Impressive Moisturizing with #BayerExpertCare™

~This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCare™ and the BlogPaws Influencer Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread  the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Bayer ExpertCare is  not responsible for the content of this article.~

Many of us are busy working moms trying to manage the many demands placed on us each and every day.  Let's face it, we do not always have the time (or the energy) to pamper our pets the way we would like to.  Moisturizing is a huge issue for us in the winter, especially here in the North East where our cold temperatures generally lead to very large heat bills and a whole lot of dry skin and hair issues...for us, as well as our pets!

I headed on over to my favorite PetSmart to check out the latest in moisturizing products in their Health and Wellness aisle.  I am actually becoming quite familiar with the products located there!  I have used almost every single one of the products in the Bayer® ExpertCare™ line and I have been VERY pleased with the results of them all!

Let me tell you about this awesome ExpertCare by Bayer Moisturizing Shampoo for routine cleaning and grooming.  It is very important to me to use hypo-allergenic products, especially on Chloe...as she is prone to itching problems.

When shampooing is necessary between treatments of topical flea and tick products, use a soap-free shampoo.  ExpertCare by Bayer moisturizing shampoo is hypo-allergenic AND soap-free!  This awesome product replenishes moisture while cleaning and may be used as frequently as necessary or as directed by your veterinarian.  Of course, if you notice any redness or irritation, discontinue use and contact your vet.

ExpertCare by Bayer moisturizing shampoo  is very user friendly!  Wet your dog's coat thoroughly, shake well before use and apply a sufficient amount of shampoo to lather well into the coat.  Rinse thoroughly!

Ingredients:  Water, Sodium,  C14-16, Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betane, Sodium Lactate, PEG150, PEG75, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Safflower Oil, FD&C Yellow #5, Citric Acid, and Methylchloroisothiazolinone.

ExpertCare by Bayer™ moisturizing shampoo has the most wonderful coconut fragrance and the dogs smell SO clean and fresh after their moisturizing bath!!  Their coats are much more shiny and soft!!


This product truly is a game-changer for me and I will continue to utilize it in our weekly grooming sessions.  ExpertCare by Bayer products are available exclusively at PetSmart.

It is important for me to mention that Bayer also has a product line of ExpertCare products for Cats too.  

#NaturesRecipe is Affordable AND Healthy Pet Food

*This post is sponsored by Nature’s Recipe® and the BlogPaws Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Nature’s Recipe available at PetSmart but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Nature’s Recipe and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.*

For over thirty years, Nature's Recipe has been providing pets with ideal nutrition.  Their recipes are made to make every ingredient count!!  They are committed to providing exceptional nutrition for your furry friends every single day.  Dog food recipes are crafted to assist in providing specific nutritional and functional benefits and they contain NO artificial colors or preservatives.

Both Chloe and LadyBug are partial to the small tubs of Pure Essentials or the Grain-Free Version.  One of their most favorite meals is the Chicken and Wild Salmon in broth.  This dish combines savory salmon and lean chicken in a delicious broth that is packed full of pumpkin and brown rice.

Everyone is concerned about expenses right now and cost is a HUGE factor when deciding on what food to purchase.  My husband recently retired so we are in the mode of paying very close attention to just how much money is spent...everywhere!

It really, TRULY, is possible to go natural on a budget.  It is critical that you learn to read labels!!

A great place to start is when you bring your furry friend home, start him/her on Nature's Recipe as soon as possible... check with your vet first!  That way, you can start your new puppy on a very good quality affordable diet right away.  Life Stages Recipes are tailored to specifically match your dog's life stage...from puppies to seniors.

Nature's Recipe created a particular line of food which is especially important to those of us who have dogs with food sensitivity issues and often have to make some very tough decisions on what to purchase as the options are so limited.

 Nature's Recipe is available online at PetSmart or at your local PetSmart store.

You can check out this additional link with detailed information on Nature's Recipe.

