Dog Articles

Best Bully Sticks knows that you love spoiling your dog, but you might want to reconsider feeding Fido those table scraps during dinner. It seems that pet obesity is a growing problem in the U.S., a fact made clear by a recent article published by WebMD, which listed obesity among the top five issues facing pets. There are a number of reasons why owners may unintentionally allow their dog to plump up; dogs may not get daily exercise, they could overeat, or they could be eating food unsuitable for a healthy animal diet.

Pet obesity can cause complicated medical problems if left untreated. It’s proven to be a contributing factor to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory problems and bone and joint issues. An overweight dog is not a happy, healthy pet no matter how many treats you give him.

Unfortunately, many people remain ignorant about what their dogs can and cannot eat on a regular basis. This may simply be because dog obesity isn’t a widely covered issue and owners may not think twice about proper dietary and exercise for their four-legged friends. Let’s take some time to recognizing canine obesity and addressing basic preventative methods so you can enjoy your dog’s company for a long time.

How can you tell if your pet is overweight?
Too many owners confuse a fat dog for a healthy one. As stated before, pet obesity is serious business, so if you have any suspicion that your dog is overweight, check for these few key signs. Read more

Best Bully Sticks Breed Spotlight finishes off our new AKC breeds this week with the Finnish Lapphund. This dog has a very interesting ancestry and unique features, which makes it clear why it is one of the newest breeds recognized by the AKC. Read to find out more!

History & Background: The Finnish Lapphund is historically known as the helper dog of the Sami tribe, a semi-nomadic tribe in what used to be Lapland (now the northern region of Finland, Sweden and part of Russia).  After the Sami people settled down, they kept reindeer herds which the Lapphund helped herd and maintain. With the invention of the snowmobile, the popularity of this dog lessened. However, in Finland and Scandinavia, they are still extremely popular pets.

Height: 18-21 inches (male), 16-19  inches (female)

Weight: 33-53 pounds (depending on size)

Coat: The Finnish Lapphund has a very thick double coat.  The outer layer is straight, long and water-repellent. The Lapphund's under coat is soft, dense and fluffy. Males have a very thick mane of fur around the neck. This very thick and abundant coat makes this dog resistant to extreme cold.  Because of this, the Lapphund is only one of two dogs legally allowed to be kenneled outdoors during winter in Finland.

Color: This breed has many different color variations, but there is usually one predominant color. Black, white, brown red, sable and wolf-sable are often seen.  One of the most common combinations is black and tan (mostly black with tan legs and face.) Facial markings are often seen on Lapphunds, one of the most unusual being "spectacles."  These are a light rings that appear around this dog's eyes and gives the impression of wearing spectacles. Read more

Last week we started a dog safety series, which started with creating a first aid kit for your dog.  We also covered what to do to be prepared for any household or natural disasters. Best Bully Sticks knows that you can never be too prepared when it comes to you or your dog's safety. That's why this week we continue our safety series with treating burns that your dog might receive and how to treat them.

Burns & How to Treat Them
There are three different types of burns: thermal, electrical and chemical. Because of a domesticated dog's typical environment, household accidents are the most common cause of burns. For instance, if your dog is curious, electrical cords could become chew toys. Household cleaners could cause chemical burns and irritate your dogs skin or eyes.  Let's go over the different types of burns and what to do if they occur.

Different Burn Types & Stages of Burns
Thermal burns are heat-related burns and include open flames, hot air dryers, heat lamps, boiling liquids, semi-hot liquids or even sunburn. A chemical burn is any burn that comes from a chemical and there are two different types; acids and alkali's.  Electrical burns occur after a dog has come in contact with electricity, like as stated before, chewing on electrical cords.

Just as in humans, these burns can reach different stages of severity and are categorized as 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns.  A 1st degree burn is called a superficial partial thickness wound and only involves the top layer of skin.  Minor pain and redness are the symptoms but they usually heal quickly. Sunburn is a classic example of a first degree burn.  A second degree burn is called a deep partial thickness wound and involves the deeper layers of skin. These burns produce blisters on the skins surface.  Second degree burns are more painful, take longer to heal and introduce a risk of infection.  These burns require veterinary attention.Third degree burns involve complete destruction of all skin layers. Charring is easily seen and no sensation is left in the area of the burn. With third degree burns, a dog is highly prone to infection. This kind of burn is very serious and life-threatening and require immediate and extensive veterinary care.

