Dog Care 101

Do you take a multi-vitamin every morning? Many take these simple, one-step, pills every day to make up for any deficiency in nutrition they’re not getting through diet. Best Bully Sticks knows that ideally diet would provide everything we need to stay healthy, but sometimes our bodies are deficient and need a little help. Supplements, like multi-vitamins or more specific mixtures for joint health, energy or even life-stage, are readily available. We even have whole stores dedicated to supplements!

So, what about your dog? Again, ideally your dog is getting all he needs from his diet, however, dogs like humans sometimes need a little help. Best Bully Sticks knows supplementing nutritional needs can come in healthy, all natural forms. Dog Supplements can ensure that your dog is living the healthiest and best life possible. We’re here to help you sort through a few concerns and questions. 

First Things First
Your vet is going to be able to give you the best insight into your dog’s health. Always check with your vet about the idea of supplementing your dog’s diet with specific supplements. If your vet gives you the go ahead, talk with your vet about the specific ways your dog could benefit from supplements. Is your dog achy? He might need a joint supplement. Itchy skin? Maybe a skin and coat supplement.

Choices, Choices.
Picking the perfect supplement for your dog might seem overwhelming at first, but if your reading this blog, BBS is assuming you’d like to stick to a completely all-natural option.

A word on the term “all-natural”: Best Bully Sticks strives to provide our customers with the healthiest, all-natural, dog-friendly products on the market. The key word we stress is dog friendly. After all, chocolate is all natural, and so are onions and grapes, but we would never suggest these for a dog, because, as you know, they’re not good for a dog. That being said, just because it’s “all-natural” doesn’t mean a particular choice is good for your dog. Read more

Herbs make your best recipes burst with flavor and flowers and plants help spruce up our yards each spring. But these plants have hidden health benefits as well. Naturally occurring plants and herbs have been aids to good health for hundreds of years. Best Bully Sticks compiled a list of great herbs and plants that you can use to boost your pet’s health and can help with ailments from itchy skin, cuts, digestive problems and more!

Aloe Vera
This soothing plant has great health benefits for humans and dogs alike. Break off an Aloe plant’s spiky tendril and use the “juice” on minor cuts, scrapes and even sunburns.

Calendula Flowers
A pretty flowers, with powerful health benefits, the Calendula is a handy plant to have in your yard. This flower has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that you can use in a few different ways. The petals can be directly applied to a wound dressing or even brewed into a tea for an antiseptic wash. You can also add the Calendula flower’s petal tea to Shea Butter or Vitamin E lotion to make an ointment. These mixtures are great for cuts, scrapes, burns and even minor ear infections. 

Ginger
This knotted root is a great way to solve your dog’s tummy issues. Whether it’s motion sickness or nausea, ginger tea and dog biscuits are great ways to give your dog ginger. To make ginger tea, simply peel and slice ginger into roughly one-inch x 1/4-inch x 1/8-inch slices. Put 5-8 slices into a pot with ¼ cup water, bring to boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes. Let this mixture cool and add to your dog’s food. You can even feed your dog ginger slices by wrapping them in a slice or lean meat. If you’re on a trip, pack ginger snaps for your dog. 

Goldenseal
Despite its lofty name, Goldenseal is a fairly ambiguous looking plant with a small red, berry that blooms on top. This plant inhibits bacteria from latching on to cell walls and is particularly good for body parts with mucus membranes, such as the respiratory system and mouth. Mostly just the root is used in treatments and can be used to make poultices, teas and tinctures.

Chamomile
Hyper dog? The flowers of the chamomile plant work to soothe and calm your dog’s hyperactivity, upset stomach or even nervousness. This mild and gentle plant can be used in a tincture, water or oil infusion, salve or ointment. You can grow Chamomile yourself or purchase it in any health food store.

Echinacea
This handy plant can boost your dog’s immune system when he’s feeling a little under the weather. The root of this plant is what is used most often, but the leaves, stems and flowers can be used as well. Although Echinacea is most beneficial for the immune system, it can also be of help for urinary tracts and lymph systems. But no matter how it’s given to your dog, it give your dog the boost he needs!

Herbal Remedies are wonderful tools, but you should always contact your vet before starting any herbal treatment. These remedies can be toxic if not given the correct way or can cause allergic reactions. Every dog is different, so use talk to your vet prior to any herbal treatment.

Visit back next week when we talk about Supplements For Your Dog and be sure to read our simply Home Remedies For Dogs! 

If you are anything like the dog owners at Best Bully Sticks, your dog is a part of the family. In most cases, your dog might even be your “baby.” So, when your furry child gets a bump, scrape, upset tummy or other minor “boo-boo” you immediately want to comfort your pup. Before you rush off to the vet, just know that in most minor around the house slip-ups and sicknesses, you can treat your dog at home.

Today we’ll take you through some simple remedies for your dog’s ailments with treatments that come from your cupboards. We’ll even cover how to curb some unwanted behaviors in the home.

Rehydrate An Upset Stomach with Electrolyte Drinks
A troubled tummy is no good for you or your dog. The first thing to do when your pup has an upset stomach is make sure they’re getting enough fluids. Simply giving flavorless, pediatric electrolyte drinks to your dog will ensure he’s rehydrating.

