Have you seen us on TV?
We spent all of 2013 developing the Bewaggle business concept, the training programs, and the rest of the systems to prepare for our launch in December. Now, in 2014, we're going to expand into new neighborhoods throughout Volusia and Seminole Counties, and we've launched a big marketing plan to help us grow. We've even got commercials running on Animal Planet and the Travel Channel. In case you've missed it, here's the first of two clips we'll be running for the next few weeks in Seminole County.
This month's Spotlight is focused on cats, for a change! The first article gives you some tips for dealing with those nasty cat by-products, hairballs, and the second article explains some important considerations when it comes to declawing a cat. Good stuff for all our cat lovers.
We're also making two very big announcements in this issue, and they both have us really, REALLY excited! Read on and share in the excitement!
At your service,
Marianne Carlson, Co-Founder
Bewaggle, LLC
386-956-0256
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 Tips for Dealing with Hairballs | 
Yuck! If you have a cat, you are probably familiar with the disgusting wads of nastiness known as hairballs (aka fur balls). While most cats get them from time to time, some cats are more prone to have problems relating to hairballs, especially long-haired cats and indoor cats.
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Fiber. Indoor cats are more likely to have problems because outdoor cats have access to grass, which they eat to help them pass or puke the little yuck-balls up. But indoor cats can't eat grass, so the first tip for dealing with hairballs is to increase the fiber in your cat's diet. Some cat foods are specially formulated to help with hairballs, and fiber is the key.
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Lubricants. You can purchase hairball gels that contain either petroleum jelly or oils. These can be added to their food or dabbed onto a paw, where they will likely ingest it while grooming. These lubricants can help hairballs take their natural course and ease your cat's discomfort.
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Brushing. The more hair you remove with regular brushing, the less he'll ingest into his stomach.
- See your vet. If your cat is vomiting more than once a week, you should have him seen by the veterinarian. There may be allergens or other causes of inflammation at the root of the problem. But don't delay. Depending on the underlying causes, those hairballs may be a symptom of a more serious health issue.
For more on this unpleasant, but important topic, read our blog series on Hairballs in Cats.
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| Declawing Causes Bigger Problems |
 Anytime a cat undergoes surgery, there are potential problems related to the anesthesia and the surgery itself, but there are other compelling reasons to let your cat keep his claws. - Refusing to use the litter box. This is very common in declawed cats because they come to associate the pain in their paws with the litter itself. Using a softer litter may help, but many declawed cats are euthanized every year because they wouldn't use the litter box after their claws were removed.
- Stress and aggressive tension. When you remove his first line of defense (his claws), a cat can get very stressed when he feels threatened. He may go on the offensive with his teeth, attacking his owners and other pets because he feels unable to defend himself otherwise.
- Bone and Joint Problems. A declawed cat uses his feet differently than one with claws, and the unnatural position of his feet on the ground can cause serious problems in his knees, hips, and back.
There are other compelling reasons not to declaw a cat, but we understand that allowing a cat to destroy your furniture isn't a great option either. So, for some tips on preventing your cat from scratching up your possessions, click here. |
| Certified Pet First Aid Trainer! | |
Please join us in congratulating Bewaggle's own Paula Carlson, who recently completed her training program and who is now a Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Trainer! All Bewaggle Pet Sitters can now be PetTech Trained in Pet First Aid and Pet CPR by our own PetTech-Certified trainer!
PetTech is the nation's leader in Pet First Aid and CPR Certification, and earning this certification is no small accomplishment. Congratulations, Paula! This is great news for Bewaggle and for all of our clients!
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| Mark Your Calendars | |
ANNOUNCING:
A fun day for pets and their people! Shop, adopt, learn, and play at the first annual Bewaggle Pet Expo! Lots more about this crazy event will be coming in future editions of the Spotlight. But mark your calendars now because this is gonna be a Bewaggle blast!
If your company would like to get in front of hundreds of animal-loving consumers, exhibitor booths and sponsorships are available. Click here for more information. |
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Visit our partners on the web, and tell 'em Bewaggle sent you!
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Oh For Barking Out Loud!
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Oh for Barking Out Loud!
is the Bewaggle blog, where we post articles relating to the care and enjoyment of your pets. Here's a sample from our recent posts:
Fur balls, hairballs, YUCK! Hairballs are a very common problem and can lead to some serious health issues, so we've posted a series of blogs on the topic.
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| Our Partners | |
Bewaggle is very proud to partner with the following businesses, and we are pleased to recommend them to our friends and clients!
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT
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