What Burns Look Like & How To Treat Them
Thermal Burns
The most common thermal burn is sunburn and usually happen when a pet's coat is trimmed too short and leaves skin exposed.  Prevention is better than treatment, so if there is any non-pigmented (white) skin showing on your dog when they are outside for long periods of time, apply sunscreen that contain PABA and avoid those using zinc. Try to prevent your pet from licking off the sunscreen.

Other thermal burns will usually be contact burns and are usually 2nd or 3rd degree burns. The treatment for these contact thermal burns are as follows:

• Extinguish all flames. If electricity is involved, make sure the power is turned off.
• Avoid being bitten. You may have to muzzle your pet.
• Apply cool water compresses with a clean (sterile) cloth. This may prevent the burn from penetrating deeper into the tissues. Change the compress frequently, and keep the site cool and wet. If the burn involves only one part of the body, you can submerge the area in cool water.
• Do not break any blisters that may have formed.
• Do not apply any ointments or butter-like substances.
• Do not apply ice to the burn.
• Carefully transport the animal to your veterinarian!

Chemical Burns
Burns caused by chemicals may be hard to see because your dog's coat may hide the burn.  A strange odor usually a sign that a chemical burn has occurred and again are usually 2nd or 3rd degree burns.

• Avoid being bitten. You may have to muzzle your pet.
• Make sure the area is well ventilated.
• If the burn is from a dry chemical, brush away as much of the substance as possible. Be sure to protect the mouth, nose and eyes of you and the pet.
• If you KNOW the chemical was an acid, wash away with a solution of baking soda dissolved in water.
• If you KNOW the chemical was alkalis, wash away with a solution of vinegar and water.
• If you don't know, wash the contaminated area with large amounts of warm (not Hot!) flowing water. Protect yourself with appropriate safety equipment.
• If the chemical has gotten into the pet's eyes, flush with clean water or sterile saline for 15-20 minutes.
• Do not apply any ointments or butter-like substances.
• Do not apply ice to the burn.
• Carefully transport the animal to your veterinarian! If possible, bring the chemical's container with you.

Smoke inhalation is another type of chemical substance that can be toxic to dogs.  If your pet is around fire, or fumes from burring materials such as plastics, rubber or other synthetic materials it can be very harmful to your pets respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is another dangerous chemical you dog could inhale. If your dog encounters any of these, go to the veterinarian immediately.

Electrical Burns
Electrical burns are most often found near the mouth from chewing on electrical cords.  The dog's mouth will have burns at the corners or on the tip of the tongue. However, the burns aren't usually as serious as the shock they receive from the electricity.  Serious shocks can cause a dog to go into cardiac arrest.  If a dog doesn't go to the vet immediately, brain damage or death can occur. Do not attempt to treat the dog at home in any way. Take your dog to the vet immediately.

As always, prevention is key. Keep your chemicals and electrical cords out of the way of your pets. Also, be conscious of what to do if any of these should happen. In most of these situations, home remedies aren't recommended.  Go to the vet as soon as possible and call ahead and let them know you're on your way so they can be prepared as well.

When Dogs Dig: How To Curb The Digging Habit In Your Canine

Digging dogs can be deeply frustrating for their owners. Unless the behavior is curbed, their yards and gardens might begin to look unsightly. Unfortunately, few people are able to identify the reasons their pets are digging, and thus cannot hope to successfully address the motivations behind the behavior.

In the space below, we'll take a close look at why many canines dig. You'll learn about the factors that prompt the behavior, which is a critical step toward discouraging it. We'll also offer a few tips for shaping your pet's habit in a way that preserves your yard and garden, and ensures his safety.

What Motivates A Dog To Dig?

There are many reasons a canine might be compelled to dig. For example, he might do so in an attempt to find cool soil to lie upon when the weather is warm. Or, he may wish to leave the confines of his yard to explore his neighborhood, roam for a mate, or look for food.

Some dogs dig because they are bored. This can happen when they are left outside by their owners for long periods of time. Lacking toys or anything else that might offer mental stimulation, they dig to entertain themselves.

A canine might also dig if he observes a rodent that triggers his prey instinct. In such cases, digging that suggests an attempt to escape is actually an indication of chasing a small animal.

Many dogs dig in order to hide their possessions. The behavior is not driven by anxiety that another animal (or person) will steal their resources, but rather by a motivation to save them for another time.

