Wait….Your What? What’s a Bully?
{ By The K9 Kokua Ohana }
There are currently so many different types of ‘bullys’ out there – - Staffordshire Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, APBTs, American Bullys, Shorty Bulls — well, you get the picture. In essence, there are MANY variations to the widely misused term Pit Bull or Pitbull.
We could go on and on about the breed subject and if we have peaked your interest into learning more about the differences, you will also uncover why Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) is ineffective and discriminatory simply by judging a dog on its looks. We encourage you to seek out trusted experts with proper and proven information regarding the ineffectiveness on the enforcement of these policies.
We lovingly refer to these dogs as bullys, because the breeds share a lot of the same attributes with skin, coat and quick onset of heat stroke. Plus, any bully breed is a blast to have as a companion!!
In the heat of summer, it is always a good idea to have a few things on hand to protect your dog. Besides the normal items such as a towel, bowl, cold water, and clean-up bags, here are a few suggestions of what to include in your bully beach bag:
• Canine Ear cleaner. It is VERY important to clean your dogs ears after contact with any water. The cleaner dries out the ears and helps to avoid ear infections. And yes, even though your bully may not have floppy ears, they are more susceptible to debris entering their ears.
• Epi-Pet Sun Protector — the only FDA approved sunscreen for dogs. Yes, even black bullys can get a sunburn!
• One meal of kibble sealed in a ziplock-type bag — just in case you see friends and stay longer, your bully has what he/she needs. Note: Bullys thrive best with structure. This includes eating at the same time of day.
• One sealed bag of your dog’s favorite treats.
• A ‘beach’ collar WITH ID Tag, so your dog’s daily collar will last longer. Those of us that appreciate bully breeds will tell you that they are like any other dog, but so much more. They may seem like really tough dogs that don’t need much thought about daily care other than food and water. Such is what one would picture a ‘junk-yard dog’ to be like — rough and tough, and can weather any drought or rainstorm, unaffected. This is not true. The bully breeds are prone to having sensitive skin and often, if left untreated, can rapidly produce secondary issues (dermatitis, eye infections, etc.) Simple consistency of baths and timely preventative flea/tick products will aid in the skin health of your bully, which in turn greatly reduces the chances of skin infections or mange. A bully with a healthy skin and coat can be your best beach buddy! Here are a few more things to enjoy a sunny day with your bully:
PARK/BEACH/HIKE:
- SHADE! We can’t emphasize that enough. Limit direct sun expo- sure and apply dog-safe sunscreen to your dog’s snout and ears. Light-colored and short-furred dogs are prone to sunburn quicker. Bully breeds tend to overheat quicker from simply being short in stature. They are low to the ground, thus taking in heat concentrated on their chest/belly area more than a taller dog would.
- NO drinking salt water or stream water!! They may get seriously ill.
- Limit the time that your dog is allowed to run on the sand. It is very strenuous on their system and is not the same as exercising on solid ground.
- NEVER allow your dog to pick up something from the grass or sand. Bones left from previous BBQs could be lying around and that is an instant choking hazard.
WATER/SWIM:
- Closely supervise your dog around any water, especially running streams no matter how rapid. Current and moss can cause a fall.
- NOT ALL DOGS CAN SWIM! Have a life jacket that fits your dog. They are becoming more inexpensive to purchase.
- NEVER throw or force your dog into the water. This may develop into a fear of water.
- Taking your dog into the water for the first time? Start out in calm, shallow water. Encourage your dog with a toy or treats. Praise them for even taking a step in. If your dog is still unsure, bring along a dog pal that is experienced around the water. Having another dog may help with the confidence needed to encourage your dog.
- NEVER spray a dog in the face with water. Even if they love it! Gulping amounts of air and water may cause bloat. Are you aware of the seriousness of bloat? Bloat can occur when you allow your dog to exercise within 2 hours of eating. Large breed and/or deep-chested dogs or puppies are prone to bloat when they:
- Gulp air (while eating/drinking quickly)
- Drink large amounts of water rap- idly or immediately after a meal.
- Perform vigorous exercise after a full meal
CAR:
- NEVER leave your dog in the car alone during a hot and sunny day. Heat stroke and DEATH can occur within mere minutes of you leaving them!
- K9 Kokua takes dog skin care seriously. After all…it is an organ. It’s just on the outside of the body. If one organ isn’t functioning properly, the whole system may be in jeopardy. Stay Akamai!
We hope that this information has stirred something in you to go and research for more proper and dog-safe products to enable you to enjoy many more summers with your dog!
Visit www.k9kokua.org or follow the dogs at www.facebook.com/k9kokua
. Malama Pono, K9 Kokua Ohana.
Loading tweets...