Nature's Recipe Website
Nature's Recipe Instagram
Nature's Recipe Twitter
Nature's Recipe Facebook
 

Maintaining Healthy Ears with #BayerExpertCare

~This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCare™ and the BlogPaws Influencer Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Bayer ExpertCare is  not responsible for the content of this article.~

 

First off, I know that we are all busy, have a million things to do, and we don't always have the time to pamper our pets the way we would like to!  Chloe has been pawing at her ear lately and I knew just what I needed so I headed on over to PetSmart to check out their health and wellness aisle.  Chloe's ears really needed a good cleaning!  Now...just to find the right one!  I really wanted to break up the wax that builds up inside her ears.

I found the Bayer™ Expert Care Dog Ear Cleansing Rinse on the shelf and after reading the package, I decided that this is exactly the product I need to clean up Chloe's ears.

The Bayer Expert Care Ear Rinse is formulated by a veterinarian and features antiseptic, wax-dissolving and drying agents.  The scent is a clean, fresh smell...very refreshing!  The rinse contains aloe vera which should make Chloe's ears feel better.  Another SCORE!  We are on a roll here!!

 

Bayer Expert Care Ear Cleaning Rinse is very easy to use.  Just apply liberally to the ear canal, massage it in to help break up the wax.  I used a paper towel to wipe up the excess solution and a little bit of debris. 

Now, I must mention that Chloe did not mind this entire process!  She usually does not like anyone touching her ears.  I think the rinse was soothing to her and actually made her ears feel better!  One HUGE factor for me was that there were NO signs of any irritation or side effects of any kind!!  Bichons can be very sensitive and there have been absolutely no ill effects.  That really makes me want to go out and purchase a MUCH bigger bottle!  This product will be a staple in Chloe's medicine cabinet!

Head on over to your PetSmart and check out the line of Bayer Expert Care products.  These products can be used on dogs or cats and are available exclusively at PetSmart!

You will find more information on the PetSmart website or by clicking here for dogs or here for cats!

We Are Including #BlueSantaSnacks In Our Holiday Celebration!

 ~This post is sponsored by Blue Buffalo™ and the Blog Paws Professional Pet Blogger Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Blue Santa Snacks but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Blue Buffalo is not responsible for the content of this article.~

When we think about spending the holidays with our family, our dogs are included too!  They are just as much family as anyone else!  When my husband goes out to hang the Christmas lights outside, the girls are right there watching him from the porch...just to make sure he gets it right!  They are always VERY interested in participating in every single thing that we do!

This week, decorating the tree was a priority for us so, of course, the girls made themselves comfortable...on their respective beds and settled in to watch the festivities.  Chloe wants to sniff each and every single ornament...I think she is looking for her long lost brother...she still misses him.  LadyBug, on the other hand, doesn't just like to smell the ornaments, she likes to TASTE them too!  Most of the time during the holidays, you can find LadyBug sporting glitter on her nose!! BOL!!

Christmas has changed for us over the years as the kids have grown up and moved on with their own lives.  We still have my daughter and her husband and Beemer, my granddog in the area...along with my stepson and his dog, Charlie.

Everyone will be included in our celebration this year and we sure are looking forward to it!  In addition to the kids, the dogs have their own stockings as well and you can be SURE that Blue Buffalo™ will play a huge role in our gift-giving and stocking-stuffing!

Festive family gatherings are a tradition here in our household and happy tails and puppy paws are a big part of each and every one of our celebrations.  Blue Santa Stew is the best way to show your furry family member just how much he means to you!  As we celebrate the joy of the Christmas season, let's all take time to show our four-legged furry friends some LOVE too.

A few facts I would like to mention regarding Blue Santa Stew which sets it aside from other wet dog foods...Blue Buffalo is formulated with only the finest NATURAL ingredients and that means NO corn, NO wheat or soy AND no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors!!

Blue Santa Snacks are healthy dog treats that are baked with Oatmeal and Cinnamon.  The Blue Santa Stew Holiday Feast is a canned food made with Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberries, and Green Beans.

Blue Buffalo has developed a special Seasonal Sensations Line which will also include holiday items to celebrate Valentine's Day, Independence Day, and Halloween.

