Tag: Odor Free Bully Sticks

Nothing says we love America then colorful fireworks blasting to the tune of the “rockets red glare”and many of our favorite patriotic tunes. Patriotic American's dressed in their finest red, white and blue attire as they watch in amazement waving their American flags.

But before you head out for your 4th of July outdoor celebrations with dog wagging his or her tail behind you, remember.... safety first. With the 4th of July just around the corner here are some pet safety tips so you and your dog can have an enjoyable and safe Holiday.

1. NEVER leave dog in unattended parked car. Remember a car can reach high temperatures in minutes even with windows cracked. Heat exposure can result in organ damage, heart problems and sudden death. Partially opened windows on hot days do not provide sufficient air flow but can put your pet in jeopardy of being stolen. So, leave your dog at home if you are considering locking them in the car.

2. Stay Shaded. Like humans dogs can also suffer from heatstroke, so avoid by keeping your dog in shaded areas on very hot and warms days. Remember that dogs swear from the pads of their feet and cool off by panting so they need extra help cooling down in the warm weather. Protect your pet from potentially deadly heatstroke by keeping your pet shaded from the sun when the mercury rises.

3. Stay hydrated! Dehydration is the #1 concern and danger during those long summer heat waves. Make sure you have a generous amount of fresh water on hand to quench your dog’s thirst, especially during and after a good game of 4th of July fetch or Frisbee. Keep a large bowl of water under a shaded tree or pavilion to keep the water cool. Fill the water bowl with half water and half ice.

4. Scaredy Dog. Your dog can become easily frightened by 4th of July fireworks and loud celebrations. Make sure your pet is wearing a properly fitted collar with proper identification & tags just in case your pet becomes scared and runs away from home. Better yet, you might want to have your pet micro-chipped as a precaution to make it easier for your pet to be returned home safely & promptly.  Around the 4th of July their appears to be an upsurge in lost pets and strays so keep a watchful eye on your pet whereabouts at all time.

5. Firework-phobic dogs. Knowing your dog’s temperament is half the battle. Fireworks are no blast for some pets, with many dogs becoming easily frightened by unfamiliar loud noises, lightening and thunderstorms. Unfortunately the 4th of July is filled with the deafening sound of loud fireworks bursting with light and loud celebrations. So you can imagine that this can cause some pets to cower, shiver, panic, escape or go in a destructive chewing rampage (put away precious family heirlooms). Leaving your dog indoors (not leashed in the yard) on the 4th of July in a safe, secure, escape proof room of the house with comfy bed, food and water is the safest option. We would advise someone to stay home with the pet, but if your dog is left alone lower the blinds and turn on the tv or radio at normal volume to keep your pet company, this will help to disguise those terrifying loud 4th of July noises. If he is crate trained put him in his crate covered with a blanket to make him feel secure. For preventive measures make sure all doors (doggy doors), windows, and gates are closed and locked securely.

6. Alcohol Free Zone. If you and your dog are invited to any Independence Day picnic or BBQ celebrations remember that alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets so NEVER leave your beverage unattended. If alcohol is ingested, your pet could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. In very severe instances death from respiratory failure caused by alcohol consumption can result.

7. No picnic table and grill scraps. Always be aware of what friends and family are sneaking and forking your dog under the table. While tempting on such a festive occasion, human food (bones, onions, avocado, grapes and raisins) should be off limits at all times to your dog. Some human food may be toxic or dangerous if ingested and cause stomach upset. So advise friends and family to NOT feed your dog table scraps.  Like us your vet would advise you to maintain your dog’s normal & strict diet to avoid potential health problems or an emergency run to the vet.

8. 4th of July Decorations. Remember that your pet may easily mistake your red, white and blue decorations and glow sticks as chew toys. So, make sure to dog proof your home and keep fun glow sticks out of paws reach.

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our page & Help us reach 10,000 fans.

