Tag: allergies

Gesundheit! Spring time has sprung and so has seasonal allergies. If you are a pet owner and allergy sufferer then you understand firsthand that dealing with seasonal and pet allergies simultaneously is no walk in the dog park. However, many pet owners suffering from non-life threatening allergies would rather live with minor sneezing & sniffles then live without their beloved pet. That is why it is no surprise that for many allergic animal lovers getting rid of their furry companion is out of the question. For some the benefits of pet ownership outweighs the drawbacks of suffering from pet allergies and plowing through a jumbo pack of Kleenex each day. Love your pet but sick of sneezing & watery eyes? No need to shed anymore of those allergy tears or pack your pet's bag. Here are some quick and simple tips to make living with seasonal and pet allergies more bearable & less miserable for you. Fido and Felix you can thank us later!

1. Bathe Your Pet. Tame dander allergens by bathing pets, removing the allergens that accumulate in fur. Be careful not to bathe too often, as frequent bathing can dry out your pet's coat. Ask your vet or groomer for the safest products for your specific pet.

2. Create "Allergy free No-Pet" Zones. If you do have pet allergies, keep pets out of at least one room, preferably the bedroom. It is a waste of time to hang a "No Pets Allowed" sign on your bedroom door, since your pet can't read. Keeping your pet out of your bedroom is gonna require some strong persuasion and training, it's time to call in reinforcements, delicious treats. When you are not at home make sure to close doors of rooms you do not want your pet entering. Also, hypoallergenic fabrics and materials and high-efficiency HEPA allergen-removing air cleaner in your "no-pet zone."

3. Clean Your Home. Vacuum frequently by using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Remember to also regularly steam-clean all in-house fabrics, including curtains, upholstery and rugs. Avoid dust-and-dander-catching furnishings such as cloth curtains and blinds and carpeted floors. Clean frequently and thoroughly to remove dust and dander, washing articles such as couch covers and pillows, curtains, and pet beds. And clean the dreaded kitty litter. You may also want to consider getting rid of carpet which traps large amounts of allergens.  Instead replace the majority of your floor surfaces with mop-able hardwood floors, tiles, or even linoleum, the better off you’ll be.

4. Consider Hypoallergenic Dogs. If you are craving pet companionship but suffer from pet allergies no worries. Hypoallergenic dogs, especially the smaller ones, usually don't shed or produce as much dander and have a different pH level in their hair, making these pets more habitable with allergic parents.

Are you frustrated with yours dogs itchy skin? Is allergy season wreaking havoc on your best canine buddy? Itchiness, skin inflammation, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing or sneezing may be the tell-tale signs that allergies are to blame. If you prefer to go the all natural route here are some all natural herbal remedies for dog allergies. Just what Mother Nature ordered!

1. Aloe. When used externally aloe vera has a soothing effect on a dog's irritated skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory and wound healer. Apply a light covering of aloe gel to your dog's skin once or twice daily. Allow the gel to dry and stay on the dog's skin. Applying aloe all over your dog's skin can be done by making a rinse and applying it to your dog's skin.

2. Oats. Bathing a dog regularly with shampoo containing oats helps alleviate skin symptoms associated with allergies. Additionally, dog owners can boil about 1 lb. pound of oat straw in 2 quarts of water for about 30 minutes, strain the mixture, let it cool, pour the strained liquid over the dog's coat and skin, then give the dog a final rinse with fresh water.

Dogs can break out in hives as an allergic reaction to insect stings, chemicals and poisonous plants. One idea is to make a paste by cooking oats in water, then applying it liberally to the affected areas to alleviate the discomfort.

3. Burdock root can be used to treat internal allergic reactions in dogs. This herb acts as a blood cleanser and antioxidant that rids the dog's body of the toxin causing the allergic reaction. Add dried or fresh burdock root to the dog's food. Alternatively, burdock root in tincture form can be combined with glycerin and given to the dog by mouth.

4. Dandelion. A dog's liver is its main toxin-cleansing organ. Dandelion serves as a liver stimulant to assist the dog's body in ridding itself of whatever is causing the allergic reaction. Dandelion also acts as a diuretic, which also helps the dog rid itself of waste and toxins. There are two ways to administer dandelion to help alleviate allergies in a dog. One way is to dry the greens and sprinkle one teaspoon of dried herb per 20 lbs. of body weight on the dog's food daily. Alternatively, the same amount of dried greens of the dandelion can be boiled in unsalted meat or vegetable broth, allowed to cool, then administered by letting the dog drink the broth.

NOTE: Make sure the plants you use have not been exposed to herbicide.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 5,000 fans.