The Seasonal Sensations Line is available for a Limited Time at PetSmart.  To locate your closest PetSmart, click here.

To learn more about Blue Buffalo™, check out their website.

You can follow Blue Buffalo on Social Media:

Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

You can purchase Blue Santa Snacks at Petsmart!

You will find more detailed information about Blue Santa Snacks here or Blue Santa Stew here.

Enjoy Grooming At Home With #BayerExpertCare

~This post is sponsored by Bayer® ExpertCare™ and the BlogPaws Influencer Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Bayer ExpertCare products but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Bayer ExpertCare is  not responsible for the content of this article.~

We are all so busy these days that we usually just run in and out of the store with just the product we ran in for.  I know I am guilty of this.  If I run in to PetSmart to buy a can of dog food, I rarely venture into any of the other aisles.  There are SO many great products to be found at PetSmart if we'd just take the time to check out some of the other departments.  I was recently introduced to Bayer ExpertCare products as Chloe and LadyBug are both suffering from dry skin issues.  

This time of year, when the temperatures drop, and the heat comes on...we go through the "dry skin" phase.  I notice immediately when the girls start itching and looking uncomfortable.

Most of the time I groom Chloe and LadyBug at home and I find that using the new Bayer ExpertCare Moisturizing Shampoo is such a huge help!  Bichon Frises, in particular,  are prone to allergies and skin sensitivity problems.  ExpertCare by Bayer Moisturizing Shampoo is a hypoallergenic shampoo you can use for routine cleansing and grooming.  This shampoo's soap-free formulation with essential fatty acids and moisturizers is perfect for not only cleaning, but also protecting the skin and replenishing moisture.  The Bayer ExpertCare shampoo will not interfere with topical flea and tick control as it is a soap-free formula.

 

The ingredients are:  Water, Sodium C14-16, Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betane, Sodium Lactate, PEG-150, PEG-75, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance, Safflower Oil, FD&C Yellow #5, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, and Citric Acid.

In conjunction with Bayer ExpertCare Moisturizing Shampoo, I also use Bayer ExpertCare Skin Cleansing Dog Wipes...for the in-between bath times!  They are specially formulated to cleanse dog's skin.  I was so pleased to find that these wipes are alcohol-free and they are super convenient for travel!!  I can just toss the convenient travel pack in my tote and we are good to go whenever!  Each pack contains 20 wipes.  These Bayer ExpertCare wipes are especially helpful when we are on an RV Trip.  It is AMAZING what the girls pick up on their feet when we stop for a quick pit stop.  Last year, when we left for Florida in March, there was still snow on the ground...quite a bit of snow actually.  But, as we headed further south, the next stop had THE worst clay material mixed with dirt that just COVERED the girls' paws and they tracked it all over the floors in the RV.  I wish I had these wipes then.  It was so hard to get the clay "sludge" cleaned up.  A lot of other wipes on the market contain alcohol, which is WAY too drying for the delicate Bichon skin.

Ingredients:  Aqua, Sodium Cocoyl, Apple Amino Acids, Olus (Vegetable Oil), Glycerin, Saponaria Officinalis Extract, Melaleuca Cajputioil, Allantoin, Sodium Sorbate.

Bayer ExpertCare At Home Pet Care Products are specially formulated for cats and dogs.  There are many products that make up the Bayer ExpertCare line-up available exclusively at PetSmart.

Here are a few examples of these fabulous quality grooming products offered as part of the Bayer ExpertCare line:

*Bayer ExpertCare Spot-On Skin Moisturizer is formulated with essential fatty acids to help support skin hydration.  It is a quick and convenient application that will help maintain your pet's healthy coat.

*Bayer ExpertCare Ear Care Rinse is a fresh-scented antiseptic cleansing rinse that dissolves the wax that accumulates in your dog's ears.

*ExpertCare Eye Lubricant Drops for dogs helps to support moisture and lubrication of the eye surface in dogs.  The drops are specially formulated with modified hyaluronic acid to support lubrication and minimize dryness and irritation.

