Convincing Your Family to Get a Dog

Do you really, really want a dog? Does your family object to your dream of bringing a furry friend into the house? You don’t need to fret – there are ways to butter up your loved ones and pave the way for a tomorrow filled with slobbery tennis balls and bacon flavored treats.

Photo Copyright by Maja Dumat, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

The first thing you can do is avoid bringing up the subject. Don’t tell people fifty times a week that you strongly desire a dog. This may annoy the individuals you talk to, and they may sour on the whole thing. Give everybody time to sit and think about the idea of having a dog. Show understanding and patience – never pout or press the issue. This doesn’t mean you can’t think about dogs at all, you simply have to keep it to yourself as much as possible until the right time comes.

Let your family know that you don’t have to spend a fortune on the well-being of the dog. There are many affordable alternatives to the care and feeding of a pet. For example, it’s possible to purchase toys on clearance at local pet stores. You can take Fido to doggie day care or hire a dog walker without the worry that your wallet will suffer. Put in the research and show your family not everything costs an arm and a leg – in this case, paw.

A dog is a wonderful addition to any household. Dogs provide companionship and affection, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to owning one. Despite this, some people may not immediately warm to the idea of having an animal in the house. You have to present them with the right information. Find the best breed and plan for your family and you can’t go wrong.

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a brand new KIND of pet sitting company, unique in the entire nation! Bringing a new level of professionalism, training, and security to the pet sitting industry, we offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, background checked, professionally trained and supervised. And each sitter is backed up by a team of each qualified professionals. All our sitters are trained in Pet First Aid, Pet CPR, Professional Standards, Emergency Response and much more. 
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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. 

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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!

Itching Issues

Is your dog or cat itching and scratching all the time and driving you nuts? If it is driving you crazy, imagine how your pet feels! Lots of pets have issues with itchy skin and there is a cure... In fact, there are lots of them.  The challenge is figuring out which one will help your pet. First you have to determine what is causing the problem.

The root of the problem could either be environmental, nutritional, parasitic, allergic, neurogenic, or infectious in nature. Finding out the underlying cause will probably require a trip to the vet. Sometimes the cure is as simple as changing their food (they might need something more nutritious or they could be allergic to one of the ingredients) or mixing in a little olive oil with their meals. (It is good for the skin and coat.) Also, wiping off your dog's paws when he comes inside can help. They can have an allergic reaction to the chemicals that get sprayed on the yard. 

Sometimes they do it to themselves just because they are bored or they have separation anxiety (see our blog on boredom and separation anxiety here). However, itching can be a sign of something more serious, so you should get it checked out early. A lot of the time they need medications for allergies, parasites, and infections. Work with your vet to determine the cause of your pet's discomfort and start treatment.

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!

Ear Infections in Cats

Ear infections are actually quite common in cats, and they can be caused by a number of factors. These might include bacteria, fungi, mites, some medications, and even diabetes.  They symptoms are pretty obvious, usually, and they can include a discharge from the ear, head shaking, swollen ear flaps, ears that have a foul odor, and extra sensitivity to the ears being touched. 

If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it's certainly a good idea to have him checked out by your veterinarian.  Once the vet has determined the cause of the infection, a treatment plan will be prescribed that may include regular ear cleaning, eardrops, oral medications, and in severe cases, surgery.

Some breeds are also more susceptible to ear infections than others, so keep an eye on your cat for signs of infection.  Most ear infections respond well to treatment, but only a veterinarian can properly diagnose and treat them.  So have your kitty checked if it's showing symptoms such as those listed above.

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!

Not All People Foods are Bad for Your Pets

We’re often reminded that giving our pets table scraps is bad for them, because it contributes to both obesity and unwanted behaviors.   And there are some people foods that are actually toxic for our pets.  But not all people foods are bad for them.  In fact, many veterinarians agree that the very best foods for your pets are those foods you prepare for them yourself, in your own kitchen. 

In her book “Dinner Pawsible”,  Dr. Cathy Alinovi explains that one of the reasons your dog begs at the table is because he craves real food! (Can you blame him?) And she provides tips and recipes made from healthy people foods that your pets will love.  These healthy, balanced meals, that you can prepare yourself, are free of the chemicals, preservatives and “by-products” that most packaged pet foods contain.

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 Hairball Problems

This is the third in our series of posts on the topic of Fur Balls in Cats.  If you missed the first two, you can read them here. 