Give the gift of a good chew. Delicious & all natural, the way nature intended!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats & chews, and of course our bully sticks. Try our odorless bully stick chews !

Take The Guessing Out Of Gift Giving With A Best Bully Stick Gift Certificate!

But what do you do for the pampered pup or feline that has everything? Hmmm..For the pet that has everything give a Best Bully’s Gift Certificate and take the guessing out of gift giving! This is a great way for you to give that furry special someone in your life or loving pet owner a special gift by allowing them to select the exact products their furry companion are looking for.

A picture is worth a thousand words, or shall we say free 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! Each month we will have a drawing on those customers who submitted pictures to the gallery and a winner will be chosen and posted on the site. The winner will win more bully sticks!

Bark the Word! Join the Best Bully Sticks Free Affiliate Program & Earn 6% Commission or 6% Product Discount

Spring is in the air, and so is seasonal allergies. Pollen, dust mites and other allergens can drive you and your dog mad. So, what are the signs your dog may have allergies? Good question! If your dog is sneezing, itching, chewing his or her fur, incessantly biting & licking paws, has skin or ear inflammation or experiencing hair loss the culprit may be allergies. But have no fear there is relief, here are a few ways to treat and sooth your dog's allergy symptoms.

1. Cool off, with a cool bath. One way to relieve the itch is to soak your furry friend in a cool bath. Fill the tub with cool (not cold) water and let your dog soak for at least fifteen minutes daily. To make bath time even more soothing, add a handful of oatmeal to the bath water. But first, run the oatmeal through your blender or food processor to grind it into a fine powder that will form a protective film on your dog's irritated skin.

2. Antihistamine's are your friend! Try giving your dog an over-the-counter antihistamine like Benadryl. Allergies in dogs trigger the production of histamines, the cause of the irritation and itching. One 25mg tablet is enough for a fifty-pound dog so split the pill accordingly if your dog weighs less. In addition, keep some yogurt or unsweetened pumpkin puree on hand to give your dog if he develops diarrhea from the anti-histamine. As always consult your vet for proper dosage and advice on the subject.

3. Fish Oil to the rescue! Add fatty acid supplements , like salmon oil to your dog's diet works wonders. Salmon Oil provides the nutrients for healthy dog skin and fur, add some daily into their food dish.

4. Stay indoors. If your dog is having a really bad allergic reaction to pollen it is probably best that your dog stays in doors. Although you may have to deal with a whiny dog, it is better then having to deal with a sick pup.

5. Clean Sweep. Keep the house spotlessly clean if dust mites are the catalyst for your dog's allergies. Wash her bedding once a week and vacuum daily, emptying the vacuum bag immediately. Make a very weak tea solution and keep it in a plastic spray bottle to lightly mist the air indoors, killing numerous dust mites.

6. Paw Soak. If your dog is biting, chewing or licking his paws then a soothing & healing paw soak in Epsom salt might do the trick.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 5,000 fans.

How Can You Give Back To Barkworthy Rescues and Shelters Across the Globe? Click to Give a $1 at Checkout!

Well, we we tell you how you can help Best Bully Sticks support them. With your help we can save lives one $1 at a time and no animal needs to suffer.

Participate in our Best Bully Sticks $1 Donation Program by shopping on www.bestbullysticks.com and clicking to donate a $1 at checkout. For every $1 you donate at checkout we will donate a $1 with a 100% of the proceeds going to rescues and shelters in need across the country. The money raised will help with out reach, basic animal necessities and rescue programs. Donations raised monthly by you will be given to 3 lucky rescues during our ongoing monthly Best Bully Sticks Rescue Shelter Giveaway.

NEW! PRICE-MATCH GUARANTEE!

We are so confident that we offer the best prices at www.bestbullysticks.com that we now match ANY online vendor price on any item we sell!

If you find anything on www.bestbullysticks.com for less on another website (excluding Amazon and Ebay), let us know and we’ll credit the difference to you. It must be the same item. For bulk items, we’ll try our best to match the price. Email us at bbinfo@bestbullysticks.com with any questions or to take advantage of this great new service.

Is your dog barking for his or her time in the spotlight?

If you would like your dog spotlighted or want to recommend a dog breed you love for our next Best Bully Sticks Spotlight on a Breed entry please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks. Don’t forget to send over a photogenic pic of your dog as well.

Give the gift of a good chew. Delicious & all natural, the way nature intended!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats & chews, and of course our bully sticks. Try our odor free bully sticks!

Take The Guessing Out Of Gift Giving With A Best Bully Stick Gift Certificate!

