Nontoxic Flea Prevention

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Flea and tick season will be here before you know it, and it’s time to start thinking about how to protect our four-legged friends from them. All of the options for flea and tick treatment and prevention can be overwhelming, especially when you’re looking for products that are all-natural and non-toxic.

According to PetBusiness.com, “‘There is no such thing as a flea free zone,’ says Steven Rosenfeld, owner of Bronxville, N.Y.-based F.C. Sturtevant. ‘Even if your dog or cat is bathed regularly and has little or no direct contact with other animals, it can become infected when visiting a groomer or even walking from your home to your car when traveling with your pet.’”

If your pet does end up with fleas, it can be really tempting to grab a box of Frontline to treat your pet. But you might not know that brands like Frontline are toxic and can be harmful to not only your pet – but your whole family. Here at Brookside Barkery & Bath, we’re dedicated to providing our customers with superb, all-natural pet products – even when it comes to flea and tick treatment.

Many pet owners may be concerned about the effectiveness of all-natural flea and tick preventative, especially if their dog is frequently outside, in different environments, or at a higher risk for attracting pests. Although it is not 100% chemical free, Seresto Flea and Tick Collars are a smart choice for pet owners that want long-term, less toxic flea control.

We also offer Wondercide Flea, Tick & Mosquito Control for Pets + Home– a natural spray that kills, repels, and prevents fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes without toxic chemicals. It’s great for spraying directly on your pet or around the house.

While the possibility of getting fleas is higher during the spring and summer months, according to PetBusiness.com, “Pet parents also need to be aware that the possibility of an animal getting a flea or tick
isn’t limited to certain seasons or climates. James Brandly, associate trade marketing manager for Tropiclean, explains that ticks are found at any time and in any place, from a ‘deep woods hike to your afternoon walk through your neighborhood.’”

Stop by Brookside Barkery at either of our locations in Brookside or Lee’s Summit to learn more – or check out our online store for more information.

*Thanks PetBusiness.com for the info!

What is Animal Chiropractic?

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What is Animal Chiropractic ?

Written by Dr. Keenan Massey DC, CAC, Hoof n Paw Animal Chiropractic.

What is animal chiropractic? That’s a question I get asked quite often in my attempts to market my Animal Chiropractic business. I think it would be a safe assumption to make that most people have heard of chiropractic and that many people utilize it every day. It’s a wonderful medicine that can help reduce the aches and pains in our bodies in a non-invasive and more holistic way than traditional medical care. And if it works so well for us then it would make sense that it would work for our four-legged family as well, right?

Animal chiropractic is a relatively new branch of chiropractic, only having officially been around for a few decades now. To be an animal chiropractor you first must either be a Doctor of Chiropractic or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and then take a post graduate course to become certified in the field. Like with people, animals’ bodies are controlled through their nervous system which is housed in their spinal cord, wrapped up in vertebrae. If any of this comes out of alignment it can impinge the nervous systems ability to send and receive signals throughout the body which can impede the bodies ability to function normally, which can lead to loss of function or disease. Chiropractic looks to help keep the nervous system working to the best of its ability

When you think about it, it makes sense that animals would benefit from chiropractic. While built slightly different from our own, an animals’ body still works in much the same way as ours. While it’s obvious to us that something is painful and could use the benefit of chiropractic, we don’t always notice that our furry loved ones might be in pain as well. An animal in the wild wouldn’t make it very long if it showed any sign of weakness, and our pets still have that drive to act like nothing is wrong even when they might be in some pain. Often, we don’t notice the limp or see signs of pain until the cause of that pain has gotten bad for the animal. I will always promote preventative care to help keep anything bad from happening and while chiropractic won’t always cure an issue, it can help to lessen the symptoms and help the body get back to a better place.