Preventing Hairball Problems?

As with all pet health issues, the best medicine is always prevention. You can reduce or even prevent hairballs with daily grooming.  A daily brushing (or combing) will remove a lot of hair and will reduce the amount of hair your cat actually ingests. 

A High Fiber Diet

You can now buy cat food especially designed to help fur balls, particularly for indoor cats. These foods are high in fiber and may say ‘reduces hair/fur ball's’. The high fiber diet will help your cat pass the hair through its system instead of getting stuck either in the gut or intestine, which it often does with a lower fiber diet. This stops the hairball from actually forming and is highly recommended for all house cats.  Many high fiber cat foods and treats include pumpkin, which is a natural ingredient that adds beneficial fiber to a cat’s diet.

Fleas, Ticks and Other Skin Conditions

If your cat has fleas, ticks or other parasites on his skin, he’ll be more prone to excessive grooming, which can lead to excessive hair in his stomach, gut and intestines.  Be sure your cat is free of these parasites.  Your vet will prescribe an appropriate program of treatment to assure that fleas and ticks aren’t contributing to fur ball problems. 

If Your Cat Can’t Regurgitate

If your cat is having problems regurgitating a fur ball then take your cat to the vet. They can either prescribe or recommend a medicine.  The medicine will usually come in cat friendly flavors and will lubricate your cat’s stomach and intestines. This makes it easier for the hair or hairball to pass from the stomach into your cats litter tray.

Take Fur balls Seriously.

A large hairball can be very uncomfortable for cats and can cause serious medical conditions. A hairball that can’t be regurgitated will continue to grow within the stomach. Large fur balls become painful and cause blisters and ulcers. Hairball pain can also cause cat depression and anxiety.  A hairball that can’t be regurgitated can lead to stomach and bowl conditions causing your cat much pain and stress.  He’s counting on you to keep him healthy, so if you think your cat has a problem with hairballs, contact your vet right away.

For the 1st blog on hairballs Click Here.
For the 2nd blog on hairballs Click Here.

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!

More About Hairballs in Cats

This is the second in our series of posts on the topic of Fur Balls in Cats.  If you missed the first one, you can read it here. 

 

·    What are the symptoms of fur balls?

·    Are you having cat fur ball problems?

·    Are there cat fur ball remedies or cat fur ball treatments that can control cat fur balls?

·    Can you even cure cat fur balls?

What does a hairball look like?

Actually, a fur ball doesn’t usually come out round like a golfball.  Usually, it’s more of a football – or even a finger-shaped mass.  If you see one on the floor, you might even mistake it for poop. 

Cats eat grass to help them clear their stomachs.

Have you ever seen your cat eating grass in the yard? Eating grass is a natural way for your cat to induce regurgitation (to vomit). So if your cat has anything indigestible in his stomach, like small bones or a hair ball, eating grass will help him puke it up.

What if you have an indoor cat?

For indoor house cats it’s not that simple. Many people keep their cats – especially long-haired cats - indoors. There are many good reasons to keep a cat indoors, but without natural grass to eat, cats often have difficulty clearing fur balls out of their stomachs.  This is a major problem and can cause your cat serious health issues.  It’s especially common in long-haired cats because longer haired cats can produce a larger hairball simply because they have longer hair.

In our next post, we’ll talk about some tips and strategies for keeping your cats healthy by treating and preventing fur ball problems.  Be sure to subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss this important information.

For the 1st blog on hairballs Click Here.

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!

Hairballs in Cats

This is the first of a three-part series on hairballs in cats.  If you own a cat, especially an indoor cat,  you may come across hairballs (also called fur balls) on the floor, or you may have witnessed your cat trying to cough up fur balls.  What exactly are hairballs?  What causes them?  How can you prevent or treat them? Are they dangerous to your cat? 

The first thing we want you to know is that fur balls are natural, and the occasional fur ball causes no harm to your cat. It is however important for all owners to understand what fur balls are and the possible risks of excessive fur balls.

·    What are the symptoms of fur balls?

·    Are you having cat fur ball problems?

·    Are there cat fur ball remedies or cat fur ball treatments that can control cat fur balls?

·    Can you even cure cat fur balls?

What is a Fur ball?

