The Agenda’s directory of service providers who care as much about your “baby” as you do. Well…almost! Groomers and Daycare Alexandria’s Grooming 2032 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954-564-4141 www.alexandriasgrooming.com Bed & Biscuit Pet Inn and Salon 4730 NW 74th Place Coconut Creek, FL 33073 954-426-3508 www.bedandbiscuitpetinn.com […]
The post Help When You Need It appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>The Agenda’s directory of service providers who care as much about your “baby” as you do. Well…almost!
Groomers and Daycare
Alexandria’s Grooming
2032 E Oakland Park Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
954-564-4141
Bed & Biscuit Pet Inn and Salon
4730 NW 74th Place
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
954-426-3508
Central Bark Doggy Day Care
3699 N Dixie Hwy
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-568-3647
Country Inn Pet Resort
2100 Flamingo Rd
Davie, FL 33325
954-424-6000
Lap of Luxury Dog Spa
16850 Jog Road
Delray Beach, FL 33460
561-637-3856
www.pawsinparadiselakeworth.com
Posh Pet Hotel
6710 S Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
561-225-1559
Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare, Resort & Spa
2155 N Dixie Hwy
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
754-223-4776
Veterinarians
All Aboard Animal Hospital
1413 S Dixie Hwy
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
954-785-7780
Camelot Animal Hospital & Boarding Kennel
10441 Orange Drive
Davie, FL 33328
954-473-0193
www.camelotanimalhospital.org
Country Inn Pet Resort
2100 Flamingo Road
Davie, FL 33325
954-424-6000
Fort Lauderdale Vet Center
1493 SE 17th St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-463-1616
Lauderdale Veterinary Specialists
3217 NW 10th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
954-641-1100
Oakland Park Animal Hospital
2200 W Oakland Park Blvd
Oakland Park, FL 33311
954-731-4228
www.oaklandparkanimalhospital.com
PetLife
6901 Okeechobee Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL
561-790-6464
Wilton Manors Animal Hospital
2201 N Dixie Hwy
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-541-2550
www.wiltonmanorsanimalhospital.com
Veterinarians (Mobile)
Animal House Calls
Sami Hanes, DVM
330 SE 13th Ave
Pompano Beach, FL 33060
954-941-3658
Home Veterinary Care
Evan M. Blair, DVM
4749 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, FL 33021
305-335-6401
Assistance for People with Pets
The Pet Project
Vets Helping Heroes
Cremation/Cemetery
A Rainbow Crossing
4868 NE 12th Av
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-612-6003
Paws & Cherish Pet Cremations LLC
4340 NW 19th Av, Ste E
Deerfield Beach, FL 33064
954-971-9966
Pet Heaven Memorial Park
10901 W Flagler St
Miami FL 33174
305-223-6515
Supplies/Accessories
Classy Parrots and Classy Pets Boutique
516-855-8369
Fiesta Pet Deli
2900 W Sample Rd
Pompano Beach, FL 33073
954-971-2500
Fins, Furs N Feathers
1975 N Federal Hwy
Boca Raton, FL
561-391-5858
Puttin on the Dog
8806 Indian River Run
Boynton Beach, FL 33472
561-737-4223
Three Amigos Pet Supply
4613 University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065
954-326-1002
Dog Parks
Bark Park at Snyder Park (City of Fort Lauderdale),
3299 SW Fourth Ave
Fort Lauderdale 33315
954-828-4341
Barkham at Markham Park (Broward County Parks)
16001 W State Rd. 84
Sunrise, FL 33326
954-357-8868
Colohatchee Bark Park (City of Wilton Manors)
1975 NE 15th Ave
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-390-2130
Dog Beach at Hollywood Beach (City of Hollywood)
between Pershing St. and Custer St.