But what do you do for the pampered pup or feline that has everything? Hmmm..For the pet that has everything give a Best Bully’s Gift Certificate and take the guessing out of gift giving! This is a great way for you to give that furry special someone in your life or loving pet owner a special gift by allowing them to select the exact products their furry companion are looking for.

A picture is worth a thousand words, or shall we say free 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! Each month we will have a drawing on those customers who submitted pictures to the gallery and a winner will be chosen and posted on the site. The winner will win more bully sticks!

Bark the Word! Join the Best Bully Sticks Free Affiliate Program & Earn 6% Commission or 6% Product Discount

Is your dog keeping you up all night with his restless snoring? All that snoring and lack of a good nights sleep is leaving you both grumpy, tired and having people call you Mr. Grouchy Pants. Snoring occurs when their is an obstruction in the nasal passage or nostrils that causes airway constriction. It's time to retire those earplugs and get to the root of the problem. Here are few reasons why dog's snore and tips on how to remedy the situation so you both can get your beauty sleep.

Why Do Dogs Snore?

1. Obesity. Overweight or obese dog's have a higher risk of suffering from excessive snoring. They tend to have excess tissue in their throat which causes the obstruction that blocks the airways.

2. Allergies. Allergens like pollen, dust and smoke are a leading cause of nasal allergies.  As a result the mucus blocks the nostrils and causes heavy breathing.

3. Breed Specific. Certain dog breeds are predisposed to snoring such as Pekinese, Pugs, Boston Terriers. Dogs with short, narrow nostrils have to work harder to breathe than most other dogs. These breeds are known to snore as their windpipe flattens which makes it difficult to breathe.

4. Second-hand Smoke. Tobacco smoke is a big irritant that can cause your dog to snore. If you want your dog to quit snoring then you will need to put down the pack or take it outside. Make your home a smoke free environment.

5. Sickness. If your pet is battling a cold & stuffy nose then he might snore in his sleep until his nostrils are clear.

Tips on How to Stop Your Dog From Snoring

1. Clear the Air. If allergens is the culprit make sure you clean your dogs bedding every day. Take your dog on walks and outdoors when the pollen levels are low. Vacuum & dust regularly to rid your home of dust mites that may lurk under your couch,  rug and curtains.

2. Diet & Exercise. Get your dog up off the couch and outdoors for a good romp and play. Regular exercise will reduce your dogs weight, get you both in shape but and get the snoring problem under control.

3. Get a Snout job. Often times if snoring persist a vet checkup may be in order. Often times a small nasal surgery may be conducted on breeds predisposed to snoring during puppy years.

4. Purchase a Round Bed. Try to change the way your dog sleeps by either changing his bed or his sleeping posture. Dog's snore when they lie on their backs. By using a round, snug bed you will force the dog to sleep in a curled up position.

5. Prop up Your Dogs Head with a Pillow. Use pillow to elevate your dogs head which may help to reduce your dogs snoring not to mention the number of times you awaken tossing and turning in the night.

6. No Smoking Zone. Second hand smoke  not only affects the health and well being of children but pets also. Avoid smoking next to your dog. Keep him in a smoke free environment.

From Sushi, Espy and the entire Best Bully Sticks pack we wish you all sweet dreams!

BEST BULLY STICK HAPPENING UPDATES!!

Introducing Best Bully Sticks Rescue/Shelter $1 Donation Program!

Help Best Bully Sticks lend a helping paw to worthy animal shelters and rescues around the country who are dedicated to the safety and protection of animals. Please donate a $1.00 at checkout to Rescues and Shelters in Need around the country.

How It Works!

*Best Bully Sticks will match dollar for dollar. For every $1 you donate at checkout we will donate a $1 (i.e. If 500 customers donate a $1.00 for a total $500 Best Bully Sticks match the contributions raised)
*All the money raised will be donated to animal rescues & shelters (100% no administration fees) and audited by a Third party
*Donations raised by you will be given to 3 different rescues monthly. All money donated will be shown publicly and organizations that benefit will be announced on our blog.
*We will interact via contests, story submissions, guest blogs, etc with animal rescue and shelters for their chance to be one of the 3 organizations donated to each month.

NEW! PRICE-MATCH GUARANTEE!

We are so confident that we offer the best prices at www.bestbullysticks.com that we now match ANY online vendor price on any item we sell!

If you find anything on bestbullysticks.com for less on another website (excluding Amazon and Ebay), let us know and we’ll credit the difference to you. It must be the same item. For bulk items, we’ll try our best to match the price. Email us at bbinfo@bestbullysticks.com with any questions or to take advantage of this great new service.