Cat fur balls form when your cat grooms. When your cat grooms, the tongue takes all of the dead or lose hair off the coat. This is a natural way for your cat to keep his coat in clean and healthy.  Unfortunately, once the hair is in his mouth, the cat can’t spit or pick it out. He has to swallow it. Usually, the hair will be digested and pass through your cat, but sometimes the hair can’t be digested, in which case it remains in the stomach. Over time, the hair will build up and mix with the fluids in your cat’s stomach, and eventually a ball shape will form. When the ball gets large enough, it will start to irritate your cat’s stomach. That irritation is what causes your cat to vomit, to bring up the fur ball.  Remember that hairballs are completely natural,  and it is normal and healthy for your cat to bring up a fur ball if it forms.  But problems can arise when there are too many fur balls, or when a cat has difficulty clearing them from his stomach. 

In future posts, we’ll cover much more on this topic, so be sure to subscribe so you get this important information. 

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!

Twitching? Seizure? Know the Difference.

Like humans, dogs dream, and sometimes their bodies twitch while they are asleep.  Puppies and senior dogs do it more than younger adult dogs, but they almost all do it.  Sometimes, they even whimper or bark in their sleep, and it’s usually not a serious problem.  But sometimes, a dog whose body is twitching, is actually having a seizure, and every dog owner needs to know how to tell the  difference. 

If your dog is twitching in his sleep, he’s probably having a dream.  Our dogs often look like they’re chasing rabbits in their dreams.  But a dog having a seizure is usually very stiff, and his twitching can be more intense.  You should check on your dog by simply calling his name softly.  If he’s just dreaming, he’ll wake up and go back to a restful sleep.  But if he doesn’t respond to his name, or a gentle pat on the back, it’s probably a seizure.

In our next post, we’ll talk about how you should react if your dog has a seizure. 

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 Gourmet Dog

One of the most common excuses we hear for not putting a dog on a diet is that the dog just won't eat anything except people food.

I want to give my dog better food.
As humans we can't imagine eating dog food, so some dog owners feel that it is not good enough for their dog. Then they feel justified in providing people food when their dog enjoys it so much more than common dog food. Of course they do. It is just like how we love junk food more than salads.  But that doesn't make it healthy. Our dogs will have happier, healthier, and have longer lives if you put them on a healthy dog diet.

My dog won't eat dog food.
If your dog is used to eating steak you may have a little problem with getting your dog to eat dog food, but he will eat it when he gets hungry enough, and if you are consistent, he will eventually come to enjoy it. The important part is not to cave in and feed him people food when he turns his nose up at dog food. Of course he wants the extra yummy people food, but that is not good for him. You may have to take up his bowl and try again at the next meal. It won't hurt your dog to skip a couple meals. Once he realizes that he can't trick you into giving him people food he will eat his dog food without any problems.

You've seen other dogs that go crazy with excitement every time they get their dog food.  Your dog will do that too, if it's the only food he is given.  It's not cruel or inhumane.  It's the appropriate and responsible way to feed a dog.  And he's counting on you to feed him properly so he's able to live a long 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!

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!

Overweight Dogs: How many nibbles make a meal?

Every dog is unique, of course, and they all have their own preferences when it comes to eating.  Today, I want to talk about those dogs that seem almost completely uninterested in food, and yet they somehow manage to be overweight.   I call these dogs the “nibblers” because that’s all they ever do. 

You fill his bowl in the morning, and he eats a few kibbles, but walks away before the bowl is empty.  A few hours later, he stops by the bowl for another nibble or two, but he never really seems very hungry.  He’ll eat table scraps, if you offer them to him, and he enjoys those treats with the squishy center.  But if all he’s eating throughout the day is a handful of treats and a few choice nibbles from his bowl, how can he possibly be fat?

It’s a simple case of calories, of course.  Those choice table scraps and the yummy treats are almost always loaded in fat and calories, while the food in his bowl may not be.  It’s sort of like offering a child a tossed salad in the morning, but giving him a piece of chocolate every time he walks past you.  He’s not going to eat much of that salad, now is he?  The dog’s hunger is satisfied with the treats, so he can skip the salad bar and wait for the next dessert cart. 

If your dog is overweight, you need to do a better job of controlling what he eats.  If you love him, and I know you do, you have to take responsibility for his health.  Find a good dog food, and feed him according to the package instructions.  And if he gets a treat, you need to subtract those calories from the dog food bowl.  If you are serious and diligent, but he’s still overweight, ask your vet for suggestions.  You have to do the math and be in control.  Your dog is counting on you to keep him healthy. 

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!