Tag: Dog Care 101

101 Dog Care Tips - Best Bully Sticks Tip 8 - Spring Dog Care

We are approaching spring and with that comes walks through the park, maybe a jog, and dangers that you should be aware of.

Heart-worm is caused by mosquitoes and can be fatal for our pooches.  Spring time is a major time for this because of the weather warming up and the mosquitoes becoming more active.  There are many products out on the market that can prevent this.  Check with your vet to find out which one is right for your dog.

As the weather warms up, we also need to monitor our dogs tolerance for heat and the sun.  Some dogs like pugs and bull dogs can not tolerate the heat for very long and can actually become dehydrated and get heat stoke.  Dogs can also get sunburn, like us, so monitor the amount of sun that your pooch gets.

Also be aware that it is also approaching flea and tick season.  There are many holistic flea and tick medicines that your vet can recommend.  Although it is recommended to treat your pet for fleas and ticks all year round, we are approaching the season when this medication is most necessary.

Although we think that fairs and concerts are a great bonding experience for us and our dogs, the noise and commotion can be stressful for your pups.  These are places that should be avoided for long periods of time.

Dogs love spring and summer because it means more outdoor time and more time to release all of that pent up winter energy.  By keeping tabs and following these few tips, you can ensure a safe and happy season for you and your pooch.

Please check out our every growing selection of unique and natural dog chews and dog treats !

101 Dog Care Tips - Best Bully Sticks Tip 7 - Toxic Substances For Dogs

As we continue our quest to bring you pertinent dog related information we wanted to highlight some common and not so common substances and foods that you should never give your dog.  If you have a suggestion for our 101 Dog Care Tips section please let us know!

There are many household items that you would never think to keep away from your pooch.  We all know about chocolate and its bad affects, but what about all of those other table scraps and snacks that we don’t even think about?  We all know when we see a cute begging face we feel the need to share any and everything.  Below is a list of typical household items that are not good for your pooch.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Caffeine, including coffee and chocolate
• Fatty foods, especially drippings and grease from cooking
• Chicken and turkey bones (Cooked)
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Onions and garlic
• Mushrooms
• Milk and dairy products
• Salt and sugar (are included in many dog products or dog treats, but in small amounts and carefully regulated)

**While this certainly is not a complete list we hope that you find it helpful**
In addition, just like babies, keep all household cleaners and chemicals away from pet friendly areas.  Also beware of where cords and wires are located, especially if you have a playful pooch.

If your dog does eat something toxic and is having symptoms, the best thing to do is call Poison Control at 1 (900) 680-0000, or the Animal Poison control center at (888) 426-4435, induce vomiting, and head to your local emergency veterinarian.

101 Dog Care Tips - Dog Food and Treats - Tip 5

My Parents always used to say “ You either pay at the doctor, or by eating well”.  The same goes for our pooches.  There are so many options out there for things such as food, supplements, and treats.  There are a few key things that you might want to consider before selecting these for your dogs.

•    The more natural the better.  Food and treats that contain all kinds of ingredients that you can’t pronounce, mean more artificial ingredients.

•    Grains like corn and wheat have shown to cause food allergies for our pooches.  Consider grain choices when buying your food.

•    Food sources that contain the meat rather than the by-products mean a higher quality food

We recommend looking into small companies that make pet food in batches in the United States and are preferably all natural with minimal ingredients.  Feeding raw food is also another great option, as you as the owner has total control over what your pups are eating!  There are now even frozen patties or mixes that make this option even easier to do.  Watch your dog when changing diets to make sure that they are not having bathroom issues, excessive itching, or other symptoms, which could potentially signal an allergy to something in the food.

No body likes having to give their pooches pills.  Fish oil is a great supplement which contributes to both skin and cardiovascular system health.  Salmon oil, in the liquid form can be put in their water or over their food.

When buying your dogs treats, make sure that they are a high quality meat or vegetable product, which are fully digestible.  Many treats out there (including raw hide) are not digestible, which can pose problems if your pooch swallows a piece.

Lastly, always do your homework!  There is a wealth of information on food and treats available on the Internet and in print today.  Look into reviews of the food you are feeding and pay close attention to recalls and customer complaints!  We hope that all pups out there stay happy and healthy!

101 Dog Care Tips - Skin Care - Tip 4

Although all dogs probably don’t care about what there coat looks like, it is very important to keep a shiny, healthy coat!   Besides just looking and feeling better, healthy skin and coat can in most cases indicate the overall health of the pooch.  Sudden changes in coat can indicate underlying medical problems.  Below are several recommendations to ensure healthy, happy skin and coat:

Feed your dog a nutritious diet with the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, including omega fatty acids and Vitamin E. About 20-25 percent of the diet should be protein.

Add one teaspoon of flax seed or fish oil to your dog’s daily food.  This will not only add shine and help to reduce shedding, but also benefits your pooches cardiovascular system.

Brush your dog at least once a week, preferably even more, but we know it can be difficult.  If your dog is a shedder, do it more often. This distributes the natural oils, prevents matting and helps minimize dust and dirt, which can cause irritation.  We recommend the Furminator.   It is not only the best for removing extra hair, but they also love the feel.

Try different dog shampoos. There are moisturizing shampoos for a dry or brittle coat, oatmeal shampoo for itchy, irritated skin and dandruff and botanical or herbal shampoos for an overall healthier coat. Biotin helps with dry skin and panthenol adds shine to the coat.

Make sure to take your dog to a veterinarian for regular checkups, which should include inspection of the entire coat, including the tail and paws.  Sometimes skin problems can be hidden in places that we do not typically see, like between paws or under their belly.

Please let us know what you if there are any suggestions for future Dog Care Tips!

101 Dog Care Tips - Cleaning Your Dogs Ears - Tip 3

Cleaning your dog's ears can be a bad experience for both the pooch and the owner.  However, keeping your dog's ears clean is the best way to prevent against potential health hazards such as ear mites, ear infections and wax build up.  In addition, infections and build-up can affect their ability to hear.

To reduce your dog's risk for experiencing any of these problems perform a routine ear check.  This is best done on a weekly basis. Below are some helpful hints as to what you should be looking for when checking your dog's ears:

• Check the ear for any dirt, wax, foreign objects, or redness in the ear canal.
• Smell your dog's ear; if there is a foul smell present, this is usually indicative of a more serious problem.
• Mites, fleas and ticks like the dark, moist inaccessible area of your dog's ear.
• Check for a waxy substance in your dog's ears, it will almost look like dark brown coffee grinds.

If you think your dog may have any of these symptoms listed above it is imperative that you call and make an appointment to see your Veterinarian. These things can cause serious issues and get worse as they progress.

There are many ear cleaners out on the market, some which are a cleaning solution and rinse aid.  They work great for in between vet visits and really make a difference.  We do not recommend the use of soap and water or Qtips because they can damage the ear canal.

We appreciate you all checking out Tip 3, if you have any suggestions for future tips, or new dog treats or dog related products you would like to see on the site please give us a shout!