Tag: dog care

Is your dog’s stuff taking over? If you have 1 dog, why do you have 4 leashes? And wasn’t that hook supposed to be for your keys? Spring cleaning is right around the corner so there’s no better time than now to de-clutter your dog’s stuff. Read BestBullySticks.com’s helpful tips below for Organizing Dog Supplies.

De-clutter & Conquer: Paring Down
Most likely there are a few things you can pare down. The first step is gathering all your dog’s supplies in one area to see exactly what you have. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Donate or Trash:

• Broken or unused dog beds, crates or toys
• Treats your dog doesn’t care for or that are expired
• Any items from a pet that is no longer in your home

Thinking Categorically: Creating Categories
Separate your remaining items by these categories

• Food & Bowls
• Toys
• Medications
• Leashes
• Waste Disposal
• Paperwork

Pet Food Storage Area
Usually you’ll keep your dog’s food, bowls and treats in the area where he’ll eat. Whether that’s in the kitchen or near his kennel, finding the right items for organization could include an airtight dog food container, food scoop, a treat jar, properly sized dog bowls and anti-slip mats.

Pet Toys
Where does your dog play the most? In the living room or your bedroom or even an enclosed patio? Wherever it may be, keep all your dog’s toys here. A simple basket can contain all of your dog’s favorite toys like his durable West Paw dog toys or his long lasting Planet Dog balls. Every time you pick up your dog’s toys and place them back in the basket, put your dog’s favorite item in the very bottom. This creates a fun scavenging game for your dog!

Consider a separate toy basket that is specifically for outdoors play. Tennis balls and flying discs can have a permanent place on your covered porch or deck to be ready for a game of fetch anytime.

For Your Walk
Create a dog-friendly entryway near the door you’ll exit before you take your dog on his daily walk. Hang hooks on the wall for leashes and collars, gather plastic grocery bags or waste bags in a basket and stow a towel near the door to take care of muddy paws or wet fur. Keep a small bag of treats near the door for rewards and brush to keep Fido’s fur in check. A lint brush might be a good idea, too!

Paperwork
Veterinary information, adoption paperwork and certifications are all crucial papers you’ll want to keep not only organized but within reach. Create a binder or file folder for each individual pet divided by topic so information is easily accessible.

Do you need to de-clutter your dog’s stuff? Tell us how your organizing your pet’s supplies. 

You don't need Rebecca Black to tell you "It's Friday." We're sure you've been looking forward to Friday all week! Did you miss any of BestBullySticks.com BARK-tastic blogs this week?  If you did miss any of the Dog Sitting/NYC Dog Rescuing/Blueberry Pumpkin Treating/Min Pin fun, catch up before Monday with all of this week's great BBS Blogs!

So snuggle up to your favorite pooch (or pooches) and read the BBS Healthy Dog Blog! Happy Weekend Reading! Click the links below to find out more about: 

Dog Care 101 Tip #203: Choosing A Good Dog Sitter • Rescue Spotlight: Rescuzilla •  Vegan Heartland's Blueberry Pumpkin Dog Treats • Breed Spotlight on the Miniature Pinscher

Also in your free time this weekend, check out our fun Pinterest Page! We've got TONS of great dog videos, adorable dog photos, funny dog photos, DIY dog project and more!

If you can’t make it home to let your dog out at lunch or you’re going on vacation, considering a dog sitter is a great idea. BestBullySticks.com knows you want the best caregiver for your dog besides you. That’s why we’re giving you these handy tips on How to Choose a Good Dog Sitter!

Pros of Choosing A Dog Sitter
A few positives of hiring a dog sitter include:

• Keeping your pet comfortable in their own environment
• Keeping your dog’s regular routine
• No social anxiety of a boarding facility
• Attention and care while you’re away and peace of mind you’ll feel knowing this
• Happier friends and family who aren’t begrudgingly caring for your pet
• Checking in on your house so potential burglars won’t know you’re gone
• Miscellaneous services such as plant watering, mail pick up, etc.

What To Look For
Finding a pet sitter is as easy as asking friends and family or even looking to the National Association for Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. Online services such as Care.com are helpful, too.

Once you find a few candidates, look into each person’s qualifications and services. You’ll want to check for:

• Related training
• At least three references
• Liability insurance to cover accidents or negligence

You’ll also want to see if the sitter is:

• Comfortable with your dog and your dog seems comfortable with them
• Taking thorough notes
• Offering additional services such as plant watering, mail pickup or grooming
• Providing a written contract including services and fees
• Outlining when and how long they will be at your home (if not a live-in sitter)
• Checking in with you at a specified time interval
• Setting up a replacement if they have an emergency or are sick
• Familiar with First Aid or an Emergency Vet
• The only person coming into your home
• Leaving your house key in a particular place

Your Responsibilities
Now that you know what to look for, prepare for your dog sitters visit. Here are some basic responsibilities to make your dog sitter’s time with your fur-kid easy and pleasant.