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-921-3404
Dog Park at Emerald Hills Park (City of Hollywood)
3901 N 30th Terrace
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-921-3404
Dog Park at John Williams Park (City of Hollywood)
6101 Sheridan St.
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-921-3404
Dog Park at Oakridge Park (City of Hollywood)
5200 S.W. 35th Ave.
Hollywood, FL 33021
954-921-3404
Dog Park at Poinciana Park (City of Hollywood)
1301 S 21st Ave.
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-921-3404
Steven G. Paul Dog Park (City of Coral Springs)
2575 Sportsplex Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33067
954-346-4428
Gary B. Jones Park for People and Pups (City of Tamarac)
8101 Southgate Blvd.
Tamarac, FL 33321
954-597-3620
Happy Tails Dog Park (City of Plantation)
6500 SW 16th St.
Plantation, FL 33317
954-452-2510
Joseph Scavo Park (City of Hallandale Beach)
900 Three Islands Blvd.
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
954-457-1452
Oakland Bark Park (City of Oakland Park)
971 NW 38th St.
Oakland Park, FL 33309
954-630-4352
Precious Paws Dog Park at Patrick J. Meli Park
(City of Dania Beach)
2901 SW 52nd St.
Dania Beach, FL 33312
954-985-4400
Windmill Park (City of Coconut Creek)
700 Lyons Rd.
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
954-545-6670
Woodville Dog Park (City of North Lauderdale)
1500 SW 83rd Ave.
North Lauderdale, FL 33068
954-724-7061
The post Help When You Need It appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Finding the perfect toy, outfit, accessory or gift for your pet, or someone else’s is an adventure in excess. It’s a billion dollar industry with no shortage of concepts, suppliers and inventions. Remember, any purchase must begin with the pet in mind—personality, size, and activity level are all primary factors in a selection. Ingenuity plays […]
The post Gear, gifts and goodies appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Finding the perfect toy, outfit, accessory or gift for your pet, or someone else’s is an adventure in excess. It’s a billion dollar industry with no shortage of concepts, suppliers and inventions.
Remember, any purchase must begin with the pet in mind—personality, size, and activity level are all primary factors in a selection. Ingenuity plays a big part as well.
We’ve done the legwork to simplify the process and showcase the finest in pet wear and state-of-the-art gadgets and gifts. Read on.
Cuddle Clones
These custom made plush cuddle clones of your favorite pet are individually made to produce an exact replica of man’s best friend or his feline cousin. Available in various sizes and poses, Cuddle Clones will amaze with the end produce, customized in China from photographs. At $249. www.cuddleclones.com.
Nano Robotic Cat Toy
HEXBUG Nano Robotic Cat Toy! When turned on, this robot’s realistic behavior will fool many cats and even some humans into thinking it’s a real bug! The adventurous critter scampers and scurries around using vibration technology, as its soft and colorful furry-tail drags behind – calling the attention of nearby cats. $4.49. www.hexbug.com.
Pet Lion Costume
Add this lion mane to your dog or cat and create an instant costume for pet auctions and fashion shows. Let your pet roar his way to the top trophy. $23.99. www.kohls.com.
Tagg GPS Pet Tracker
Attaching to the collar of dogs or cats, this GPS Pet Tracker will alert you via text message and email alert if your pet strays outside of a selected parameter area. The device allows you to track your pet within 300 feet in any area of the country. With an app for iPhone or Android cell services, this pet tracker also keeps track of daily activity. $79.95. www.amazon.com.
Pet Chatz
This two-way video conferencing system allows you to see your pets over your iPhone or MacBook, and dispense treats from the system for good behavior. An accessory device called a PawCall allows your pet to initiate calls to you as well. $379.99. www.petchatz.com.
Pavlovian Puppy Potty Trainer
This is the puppy pad that recognizes when a pet has relieved itself properly, and dispenses a reward to encourage good habits – even when the owner isn’t there to provide praise. Internal sensors in the mat detect moisture and send a wireless signal to the treat dispenser, stocked with a dog’s favorite kibble. $99.95. www.hammacher.com.
Contech WaterDog Automatic Pet Drinking Fountain
If you have an outside dog, this is pretty much a necessity. It’s an automatic drinking fountain that turns on when your dog approaches, and turns off after they leave. They’ll quickly figure out that they can get a drink whatever they want by walking up to it, and this means they’ll stay properly hydrated even through the hot summer months. $169.99 www.amazon.com.
K&H Dog Cooling Bed
In the hot summer months in Florida, there is nothing that says pet luxury more than a cooling bed.. Dogs can overheat pretty easily, even though they are quick to pant when they start to get hot. It’s important to keep them cool, and this bed can really help with that as it diffuses heat when they lay on top of it. Additionally, it comforts arthritis, skin disorders, hip issues and more. $51.45. www.amazon.com.