*Bayer ExpertCare Cleansing Foam is a convenient leave-in moisturizing foam that is awesome for cats that do not like water!  The soap-free formula contains natural ingredients to support skin hydration and help with odor issues.

Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the results I have experienced with Bayer ExpertCare Health and Wellness products.  So, head on over to your local PetSmart and check out the new Bayer ExpertCare line of products located in the Health and Wellness section of the store. 

Celebrate the Holidays with #BLUESantaSnacks for Dogs!!

~This post is sponsored by Blue Buffalo™and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network.  I am being compensated for helping spread the word about BLUE Santa Snacks but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.  Blue Buffalo is not responsible for the content of this article.~

Today we are talking about these fabulous limited-edition, holiday-themed healthy dog treats from Blue Buffalo™.

Blue Santa Snacks are healthy dog treats made with high quality natural ingredients so that our furry family members can celebrate the holidays with us.   Let me tell you, these Blue Santa Snacks are baked with oatmeal and cinnamon and the aroma of these treats is SO intoxicating, I wanted to try them myself!

We always fill the girls' stockings on Christmas Eve and these Blue Santa Snacks will be THE most perfect stocking stuffers for dogs.  I am going to have to make sure that the stockings are hung high enough this year so we don't have any "cheating" and opening of the stockings early! 

We love to stimulate the girls' brains by playing games with them.  Games teach them to use their senses. We start the game by giving them simple directions so that they understand and don't get too discouraged. We tell the dogs to stay, and then we hide a treat somewhere obvious.  Then we tell them it's "OK" and they can go find their treats!  

Now that they have figured out how to actually play this game, we make it a bit more difficult by hiding treats in another room...or all over the house.  We keep on expanding and bending the rules!   There are lots of variations to this game and we are always discovering new ways to play!

  Boost the excitement of the Hide and Go Seek game by actually BEING the "treat" your dog is supposed to find. Two people are needed to play this game.  One of you will give the command to the dog to stay and distract her while you are hiding. Then, they can come and find you...my girls just LOVE this game and we play it often...especially during the winter months when they get bored from being inside.


 
So, head on over to your local PetSmart or the retail outlet of your choice to purchase some of these OH-SO-AWESOME healthy dog treats by Blue Buffalo.

If you would like to follow Blue Buffalo on Social Media, you can do that too!

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Gift Idea! DIY Holiday Treat Jar with #NaturalBalance

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Natural Balance®, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Natural Balance® Wild Pursuit™  or Natural Balance Treats, but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Natural Balance is not responsible for the content of this article.

One of our most favorite things about the holidays is getting the house all decorated and Chloe and LadyBug are always interested in helping out!  They are VERY interested in assisting when there are treats involved.  I enjoy making gifts for friends and family and I have been working on making fun treat jars using Natural Balance® healthy dog treats for the family pets as hostess gifts when we go to holiday dinners.  

 

 

For this particular treat jar, I started with a very large mason jar and wrapped the lid with festive holiday ribbon.  Then I decorated the top with small ornaments and balls and curly ribbon.  On the front of the jar, I placed vinyl letters spelling out "Bichon Bones".  On the back of the jar, I hung a Christmas Tree ornament that I found at Michaels shaped like a dog.  The ornament is made of chalk material, so I wrote Merry Christmas on it.  It can be personalized with the name of your friend's pets!

This jar is filled with a variety of healthy dog treats from Natural Balance including Belly Bites, Wild Pursuit Lamb Lung Bites, Limited Ingredient Treat Biscuits, Fresh and Clean Dental Chews, and Burger Bites. 

I have found that Target is another great place to pick up supplies for making the treat jars!  I have a selection of red and green jars with bells and lights that I will also be utilizing for homemade gifts this year!

It is extremely important to me that I provide premium quality treats that are healthy for the dogs, with no artificial ingredients or colors!  One of the girls' favorite treats is the Natural Balance Fresh and Clean Dental Chews which are scientifically formulated to encourage your dog's natural chewing instinct, help support healthy teeth and gums, and helps to reduce tartar.  The added benefit is fresh breath!

