Taking Your Dog on a Picnic

Who can resist the siren call of summer? The tropical breeze and distinctive smell of barbecued treats are something many people crave as the seasons change. If you want to step out into the sun with your dog and savor a meal at the park, take the time to plan and prep.

Photo Copyright by Paul Stainthorp, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

First, choose a location that works for you and your dog. For example, a place with a lot of shade helps to keep everyone cool and happy. You can hardly enjoy your snack with the sun blaring in your face, and your pooch will be better off in a place where you can keep an eye on them.  If you think there might be an emergency, stay close to your car.

Second, pack supplies to make your waste removal duties easy. A number of pet owners bring small bags to use to pick up after their dogs, and you can follow their lead. You don’t need to spend money on bags. You can use plastic grocery bags if you so please. Don’t leave animal waste behind – it’s unsanitary and rude to people who visit the park or other public places.

Finally, food is paramount to any picnic. Remember to pack something appropriate for your dog. Bring a few of your dog’s favorite treats, or create something unique and tasty in the kitchen. Don’t forget to bring water. Dogs should never eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or avocados. Consult a recipe book catered to pets or look online to learn more. If your dog has a habit of stealing people food, look into puppy training to nip the problem in the bud.

When the time comes to take your pet out to partake in revelry, don’t forget to be smart with your picnic haul. With the right plan, you can help your dog live a long and happy 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!

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!

Respect the Door!

Having a dog that escapes from the house can be very dangerous, and it's shocking to me how common this problem is.  So many dogs will bolt out the door, given half a chance, and their owners have developed some elaborate routines just to get themselves out the door in the morning, without letting the dogs escape. But you can teach a dog to "Respect the Door", if you take some time and do it correctly. Here's how to train your dog so he won't run out of your house the minute you open the door.

Respect the door.  Put him on leash and have him sit/stay. Holding onto the leash, open the door. If he runs out, say "oops" or "uh-oh", and bring him back inside and close the door. Repeat this as many times as necessary. It will probably have to be repeated many, many times at first. Don't let that discourage you.  When he does not bolt, walk outside, holding the leash, and tell him to come outside. When he's successful, shower him with praise, and treats.  But if he runs out before you give permission, go back inside, close the door, and try again. Make him wait for permission every time he goes outside, even if he's going out into a fenced yard.  That's really important, because if he thinks that bolting out ahead of you is OK sometimes, he's never going to learn to respect the door. Every time you do this "game" it will take fewer times before he waits for permission. Eventually he will come to respect the door and understand that he needs permission to go outside.  Remember that he's counting on you to keep him safe. You must be consistent with your training.  

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!

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!

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!