Animal chiropractic can help with all types of animals with all different kinds of lifestyles. From performance and show animals to a typical lazy couch potato family pet, all animals can use some form of adjustment from time to time. Animal athletes are always pushing themselves which could lead to injury and chiropractic can help keep them going as long as possible or help the healing process when an injury does occur. Even the typical house pet goes through more trauma than we would assume they do. Long bodied breeds like Dachshunds are prone to vertebral disc issues and chiropractic can help those disc issues to heal more rapidly. Even jumping down from couches and beds can be hard on a dog’s spine, and chiropractic can help to take some of that trauma out of their bodies.

Chiropractic is really a wonderful medicine, and when used along side traditional veterinary medicine can help keep our fur babies live a long healthy life.

Dr. Keenan Massey DC, CAC developed a love of working with animals when he was an employee of the Brookside Barkery’s Lee’s Summit store back between 2011-2013. Dr. Keenan Massey He left the store to pursue his degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 2013. During his last year of school, he decided to put his prior work experience and love of animals to use and become an animal chiropractor. He graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic University in May 2018 and got his certification to practice on animals later that summer. He opened Hoof n Paw Animal Chiropractic in October 2018 and works out of Arrowhead Veterinary Services and Country Kennel with Dr. Steve Epstein DVM.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with him, you can call or text him at (816) 507-9296 or email him at drkeenanmassey@gmail.com.

 

Customer Testimonial: Wolvie the Cat

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We love to help our customers care for their pets in the healthiest and most holistic way possible, just like we were able to help Cara D. with her beloved cat, Wolvie. Thank you, Cara for your kind words! We are always here to help.

This is Wolvie (Wolverine). He and his twin Xixi (Sissy) came to me as babies. They are four years old now. 

He’s my mediator (I call him my Switzerland) between his twin sister and his older brother, who do not get along. He’s my lover (loves to kiss the tip of your nose), snuggler, make-up assistant, my outside adventurer on his cat-harness, and my baby who doesn’t know how huge he is or how sharp his claws are (hence, his name).

He also has struggled with UTIs which, I believe, are a result of being stressed (aka: bullied) by his older cat brother and a result of boredom living in an inside space. Even after I switched everyone to a FISH-FREE WET-FOOD ONLY diet, he continued to struggle with pain, crying every night for hours.

We had the urethra-rerouting surgery last August after he became blocked twice in 3 months (deadly for male cats). He healed from surgery but then continued to have issues in his digestive tract (unknown even now but he cried every day for 5 months). I tried everything.

I do holistic healing on myself so I couldn’t very well have one set of rules for me and another for my fur babies, expecting them to heal using antibiotics after my own body went through a whole ordeal the last time I had antibiotics for a year and a half (in 2007). After reading online about holistic healing for UTIs, I made him a special apple cider vinegar/water concoction that he was given for about a month.

After trying the ACV mixture for that month, I was beside myself – I felt I was not living a human life because he required so much attention (ACV mixture every 30 mins to an hour while I was home). The whole family was affected.

It was at this time I went into Brookside Barkery, ready to put him down. In tears, I explained his situation and how he continued to struggle even after surgery which was supposed to “fix the issue”.

“Alex at Brookside Barkery saved his life that day.”

Standing there, looking completely lost, I was asked by Alex if I needed any assistance. I started telling her Wolvie’s story and history and was in tears before I knew it. Alex took me in hand and jumped into action. She handed me some gut-health probiotics and some urinary berry powder, along with bone broth. I went home that night with nothing to lose.

Wolvie is just now (March 2019 – nearly an entire year later) healing from his bouts with antibiotics, surgery, and all that comes with that. His gut health was compromised for a while and it has been a journey of many moons and lots of tears for both of us. We just made it through our first weekend without any crying – it was amazing. I have tried aloe vera powder (for anti-inflammatory properties), probiotics, etc. etc. and we have found the path forward for Wolvie, which was adding some pumpkin and CBD oil to his food. He is a healthy, happy cat and I’m so grateful to Alex and Brookside Barkery for being there when I was in my time of need. I’m utterly in debt that I still have my sweet baby boy as part of my family.