 

The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treat varieties for cats and dogs are designed for pet parents whose pets have food sensitivities.  These treats contain limited carbs and just one protein.  They are scientifically formulated to provide high quality nutrition.

Natural Balance Mini Rewards are a great way to reward and motivate your furry friend while helping your dog stay healthy, balanced, and trim.  These healthy treats are made with high quality proteins for delicious taste and are only 5 calories per treat!

All of these healthy dog treats are backed by the Natural Balance Buy with Confidence guarantee.

You can feel good about providing your pets and your friends' pets with nutritious rewards!  They are premium quality protein, high in flavor, without ANY artificial ingredients!

Natural Balance products can be purchased online, at Independent Retailers, at Petco and Petsmart.

Learn more about Natural Balance by connecting with them online at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube.

Gift Idea! DIY Holiday Treat Jar with #NaturalBalance https://t.co/4km5J01niA

— bichonpawz (@bichonpawz) November 13, 2015

Oral Hygiene and #DogDentalHealth are Critical for our Pet's Overall Well-Being

This post is sponsored by PetSmart®, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping to spread the word about Dental Health Month, but BICHONPAWZ only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. PetSmart is not responsible for the content of this article.

The PetSmart® Vision is to provide Total Lifetime Care SM for every pet, every parent, every time -- which they do by offering superior products, unmatched services and superb customer service to pet parents and their pets!  Are you aware that over 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old??  PetSmart is sponsoring this campaign for Dog Dental Health to demonstrate just how important it is to educate everyone on daily dental care.  Dental treats and chews are an effective addition to brushing daily to keep your pet's dental health in check.

There are a HUGE variety of dental chews on the market today, but my own veterinarian recommends Greenies®.

The Veterinary Oral Health Council has very strict requirements for acceptance and the Nutro Company has followed all of the product testing and required protocols to meet those requirements.  GREENIES® were the very first treat to meet those standards!  GREENIES® Canine Dental Chews are especially effective in controlling tarter accumulation and plaque. 

An independent 28 day study was conducted by Nutro, and dogs that received one GREENIES® Dental Chew per day averaged 80% healthier gums, 60% less tartar accumulation, 45% improvement in halitosis and 33% less plaque accumulation compared to the dogs that only received dry dog food.

GREENIES® is the #1 Vet Recommended Dental Chew!!

Complete and thorough oral care can add years to your dog's lifespan and is paramount to your dog's overall body health.  Studies show that GREENIES Canine Dental Chews are proven to clean your dogs' teeth by fighting tartar buildup and plaque, freshening their breath and MAINTAINING healthy teeth and gums.  GREENIES are designed for daily use and are low in fat and nutritious for adult dogs.

GREENIES come in several different sizes:  TEENIE® size, Petite, Regular, Large, and even Jumbo!  One for every size dog!!

There are other varieties which include Weight Management Dental Chews, GREENIES SENIOR® Dental Chews and even Cat Dental Chews...for our feline friends!!

Think about it...out of all of the members of your family, it's probably not too hard to figure out who has the worst dental hygiene...the pets!  They are incapable of brushing and flossing...so WE, as pet owners, need to take on that responsibility for them!!  Bacteria from your dog's mouth can travel to other areas which can lead to infection in the heart, liver, or kidneys, or anywhere else that the bloodstream carries them!

There are some very interesting statistics and infographics on dental  health...you can read more about that here.

Since there are such a large variety of different types of dental chews on the market today, you can see all of the different varieties here.

Looking for your closest PetSmart store?  Search here!!

I know that I feel better when oral hygiene is an important step in my pet's health care routine. There is ABSOLUTELY no excuse for allowing a pet's oral health status to deteriorate!!

It is critical for us to practice good dental health hygiene on our pets to prevent them from suffering any dental diseases. Chloe and LadyBug look SO forward to getting their night time Dental Chew!  It is a ritual for them and they will not go to bed without it!!

Check out PetSmart today where there are all kinds of sales going on for Pet Dental Health Month!!