Hazards in Your Purse: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Photo Copyright by Flickr user:istolethetv, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

When you think of things that bring harm to your pet, your purse may not register on your radar. After all, it’s just a purse. However, the contents of your purse can be dangerous to your curious pooch if you don’t take the proper precautions. The nicotine found in cigarettes is toxic, and hand sanitizers have alcohol in them – your dog could suffer from alcohol poisoning by licking a bottle or chewing a wipe. Even seemingly harmless sugarless gum carries chemicals dangerous to nonhumans. What can you do to keep your needed supplies and have a safe and healthy dog at the same time?

Keep Your Purse off the Floor

The first thing you can do is remove temptation. This means keeping your purse in areas your dog can’t reach like high shelves or behind a closed door. If you must keep your purse out in the open, invest in a purse with a zipper at the top. Don’t forget to use the zipper – never leave it open.

Supervise Your Dog

Pay attention to what your dog does and act appropriately. If you think your dog has their eye on the goodies nestled in your purse, distract the dog with their favorite toy or take them elsewhere.

Purses may not be a source of entertainment to you, but your dog may feel otherwise. Don’t let your pet access your purse and taste the items within as they may get very sick. If you don’t know what to do next, talk to your dog trainer or dog walker. They will have experience in the world of dogs, and if nothing else, they may know where you can go for help. Your vet is also an indispensable source of information, so make sure you have access to their phone number.

Be wise… Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in Central Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!

Socializing with Your Dog When You’re In a Bad Mood

We all have our episodes. Maybe you missed the bus that takes you to work, or perhaps somebody spilled a drink on your new sweater – you know, the one you saved for months to afford? No matter what we come across during the day, in the end we have to go home. Home is where your family is, and that includes your dog. How can you avoid taking out your frustrations on your beloved pet? It isn't as difficult as you might think, and it doesn't involve spending money.

Don’t Overindulge Your Dog, No Matter How Tempting

Photo Copyright by Samuel Cockman, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

Some people shower their pets with gifts when they get home. They may do this to repel feelings of unhappiness and guilt – don’t make this mistake. If you stop at the store and purchase an armful of stuffed toys, the household budget could crack under the strain. By the same token, try to stop yourself from giving your dog too many treats. Don’t sacrifice your dog’s health in your quest to feel better for a few minutes. 

Keep Your Distance

If you have the urge to yell, walk away until you calm down. Screaming at your dog benefits nobody, especially if the dog isn't misbehaving. You might confuse your dog and make a bad situation worse.

Everybody has a lousy day every now and then, but you don’t have to vent your grievances on your pet. Take the time to think the situation through, and don’t do something that may come back to bite you in the future. Our furry friends can teach us a lesson in living life in the moment, so grab that squeaky toy and get playing!

Be wise… Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in Central Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!

To shave or not to shave

It's starting to feel like summer and we want to keep our pets comfortable. Many dog owners assume that a dog with long hair will naturally be more comfortable in these hot months if they clip their coats short.  It makes sense - or it certainly seems to - but for many breeds, you'd actually be doing him more harm than good.  

We take one look at a long haired dog and wonder how they manage in the summer heat.  We think that when we shave our pets we are helping them to stay cool. But, shaving your pet may cause more harm than good.  Most of those breeds with thick fluffy coats actually need that fur because it provides insulation that helps to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When you shave your dog you are robbing him of that insulation and exposing his skin to the sun.  Unlike us, dogs don't sweat (except for the bottoms of their feet), so exposing their skin to the air doesn't affect them the way it does us.  Dogs with thick, fluffy coats will be cooler if you keep their insulation in tact, than they will if you clip their hair short.  

It's counter-intuitive, and you might not believe me.  But ask your veterinarian.  Your dog's temperature control system is reliant on that insulation.  If you clip it off, you're dog will be more exposed to the heat and the sun.


Speaking of sun...

Your dog's skin is sensitive to the sun just like yours is, and they can get sunburns too. If you plan to have your dog outdoors in the sun, protect his skin.  Your vet or groomer can recommend a sun screen that's developed specifically for your dog's sensitive skin, and one that won't harm him of he licks it. Apply it on all the places where your dog's skin is exposed, like on the bridge of his nose or on his belly to protect his skin. 

Be wise... Bewaggle! 

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Training Tip

YOU GET WHAT YOU REINFORCE – NOT NECESSARILY WHAT YOU WANT

When your dog does something you don't like, chances are, it's something you have been reinforcing, maybe without even realizing it.  For example, think about a dog that begs at the table.  He sits beside you, whimpering, and maybe he puts a paw on your leg.  You tell him no, but he comes back a moment later and starts whimpering again.  And again with the paw.  Maybe he gives you that irresistible tip of the head, and another little whimper.  And then, he seals the deal by placing his chin on your knee.  He's so dang cute.  How could you resist?  So you break of a nibble from your dinner and give it to him, saying, "OK, fine, here's a bite. Now go lie down."   Your dog has just learned that if he persists, he will get you to do what he wants.  He's not about to go lie down, he's going to continue the whimpering and pawing, because that's what you've reinforced.  The solution is simple, but not always easy.  You have to ignore his begging completely, and ask him to do something for you (like “sit”). A you can NEVER give him a treat while you're sitting at the table, because doing so would only encourage him to beg.  If he's a good boy for you while you eat, reward him with praise and treats AFTER you've finished your meal. 