Frolicat DART Automatic Laser Pet Toy
Hours of unattended fun for dogs or cats, this motion activated laser beam that randomly projects a pattern on the floor and keeps animals chasing the light for hours. $29.99. www.bedbathandbeyond.com.
Petnet SmartFeeder
The smartest way to feed your pet, the Petnet lets you feed your pet from anywhere using your smartphone. This is a great way to make sure your dog gets their meal at the right time each day, even when you are not there. $149.00. www.amazon.com.
The post Gear, gifts and goodies appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>RESCUE ANIMALS: THE BEST PETS FOR LGBT OWNERS If you’re a pet owner yourself, you probably already know that the LGBT community is extremely pet-friendly: according to a recent poll, over seventy percent of LGBT adults are pet owners, compared with only sixty percent of straight adults. For many of these LGBT “pet parents,” cats […]
The post THE BEST PETS FOR LGBT OWNERS appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>RESCUE ANIMALS: THE BEST PETS FOR LGBT OWNERS
If you’re a pet owner yourself, you probably already know that the LGBT community is extremely pet-friendly: according to a recent poll, over seventy percent of LGBT adults are pet owners, compared with only sixty percent of straight adults. For many of these LGBT “pet parents,” cats and dogs rescued from animal shelters can make the best pets, providing a loving companion while supporting local animal rescue and giving pets a forever home.
While there isn’t much information out there about why rescue pets are the best pets for LGBT individuals and families, or whether LGBT folks tend to adopt more pets than straight people, there is definitely a connection between shelter animals and the LGBT community, and several reasons to look into adopting an animal from your local shelter.
The Best Pets Find You
Ask anyone who’s adopted a pet from a shelter and they’ll tell you: they didn’t choose their pet, their pet chose them. For LGBT pet owners, the decision to adopt a cat or dog might come from a desire for companionship, wanting to be responsible for another life, or simply a lifelong wish to have a furry member of the family. Rescuing a pet instead of buying one from a pet store or breeder has a number of benefits for owners and animals alike:
- Pet owners can focus on connecting with the best pets for their lives and activities, rather than spending a small fortune on a designer breed or supporting puppy mills.
- Supporting local shelters provides resources: whether it’s through an adoption fee or simply freeing up space for another homeless animal, shelters rely on adoptions to continue rescuing animals.
- Rescue pets are some of the most loyal and caring: it may be because they’ve been given a new lease on life thanks to being adopted, or just sheer joy that the right human finally came along, but you won’t find a more affectionate pet than a shelter rescue.
The best pets aren’t the ones that cost the most money: they’re the ones that need you the most, and for many members of the LGBT community, adopting a pet is an incredible way to enrich more than one life.
The Best Pets, or the Best You?
Visiting a shelter for the first time, many LGBT pet parents are struck by the number of homeless animals and are moved to provide a better life for one (or more!) of them. While there are many reasons pet owners might choose to adopt a cat or a dog from a shelter, some particular benefits that might drive LGBT owners toward adoption:
- Empathy: LGBT pet owners understand what it’s like being treated as an “outsider,” LGBT individuals may have to face intolerance, cruelty, and even neglect in their lives, and ending these struggles for a rescue animal can create a lifelong bond.
- Health: There have been countless studies on the connection between owning a pet and living a healthy life. Whether it’s the exercise you get from taking a dog for a long walk or the mental health boost provided by a cat curled up on your lap, it’s clear that adding a pet to your home enriches your life and theirs.
- You Look Great: this may not be the first benefit you think of when rescuing a shelter pet, but it’s undeniable that someone who saves an animal suddenly becomes much more attractive. Kindness and compassion look good on anyone.
Whatever your reason for adopting, rescue animals make the best pets because it’s not about having a transaction like buying a pet from a store: it’s saving a life, and giving a thankful and happy animal a stable home.
Skip the Store, Find the Best Pets
The number of LGBT pet owners is continuing to grow, and as the problems with breeders and pet stores keep surfacing, we’re sure to see even more members of the community turn toward adoption and rescue. If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your life, skip the pet store and head straight to your local animal shelter to take home some of the best pets: they’ll reward you with a lifetime of love and companionship.