My only advice is DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR FUR BABIES! There is often a homeopathic or holistic way to heal and our problems stem from our impatience, frustration with the inability to ask our fur kids what’s going on with them, and – of course – finances. Often though the homeopathic fix is the most financially feasible and Brookside Barkery has a depth of knowledge relating to sustaining wellness that pairs well with other holistic remedies if needed.

Namaste, Alex and all at Brookside Barkery!

Cara D.
Igby, Sissy and Wolvie

March Special – OC Raw

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OC Raw Dog is a premium raw line using only all-natural, ethically sourced ingredients. You will find zero indirect or direct preservatives, chemicals, fillers, or grains. OC Raw has a wide variety of options for your dog, from treats to complete and balanced diets. The result is happier, healthier dogs. Health concerns such as red eyes, dry skin, loose stools, excessive shedding, and low energy are dramatically mitigated when your dog is eating what nature intended!

This month only:

  • 20% off all OC Raw Dog products – raw food and bones, sardines, goat cheese, goat milk, freeze dried, and treats.

Click here to meet Tom Allen at OC Raw’s Superzoo booth & learn more about the OC Raw brand!

Celebrate Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day with Barkery!

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Get ready for your dog’s favorite day of the year! Don’t let your furry best friend down – bring them by Barkery this Saturday, February 23rd to celebrate National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day!

When celebrating this important holiday, we must also be aware of choosing quality biscuits for our canine. Thanks to American James Spratt, the cake-like biscuits consisting of meat, grains, and vegetables were developed in the mid-1800s. A couple hundreds of years later and dog biscuits are healthier and more nourishing than ever!

Here at Barkery, we want to make sure you’re choosing the perfect treat for your pet. Like every food you buy, for either yourself or your dog, ingredients are the most important to check.

Venture into the Barkery to find organic, all natural dog biscuits like Healthy Hemp Biscuits, Barkworthies, Himalayan Dog Chews, OC Raw Dog Meaty Bones, and more. Ensure you are feeding what’s best for your best friend by stopping in your local Barkery and speaking with a pet nutritionist today!

Support KC Pet Project and Save During Love Your Pet Week!

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Love Your Pet Day is February 20th and the Barkery is extending the celebration for an entire week – partnering up with Minsky’s Pizza and KC Pet Project!

From Monday, February 18th through Sunday, February 24th, adopt a pet from KC Pet Project and receive a coupon for a FREE Small Gourmet Minsky’s Pizza + a FREE self-service dog bath OR three cans of cat food from Brookside Barkery & Bath!

You heard that right! Not only will get the joy of rescuing a pet from KC Pet Project, but you’ll also get the joy of Kansas City’s best pizza – for free!

Plus, the first 100 customers to order online from the South Plaza Minsky’s Pizza location during Love Your Pet week using the code: KCPET will receive an extra special surprise from Brookside Barkery & Bath for your pooch!

What are you waiting for? Join the Barkery and Minsky’s Pizza in celebration of Love Your Pet week and help support our friends at KC Pet Project find forever homes for KC dogs and cats today!

Click here for more information.

National Cat Health Month

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February is National Cat Health Month and the experts at The Barkery are here to talk about an important topic in this category – feeding! As an obligate carnivore, your cat was born to hunt. Research exploring the connection between hunting and eating habits is changing the way we feed our kitties – ultimately leading to positive outcomes in health and behavior.

In their natural habitat, cats spend over 75% of their waking hours hunting for food. Experts say our kitties need to hunt, catch, and play with at least 5 small meals a day! Some proven benefits of hunting for food include: 

  • Prevention of bad behavior. When cats are not able to act on their natural hunting instinct, they redirect that behavior into aggression and disobedience. Practicing their natural hunting instinct improves your cats overall mood and may even preserve your furniture!
  • Stops the scarf and barf. The cat’s stomach is the size of a ping-pong ball, which also happens to be the size of a mouse. Hunting various small portions of food instead of your cat overeating out of their bowl leads to less scarf and barf!
  • Manages weight. As us humans already know, portion control + exercise = healthy weight. Healthy weight leads to happiness and a longer life span for your kitty!
  • Prevents boredom. When you leave your home, your cat most likely naps, eats and naps again. With the hunting feeder, you will find your cat entertained, spending the day hunting and receiving much-needed exercise!
  • A litter box solution! Cats display stress and anxiety to their humans by peeing outside of their litter box. Hunting feeders ease and alleviate this stress, which eliminates the problem of the litter box turning into the entire floor.