A Dry or Itchy Dog:
If your dog is itchy all over, try an oatmeal bath. Use baby oatmeal cereal or use a food processor to finely grind oats and mix into a lukewarm bath. Let your dog soak in this mixture and it will give them immediate relief. For another take on a beneficial bath, use Vitamin E oil in a warm bath. You can also massage Vitamin E directly into your dog’s fur or give them capsules. Be sure to talk to your vet about the weight and breed specific dosages for your dog.

Itchy Paws might be another problem for your dog. This is simply solved by drawing 1-2 inches of warm water in a bath and dissolving Epsom salts into the water. Let your dog stand in the water for 5 to 10 minutes. Don’t let your dog drink the water! After soaking, pat dry your dog’s feet.  An Epsom salt bath can also reduce healing time of swelling and scrapes.

If dandruff is your dog’s problem, make an easy dandruff shampoo with aspirin and baby shampoo. Crush 6 Aspirin into a fine powder then add to a bottle of baby shampoo. When washing your dog with this mixture, lather your dog with the shampoo and let sit for 5 minutes. This waiting period helps the aspirin’s salicylic acid to exfoliate the dead skins cells away. Rinse and you’ll have a dandruff-free dog! Read more

Are you a meat and potatoes kind of person? Maybe your dog is a meat and potatoes kind of dog! Best Bully Sticks isn’t saying you should give your dog steak and potatoes, but that there are a good many protein sources and grains that your dog can benefit from. A good meal is a balanced meal, so take our Fruits To Share & Veggies To Share and now our Proteins & Grains To Share and create a great supplements for your dog. These boosts to your dog’s regular food diet can fine-tune your dog’s health and well-being. Talk with your vet about any major food changes or questions you have about supplementing your dog’s diet.

Protein Sources
Your dog does need protein to maintain a healthy diet. Learn about ways you can supplement your dog’s diet with protein sources, sometimes from unexpected sources. 

Peanut Butter
If you haven’t figured it out by now, dogs love peanut butter. This creamy treat is high in protein and it’s always fun to watch your dog lick it out of the inside of a toy, off the end of his nose or right out of an empty jar!

Lean Meat
Chicken, beef and pork without visible fat, sauces or seasonings are great for your dog’s diet. Used as a training treat or food supplements, lean meats are full of B Vitamins, which provide the energy for metabolism and amino acids, which help keep your dog’s muscles healthy.

Salmon/Tuna
Fish are tasty treats for your dog that also have a lot of great health benefits. Fatty fish like Salmon and Tuna are full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are amazing for your dog’s skin, coat and even brain functions! It’s even been suggested these fish can help with arthritis, allergies and other chronic dog ailments. When feeding fish, make sure it’s cooked. You can even pick canned tuna or salmon; just make the fish is packed in water without salt added. You can add this directly to your dogs food, or if your grilling tuna or salmon, make a piece for your pup! Read more

Vegetable patches all over the country are producing wonderfully tasty food this summer. We at Best Bully Sticks could not be more excited about the array of vegetables and herbs this time of year! Tomatoes, squash, zucchini and cucumber are just some of the wholesome food that you can grow in your own back yard, or find fresh in farmer’s markets! If you enjoy these summer eats, then include your dog, too!

Remember, your dog’s ancestors were wild animals who scavenged and ate fruits and vegetables readily. Sharing vegetables with your dog is a great way to add healthy, nutritious vitamins and minerals to his diet. Read more to find out which vegetables you can share with your dog.

Pumpkin
Not just for Halloween and Thanksgiving anymore, pumpkin is a great source of vitamins and minerals for your dog. Beta-carotene, which is a great source of Vitamin A, and fiber are two of the biggest benefits pumpkin provides your pup. Just like humans, dogs need a healthy amount of fiber in their diet to keep their digestive system “regular.” Boiling fresh pumpkin and adding to your dog’s food is a great way to bring this vegetable into your dog’s diet.

Sweet Potato
These orange root vegetables are another great source of beta-carotene, Vitamin A and dietary fiber. Sweet Potatoes are also full of Vitamin C, K, manganese and potassium. Dogs love sweet potato and whether it’s dried into jerky or mashed into their food, your dog will be getting a tasty treat with tons of nutrients! Best Bully Sticks has a full line of Sweet Potato dog treats that your pooch will drool over!

Squash/Zucchini
Squash is similar to pumpkin in its digestive benefits, but is also great as a raw crunchy snack too. This gourd veggie is full of beta-carotene as well.

Zucchini is full of beta-carotene, calcium, potassium and folates. Give zucchini slices to your dog raw or frozen for a great green snack!

Green Beans & Peas
Frozen or thawed, dogs love green beans and peas! Your dog will benefit from the plant fiber, Vitamin C & K and manganese in green beans.  If your dog is overweight or constantly seems hungry, green beans are a great food replacement and snack. These empty calorie beans are a great all-purpose, round the clock food for your dog.

Peas are similarly nutritious for your pup and can be added straight to your dog’s food as well. Peas are a great source of B vitamin Thiamin, phosphorous and potassium.

Cucumber
Instead of sneaking a crunchy chip to your dog, sneak him a crunchy cucumber! These great dog snacks are low in calories and have lots of good calcium, potassium and beta-carotene.

Baby Carrots
Like cucumber, baby carrots are a great crunchy snack for your dog. Carrots are chock-full of beta-carotene! Raw, cooked or cut into carrot chips are great ways to give carrots to your dog. An added health benefit of feeding your dog carrots is the breath freshening property! Read more