Human Society Of South Florida
16101 W Dixie Hwy
N Miami Beach, FL 33160
305-696-0800
The Cat Network
P.O. Box 347228
Miami, FL 33234
305-255-3482
Born Free Pet Shelter
P.O. Box 490823
Key Biscayne, FL 33149
305-361-5507
Broward County Animal Care
1870 SW 39 St
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-359-1313
Miami Dade County Animal Services
7401 NW 74 St
Miami, FL 33166
305-884-1101
Animal Aid, Inc.
571 NE 44th St
Oakland Park, FL 33334
754-223-5378
www.animalaidinc@aol.com
Abandoned Pet Rescue
1137 NE 9th Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-728-9010
www.apr.rescuegroups.org
The Florida Humane Society
3870 North Powerline Rd
Pompano Beach, FL 33073
954-974-6152
Tri-County Animal Rescue
21287 Boca Rio Road
Boca Raton, FL 33433
561-482-8110
The post THE BEST PETS FOR LGBT OWNERS appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Welcome to the Agenda’s First Issue devoted to fins, feathers and fur. On second thought, maybe we have covered those before, but these fins, feathers and fur belong to our pets. Pets are our family, our surrogate children and our best friends. Our animals are here to perch on a finger and meet us […]
The post The Pet Issue appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>
Welcome to the Agenda’s First Issue devoted to fins, feathers and fur. On second thought, maybe we have covered those before, but these fins, feathers and fur belong to our pets. Pets are our family, our surrogate children and our best friends. Our animals are here to perch on a finger and meet us nose to nose, to head to the beach and play in the surf, to insist on a scratch when we’re deep in a book, to greet us at the door like we’ve been gone for years, to carry the rings on our wedding days, to bark, meow, chirp, splash and squawk to communicate their affection.
My love for animals has been deep since I could walk. My first pet was a duck, Anne B, named after my mother. I was a toddler so it was easy for Anne B to imprint himself on me and together we spent our days roaming the backyard until a family move forced us to give him a new home in a city pond with fellow fowl. Snakes, hamsters, hermit crabs, love birds, Sun Conures, mutts, chameleons, Dobermans, Great Pyrenees, Chihuahuas, Domestic Shorthairs, turtles, frogs, Yorkies, Morkies, and canaries have all been part of my family.
When we moved to Florida, our friend Craig showed us his home in Victoria Park with custom-built aviaries filled with finches, love birds, green parrots and cockatiels. The home had giant salt water fish tanks filled with urchins and corral. There was an outdoor pond with foot-long orange and white koi and fancy goldfish. I was inspired on what could be done and lucky that Ilene was patient and let me bring home all the critters I could find. After a couple years of lost lovebirds and canaries, we decided dogs were our best bet. We have three, Happy (2) from Diamonds and Doggies, Minnelli (7), given to us at a Stars of the Rainbow Event, and Garland (13) rescued from Broward Animal Shelter during Hurricane Charlie in 2004.
Pet ownership has long been part of the gay lifestyle. According to Nielsen 2014 survey LGBT households spend 32% more than non LGBT households in pet supply stores. According to a study by the ASPCA 71% of LGBT people own pets compared to 63 percent of non-LGBT people. Americans spent over 60 billion dollars in 2015 on their pets. Not surprising to the LGBT consumer who, no matter the income level, makes pampering a priority.
In this issue, we are fortunate to have many new writers in the community sharing stories and information. Local Chiropractic Physician Dr. Donna Watson begins her column in this issue. Dr. Donna is the Founder of Dr. Donna’s Pet Foundation, a leading organization working with Broward Animal control on creative solutions to over population and pet rescue. My pal Claudia Lebel shares her Doodle Biscuits in our Secret Recipe section. Even our Tropical Gardener Chuck Nichols provides do’s and don’ts in the yard for healthy pets.
Also included is a comprehensive listing of veterinarians, boarding facilities and pets parks–a nice list to keep on hand for a resource. Our team at Agenda shares their pet photos along with critters costumed for Pride.