When we reach 10,000 fan "Likes" all of our Facebook fans will be eligible to enter a giveaway to win a grand prize. We can't spill the beans yet! The quicker we get to 10,000 "Likes" the sooner you can learn what that grand prize is. Thanks for "Liking" our page.

Listen up! Thorough and regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and infections. Also it will help you familiarize yourself with your dogs ears so you can recognize abnormalities. But many dogs they dread getting their ears cleaned making it difficult for you. Here are a few tips to make the ear cleaning experience a positive one for you both!

1. Trim or gently pluck hair inside dogs ears. Some dog breeds have a great deal of hair inside their ears. Begin by plucking or trimming the hair inside the dog's ears to improve air flow and visibility while cleaning the dog's ears. It is generally not painful to pluck a dog's ear hair, but pluck small bunches of hair at a time to avoid discomfort.

2. Apply ear cleaning solution to a cotton ball or Q-tip. To make the actual ear cleaning process quicker, begin by moistening several cotton balls/cotton pads and several Q-tips.

3. Wipe away ear wax and build up. Using the damp cotton pad or cotton ball, gently wipe away the dog's ear build-up and ear wax. This will remove large portions of the ear gunk.

4. Clean the nooks and crannies of your dog ear gently with a Q-tip. To get in all those little nooks and crannies of the dog's ear, use the damp Q-tips to clean away any remaining visible ear wax and ear build-up. Only clean the parts of the ear that are visible -  DO NOT stick the Q-tip down the dogs ear canal, which can be damaging to your dogs ear and hearing.

5. Give the dog a biscuit! Reward your dog with a treat for good behavior during and at the end of the ear cleaning process. Positive reinforcement with treats and kind, encouraging voice will make for a positive experience for your pup.

6. REPEAT ear cleaning once a week. Regular ear cleanings are vital to prevent ear infections in dogs. This also enables pet owners to spot an infection and act quickly if the dog does develop an ear infection.

**If your dog has floppy ears then you will need to clean them more often due to poor air circulation, which can serve as the breeding grounds for ear infections.

***Ease your dog into ear cleaning by gently massaging their ears and rewarding with treat. Then once they are use to their ears being touch attempt an ear cleaning

What are signs your dog needs a to see a vet? If your dog is scratching ears constantly, ears are smelly & odorous, red or inflamed,  or if your dog is constantly shaking his head seek vet assistance to rule our existing ear infection or other ear problem.

Best Bully Sticks News!

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

Drum-roll please! We have 2 winners in our favorite Best Bully Sticks Rescue Shelter $1000 Giveaway!

Congrats winners! Both of your rescues will be mailed a $500 check each. Here is a little information about our bark-worthy & inspiring rescue winners. Please support their cause!

1.  The Puppy Rescue Mission

The primary mission of The Puppy Rescue Mission, Inc. (TPRM), is to fund-raise and assist in pet rescue, foster and re-homing when needed, in particular pets of soldiers, especially those deployed in war zones. They assist with requests, logistics, administration and fund-raising for the adopted stray dogs of war rescued by and bonded with soldiers. This may include vet care, supplies, transport and related issues. They work with or through other organizations that help our soldiers bring their companion animals home from war.

The Puppy Rescue Mission is the brainchild of Anna Cannan, president and founding member of PRM. Anna’s idea for PRM began when her fiancé, Chris, was deployed to and stationed in Afghanistan. There Chris and other soldiers befriended several heroic dogs, Rufus, Target and Sasha, who weeks previously had thwarted a suicide bomber, caring for them and for Target’s litter of puppies, who were only 4-5 weeks old.

An unbreakable bond formed between the soldiers and the dogs, as the dogs provided a sense of normalcy for the soldiers at Chris’s post that rarely exists in a country like Afghanistan. According to Anna, she didn’t hear from Chris very often but when she did, she could literally "hear the smile on Chris’s face as his voice would light up when he would talk about all the dogs at the post." Realizing his time at the post would eventually come to an end, Chris spoke with Anna about the idea of bringing some of the dogs back to the States. To help raise funds to bring these dogs home, Anna started The Puppy Rescue Mission, through a Facebook page.

