Dog Care 101

Hiking the wilderness trails with your dog is a fun & healthy way to promote the bonding experience. Remember safety first! With a few trail etiquette do's & don'ts tips you and your hiking buddy will be on the trails and exploring the great outdoors in no time.

DO's:

1. Keep your dog on a tight leash so he or she does not wander into trouble. Hiking in the great outdoors is exhilarating but full of potential hazards for your dog, including rattlesnake bites and falls.

2. Be a responsible dog owner & always pick up after your dog on the trails.

3. Keep a watch on your dog at all time while he or she is exploring the trails since dogs have a tendency to chase after critters.

4. Be polite! Make room for other hikers on the trails. Pull your dog to side when passing walkers and hikers without dogs.

5. Respect the trail rules! Some hiking trails allow you to let your dog off leash while others require you to keep them on a six foot leash.

6. Hike with your dog only on trails that are clearly well-marked and well-graded; avoid hiking on unmarked, over grown & poorly-maintained trails which can signal danger ahead.

7. Pack enough food and water to sustain both you and your dog for the duration of your hike. A strenuous or lengthy hike can quickly deplete and dehydrate  you and your dog.

8. Bring a basic first aid kit with you when out hiking with your dog for those just in case moments. It is so easy for your rambunctious & excited hiking dog to get bite or cut on the hike.

DON'TS:

1. Don't let your dog wander off from the pack and destroy vegetation or disturb the wildlife.
2. Don't be a push over on the trail. The trail is for everyone to enjoy so allow plenty of room for passerbyer's.
3. Don't let your dog approach other dogs on the trail with an owners permissions. Safety first. As much as you want your pup to have fun, roam around, and meet & sniff nice people on the trail.  Keep in mind that some people  and dogs hiking may not want your dog greeting, jumping & sniffing them. Save that for the dog park or a future playdate.

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Is your dog experiencing  diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain after eating? Then your dog probably has a sensitive stomach. Belly aches are come complaints among the canine community and belly rubs may be in order.

Some dogs are prone to sensitive stomachs and require a more stricter diet. Luckily, we came across a wonderful Oatmeal Rice Dog Recipe on ehow which is perfect for dogs with sensitive tummies & digestive problems.

Ingredients:

1 cup oatmeal

1 cup of cooked brown rice

1/8 cup wild rice

1/4 cup pinto beans

2 tbsp. honey-sweetened peanut butter

2 tsp. sunflower seeds

1 tsp. flax seeds

1 tsp. canola oil

Instructions:

1. Place the oatmeal in a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of hot water and let it sit for five minutes. While the mixture is standing, mash the pinto beans in a small bowl. Add the pinto beans and peanut butter to the oatmeal and rice mixture and stir well.

2. Grind the sunflower and flax seeds in a grinder. Add to the mixture along with the canola oil and stir.

3. Microwave for one minute just before serving.

4.  Serve:  This recipe feeds one small dog for a day. For larger breeds, double or triple the recipe.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course our  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!

With recent pet food recalls many pet owners are opting to make their own dog food to gain peace of mind & save on cost. Contrary to popular belief gathering up last night dinner leftovers and throwing them in your dogs dish is not the same as making nutritional homemade dog food. Remember that not all human food is good for your dog to devour.

Although recycling your dinner leftovers sounds like a tempting, easy, quick & simple solution it can be hazardous to your dogs health. So for your pets safety & overall well-being here is a better solution for all you Suzy homemakers, health conscious pups & dog loving DIYer's.  Into the kitchen we go! Making dry dog food from scratch is a simple process using fresh & healthy ingredients. With so many wonderful recipes to choose this is sure to please any finicky or fussy canine of all breeds, shapes & sizes. Making homemade dry dog food puts you in control over what your loyal companion consumes. You can feel good knowing you feed your dog preservative-free, nutritional food.

So what are the benefits of homemade dog food?

1. Prevent or reduce the risk of a number of health problems that result from eating potentially toxic or contaminated commercially prepared items. While providing your dog with essential nutrients & minerals for healthy life.

2. With the current state of the economy it can also be easier on your pockets & reduce overall cost of each meal. You can save big by buying whole grains & staples in bulk.

3. Feeding a dog freshly prepared food instead of commercial products filled with additives and preservatives may also give them more energy and reduce the risk of obesity.

4.  Homemade dog foods usually cause fewer allergic reactions than commercial dog foods. Easier to manage a dogs diet who have food allergies & sensitivities.

So, whats the scoop on homemade dog food ingredients?

1. Pet owners need to use fresh and natural ingredients, and ensure that every meal is nutritionally balanced. Your dogs diet should consist of protein & carbohydrates.

Protein ingredients include: skinless roasted chicken breast , ground beef, lamb chop, Atlantic salmon,  hard boiled whole egg, cottage cheese & tofu

Carbohydrates ingredients include: long-grained brown or white rice, pasta, white potatoes, sweet potatoes,  oats, pearled barley, couscous, dry tapioca

2. Remember not all vegetables are good for your canine & their digestion. Choose asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and zucchini. Cook vegetables with hard rinds prior to feeding. Select darker vegetables, because they are typically higher in nutritional value.

3. Process all vegetables before adding them into the dog food, as many are hard to digest. Use the puree setting on your blender to guarantee that the mixture is as smooth as possible.