South Florida is very pet friendly. Many restaurants, apartment buildings, parks and shopping areas welcome them. Upcoming events include: Woof and Wine August 4th Colohatchee Dog Park in Wilton Manors, Doggy Fun Fest November 19th in Oakland Park and the Miami Fort Lauderdale Pet Expo at War Memorial on November 5 & 6. Enjoy the issue and continue to engage with us on offerings for the animals. We want your stories, photos and ideas. Drop us notes and pics of you and your brood.
The post The Pet Issue appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>By Claudia Lebel My Golden Doodle, Marty and Tibetan Terrier, Kooshi love these cookies. They get two every night after dinner and don’t rest until I give him their treat. INGREDIENTS 2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup wheat germ ½ cup ground flax seed 1 tablespoon honey 3 eggs ½ cup oil […]
The post Doodle Dog Biscuits appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>
By Claudia Lebel
My Golden Doodle, Marty and Tibetan Terrier, Kooshi love these cookies. They get two every night after dinner and don’t rest until I give him their treat.
INGREDIENTS
- 2-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup wheat germ
- ½ cup ground flax seed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup oil
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- Cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven TO 350 DEGREES
- Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or wipe pan with shortening and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, wheat germ, and flax seed. Set aside.
- In another mixing bowl, combining honey, eggs, oil, water, applesauce and pumpkin puree until well combined. Pour into dry ingredients and stir until well-mixed.
- Form into a disc and roll out on a well-floured surface until about ¼” thick. Sometimes it it is easier to roll it out between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a doggie bone cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place on prepared baking sheet about 1″ apart.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until treats are very brown and very hard. Makes 3 dozen
- Let cool completely before giving them to your beautiful dog to try out. Store in an airtight container out-of-reach of your puppy.
The post Doodle Dog Biscuits appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>The idea of gays fawning over their pets is as stereotypical as limp wrists, running mascara and drag queens. More than just the stuff of legends, there is a solid foundation in this tale, confirmed by none other than the prestigious Harris Polling Service. According to the folks at Harris, 71 percent of gays […]
The post LGBTs and their pets appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>
The idea of gays fawning over their pets is as stereotypical as limp wrists, running mascara and drag queens. More than just the stuff of legends, there is a solid foundation in this tale, confirmed by none other than the prestigious Harris Polling Service.
According to the folks at Harris, 71 percent of gays own pets (compared with 63 percent of heterosexuals). We love cats as much as dogs, with fewer of us owning birds (seven percent), fish (14 percent), while the “other” category accounts for such unusual pets as ferrets, iguanas, hamsters, snakes, spiders and turtles.
Pet supplies and care is a $52 billion industry. The average LGBT pet owner spends over $3,000 per year on grooming services, special pet walkers and sitters, food, gifts, clothing, veterinary services and medication.
Our staff at the Agenda are pet lovers all. A trip to our offices will confirm that point as dogs are as welcome as our cover models and advertisers. This Special Pet Issue stands as testament to the affection we share with our own pets and yours. Enjoy!
The post LGBTs and their pets appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>To help prevent health concerns in your dog, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your dog regularly for any changes or signs of illness. When checking your dog, it’s important to be vigilant, as your dog can’t tell you if they are feeling unwell. If you notice anything out of […]
The post Caring for your dog appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>To help prevent health concerns in your dog, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your dog regularly for any changes or signs of illness. When checking your dog, it’s important to be vigilant, as your dog can’t tell you if they are feeling unwell. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet right away.
To help keep your dog healthy, we’ve put together an easy to follow checklist.
Health checklist
- Body condition– You should just be able to feel the ribs and no more. There should be a waist between your dog’s ribs and hips and the belly should not sag. Watch for signs of weight loss or gain.
- Ears– Should be clear of any thick brown or green wax and have no smell. Some long-eared breeds benefit from regular ear cleaning with special ear cleaners. Be careful what you use to clean the ears, the skin in this area can be very sensitive. And don’t clean too deeply or vigorously, as the eardrum can be easily perforated.
- Eyes– Should be bright and clear, with no signs of runniness, redness or soreness. Your dog should not shy away from light as if it hurts the eyes. Eye problems can sometimes be accompanied by flu symptoms.
- Nose– There should be no crusting on the surface, runny discharges or bleeding. Noses can change from black to pink and back again, something that can vary through the year. The nose being cold or wet has no correlation to illness.
