BestBullySticks.com Recognizes

April is ASPCA Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month and the team here at BestBullySticks thought we should not only highlight the importance of this holiday, but also share a few ways you can lend a hand.

Acts of animal cruelty often go unnoticed by observers and owners alike. President of the American Animal Hospital Association (AHAA) DVM Gregg Takashima notes that in his twenty-five years as a veterinarian, most abuse cases he’s seen are the result of owners who have inadvertently neglected their pets simply because they don’t know any better.

Education and Activism

While animal cruelty strikes in variety of ways, they can all prevented through education. The first step to education is setting a good example as a pet owner. As a model caretaker, your actions will influence others. Community role models for pet care not only help curb instances of abuse among current owners, but future ones as well. Teaching children about responsible pet ownership at an early age will make them lifelong advocates in the fight against animal abuse.

Grassroots forms of activism like community education is of tremendous help to the cause. Consider looking into local volunteer opportunities as well. From raising awareness to caring for the abused, these opportunities are    widely available across the country. Contact your local SPCA to find about volunteering in your community. Read more

With Earth Day rapidly approaching — April 22nd to be exact — we at BestBullySticks thought this would be a great opportunity to share ideas about making the most of this important holiday. After all, a clean and healthy environment will benefit both humans and their pets across the globe. First things first, though. Let’s take a step back take a look at the origins of this great holiday.

Earth Day

Originally conceived by John McConnell, an advocate of peace, religion, science and the common good, the idea of Earth Day was first presented in 1969 at a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) summit in San Francisco.

What was to follow was entirely grassroots in nature. Earth Day began as a peaceful cross-country demonstration celebrated by over twenty million Americans on April 22nd, 1970. With such widespread support, lawmakers were quick to take notice of just how interested people were in environmental awareness, and more importantly, reform.

Following the events of April 22nd, 1970, momentum for the movement steadily grew and by 1990 the initiative was taken internationally. Now organized by the Earth Day Network, Earth Day is celebrated in 141 nations across the globe! Read more

In 2013, the general public no longer thinks of an animal control officer as a heartless, net-wielding dogcatcher out to round up all the homeless puppies in your city. BestBullySticks is grateful for this shift in perspective because Animal Control Officers do a lot of good in their communities. Here are just a few duties of an ACO.

Protect The Public
Animal Control Officers take care of a myriad of issues relating to public health. This can include investigating animal bite cases, negotiating public disputes and capturing any animals threatening public safety. ACO’s also investigate animal cruelty cases and bring sick, injured and homeless animals to a safer environment.

Care for Lost Animals
Unfortunately, there are many homeless and neglected pets wandering city streets. Animal Control Officers are trained to safely and humanely take these animals to facilities for better care.

Reunite Pets with Their Owners
Animal Control Officers often pick up lost pets. They highly encourage the public to microchip, tag and license their pets, making their job easier when reuniting pets with their owners.

These public officers often put themselves in potential dangerous situations for the wellbeing of animals. The “dogcatcher” stereotype no longer applies—it’s a pretty noble profession. Many loving people go unnoticed for their dedication to animals, so how can you show your appreciation?

Volunteer & Donate
Become involved directly with your local Animal Control division. By volunteering your time or donating goods or money, you can directly help your city’s animal organization and therefore help more animals.

Help Educate
Educate your self and friends, family and coworkers on the proper procedure for reporting and helping strays as well as properly identifying their own pets.

Say Thank You
Send a note to your Animal Control Facility to say thank you. Your words will definitely be appreciated.

Send a pack of bully sticks to your local animal rescue or shelter by taking advantage of our Charity Packs!

Do you have awesome Animal Control Officers in your area? Tell us how you’ll say Thank You!

In 2011 a study found that 80% of pet owners thought pet id tags were important. However, only 1 in 3 pet owners say their beloved pet always wears an id tag. Only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats in shelters are microchipped or have id tags.  If this isn’t enough reason why you should have identification markers for you pet, BestBullySticks wants you to know three easy ways to ensure your dog or cat is identifiable!

1. Identification Tags: This traditional means of pet identification has been around for a while and they're no less handy! Pick up a custom pet id tag at your next visit to Best Bully Sticks and keep it on your pet’s collar. Your dog’s name, your phone number and the city and state where you live are all necessary pieces of information for a pet id tag.

2. License: Similar to an id tag, a pet license is proof that your pet is up to date on important vaccinations and comes in the form of a metallic or plastic tag to affix to your dog’s collar. Licensing changes between jurisdictions, so you’ll want to find out pet licensing requirements for your area.

3. Microchip: Implanted under your pet’s skin, this small device (about the size of a grain of rice) contains all your pet’s pertinent information. Once implanted, a microchip can be scanned and your pet’s information will become available to any vet, rescue or humane society that might find your pet. Microchips are easy to register and are relatively inexpensive.

Why not be safe than sorry? Outfit your dog with all these form of pet identification. 1 in 3 pets are lost at some point in their life, so make sure your pet can get back home to their family! Every Day is Tag Day!

Watch this video about Dora, a dog in Texas who was reunited with her family becuase of a microchip! 

March is slated as Pet Poison Prevention Month, and this week as it’s focus week. To help you understand how serious this topic is one statistic from the ASPCA reports in 2012 more than 180,000 incidents potential pet poisonings were reported. BestBullySticks.com knows nothing can curb your dog’s natural tendency toward curiosity but many of these cases could have been prevented. What sort of substances were involved in the 2012 cases?

Top 10 Toxins from 2012

1. Prescription Human Medications
2. Insecticides
3. Over-the-Counter Human Medications
4. Veterinary Products & Medications
5. Household Cleaners/Products
6. Human Food
7. Chocolate
8. Plants
9. Rodenticides
10. 10. Lawn & Garden Products

Prevention

So how do you prevent incidents of poisoning in your home? Your dog is precious to you and your family. Follow these easy steps:

Use Pet-Friendly Products & Medications Only
Make sure you’re using pet-friendly products on your dog. Only use specially formulated products for Fido unless prescribed or recommended by your vet. Also, don’t use other pet’s medications. For example, don’t use cat flea and tick medication on your dog. These are formulated differently.

Out of Reach, Out of Mind
Keep hazardous substances out of your pet’s way. Your pet won’t be able to get to your medications if in a high cabinet or tucked away in a drawer. Even your pet’s medications should be put up and away as many meds have meat flavorings.

This tip goes for more common things like trashcans, too. If your dog is highly curious, make sure your trash can or other potential areas of concern are locked up tight. Read more