4. Avoid meats that are more prone to carry parasites such as Trichinosis, as dogs are sensitive to contracting the disease from eating raw, unclean or ill-prepared meats. Cook all meats thoroughly and dice into small pieces before feeding them to your dog or adding them to a mixture.

5. Select lean protein sources such as chicken, tuna, venison, beef and small amounts of organ meats. Too much liver, for example, can cause bloating and diarrhea.

6. Eggs are a safe, strong source of lean protein. Add them to dog food mixtures or simply drop a well cooked, scrambled egg or two into the dog bowl as a treat. Don't feed them to your dog raw or undercooked.

7. Follow the general proportion of 1 part lean protein to 2 parts vegetables when making dog food at home.

8. Because homemade dog food doesn't have preservatives and additives, the pet owner will need to monitor the food regularly to make sure it does not spoil.

9.  If you are going to make your dogs food be sure to consult with your vet or nutritional pet expert for advice to help you develop a well-balanced, nutritionally complete diet for your dog to meet his or her specific needs.

What foods should your dog avoid?

There are several foods that are toxic to pets and can cause your dog to get deathly ill. Here are a few things you should avoid putting into your homemade dog food. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, raw meat, onions, garlic and artificial fats should not be on your pets grocery list.

Droolworthy Homemade Dry Dog Food Recipe

Here's a wonderful delicious, easy & healthy homemade dry dog food recipe that Fido will love.

Ingredients:

2 ½-cups of whole wheat flour
1 ½-cups of brewer's yeast
½-cup of nonfat, dry powdered milk
½-cup of cornmeal
4 ½-cups of water
3 medium eggs
2-tsp. of flaxseed oil
2-tbsp. of natural peanut butter
½-cup of pureed cauliflower
½-cup of pureed zucchini
½-cup of pureed green beans

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Wash cauliflower, zucchini and green beans. Combine vegetables in food processor with ½-cup of water and puree until completely smooth.
3. Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Add 3 medium eggs and blend thoroughly.
4. Add wet vegetable puree, remaining 4 cups of water, flaxseed oil and peanut butter. Mix together until consistency is homogenous and resembles a thin pancake batter.
5. Pour mixture onto cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.
6. Let the hard sheet of kibble dry, break into bite size pieces, and store refrigerated in freezer bags or plastic containers. The food will stay fresh for up to five weeks. Freezing is also an option if you want to make your dog food in bulk.

Servings:

This recipe yields 30 cups of dry dog food.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course our  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!

Are you lucky enough to work for a pet-friendly company or own your own business? Then as a pet owner bringing  your dog to work is a quite a perk.  Well, before you pack of your dogs briefcase, lunchbox and head to the office here are some pet etiquette tips for a working dog.

1. Take only well-behaved socialized pets who are comfortable around strangers. If your pet shows any sign of  aggressive towards people & other pets, especially co-workers leave at home.

2. Your dog should have basic obedience training and understand commands, such as SIT, STAY, No and DOWN.

3. Make sure pet vaccinations are up to date and that you have a current vaccination records on hand. Also, remember your dog will most likely come in contact with other dogs so it is best if your pet is spayed or neutered.

4. Fight the war on fleas by taking the proper precaution. Use flea preventive before taking your pet to work.

5.  Groom your dog to put his or her best paw forward. Bathe, brush and clip nails before office visits. Remember smelly and dirty pets don't make good co-workers resulting in a filled up complaint box.

6. Proper work accommodations is important for your pets safety. Make sure your cubicle or office can comfortably accommodate your dog.

7. Don't forget to pack your dogs lunch bag & other basic necessities. Make a list of items to bring, so you don't forget. Bring bowls, food, treats, chews, leash, collars w/tags,  pet carrier, toys, poop bags, clean up supplies (in case of an accident).

8. You are your pets top dog & supervisor.  With such a great privilege comes much responsibility. Dogs must be kept on leash, and/or in a closed office or cubicle, or in a crate. You can even create a sturdy cubicle barrier or put up a folding fence. If you have an office then postage notes will become your best friend. Post a note on your door to alert other co-workers & delivery people that you have a pet in your office.

9. Reward your dog with treats & praise for good behavior.

10. Be sensitive respectful of people with allergies and fear of dogs.

11. Make sure your dog use his or her library bark. Keep the dog quiet, especially during conference calls.

12. Avoid taking dogs to company meetings which can be a major distraction.

13. Some areas of the work-place should be office limits. Designate pet-free zones such as conference rooms, restrooms and cafeterias. You don't want your dog begging for co-workers lunch in the cafeteria.

14. Give your dog a potty break & clean up. Plan your day so you can walk your dog outside a few times during the day. With all the excitement of  new surroundings your dog may need more breaks.  Remember to clean up with poop bags in hand.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!! For daily updates follow us on twitter @bestbullysticks

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 back, make a difference and become a foster parent today! Your heart, animals & local shelter will thank you for it.

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

GIVEAWAY WORTH BARKING, TWEETING & BLOGGING ABOUT!!!!!

Do you have a favorite dog rescue or shelter? Well we want to know about them & reward them. We are giving 5 lucky dog shelters $600 each of our Fish Stix for dogs. Click banner to ENTER!

Thanks for voting! Tell your friends to vote for their favorite rescue & stay tuned for the final voting round!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!! For daily updates follow us on twitter @bestbullysticks