- Breath– Bad Breath is not just a cosmetic or social problem (we all know dogs with bad breath can be less-than-pleasant company). Bad breath can indicate a digestive problem or bad teeth, which could potentially lead to organ problems if left untreated. To find out more about combating bad breath, view Supercoat Dental Chews.
- Oral hygiene– Teeth should be white with no excess tartar, which looks thick and brown. The gums should be pink or black, not red or swollen. To find out more about improving oral hygiene, view Supercoat Dental Chews.
- Skin and coat– Your dog’s skin can be pink or black, depending on the pigments normally found in the breed. The coat should be healthy and shiny with no broken hairs. And both should be free of any scruffy dandruff or sores. Hair can be shed all year round, but it’s normally worse in summer and autumn so you’ll need a good vacuum cleaner. Some breeds like poodles don’t shed, although they need clipping regularly.
- Nails– Should be smooth and can be white or black. Nails that are roughened and break easily may require attention. When checking the nails, remember the dewclaws found on the inside of the leg just below the wrist. Some dogs have them on the front legs only; some have them front and back; and some don’t have any at all.
- Digestion– Keep an eye on your dog’s appetite for any noticeable changes. This can be very difficult to tell if the dog is new to you or a very fussy eater. There should be no sickness or choking when eating. Stools should be a normal colour with no diarrhoea, constipation or mucus (clear jelly) passed.
- Thirst– If your dog suddenly becomes thirsty or starts drinking more than usual, consult your vet.
- Attitude– Your dog’s general attitude to life can tell you a lot. If you notice that his head and tail are down, it usually means your dog is feeling under the weather. Poorly dogs can also skulk in corners, or even dig holes in the garden to lie in. If you’re worried, ask your vet for advice.
It is important to be aware of your dog’s health and happiness, so keep an eye on them and, if in doubt, consult a vet.
The post Caring for your dog appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Every year, over 40,000 dogs in the US die from drowning in a pool. The common belief is that dogs naturally know how to swim. This is not true. Dogs know the panic “dog paddle.” This is not swimming. The “dog paddle” is the frantic moving of their front legs which puts their bodies in […]
The post Dog Pool Safety appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Every year, over 40,000 dogs in the US die from drowning in a pool. The common belief is that dogs naturally know how to swim. This is not true. Dogs know the panic “dog paddle.” This is not swimming. The “dog paddle” is the frantic moving of their front legs which puts their bodies in a vertical position. This position and can exhaust them quickly and result in drowning. All three of my pups, Garland, Minnelli and Happy are good swimmers because we took the time to teach them. The swimming lessons included practice on how to enter and exit the pool. Teaching your dog to swim is a fun activity and with patience and play, they might just love the pool as much as you do!
To get your dog to feel comfortable in the pool, you need to be comfortable in the pool. Let them see you jump in and have fun. After they see that the pool is a fun place, grab their favorite toy and take it in with you. Start by sitting on your pool steps and tossing the toy in the water just a few feet from you. Retrieve the toy yourself and use your “good boy/girl” voice. Tossing the ball or toy in the pool will make them want to join in. While still on the steps, ease your pup into your lap or on the step with you. Make the game about both of you getting the toy. Slowly move further off the step or in water and bring your voice up with praise and excitement. Be sure to use a toy that is easy for them to bite and retrieve while in the water. Favorite stuffed toys are fine just make sure they can float. Repeat the game until your dog is reaching at least halfway across the pool and understands that the steps are the best exit. Keep your dog from trying to go up on the side of the pool by continuing to toss the toy from the steps to the middle and helping them stay on the route to the steps. The next day try encouraging your pup to jump from side of the pool and to exit by using the steps. Use the same method of you doing the retrieving and returning. Don’t be surprised if your pup grabs the toy and hides far from the pool. Just get up and bring it back in the water. Your dog will always try to please you, but watch for water up the nose, and exhaustion. Keep play to a time that is good for your pup.
If your pool doesn’t have steps, purchase a Skamper ramp. Skamper ramp is a white plastic device that attaches to the side of your pool and provides and easy grip to allow any animal from dogs to iguanas to get out of the pool on their own.
Pet life vests can give your dog a boost of confidence and are a great idea for those pups that are water shy. Like collars and harnesses, pet life vests can be tricky to select based on small, medium and large. Measure your dog and purchase on line to ensure a good fit. The life vest should have handles so you can easily lift your dog out of the pool and should be designed to keep their heads out of the water. The fit should allow them to move their legs and keep their body positioned so they can easily swim.