Since that time, TPRM has assisted in the rescue of a number of pups and dogs and a few kitties. And Anna continues to receive new requests almost daily.

2. Lab Rescue of the LRCP

Lab Rescue of the LRCP (Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with a two-fold mission:

1. They rescue, foster and place homeless, abused, and/or abandoned Labrador Retrievers (and Golden Retriever-Labrador Retriever mixes)
2. They provide a referral service for owners seeking to place their Labradors in new homes.

They are similar to other rescue groups and shelters but they specialize in Labradors.  The labs they receive first are evaluated for temperament and then placed with foster families where they are loved, exercised and further evaluated as they await adoption. All of their dogs are brought up to date on their shots are given a heartworm test and, if possible, are spayed or neutered. They place over 850 Labradors each year. Check out their Facebook page!

Thank you to all the other wonderful rescues for entering and the many fans and dog lovers that voted.

If you favorite dog rescue didn’t win…have no fear we have a giveaway every month! Stay tuned to our facebook page for the next one. http://www.facebook.com/BestBully

Best Bully Sticks News!

Become a Facebook Fan, “Like” our fan page

Natural herbs that aid in the health of humans also benefit man's best friend. Many herbs serve as effective and potent medicinal remedies for common canine ailments. Here are a list of herbs that all dog owners should add to their medicine cabinets or first aid kits. You can purchase these herbs at your local all natural food or pet store.

1. Neem- natures all natural mosquito and flea bug repellent. It also heals burns and soothes dry, irritated skin.

2. Yarrow- helps stop bleeding.

3. Arnica- heals bruises and  muscle injuries, eases pain and promotes healing.

4. Valerian- natures sedative and sleep inducer, helps ease anxiety and provide stress free slumber.

5. Olive Leaf Extract- natural antibotic that helps with diarrhea and stomach issues.

6. Milk Thistle- effective antioxidant, boost and protects the liver, prevents and reverses cloudy eyes (nuclear sclerosis) in dogs.

7. Hawthorn- used to treat cardiac insufficiency, strengthens the heart muscle and improves circulation, defends against congestive heart failure in senior dogs, and tones the tickers of younger dogs who've survived heartworm disease.

8. Boswellia- great for senior dogs, reduces inflammation and improves mobility in arthritic canines.

9. Eyebright- used to treat eye infections.

10. Burdock- known for its  blood-purifying, hair-regrowing, and preventive cancer-fighting powers.

**Make sure to check with your vet about dosage and to make sure these herbs do not conflict with any of your dogs current medication.

Best Bully Sticks News!

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

Lots of fun in the summer sun makes for hot and hungry dogs with pleading eyes. We have the summer snack your dog has been begging for and craving. From our kitchen to yours, here is a yummy Jerky Turkey recipe that is sure to be a pup-pleaser. What we love about this recipe is that it is a gentle-on-the-tummy treat, grain-free and low in fat. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 pound raw ground turkey (or chicken)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and purée the mixture.

2. Line a jelly roll pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (it makes clean-up easier) and pour the mixture into it. Spread evenly.

3. Bake two hours with the oven door slightly ajar to allow the moisture to escape.

4. Remove from oven and, using a pizza cutter or knife, cut into small, individual-sized portions.

5. Place pieces back in the oven, flipped over, and bake an additional one to two hours, or until the treats are dry and leathery.

6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

***  If your dog is on a special diet always check with your vet about which foods are appropriate & safe.

Courtesy of The Organic Dog Biscuit Cookbook

Stay tuned for delicious dog recipes every Wednesday in our Weekly Drool Recipes blog series. Check out our other drool-worthy recipes! Also, remember food is meant to be shared! So be a pal and submit your favorite dog recipes to be featured in this delicious blog series by emailing us at bestbullysticks@gmail.com.

Best Bully Sticks News!

BestBullySticks.com Rescue Shelter $1000 Giveaway Final Voting Round!