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 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!