Tag: dog

Canine diabetes, is when a dog's body is unable to make enough blood sugar to survive. Dog diabetes is nearly identical to Type II diabetes in humans. Known as a silent killer, if not detected is a serious disease that strikes both people & dogs and if left untreated can cause serious health complications. The key to prevention is first knowing the symptoms & causes for canine diabetes. So, we are here to help by giving you the facts which can ultimately save your pets life.

Its important for all pet owners to recognize the signs of diabetes so you can seek proper vet care. But do keep in mind to always seek the advice of your vet for a proper diagnoses since many ailments can have similar symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Canine Diabetes? Here are a list of symptoms that are diabetes red flags and if your dog has any multiple of these symptoms seek a vet immediately for proper care.

1. Extreme thirst. This is the body's attempt to rid itself of excess glucose.

2. Frequent urination. The dog may even have accidents in the house because he's unable to hold it long enough to get outside.

3. Shivering or shakiness can be a symptom of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, which is an emergency. Wrap the pet in a blanket to keep him warm, and take him to the vet right away.

4. Unexplained weight loss, even though the dog is eating ravenously.

5. Weakness and lethargy. The pet is tired all the time, and seems to have lost interest in life.

6. Lowered resistance to infections. Recurring urinary tract infections are common in diabetic dogs because the high sugar content in the urine encourages bacterial growth.

7. Breath smells sweet or fruity. If the dog's breath smells like nail polish remover, this is a symptom of ketoacidosis, which requires immediate veterinary treatment.

8. Abdominal Pain. Some owners notice that the dog will yell when getting up or lying down, or when petted in the abdominal area. Damage to the pancreas is the reason for the pain.

9. Sudden Cataracts. Cataract forms when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque resulting in blindness, vision loss & impairment. When diabetes strikes, the blood sugar levels rise all over the body. Glucose in the eyeball is absorbed into the lens. In turn, this causes the lens to absorb more water, which causes the cloudiness and vision loss in cataracts.

Pinpointing the causes of diabetes can lower your pets risk of developing this disease.  So what are the causes of canine diabetes?

1. Canine Obesity. Dogs that are overweight have a higher risk of getting diabetes. If your dog is obese, his body will require an increased amount of insulin; when the required amount exceeds the amount your dog's pancreas can produce, the result is diabetes.

Your dog should be eating a high-quality canned food high in fiber and low in fats and carbohydrates. Some dog owners are even going the extra mile by making their own dog food. We know it can be tempting with those puppy eyes, but avoid feeding table scraps and treats, which are very high in sugar.

2. Reproductive Hormones. Fluctuations in your dog's hormonal cycle can disrupt insulin regulation. Therefore, spaying your dog not only curbs the problem of pet overpopulation, but can reduce your dogs risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Particularly, middle-aged females are 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes in canines than male dogs are. The hormone estrogen  can interfere with insulin production.

3. Dogs Breed Genetically Predisposed. Although any dog can develop diabetes, there are certain breeds at higher risk for developing diabetes. The list includes: Dachshunds, Miniature pinchers, Golden retrievers, Beagles, Keeshonds, German shepherds, Poodles, Schnauzers, Cairn terriers, Cocker spaniels.

4. Steroids. If your dog is being given regular doses of glucocorticoids or progestagens, he could develop diabetes. Steroids can disrupt pancreas function, causing the under-production of insulin.

5. Illness. Diabetes can be triggered by another illness. If your dog already suffers from certain conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis or Cushing's disease, she is at higher risk for developing diabetes.

What is treatment for diabetes?

Management of your dogs diabetes starts first with a proper diet that consist of  low fat and low sugar meals.  Speak with your vet to determine a strict eating regimin of what your dog should or should not be ingesting. It will be necessary to feed the dog twice a day to avoid dips and spikes in blood sugar levels. You will also have to learn how to monitor the pet's blood glucose levels, and also how to give insulin shots twice a day.

Daily, consistent & low impact excercise such as walking or swimming is a great natural way to regulate your dogs blood sugar levels & trim the waistline. Consult your vet prior to setting up a canine excercise program for your diabetic pup. As always keep a close eye on your dog to make sure your dog does not suffer from hypoglycemia. Sure sign that your dogs blood sugar levels are low is dizziness and shakiness. One trick is to carry  little syrup or honey in a dropper to squirt in the pet's mouth or to rub on the gum's to increase the blood sugar to normal levels.

Here are a list of natural herbs straight from mother nature can be helpful in controlling your dogs diabetes:

1. Fenugreek is high in fiber, which slows down digestion causing glucose to enter  the bloodstream more slowly, preventing spikes in blood sugar after a meal. This herb stimulates the release of insulin. It also slows down the enzymes that break down carbohydrates, which helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

2. Goat's Rue herb helps lower blood glucose levels & reduce the risk of cataracts in dogs

3. Astragulus is a herb that helps regulates blood glucose levels & reduce the risk of cataracts. It also helps supports the immune system reducing your dogs risk of getting urinary tract & infections.

