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 Pets: The Begger

When the vet tells a pet owner that their dog is overweight and needs to go on a diet, it can be tough to get them to comply. A lot of pet owners think that they can't put their dog on a diet because he is always begging for food. They tell the vet, "He is begging for food - he must be hungry. Besides, how can I say no when he gives me that soulful look?"

Well let's get a few things straight.  First, he is not actually hungry. If he eats on a regular schedule, his dietary needs will be met - I promise.Your dog is begging for food because he knows that you will give him a treat when he begs. It is more about the attention that your dog gets from you than the food.

You can curb the begging by replacing the treat with a toy or play time. If the begging continues, you must ignore it. Do not cave in and reward the begging with food.  That only encourages more begging.

Dogs are smart - they know what works to get what they want. If you set reasonable rules, and you are consistent with the new rules, your dog will figure it out pretty quickly.  And if your dog is overweight, his health and well being are at risk.  If he begs for food, and it's not time for a meal, distract him with a favorite toy, some personal attention, or a walk around the block.  He's not begging because he's hungry, so don't reward him with food.  Your dog's health is too important.

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!

Dog Exercise 101

Just like humans, dogs need daily exercise, and like us, they benefit best from the right kind of exercise, under the right conditions. It's not safe, for example, to go out in extremely hot or cold weather. During those periods, it’s best to stay inside, but you can still exercise your dog if you get creative.  Remember that dogs need to exercise their minds as well as their bodies, so teaching tricks to engage your dog's mind can have additional benefits.  You can also throw toys, play tug-of-war, or run up and down the stairs together to get their aerobic exercise in, even when the weather outside isn’t right for outdoor play.

Where to get exercise

Like people, most dogs enjoy both familiarity and variety in their exercise routines.  Your dog will get to know the neighborhood during his daily walks, and he may enjoy revisiting his favorite spots.  But the best exercise routines use both mental and physical muscles. Exploring a new hiking trail, for example, or learning a new trick will engage your dog's mind as well as his body.

Your local dog park can be a great place for off-leash exercise and a place to play with other dogs. But if your dog doesn't like other dogs, the dog park is definitely not the place for him.  If he’s not comfortable at the dog park, don’t push him. 

But I can't do this!

Inactive dogs are often overweight dogs, that can cause a number of serious health risks. Obesity contributes to a dog's risk of diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease. It also leads to muscular-skeletal problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Obesity can place additional stress on joints, ligaments, and tendons. And older dogs often have a hard enough time getting up without the added problem of lifting excess pounds.

But many dog owners find they simply can’t give their dogs the exercise they need because their own health, or their lifestyle or their schedules don’t allow it.  If you can’t physically keep up with your dog’s exercise needs, or you don’t have the time in your busy schedule to do it, there are options.  These are the most common ones, but your veterinarian may be able to suggest others.

·    Enroll your dog in a doggie day care.  Day cares can provide him with the physical workout and the interactions with both people and other dogs that will leave him tired and content.

·    Hire a dog walker.  A good dog walker (or pet sitter) can provide exercise and mental stimulation that your dog needs, from the convenience of your own home.

Remember that a tired dog is a happy dog, and he’s relying on you  to keep him healthy and happy.  It’s your responsibility as a pet owner.  Take it seriously.

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 Need More Exercise!

If your dog is overweight, he’s either getting too much food or too little exercise… or both.  This blog series will focus on both sides of the weight equation, but today, let’s begin with this axiom:  If your dog is overweight, YOU aren't getting enough exercise!  

Dogs especially, need more exercise than most can get on their own, in the house. Like humans, they need both strength and cardio workouts every day. If your dog is overweight, he's consuming more calories than he's burning, and the very best way to correct that imbalance is to add regular, appropriate exercise to his daily routine.  

Generally speaking, a leashed walk around the block isn't going to be enough to keep him healthy, let alone to reduce his weight.  Most healthy dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, including a hard aerobic workout.

Older dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with other health issues will need exercise that is specifically designed for their own circumstances, so check with your veterinarian to understand exactly what your dog needs.

And if your own health, schedule or lifestyle doesn’t permit you to provide your dog with the exercise he needs, you should hire someone to exercise him every day.  Your dog relies on you to keep him healthy.  You must take that responsibility seriously.

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 Part 1

Pet obesity in America is a major problem.  It causes several serious health issues for pets including diabetes and heart problems. So many pets are overweight simply because they are eating more than they need - they are consuming more calories than they are burning off. Pet obesity is preventable - you control what and how much your pet is eating. Some pets don't make that easy for us, so we will be posting a series of blog posts about how to handle your fussy pet so that you can get them to a healthy weight and keep them there.

Over the coming days, we'll be posting tips on feeding and exercising your pets for a longer, healthier, and happier life.

We'll be covering the following topics:

1. Exercise Guidelines
2. Pets that nibble all day long
3. Pets that beg from their owners
4. Food as a reward for good behavior
5. The Fussy Eater

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!