MAY 2015

Is your pet healthy?

Many pets in America are overweight, and that's a serious health concern, but that's just one reason that this month's Spotlight is focused on fitness. We all want our pets to be healthy and live long and happy lives. But many pet owners don't even realize how their daily routines and habits can adversely affect their pets' health. In our first article below, we'll take a closer look at your pet's diet, and point out the hidden sources of calories and other health concerns that you may not be thinking about. In the second article, we'll look at other factors that can contribute to your pets' fitness problems, and we give you some tips for keeping them fit and healthy, for a longer, happier life.

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

What's really in his diet?

When we talk about putting a dog or cat on a "diet", we usually start with what goes into his bowl. Of course we want to provide a quality dog or cat food that's appropriate for his age, breed, activity level, and medical conditions. But your pet's diet consists of more than just the food you put in his bowl. Consider these facts:

Many American pets consume more than 40% of their calories from snacks, treats and table scraps.
A single DentaStix may account for 30% or more of a dog's daily calorie needs.
A single Pill Pocket can have up to 23 calories, which can be significant, depending on the size of the animal.
A 20-pound dog needs only about 500 calories a day - and far fewer than that if he's not getting regular exercise.
Many dogs won't stop eating when they've had enough. Just like people, there are dogs who eat when they're bored, or nervous, or simply offered a food they enjoy, even if they aren't hungry.
Just because he's begging, doesn't mean he's hungry. Chances are, he'd be just as happy with a romp on the floor with you. He wants your love and attention, not just another treat.
Lots of pet owners regularly supplement their pet's food with treats like ice cream, table scraps, and leftovers that are loaded with sugars, fats and salt. Pets love those things, but they are no better for our pets than they are for us!

The important point to take away from all of this is that your pet has very specific dietary needs, and he relies on you to ensure that those needs are met. If you give him a DentaStix, you'll need to subtract those calories from the regular food in his bowl.

Pets don't gain weight by raiding the refrigerator while we're at work. They only eat what we give them to eat.

Diet isn't Everything

Although we believe that diet is the single most important factor in your pet's health, lots of other factors do play a role, and we want to give you some tips for keeping your pets healthy and happy for a long time to come.

Regular vet visits are very important. Without regular visits, illnesses, injuries, and parasites can go unnoticed and therefore untreated. Give your vet the opportunity to get to know your pets while they are healthy, so they can recognize when they are not.
Keep them confined to your yard or on a leash to avoid auto accidents and fights with other dogs. Toy breeds should be leashed whenever they are outside, as they can become prey for hawks and other birds of prey.
Keep a Pet First Aid Kit on hand. (Read our blog post on the topic for a list of supplies you should keep in your Pet First Aid Kit.)
Give them much more exercise! Most American pets don't get nearly enough exercise. A Miniature Poodle, for example, should get a minimum of a mile and a half walk, every day, at 17-23 min./mile pace or 30 minutes interactive play.
Larger breeds need more than that. A Labrador Retriever, for example needs up to an hour a day of vigorous exercise, or a 3-4 mile run every day.
Unlike most American adults, pets actually enjoy exercise. Like children, they love to run and play and chase a ball, especially if they get to do it with a person who loves them.
If you don't have the time, the energy, or the physical capacity to provide your pets with the exercise they need, call us! Bewaggle Dog Walkers can exercise them every day, or just on the days you can't.

Our goal is that your pets will be happier, healthier, and better companions for you, because they spent time with us!

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!