Remember that being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean the end of the world for you & your dog. Good news!! With proper diet, regular vet checkups, and being aware of causes & symptoms your dog can live a long healthy life!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!!

Two Best Bully Sticks adoring fans! Italian Greyhounds from Chicago on vacation in Folly Beach, SC. Roscoe chewing on a Bully Stick (Bailey in background drinking water)

Height: Males 28 to 30 in &  females 27 to 28 in

Weight: Males 60 to 88 lbs & females 60 to 75 lbs

Coat: Soft, smooth, fine, short, firm coat that sheds a little.

Color: Vary from white to black, including fawn, gray, red, or brown, and any pattern from solid to pinto to brindle.

Appearance: Built for speed, the greyhound features long, muscular back legs, straight front legs, and a streamlined body. Its back is muscular and strong, featuring a very flexible, arched spine. The feet offer great leverage with their long, narrow shape. Overall, the head is long and narrow, and it features a long, powerful muzzle with strong, even teeth. With a spirited and intelligent expression, the eyes of the greyhound are both dark and bright. The ears are small, generally folded back, and sit on the widest part of the skull. The neck is graceful and blends smoothly into the arched back. The long tail is curved slightly upward and is carried low.

Temperament: Although greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs. They are sprinters, and although they love running, they do not require extensive exercise. Most are quiet, gentle animals. An adult greyhound will stay healthy and happy with a daily walk of as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Greyhounds have been referred to as "Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.Gentle, quiet, and affectionate, the greyhounds make wonderful pets. This breed is loyal, friendly, and sensitive.

Unlike breeds that must be socialized as puppies to temper their dominant tendencies, the Greyhound needs early socialization to give it confidence and build self assurance. A Greyhound puppy that is not accustomed to noise and people at an early age can be excessively fearful of loud or persistent sounds and painfully timid with strangers. The greyhound is good with children but rough-housing with the dog should be discouraged. The greyhound is not prone to excessive barking and is generally easy to housebreak. This breed is even-tempered and graceful – a loyal dog that makes an excellent companion.

Health: The life expectancy for Greyhounds is about 10-13  years. Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, and hereditary illness is rare. Some greyhounds have been known to develop esophageal achalasia, bloat (gastric torsion), andosteosarcoma. Because the greyhound's lean physique makes it ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, owners of companion greyhounds generally provide soft bedding; without bedding, greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores.

Due to the unique physiology and anatomy of greyhounds, a veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to the breed is generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly whenanaesthesia is required. Greyhounds cannot metabolize barbiturate-based anesthesia as other breeds can because they have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes in their livers. Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry, which can be misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed; this can result in an incorrect diagnosis.

Greyhounds have higher levels of red blood cells than other breeds. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this higher level allows the hound to move larger quantities of oxygen faster from the lungs to the muscles. Greyhounds have lower levels of platelets than other breeds. Veterinary blood services often use greyhounds as universal blood donors.

Famous Greyhounds

Santa's Little Helper- Simpson's Cartoon
Peritas- owned by  Alexander the Great
Byron & Blucher owned by General George Custer

If you would like to recommend a dog breed for our next Best Bully Sticks spotlight on a breed please send us an email or tweet @bestbullysticks

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course our 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!

We love getting bark-mail from happy customers and love hearing their wonderful stories. As always, we are so lucky to be able to to give deserving dogs some bully stick chew joy! This story was sent over by a dog owner's friend, it was so heartfelt that we wanted to share it with you. This is a story of a proud dog owner and a happy go lucky husky with his Curly bully sticks.  It reads:

Dear Best Bully Stick Team,

I am actually sending in this photo on behalf of my friend, Jennifer, who volunteers at a Husky rescue and adopted a blind miniature husky couple months ago.

His name is Cash and he is a miniature siberian husky.  Both him and his brother were a product of bad breeding and both had distemper as puppies.  Fortunately both him and his brother survived and was pulled out of the shelter by the rescue.  Jennifer fostered both puppies who were visually impaired.  Unfortunately Tango (the brother) started having multiple seizures and his condition got so bad they eventually made the tough decision to put him down.

Cash survived and is doing really well in Jenn's care.  I took these pictures of when Cash visited our office where Jenn and I both work.  That day our package arrived so I divided the bully sticks and put them in a bag.

I wanted to send a few pictures in so you can see how happy Cash is with the bully sticks!  :)

Thanks,
Wendy

Here are some wonderful pics of Cash enjoying his Curly Bully Stick Chews. I guess they are so good he decided he wanted to eat the  entire bag, hey Cash you better save some for later. So, why is Cash going bonkers for these Curly Bully Stick Chews, well let us tell you!

1. They are a fun spiral shape.
2. Great tool to keep his teeth and gums healthy.
3. They are also a great delicious change of pace for his bully stick craving!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!!

New Discount Auto-Ship Program-Great Prices and Convenience!

We now offer you a truly convenient, money-saving shopping experience! When you complete your order, you have the option of selecting “Auto-Ship” and your dog will receive that same order at the time interval of your choice, from 2 to 6 weeks.

●      Receive a 6% discount when you select auto-ship
●      Lock in our current prices for up to a year

In this busy world, our auto-ship program is a great way to save time-and money!

Missing a Bone? If there is a particular type of dog bone you would like to see offered on bestbullysticks.com , please let us know and we will do out best to make it happen! One of our motto’s is “happy dog, happy owner & happy life”.

Sam's Yam's simply put are awesome! They are a single ingredient dog chew loved by dogs of all shapes and sizes. We carry three different varieties which are: Bichon Fries (For the Little Guys), Veggie Rawhide (For In Between Guys), and Big Boys (Well for the Big Boys). We have some good news for you & your deserving dog. All of our Sam's Yam's chews are on SALE!! Okay,  your dog can start sending us "Thank you" bark-mail.

As with all of the chews we offer, Sam's Yam's are great for your dog's teeth and gums. Although these might not last as long as a bully stick they are a great option to change things up!

Sweet potato is very high in anti-oxidants. We add nothing artificial, no sweeteners, colors, or processed food items. Sam's Yams are made of whole thick slabs of USA grown sweet potatoes, then dehydrated through a unique process. The dehydrated process locks in the sweet potatoes flavor & nutrients.

Made only of human food quality, fresh sweet potato and nothing more. The trick is in the patent pending drying process, where the sweet potato is transformed into a chew that has characteristics similar to rawhide or jerky. Basically, a vegetable rawhide-like chew. Best of all, Dogs Love Them!!! There are three different shapes and sizes available.

Top 10 Reasons Why You & Your Dog Can't Live Out Sam Yams Chews:

1. Dogs (almost) universally love the flavor of sweet potatoes.
2.Hardness and Patent Pending hard, ridged, grooved surface design helps clean teeth and gums. Well suited for senior dogs sensitive gum's &  teeth.
3.Safe to Chew-eliminates fears of Rawhide impaction or throat lodging. Our Sweet Potatoe chews offer the chew-ability that dogs love.
4.High in Fiber. Fiber dramatically improves digestive health.
5. Each chew has the nutritional value of half of a large sweet potato. High in the “Fido-Nutrients” your Dog Needs. Vitamin A, B6, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin.
6.Will NOT STAIN carpets- No foul odors. Since these yam treats are vegetable based, there are no off- odors, or greasiness to contend.
7.Helps meet the need for 35% vegetables and fruit in the canine diet.
8. Low in Calories-High in Anti-Oxidants.
9. Sweet Potatoes are the #1 Ranked Vegetable.
10. Hypoallergenic-No Highly processed anything, such as wheat gluten, corn, starch, plastics, polymers, animal by-products, animal digest or rendered animal meat or fat. JUST a PURE FOOD- Sweet Potato.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!!

New Discount Auto-Ship Program-Great Prices and Convenience!

We now offer you a truly convenient, money-saving shopping experience! When you complete your order, you have the option of selecting “Auto-Ship” and your dog will receive that same order at the time interval of your choice, from 2 to 6 weeks.

●      Receive a 6% discount when you select auto-ship
●      Lock in our current prices for up to a year

In this busy world, our auto-ship program is a great way to save time-and money!

Missing a Bone? If there is a particular type of dog bone you would like to see offered on bestbullysticks.com , please let us know and we will do out best to make it happen! One of our motto’s is “happy dog, happy owner & happy life”.

Montana in jumping action in the Kentucky Dock Dogs Competition at Lee's Ford Marina!

For all you readers wondering about Montana, wonder no more we have an official update on this highly competitive, gifted dock jumping dog! Kentucky Dock Dogs held their club fun jump at Lee's Ford Marina on Lake Cumberland this past weekend.  It was perfect weather and several dogs came out to jump.  Montana placed 2nd overall in her division.  She also was a working dog that wore the Chase vest to help raise money for the charity Chase Away Canine Cancer. Below are some neat pics of the event.

She and her trainers are on the road again for Chicago, IL area for another competition this weekend. Stay tuned for more updates!!

Table full of raffle prizes!!

Our proud working dog Montana wears chase vest for a canine cause!

Montana was breed to be an athlete, its in her pedigree. See her in action!

So stayed tuned to our blog to read more about  Montana as she competes in upcoming events. She is already preparing another competition this weekend. Best Bully Sticksis proud to sponsor its first canine athlete, please join us in rooting her on and wishing her luck.