MAR 2015

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

We are excited this month to welcome our newest Pet Sitter, Miss Annie, to the Bewaggle team. Annie's career was in education and family counseling, and recently, she's been volunteering for a local Pug Rescue. We're delighted to have her available to serve our clients in West Volusia, and we know those clients and their pets are going to absolutely love her.

In this issue of the Spotlight, we talk about springtime environmental hazards and allergies. We begin with an article about springtime hazards that can affect your pet's health, and then there's a discussion of nature's endless supply of springtime allergens.

There's always something fun and exciting going on at Bewaggle, and we're excited to share our news and information with you. Read on and share in the excitement!

All the best,

Marianne Carlson, Co-Founder
Bewaggle, LLC

407-729-2242

Springtime Pet Hazards

Along with the warmer weather, springtime brings several new hazards that pet owners should know about.

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These can not only be a nuisance, but can pose a health threat to pets and humans. Make sure your pets are protected by giving him the medications your vet recommends.
Baby wildlife. Lots of animals give birth in the spring, and those babies are very interesting to dogs and cats. Eating baby birds and squirrels can cause choking and other problems, and just approaching the nests can cause a momma bird, raccoon, or other critter to attack. Keep your pets safe and away from those dangers.
Lawn Care Chemicals. In the spring, your lawn needs new and different treatments to ward off pests and weeds that come with warmer weather. Be sure the chemicals you use are approved for pet areas, but don't assume they are safe. Always wait till the sprays are dry before allowing your pets to walk on the lawn, and clean their feet when they come in the house. We recommend the use of disposable wipes that are designed specifically for use on pets. Read more.
Easter candies. Pets love chocolates, and you may have lots of that around as Easter approaches. Sugars, in general, are bad for your pets, and especially chocolate. Keep the baskets and candies out of their reach.

Remember that your pets rely on you to keep them healthy and safe. Springtime is a wonderful time of year, and you and your pets can enjoy it, provided you keep a careful eye out for these springtime hazards.

Springtime Pet Allergies

The most common allergy in dogs and cats is called Atopy, and it can be caused by tree pollens and other pollens in the springtime. The symptoms of Atopy can be similar to allergy symptoms in humans. Be aware of any of these symptoms in your pets.

Itching, scratching and licking excessively.
Chewing on his feet.
Sneezing, wheezing and other respiratory problems.
Rubbing his face.
Hot spots in dogs and facial scabbing in cats.
Inflamed or infected ears.

In addition to pollens, there are a number of other things that can cause allergic reactions. From contact dermatitis, to food allergies, to bee stings, and more, pet allergens are everywhere.

If your dog or cat shows any of these signs, talk to your vet. In most cases treatment is available and it is often inexpensive. Never give any human medication to a pet unless instructed to do so by your vet.

Bewaggle is HIRING!

We need some great pet sitters who live in West Volusia or Seminole County. The ideal candidate will:

Be a true animal lover, first and foremost!
Have at least 10 years work experience. Not necessarily in the animal care industry, but we need people with a proven track record of excellence and professionalism.
Have complete control over their own schedule. We can't work around school and work schedules, as our clients' needs have to come first. This could be a great fit for retirees and the self-employed!
Have basic computer skills and a functional home computer and printer. (A smart phone is not a requirement, but it's a huge advantage.)

If you or someone you know would like to get paid to play with pets, all the information and the application are available on our website. Click here to learn more.

Visit our partners on the web, and tell 'em Bewaggle sent you!