source of grain for dogs that are allergic to wheat. It can be fed in conjunction with probiotics to enhance their function. Keep in mind oatmeal should always be fed cooked and plain with no sugar or flavouring. As always, check with your veterinarian before making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they are on any medications. Upsetting the vitamin and mineral balances in your dog’s diet can have negative effects on your dog’s health and some medications interact badly with some nutrients. The aim of most dog owners is to give their dogs the best diet possible. Good nutrition coupled with a health care program may result in extending your dog’s life by as much as 15 percent. The suggestions above are not meant to replace your dog’s normal, balanced diet. Rather, they are ideas for alternative treats or for adding a little variety to your dog’s meals.

11. Rice is good to feed when your dog has an upset tummy and needs a bland meal. There are a variety of different types of rice. Brown rice is a little higher in protein and a little lower in fat when compared to white rice. White or instant rice is an easily digestible carbohydrate which makes it a good source of energy when your dog has an upset tummy or if you are feeding an older dog.

12. Squash, like pumpkin, can be added to bulk up his stool and is a good source of betacarotene (provitamin A). Hint: remove the seeds and then slice and freeze the squash to make it a fun, crunchy snack for your dog.

13. Popcorn that has been air popped with no butter or salt is a great lowcalorie treat for your dog. Popcorn contains potassium as well as the bone-building minerals phosphorous, magnesium, and calcium. So snuggle up and share that popcorn with your furry friend next time you watch a movie.

14. Lean meat (chicken, beef, or pork) with no visible fat and no added sauces or seasonings can be a great training treat or can add a bit of good-quality extra protein to your dog’s diet. Lean meat is an excellent, balanced source of amino acids, the building blocks of muscle in your dog’s body. Meat is also a great source of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, and Cobalamine). These vitamins are involved in energy metabolism in the body.

15. Liver is available freeze-dried in most pet stores and it is a great training treat. You can also buy it fresh in the grocery store to feed at home. Fresh liver can be cooked and then baked to make your own liver treats. Liver is an excellent source of B vitamins (Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, and Folic acid), Vitamin A, and Vitamin K. It is also a great source of iron. Warning: Too much liver may be toxic to dogs because of its high vitamin A content. Therefore, it is best to limit the amount of liver fed to your dog to not more than 1 g of fresh liver/Kg body weight per day.

16. Pineapple can be a special treat for your dog. Pineapple contains mostly sugar but it also contains calcium and potassium. Frozen pineapple can be a fun summer treat for your dog.

17. Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium and it’s fairly bland, so it can be a good way to add some extra protein to your dog’s diet. Cottage cheese is a dairy product and some dogs don’t do well with dairy, so make sure you start with just a small amount.

18. Parsley has long been thought to improve doggie breath, so next time you are baking treats for your dog, try adding a few tablespoons of chopped parsley for added flavour and colour. Parsley can also be a good source of calcium, potassium, and beta-carotene.

19. Peanut butter is a healthy, high-protein treat for dogs. Try smearing some inside or on one of your dog’s toys, or let him lick out the container when it’s almost finished.

20. Peas can be added right to your dog’s food, frozen or thawed. Peas are a good source of the B vitamin Thiamin, phosphorous, and potassium.

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Some dogs live to eat, while others stick their snouts up at the days fare. Do you live with a picky eater? Perhaps your once hearty eater has lost interest in the food they love and has turned into a food snob. But maybe there is underlining health issue that needs addressed. Here are some reasons why your dog may have become picky and tips to remedy the situation.

1. Keep the food fresh because no one likes expired kibble. If your dog's food is not properly sealed, it can go stale or even spoil so seal in a tight container for freshness.  Also, make sure the food in your dog's bowl is a fresh batch, do not recycle if your dog refuses to eat.

2. Don't overfeed your dog. Make sure to feed your dog according to the serving size recommended on the bag of dog food. The food should satisfy his hunger, but not leave him  stuffed. The amount of food your dog will need to consume will depend on his size, activity and energy level.

Does your dog have poor habits that need broken? We will be the first to agree that pet ownership is rewarding, however, a dogs bad habits can be stressful at times. Well good news for you, with proper basic training and consistency you can teach an old dog new tricks. Here are some tips from our friends at ehow.

1. Begging. Reason for begging? Instinct, boredom or attention.

New Trick: If you want your dog to stop begging for food make sure to maintain your dog on a consistent and regular feeding schedule. Never feed your dog table scrapes from the dinner table. If your dog continues to beg for a bite ignore the begging and continue eating.