• Notify your dog sitter as early as possible
• Be sure you have current id tags and all medical information and vaccinations are up to date
• Make sure your pet is well socialized and comfortable with your sitter
• Take your sitter on a full tour of your house and be sure they’re familiar with your security system and fuse box
• Leave detailed instructions outlining your dog’s complete routine (feeding, exercise, preferences)
• Leave all your contact, emergency contact and veterinarian information
• Put your dog’s food and supplies in one place
• Leave a key with a friend, trusted neighbor or family member as well as exchange phone numbers between them all.

Now that you’re familiar with finding a good dog sitter, you can go out of town without worrying (too much) about Fido.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Yes, it may be cliché, but BestBullySticks.com thinks resolutions are a great way to start off a new year! However, we also know good resolutions are the kind that are within reach and, even better, if you have someone keeping you accountable. And if you don’t want to make a personal commitment, why not for your dog?! You don’t want to let your dog down, do you? Of course not! Here are some doggy resolutions to consider this New Year!

1. Annual Checkup: Not only is your dog’s annual checkup very important, it’s only once a year! These easy appointments make sure your dog’s health is up to par, shots and vaccinations are up to date and can catch illnesses early on.  You can check this resolution off your list quickly and ensure your dog is in tip-top shape all in one vet visit.

2. Exercise: This year will be the year! Well, for your dog it definitely should be. Dogs love to explore and roam, so walk might be a great way for your dog (and you) to get the blood moving! A good game of fetch or Frisbee in the back yard is also a great way to make sure Fido gets good exercise. And if Fido is harboring a little extra weight around the middle, this will help shed those pounds.

3. Diet: This topic is shirked by both two-legged and four-legged species! We all love a good meal, but maybe it’s time to revamp Fido’s daily diet. This doesn’t necessarily mean cutting back, but giving your dog quality food. However, if your dog does need to cut back, why not now? Dogs at a healthy, optimum weight live longer and fuller lives.

4. New Experiences: Even if your dog is a homebody or couch potato, there’s nothing wrong with new experiences. Socialization and new experiences make a better, well-rounded, “ready for anything” kind of dog. Trying out a new dog park, taking your dog to the beach or meeting new dogs! And, you can teach an old dog new tricks! Try teaching your dog to shake or high-five! Even a new challenge like a tough dog treat or chew will keep Fido's mind working! 

5. More Quality Time: Don’t get too caught up on your daily busyness to only pat Fido on the head in passing. Your dog needs daily love and support from you, so in the new year, set aside quality time every day or week to give your dog one-on-one time. It will be meaningful to the both of you. Cuddling in bed, a game of fetch in the yard of a walk around the block make the bond with your dog stronger and more special.

Make a resolution to your dog this year! BestBullySticks.com think it’s won’t be too hard to keep. Happy New Year, Bully Fans! 

Happy Christmas Eve! If you haven’t already started your holiday festivities, BestBullySticks.com knows there will soon be a whirlwind of places to be and people to see. We urge you not to leave your dog out of the holiday happenings! However, there are a few things to remember to keep Fido happy and healthy during this busy time of year. Here are a few quick tips to remember this Christmas!

1. Stay Calm! Your dog can feel your stress. Spending a little quiet time with your dog during your busy day will help both of you de-stress.

2. Keep to your Daily Routine. Dogs thrive on a predictable routine, so don’t throw him for a loop just because it’s the Holidays. 

3. Wear him out! If you’re worried about your dog being rambunctious before your big holiday get-together, play hard right before the party! This will ensure Fido will be too tired to get into too much trouble.

4. Food Prep & Food Precautions. Food prep and presentation objects like toothpicks in food or cooking bags can easily become foul play when your dog is trying to sneak a bite. Make sure your food is out of reach or free of anything that could cause Fido harm. Make sure you also keep a tight lid on the garbage can!

5. Pretty Poisonous Plants. Toxic holiday plants include holly, mistletoe, ivy, Christmas cactus and poinsettias. Call your vet or poison control immediately! National Poison Control can be reached at: 888-426-4435 and 900-680-0000

6. Visitors & Guests. If your dog isn’t used to being around large groups of people, a major holiday isn’t the time for socialization training. Keep Fido nice and cozy in a crate or his favorite room of the house. Visit your dog every once in a while to let him know everything is okay. If your dog is out, make sure you tell all your guests not to feed any table scraps! Also make sure your dog won’t bolt out the door every time a new guest enters your home.

BestBullySticks.com hopes these quick tips will help you remember Fido’s needs during the Holiday season. Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas!