Tag: fleas

That age-old maxim, “April Showers Bring May Flowers” is very true. After Winter, fragrant blossoms are a welcome sight and are very abundant already this Spring! However, May also brings some nasty critters that aren’t welcome at all—fleas and ticks! Ick! But don’t worry! Best Bully Sticks.com is here to help you sort out what flea and tick preventatives are best for your pooch this Spring.

We’re here to say two things:
1. You should always take preventative steps to protect your furry family member from fleas and ticks.

2. If you didn’t know already, BBS doesn’t condone the use of any chemicals in anything for pets because they’re very bad for our four-legged friends.

That being said, how do you treat your dog for fleas and ticks without using a flea and tick medication that isn’t full of crazy sounding chemicals for ingredients? In reality, it’s very simple, but first, let’s go over why chemically enhanced flea and tick preventatives aren’t good for your dog.

One of the first reasons to avoid chemically laden flea and tick preventatives is that it could be very harmful to your dog. The chemicals that act as insect repellents have been known to have some bad side effects, like seizures and poisoning.  The second reason is because these chemical toxins, from dog flea collars or topical solutions, can stay on pet fur for weeks. This means that children are in danger of ingesting the chemicals as well. This has been seen to cause short and long term developmental issues in children.

Watch this video from the NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) to learn more about topical flea and tick preventatives and the toxins they could include.

Here are a few simple ways to prevent flea and ticks naturally! Read more

Summer time equals fun in the sun with family, friends and your dog but it can also mean danger. Here are a few health hazards & risk that all pet owners should be aware of in order to keep your dog safe during those long dog days of summer.

Dehydration
Cool your dog down with a refreshing bowl of clean ice water. Pupsicles are also a fun way to cool down your dog by freezing low sodium chicken broth or yogurt in ice cube trays. Check out our healthy Straw-bana Pupsicle recipe!

Burned Pads
When the mercury rises so does hot surfaces under the summer sun. Be aware that asphalt on sidewalks and streets can heat to a temperature which can burn a dog's paws. It is is recommended that you walk your dog in the early morning or late evening, the coolest parts of the day, to prevent your dog from getting sun burned (buy pet sunscreen) or scorched paws. You may also want to provide your dog with paw protective booties when walking during the heat of the day. One way to gauge whether or not a walk on a hot summer day is a good idea is to put your hand down on the asphalt for about thirty seconds. If your hand can't stand the heat for 30 seconds, and you need to pull away, then your dog paws probably will not be able to endure a 30 minute walk or run around the block.

Parasites
Summer time means lunch time for insects. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes are tail biting bloodsucking pest that can wreak havoc on your pet causing discomfort or life threatening health issues. Prevention is key to winning the war against fleas and ticks. Lucky for you there are so many preventative solutions available from flea tick medication, repellent shampoo's & sprays, essential oils, all natural remedies and more. Keeping your dog well groomed, healthy and home clean will reduce your pet's risk of parasite infestation.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious risk not only to humans but dogs as well and can be fatal. The first step toward heatstroke prevention is restricting your dogs exercise and outdoor play time during the hottest parts of the day. Instead opt for early morning or late evening strolls, runs, brisk walks and a fun game of fetch at the park. Make sure your dog is well hydrated at all times and carry ample water on your adventures. Provide your dog with an air conditioned place to chill and relax, supervised swim time and cooling mats. NEVER, NEVER leave your dog unattended in the car during summer heat, it only takes a few seconds for a car to overheat and turn into an oven. So how hot does your car get? Find out!  Even if your windows are cracked or you park in the shade, heat can build quickly in a car in the summer so the safer option is to leave your dog home when running errands. Be fair warned that leaving your dog in a hot car may be seen as act of animal cruelty and can get you in a lot of trouble. Check out "Don't Leave Me in Here — It's Hot!" fliers for you to print and pass around to pet owners.

Seasonal Allergies
Summer time and the living is sneezy! If your dog has the sniffles, hot spots, balding, the itches then allergies may be the culprit. Seasonal allergies can come in many forms-  fleas, grass and plants, and mold allergies. If your dog is barking for relief and you suspect your dog may have seasonal allergies we recommend a vet visit. Not only will the vet help you get down to the root of the problem a vet check up will also help rule out any other possible serious health issues.

Flea season can be quite a pain and leave your dog defenseless and howling for relief against these aggravating & irritating bloodsuckers. Itching, scratching and discomfort caused by flea bites can cause skin irritations, ear infections and hair loss. When fighting the war on fleas, prevention is key! We have an easy & tasty anti flea remedy biscuit recipe that will leave your dog drooling and the fleas fleeing. So keep those fleas at bay with a delicious snack your dog will beg for.

Ingredients:

3 cubes beef bouillon
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup cornmeal
8 pieces of Cooked Bacon
2/3 cup brewers' yeast
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 egg yolks

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Dissolve beef bouillon cubes in boiling water, and set aside.

3. Grease cookie sheets.

4. In a large bowl, stir together the whole wheat flour, corn meal, bacon, brewer' s yeast, and garlic powder. Add the yolks, and then gradually pour in the bouillon water while stirring. Mix thoroughly to form firm dough.

5. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Place cookies one inch apart onto cookie sheets.
6. Bake for 20 minutes in the pre heated oven, then turn the oven off, and leave the cookies inside for at least 3 hours or overnight to harden. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

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

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Our dog chews & 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!

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Surfs Up!

The one thing dog’s love about the summer is the beach. Building ditches in the sand, knocking over sand castles, chasing seagulls, rolling in the sand and surfing the waves is what makes the beach so great for your dog. Here are some tips to make going to the beach fun and safe for the entire pack.

1. Follow the Rules: Check with your local beach to see if dogs are allowed. Some beaches with allow your beach buddy to tag along but he or she must be on leash at all times. So find out beforehand so there are no surprises & your beach trip is not spoiled.

2. Pack your dogs beach bag: Its important that when you pack for the beach to bring doggie sunscreen, life jackets, googles & basic necessities. Just, like you dogs can get sun burned.

3. You’re the pack leader: Since some areas of the beach will allow your dog to be off-leash its important that you have control over your pack. Dogs love to run & chase anything in site and have a keen sense of smell, so the beach will be full of intrigued and may cause your dog to wander off in a fast sprint. So be prepared to call your dog back in a stern voice. Trust me no one ones there sun bathing & surfing to be interrupted by a lost dog on the run. Make sure your dog is wearing his or her tags.

4. Flea Protection: Remember that the beach is home to sand fleas and dogs love to dig & roll. So safe guard your dog from those tail biters. Remember that wet flea collars won't do the trick.

5. Hydrate Your Dog: Make sure you bring along your dogs portable dog bowl & some fresh, clean water. Never, let your dog drink salt water it could make them very sick.

6. Take Breaks & Give Your Dog a Loving Timeout: With so much excitement of the beach your dog may forget to take a break & rest. As your pets guardian its important that you keep a watchful eye on whether or not your dog is become dehydrated or over-exhausted. The scotching sun rays, strenuous exercise runs in the sand, hot temperatures & lack of water can do a number on your dogs body. If your dog is feeling the effects of the sun & heat wave make sure to signal & call your dog to come rest in a shady spot.

6. Be Respect of Others Visiting the Beach: Dogs are social butterflies at heart and love to visit people. Especially if there nose sense something tasty in the air, perhaps someone is having a picnic. But some visitors may not appreciate a visit from your dog. Remember in a perfect world you and your dog would have your own private beach oasis, but in reality its a public place. So make sure you keep an eye on your dog so he or she does not disturb other beach goers.

7. Beware of... (you fill in the blank): Although the beach can be a relaxing & fun place, there are some dangers that lurk amidst the sands and the waves. Sea lice, jellyfish, undercurrents & ripe tides not only pose as threat to you but your dog. Keep in mind dogs are very curious and love to roam. So make sure to ask a lifeguard on duty if the area is safe. However, if there is no lifeguard to  be found make sure to look for warning signs posted on the beach like  "No Swim/Surf Zone".

8. Castaway's Found: Dogs are scavengers at heart and love a good beach scavenger hunt. Just remember that litter, dead fish, fishing lines, plant life may find themselves castaways washed up on the beach and in your dogs mouth. Many of these items are not safe for your dog and should not be his or her substitute chew toy. So, monitor your dogs exploration adventures, where a bout's and beach finds. Remember "No Litterbugs Allowed", so do your part to protect water life & dogs by throwing your litter safely in the trash can. Did you know if you litter you could be fined a hefty fine.

9. Pick up Your Dogs #2 Business: Help keep the beaches and water clean & tidy by picking up after your dog. No one likes to swim with your dogs floaters or step barefoot in your dogs sandy poop.

10. Give Your Dog a Bath: Prior to packing & loading the car after a long afternoon at the beach if you have fresh water on hand give your dog a good rinse to get off salt & excess sand. Its important that when you arrive home to give your dog a bath & spa treatment immediately. Chemicals from the sea water can be harmful & do damage to your dogs luscious locks & fur. Also, don't forget clean behind and inside those sandy & salty ears and tend to those achy, sandy paws which took a beaten all day.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews , bully sticks & more. Great snacks for any four legged beach goer!