Refer-A-Friend now offering a 6% discount per referral

Having itchy irritated hot spots is no walk in the dog park. Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis) are inflamed, infected areas of your dogs skin caused by excessive licking, scratching flea infestation, allergies, tangled or matted fur . Hot spots symptoms are characterized by redness, oozing, itchiness and hair loss. Is your dog barking for some relief? Well, Aloe Vera can be used as a topical remedy on your dogs fur & coat to soothe and heal your dogs itchy hot spots Here are a few tips on using and applying Aloe Vera on your dogs infected hot spots to give your dog some much needed relief fast.

1. Carefully trim the fur away from the severely affected hot spots on your dogs body.

2. Soak a clean washcloth in cool water. Gently cleanse the hot spots.

3. Apply a thin layer of 100% pure aloe vera gel to the hot spots. For added relief, add a drop of essential oil of lavender or tea tree oil to the aloe vera gel.

4. Repeat this process every day, once or twice a day, until the hot spots begin to heal.

5. Once or twice a week, give your dog a cool bath with a dog shampoo infused with Aloe Vera and colloidal oatmeal. Apply the Aloe Vera gel to its hot spots after it is dry.

**Practice caution when using Aloe Vera. NEVER use it internally on your dog or allow your pet to ingest it. Speak with vet prior to using Aloe Vera on your dog. Always remember to consult vet if itching is persistent and does not get any better. This could be a tell tail sign of something more serious.

BEST BULLY STICK HAPPENING UPDATES!!

Introducing Best Bully Sticks Rescue/Shelter $1 Donation Program!

Help Best Bully Sticks lend a helping paw to worthy animal shelters and rescues around the country who are dedicated to the safety and protection of animals. Please donate a $1.00 at checkout to Rescues and Shelters in Need around the country.

How It Works!

*Best Bully Sticks will match dollar for dollar. For every $1 you donate at checkout we will donate a $1 (i.e. If 500 customers donate a $1.00 for a total $500 Best Bully Sticks match the contributions raised)
*All the money raised will be donated to animal rescues & shelters (100% no administration fees) and audited by a Third party
*Donations raised by you will be given to 3 different rescues monthly. All money donated will be shown publicly and organizations that benefit will be announced on our blog.
*We will interact via contests, story submissions, guest blogs, etc with animal rescue and shelters for their chance to be one of the 3 organizations donated to each month.

NEW! PRICE-MATCH GUARANTEE!

We are so confident that we offer the best prices at www.bestbullysticks.com that we now match ANY online vendor price on any item we sell!

If you find anything on bestbullysticks.com for less on another website (excluding Amazon and Ebay), let us know and we’ll credit the difference to you. It must be the same item. For bulk items, we’ll try our best to match the price. Email us at bbinfo@bestbullysticks.com with any questions or to take advantage of this great new service.

Refer-A-Friend now offering a 6% discount per referral

Many of you have taken advantage of our Refer-a-Friend/Family Member program, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for that-it’s the biggest compliment you can give us.

Are you new to Refer-A-Friend? It’s simple! Here’s how it works:
*Your friend or family member places their first order with Best Bully Sticks.
*On that first order, your friend or family member types your name and the words “Refer-A-Friend” in the “Comments” section.
*We send you a coupon code for 6% off when their order is placed!

There are no limits to the Refer-A-Friend promotion, so you save 6% off our products every time a new friend or family member places their first order!

Do you have a bone to pick with us?

Our dog chews & dog bones are all natural, and from either Brazilian or US meat sources. If you have a highly aggressive chewers then you came to the right place. Your dogs will fall in love with our grrreat selection, while you go gaga over our amazing prices! We are constantly adding new dog bones & chews, so make sure to check back often. Better yet sign up for our newsletter and receive the inside scoop on new products, special saving & discounts & stay up to date on Best Bully Sticks happenings for 2010. We have some wonderful things in store worth barking about, so sniff around our site daily!

Trudy says "Got my bully, life's good"

Offering you more of the best of the best-with your input!

Since you are our most valuable resource and we want Best Bully Sticks to be your go-to source for great pooch stuff, we need your help! Please let us know what you think we should offer, and how you think we can improve our website, for your best possible shopping experience with us. We will carefully consider all ideas.

Give the gift of  a good chew.  Delicious & all natural, the way nature intended!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course our bully sticks. Try our NEW All Natural Free Range Odor free bully sticks!

Trudy and Jasmine play tug-o-bully !

Our photo gallery is growing constantly, please submit a photo of your dog enjoying any of our products to enter our twice monthly contest! Each month we will have a drawing on those customers who submitted pictures to the gallery and a winner will be chosen and posted on the site. The winner will win more bully sticks!

Bark the Word! Join the Best Bully Sticks Free Affiliate Program & Earn 6% Commission or 6% Product Discount