Be Wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

The Yellow Dog Project

Have you ever been out for a walk around the neighborhood, and seen someone walking a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to his collar, or maybe on his leash?  The Yellow Dog Project is really a great idea, and we want to make sure everyone in America understands what it means.

When you see a dog with a yellow ribbon, or bandana, or other yellow attire, it’s a sign that the owner wants you to know that this dog needs a little more space.  It doesn’t mean he’s aggressive or mean, but it does mean that you (and your children, especially) should approach the dog only when the owner tells you it’s OK.

Some dogs are nervous around strangers, and some are just learning how to interact with people outside the house.  The Yellow Dog Project was conceived as a way to alert others that this particular dog needs his space, so people don’t approach him too quickly or get too close for their own safety.  

We’re so happy to share this information with you because it’s such a great idea. All dogs need exercise and an opportunity to learn their social skills. The Yellow Dog Project gives handlers and owners a simple way to let the world know their dog needs a little extra space.  To learn more, visit their website at TheYellowDogProject.com.  

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

What to do if your dog has a seizure

If your dog is shaking or twitching, and he doesn’t respond to his name or a gentle nudge, he’s probably having a seizure, and it’s important for you to know how to handle that.  The first thing to do is to remain calm.  Seizures apparently cause no pain to the dog, and unless he’s in a dangerous place, you shouldn’t try to move him.  (If you need to move him, drag him gently by his back legs to a safe spot, and then let the seizure run its course.

Some dogs urinate or defecate during a seizure, so if he’s having a seizure in the house, you may want to put some newspaper or paper towels under him, just in case.  You can pet him to comfort him, but avoid getting too close to his mouth, as he could inadvertently bite you.

All dogs who suffer from seizures should see a vet, but emergency care shouldn’t be necessary unless a dog has a single seizure that lasts more than five minutes — or if he has more than two seizures in a row.  Duration is an important factor in caring and treating a dog with seizures, so when you find your dog having a seizure, take note of how long it lasts and report the duration and frequency to your vet. 

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check. Be wise... Bewaggle!

Overweight Pets: The Good Dog

Many pet owners think they are restricting their dog's diet, but forget to include those treats they give them for being a good dog!   He is so good and he deserves a treat.  However those "good dog" treats add up quickly. Treats have more calories than regular dog food. Obviously we want to reward good behavior, but food is not the only reward that you can provide. You can reward your dog with toys, play, and love in place of treats. You should save food rewards for training time.

Just like humans, dogs gain or lose weight based on the number of calories they consume versus the number they burn.  Keep in mind that if you are using food as a reward, then your pup's regular meals need to be smaller. Your good dog deserves the very best - a long happy and healthy life.

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Preventing Bloat

Bloat and Torsion are potentially fatal conditions that can affect both dogs and cats. Bloat is a condition that occurs when an animal's stomach gets overfilled with food, water, or air. Bloat usually leads to torsion, which is the twisting of the stomach. The only way to correct the problem is with surgery and time is crucial. The signs of bloat include drooling, a bloated (enlarged) abdomen, non-productive vomiting (dry heaves), pacing, and shock. The signs of bloat usually occur within a few hours after eating a meal or after too much water is consumed at once. An animal with bloat and/or torsion must receive emergency treatment for shock and surgery to reposition the stomach. Nothing can kill an otherwise healthy animal as quickly as bloat.

To prevent bloat, watch and regulate your pet's food and water intake. Make sure that after exercise or after coming in from the heat, that your pet doesn't drink too fast. If your pet likes to eat too fast you can use food distributing games. These will both entertain your pet and ensure that they eat slower.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!

Summer is Coming - Be Wise... Beware

Summer is coming and all pet owners need to prepare and become aware of the dangers that summertime brings. The summer heat can be fatal to our beloved pets and hurricane season officially starts June 1st. Here are some things to watch out for to keep your pets safe this summer.

Leaving Pets Outside

Your pets should never be left outside unattended especially not when it gets hot out there. If you have to leave your dog outside on his own for an hour or more you need to make sure that he is safe. Make sure your dog is secure in your yard. Please don't use a chain - it will get very hot in the summer sun. Your dog's skin is sensitive too ya know. Your dog must have access to shade or a doghouse or some other form of shelter. You will also need to leave plenty of fresh clean water.

The Same Rules Apply to Your Cats 

To be honest all pet cats should be indoor cats for many reasons  - including their safety. You can let them out if they can be safely contained in your yard or if you have a catwalk or catio. In the summer you need to make sure that they can still get to shade and water or come inside.

A Note About Car Safety

We have a chart here showing what the temperature is outside and what it would then be in your car. Here in Florida the best parking is not the spots closest to the door - it's the ones that have shade. Shade makes a difference but even in the shade it still gets incredibly hot in the car. If you have to leave try to park in the shade and roll the windows down and make it quick.Even when you park in the shade and roll the windows down it is still going to be really hot. It's still hot outside and your car is still baking in that heat. You can leave for a few minutes but half an hour is too long. Rule of thumb: if you think it might take you close to 15 minutes take your dog home first. Life happens and things take longer than we anticipate too often. Too many dogs die in hot cars every year and this is easily prevented. Bottom line you can't leave a living thing alone in your car for a long period of time unless you leave the a/c on.

Keep an eye out for the next post in the next few days. It will be about what to do for your pets in case of a hurricane.

Be Wise... Bewaggle!


About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!