Ready to switch your cat from bowl feeding to hunting? Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder is a perfect, fun and easy way to nourish your cat as nature intended! The veterinarian-designed feeder by Doc & Phoebe can help control scarf and barf, diminish anxiety and destructive behavior, and hinder litter box issues.

So how does this work exactly? The feeding system comes with five plastic feeders, each with a detachable, washable mouse “skin” that imitates the feel of real pray. Portion your cat’s food into the five different feeders and hide them around the home. At first, hide the mice in locations that are easier to discover while your kitty gets used to this new process feeding process. Gradually, start to find more challenging spots to hide the feeders to keep your cat’s interest.

Using their enhanced sense of smell, your cat will hunt to find their Doc & Pheobe Indoor Hunting Feeder! They will hunt it, grab it and toss it around until the perfect amount of food spills out. Throughout the day, your cat will repeat this process and stay physically and mentally stimulated while simultaneously eating the properly portioned meals you have prepared!

Now’s the time to make the switch from bowl feeding to hunting! Stop by either Brookside Barkery & Bath location and pick up your Doc & Pheobe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder today!

Announcing the ALL-NEW Barkery Online Store: Shop for all Your Pets Needs!

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The new online Brookside Barkery and Bath Store is now live and ready for your order!

Now you can shop for your pet’s favorites from the Barkery from the convenience of your home – AND have your order delivered FREE.* Out running errands? Order online and pick up in-store if you prefer.

Not only can you select from our wide variety of health-focused dog and cat foods, you can also browse our selection of treats, chews, supplements and calming aids – even cat litter. Whatever you need to keep your pet healthy and happy, you’re sure to find it in our new online store. Skip the wait for big box stores to deliver your pet items and support a local, small business by ordering with the Barkery!

Looking to save with a subscription?

Receive 5% off your recurring order when you sign up online.

So what are you waiting for? Get started with your first order today! Your four-legged friends will love you even more for it.

*Within the local KC Metro area

February Sale: Nulo & Weruva

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Savings are huge this month at the Barkery on two fantastic brands, and we can’t wait to pass these deals along to our pack members. These deals only last until the end of February, so take advantage now!

Nulo Pet Food

  • $10 off large bags (cat and dog food)
  • $8 off medium bags (dog food)
  • $6 off small bags (cat and dog food)
  • Cans and pouches, buy 3 get 1 FREE (dog & cat)

Weruva & b.f.f.

  • Buy 3 get 1 FREE on dog & cat recipes
  • Mix and match flavors

February is Pet Dental Health Month – 25% Off Dental Products + More!

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February is Pet Dental Health Month! When was the last time you had your furry family member’s pearly (or not-so-pearly) whites checked? Don’t turn your nose up to your pet’s bad breath – your pet’s dental health is just as important as your own!

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three. Some key indicators that your dog or cat may have dental disease include:

  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Discolored/tarter covered teeth
  • Discomfort when touched within the mouth area
  • Excessive drooling/dropping of food when chewing
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Loss of appetite/weight loss

Fortunately, with education and awareness, more pets are getting the dental care they need. Preventative dental care is the best way to help prevent severe pet health problems in the future.

During the month of February, the Barkery is offering 25% off all dental health products plus ½ price teeth brushing with the purchase of any other spa/grooming service!

Stop by either Brookside or Lee’s Summit Barkery location all February long and take the steps you need to prevent oral disease in your pet. It’s time to get to brushing!