Some large breeds like Labradors and Retrievers are more likely to love the water, but toy dogs like Yorkies, Maltese and Pomeranians can enjoy a dip on hot summer day if you make it fun and safe for them to play.
The post Dog Pool Safety appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>For years now, states have been arguing about the medicinal potential of marijuana for treatment ailments. Many have made buying and selling pot legal for the treatment of any number of illnesses. And while your pets should never consume pot as a means of helping decrease physical pain, they can find legal relief in […]
The post Pot and your pets appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>
For years now, states have been arguing about the medicinal potential of marijuana for treatment ailments. Many have made buying and selling pot legal for the treatment of any number of illnesses. And while your pets should never consume pot as a means of helping decrease physical pain, they can find legal relief in the word of hemp-based supplements from Canna Companion USA, a Washington company.
Canna Companion has created a unique blend of Cannabis sativa strains designed to enhance the medical benefits of the Cannabis plant while negating the ‘high-inducing’ capacity of THC. Each capsule of Canna Companion is free of corn, wheat, sugar, GMO, soy and is produced cruelty free.
Rather, every capsule contains a combination of phytocannabinoids, the main group of compounds in hemp, terpenes while help to modulate phytocannabinoids, and flavonoids, potent anti-inflammatories which are found in a wide variety of foods we and our pets eat.
In additions, the capsules offer omega 3 & 6 fatty and vitamin B6, the latter of which increase bioavailability.The vegetable-based capsules are produced in Washington State by veterinarians. Due in part to their small body size, dogs and cats can take advantage of small amounts of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids found in hemp.
Because the entire hemp plant is used, an increase in health benefits and a decrease in adverse effects are observed. This eliminate some of the adverse effects possible in dogs and cats who consume cannabis grown for human consumption.
The Canna Companion capsules support digestive processes and help maintain a healthy GI tract in cats and dogs. In addition, they help to support the immune system, and help to ease joint discomfort associated with daily exercise and activity.
The hemp-based capsules also help maintain an animal’s calm demeanor, including during time of unusual stress or situational anxieties. And no less important, in additional to neurological care, Canna Companion supplements can assist in “end of life” comfort and care.
For information about ordering Canna Companion, or for more facts on products available, go to http://www.cannacompanionusa.com.
The post Pot and your pets appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Chuck Nicolls Unfortunately in South Florida. there are poisonous plants that may affect the health of your pet. When reviewing this list, it is important to know that all parts of a given plant may not be poisonous. For example, the stems of Rhubarb are a delicious food item; however, the leaves and roots are toxic to […]
The post Plants and Pets appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>Chuck Nicolls
Unfortunately in South Florida. there are poisonous plants that may affect the health of your pet. When reviewing this list, it is important to know that all parts of a given plant may not be poisonous. For example, the stems of Rhubarb are a delicious food item; however, the leaves and roots are toxic to some individuals. It may be the flowers, the foliage, roots or seeds that are toxic. The Poinsettia plant exudes a white liquid that can also prove toxic. It is also important to know that not all plants are toxic to all breeds of cats and dogs. Nevertheless, one should be aware that a plant or plant part may be toxic if ingested.
The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a list of over 1000 plants reported to having systemic effects on animals. Many of the plants listed as house plants are also plants that can be grown outdoors in this area. This list is not inclusive but rather a compilation of plants mostly encounter as reported to the organization. Some of the more common plants grown that may be toxic to your animals in South Florida: Azaleas, Kalanchoes, Oleander, Water Hyacinths, Warneckei Dracena, Wandering Jew, Diffenbachias. Ti Plant, Lantana, Jade plant, Gloriosa Lily and Poinsettias. I will admit that I have grown many of these plants in the garden, and my two Boxer dogs have had no problem with them.
I would strongly suggest that as a pet owner, you check out the ASPCA website (http://www.aspca.org/apcc). If you have a pet emergency you can call the organization at any time as they are available 24 hours every day of the year (888-426-4435). Depending on the nature of the call there may be a consultation fee of $65.00.
The post Plants and Pets appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.
]]>