Another reason is to get away from environments they fear. The behavior may be prompted by loud noises, the appearance of a predator, or an abusive owner.

Each of these reasons may be a contributing factor in a dog's digging. Discouraging the behavior usually requires addressing its motivation. That said, the following suggestions should prove helpful in most cases.

Designate An Area For Your Pet To Dig

One method for preventing your canine from digging up your lawn or garden is to direct his habit toward another area of your yard. Designate a space in which your pet can dig without reprimand. You'll need to train him to dig there, an effort that is best made with plenty of treats.

Bury one of his favorite treats near the surface of the ground (loose soil works well). Make sure he observes you burying it. He'll likely dig it up without needing to be prompted. Once he acquires the buried treat, praise him to reinforce the behavior. Perform this exercise several times until he begins to dig in his designated space on his own.

Make Inappropriate Areas Less Appealing

If your dog is persistent in digging up a particular area of your lawn or garden, you may need to take a more direct approach. For example, consider erecting a makeshift fence out of chicken wire with a portion of it buried several inches under the ground's surface.

You can also purchase a number of products designed to keep your canine away with the use of scents he finds to be repulsive. Commercial repellents include "Get Away" and "Keep Off." But even household items, such as vinegar and ammonia are effective.

Addressing Your Pet's Boredom

Boredom is a common cause of digging. Even if the habit is motivated by another factor, providing your canine with more mental and physical activity can help curb the problem. Take him for two or three walks a day; play games, such as fetch and tug-o-war, with him; and visit a dog park, where he can interact with other pets.

If you are frustrated by your dog's digging, identify the motivation behind the behavior. Although the habit is instinctive in canines, it can be discouraged with the right steps.

Rules Of Engagement When Visiting A Dog Park With Your Pet

Dog parks have been a popular venue for owners and their pets for years. Owners can let their canines roam and play off-leash. But as with any public venue, there are several guidelines to follow to ensure the experience is pleasant for everyone. Neglecting them may draw stares, and even make you and your dog unwelcome.

With this in mind, we'll provide several rules of dog park etiquette below. Some will seem intuitive while others may come as a surprise. The goal is to be informed, so you can avoid doing something that annoys other owners, and prevents them and their pets from enjoying the experience.

Pros And Cons Of Visiting A Dog Park

First, it's worth considering some of the benefits and drawbacks to attending a dog park. Your canine will have an opportunity to interact with other dogs and people. This will play an important role in his socialization. The more comfortable he becomes around others, the less likely he will act aggressively down the road.

Also, your canine will enjoy physical and mental exercise. He'll have an opportunity to race and play games with others. Or, he may wrestle with them. These and other activities will stimulate his mind while letting him work his muscles.

One of the potential downsides to dog parks is that some canines arrive with parasites. If your pet has received his vaccinations, he should be adequately protected from them. Also worth noting, some owners' dogs are aggressive. This can pose a threat if they fight with other animals.

Things To Avoid Doing At A Dog Park

If your pet is still a puppy, consider waiting to take him to a park until he is six months old. Otherwise, his behavior may irritate the other animals.

Don't force him to interact with the other dogs. If he is uncomfortable, take him elsewhere. Forcing him will only make him nervous, which in turn increases the risk of a confrontation.

It is also a good idea to leave treats behind, or only provide them to your pet when he is alone. If given an opportunity, other canines may attempt to acquire them.

Lastly, leave your cell phone and other gadgets in your car. Otherwise, they will distract your attention away from your pet. It is important to remain aware of your dog at all times, so you can act quickly if the need arises.

Tips For Being A Good Dog Park Patron

Be sure to clean up after your canine immediately after he has defecated. Have plenty of bags handy.

If your pet becomes aggressive - even slightly - toward another animal, remove him from the park. Do the same if you notice another dog showing aggressive behavior toward him. It is far better to intervene and prevent a physical confrontation than to risk your pet's injury.

Also, watch your canine while he plays with others. Dogs will often play well together at first, but start to fight when play becomes too rough. If you feel your pet is playing too roughly with another animal, intervene.

Before your canine's first visit to a dog park, take him to a veterinarian for a checkup. Make certain he is in good health, free of diseases, and current on all of his vaccinations.

The socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation your canine will receive at a dog park will make the experience a valuable one. Follow the above guidelines to help make the experience pleasant for everyone.